Kindred: A Cradle Mountain Love Story

Gustav Weindorfer and Kate Cowle, an Austrian immigrant and a Tasmanian woman, founded Cradle Mountain in 1910. They envisioned a national park for all, but neither lived to see it fully realized. The World Heritage-listed landscape is now visited by 250,000 people annually. Kindred: A Cradle Mountain Love Story tells the remarkable story of the creation of the sanctuary through the characters at its heart.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: Melbourne University Press

A love story that finds its cradle amidst the awe-inspiring architecture of a national park, this narrative unfolds as the tale of two individuals from vastly different backgrounds. Gustav Weindorfer, an Austrian immigrant, hailed from the picturesque surroundings of the Carinthian Alps, where he nurtured a deep connection with nature from an early age. Meanwhile, Kate Cowle, hailing from the remote island of Tasmania, possessed a spirit of audacity and resilience that set her apart. Raised amidst the majestic peaks of the Tasmanian wilderness, she embarked on daring mountain climbs, defying societal norms and challenging gender stereotypes.

Their honeymoon encounter with the breathtaking beauty of Cradle Mountain ignited a burning desire within them. Instead of keeping this splendour to themselves, Gustav Weindorfer and Kate Cowle recognized the profound significance of this place and embarked on a mission to share it with the world. Their vision was to establish a national park that would safeguard the wilderness they had discovered and pioneered eco-tourism.

Despite their unwavering dedication, fate had other plans. Neither Gustav Weindorfer nor Kate Cowle lived to witness the full realization of their dream. However, their legacy endures through the World Heritage-listed landscape that now attracts 250,000 visitors annually. Award-winning journalist Kate Legge has skillfully woven together the remarkable story behind the creation of the Cradle Mountain sanctuary, delving into the lives of the characters who played pivotal roles in shaping its destiny.

Through their unwavering determination, Gustav Weindorfer and Kate Cowle left an indelible mark on the landscape and the hearts of those who encountered their story. Their love for nature, their audacity in pursuing their dreams, and their vision of a national park for all continue to inspire generations to come. Kindred: A Cradle Mountain Love Story serves as a testament to the power of love, adventure, and the indomitable human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can create something extraordinary that will endure for generations to come.

Weight: 591g
Dimension: 233 x 155 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780522878929