The G’day Group has announced a near $20 million redevelopment of its Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain property in a bid to capitalise on a wave of enthusiasm for Australia’s iconic nature experiences.

The Tasmanian development, to be undertaken in stages, includes a vision for luxury nature experiences with premium forest studio cabins on stilts connected by elevated, lit boardwalks. The eco-friendly design includes hydronic heating and reverse cycle air conditioning, double glazed windows, skylights and drying rooms and cosy gas fireplaces.

G’day Group CEO Grant Wilckens said the company would draw on its experience in developing a world-class eco-friendly glamping resort in the environmentally fragile Rottnest Island dunes to develop accommodation sympathetic to the Tasmanian wilderness.

The development, largely constructed on the park’s exciting footprint on the edge of the World Heritage Listed national park, would be constructed to rigorous sustainability standards, balancing environmental and tourism objectives, he said.

“Cradle Mountain and nearby Dove Lake are bucket list destinations and this investment is about helping Australians experience the pristine natural environment in their backyard – with those touches of luxury they are looking for after nearly two years of pandemic challenges,” said G’day Group CEO Grant Wilckens.

“Already, our Cradle Mountain cabins are highly sought-after and this development will help to attract a new brand of traveller. Our research shows there’s a strong intention in the market for people to travel to Tasmania – they’re looking for eco-experiences, activities such as hiking, canoeing, native animal experiences as well as the fabulous food, wine and history Tassie is famous for,” said Grant.

Market research has forecast an additional 102,000 visitor nights over the next few years and the region is expected to be particularly popular with international guests when the borders eventually open.

Stage 1 will include a $5.3 million investment in 10 new cabins and 40 motorhome and caravan sites on the long term lease site consistent with the development masterplan.

Stage 1 is hoped to be complete by March 2022 and will bring the number of tourist cabins at the park to 55, with 108 tourist sites and 20 backpacker beds. Future stages will include an additional 49 tourist cabins and 11 premium forest studios.

The development will complement the Tasmanian government’s significant capital investments in the Cradle Mountain region in recent years including the new Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre Dove Lake shelter project, and new Overland Track huts..

The new-look Cradle Park Discovery Park forest studios will immerse visitors in the beauty of their surroundings, designed to embrace the iconic scenery at their doorstep. Beds and balconies – and even showers – are likely to have views of the National Park.
The development will also include additional new cabins suitable for those with mobility needs or disabilities, along with additional amenities and communal facilities for camping and caravanning guests.
A local Tasmanian company has been engaged to build the new cabins and local businesses will also complete the civil works.