Cradle Mountain
- Admission:Adults: AU$12
Nature & Wildlife, UNESCO Heritage Site, Walking/Hiking, Mountain, National Park
11:26 AM Sunday, May 27
Sunny. Cool.
7 day forecast »
Cradle Mountain is a world-famous wild and beautiful World Heritage area of glacial mountains, pristine lakes and legendary hiking and bushwalking. This unique slice of Australian wilderness also protects ancient rainforest and alpine heathlands.
Day visitors can take day walks at Cradle Valley and Cynthia Bay, but it’s the 65km (40-mile) Overland Track that gets hikers especially excited by Cradle Mountain. The six-day, five-night epic walking track winds through eucalypt forests and across alpine moors. December to April is the optimum time to walk the track, providing wonderful glimpses of alpine wildflowers.
Shorter walks include the two-hour Dove Lake Loop Track through rainforest, an eight- to 10-minute stroll along the Visitor Center boardwalk rainforest walk, and the 20-minute exploratory walk to historic Weindorfer’s Chalet, once home to the park’s founder Gustav Weindorfer. Rangers also lead guided walks and provide talks and kids activities.
Wildlife to look out for at Cradle Mountain include the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll, platypus and echidnas.
Latest Reviews All Cradle Mountain Reviews »
Amazing day. Tour bus driver friendly and informative. Bus comfortable but little cramped.
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A wonderful smorgasbord of good information and beautiful sights! Leigh is a brilliant and entertaining guide.
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A gorgeous, unspoiled national treasure in Tasmania. We had wonderful hikes along the trails and boardwalks, with amazing animal life - birds, wallabies, and more! The hidden, still lakes and quiet setting were very relaxing. A gem that is definitely worth the long drive, stay at least three days. Continue Reading »
Practical Info
Cradle Mountain is around 150km (93 miles) from Launceston, a two-hour drive. From Hobart, the 302km (187-mile) drive takes just over four hours.
The park is officially called Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and iconic Cradle Mountain is in the north of the park.
Shuttle buses run daily from the Transit Terminal to Dove Lake, reducing traffic within the park.
