Waldheim Chalet
"A National Park, for the People, for All Time" - Gustav Weindorfer
Known as Waldheim Chalet
Located in the northern end of the Cradle Mountain National Park, just before arriving at Lake Dove and the start of the Overland Track.
Brief History
Built by Gustav Weindorfer in 1911, famous for attracting visitors to Cradle Mountain at the beginning of the 20th Century. It was viewed as paradise, by those of us who were able to use the original hut in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
It was replaced in its entirety in the early 1980s by Mr Murrell, Director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, in a single night of frantic work (to avoid protests). The new building is shown in this photograph. It is now a museum to all. Accommodation is available in other huts behind the Chalet.
A key driver behind Weindorfer was his wife, Kate, on whom a separate book has been written.
The Scenic Reserve was declared in 1922, a wildlife reserve in 1927 and a National Park in 1947.
Construction
All timber, with split shingles for the walls and roof, made from local pines.
References;
Schnackenberg, S - “Kate Weindorfer: The woman behind the man and the mountain : a biography of Kate Julia Weindorfer wife of Cradle Mountain pioneer, Gustav Weindorfer” Paperback – January 1, 1995
