Cradle Mountain Lodge, set on the edge of Tasmania�s World Heritage area, is set to open the first true alpine spa in Australia�s only island State. The creation of the Spa will be part of a refurbishment programme being undertaken by the resort owner, P&O Australian Resorts.

The Waldheim Alpine Spa is to be named after the �forest home� of a pioneering couple whose passion for the wilderness area began the heritage movement, which eventually created the National Park. In addition, the refurbishment will also include the development of two new top-of-the-range luxury spa suites, to be known as King Billy Suites after the 1500 year-old King Billy pine which grows near the Lodge. The luxury Suites will have expansive living areas and a large outdoor secluded deck, surrounded by bushland, with private hot-tub.

Accommodation at Cradle Mountain Lodge consists of spacious yet cosy individual cabins, dotted around the main Lodge and set discreetly into the natural environment. All cabins have wood burning stoves, which are a welcome homecoming to weary walkers who return from exploring one of the world�s last remaining temperate wilderness areas. With the addition of the King Billy Suites, Cradle Mountain will have 90 cabins in total.

Like the Lodge, the Spa building will use local stone, slate, and recycled timber with large open fires to provide a warm, relaxing environment. Treatments will be developed using many of Tasmania�s alpine ingredients and locally made natural therapy products. The Spa will have four therapy rooms, including a double treatment rooms for couples, two wet treatment rooms, a steam room and a large spa bath for hydrotherapy.

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania�s most popular attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience its pristine wilderness. Rugged mountains and deep lakes create some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery on earth, supporting an abundance of rare wildlife. Around 25,000 British people travel to Tasmania every year, and Cradle Mountain Lodge is one of the must-see inclusions on their itinerary. Hiking is one of the main activities in Tasmania, and Cradle Mountain Lodge is a natural start or finish point for most bush-walkers, including many who embark on the world-famous six-day overland track through the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Cradle Mountain Lodge also has an award-winning restaurant, which uses much of Tasmania�s acclaimed natural produce, and an extensive wine cellar. The renovation work, which will also benefit the main Lodge building, is due to be completed in time for the tenth annual �Tastings at the Top� event, a celebration of Tasmania�s finest food and wines, from 21 to 23 June.

The development of the Waldheim Alpine Spa and King Billy Suites will comply with Tasmania�s stringent environmental regulations and Cradle Mountain Lodge�s existing Environmental Management System (EMS), regarded as Australian best practice, will be employed throughout. There will be minimal impact on the environment and guests.

Cradle Mountain Lodge is brochured by all the UK�s Aussie-specialist tour operators. Alternatively, for further information call 020 7805 3875 or visit www.poresorts.com or www.discovertasmania.com. -Ends-

Media enquiries: Susie de Carteret/Rae White/Natasha Earl McCluskey International Tel: 020 8237 7979 / Fax: 020 8237 7999

P&O Australian Resorts offers premium nature based holiday experiences in some of Australia�s most spectacular locations. Each property within the Australia�s Natural Treasures portfolio is a unique window to one of Australia�s World Heritage Listed areas and offers a range of quality soft adventure experiences in an individual, relaxed and professional style. P&O Australian Resorts include: Bedarra Island, Brampton Island, Cradle Mountain Lodge, Dunk Island, Heron Island, Wilson Island, Lizard Island and Silky Oaks Lodge.