Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is the jewel of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and one of Australia's most iconic natural landscapes. The jagged dolerite peaks of Cradle Mountain (1,545 metres) reflected in the mirror-still waters of Dove Lake is one of the country's most photographed scenes. The park encompasses ancient Gondwanan rainforest, alpine moorland, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife - including wombats that wander freely around the visitor areas. It is also the starting point for the legendary Overland Track, one of the world's great multi-day bushwalks.
Getting There
Cradle Mountain is about 1.5 hours south of Devonport and 2.5 hours northwest of Launceston. There is no public transport to the park - you will need a car or a tour. The road from Sheffield or Devonport is sealed all the way to the visitor centre. From the visitor centre, a shuttle bus runs to Dove Lake and other trailheads within the park (private vehicles are not permitted beyond the visitor centre during busy periods from November to April). A National Parks Pass is required ($25 per person per day or $80 for a Holiday Pass covering all Tasmania's national parks for 8 weeks).
Dove Lake Circuit
The Dove Lake Circuit is the park's signature walk - a 6km loop around the shore of Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain reflected in its still waters above. The walk takes about 2 hours and is mostly boardwalked, though there are some rocky and uneven sections. It's rated moderate and is achievable for most fitness levels. The track passes through rainforest, buttongrass moorland, and along the lake's boulder-strewn shoreline with constantly changing views of the mountain.
The Overland Track
The Overland Track is Australia's most famous multi-day bushwalk - a 65-kilometre trail from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness. The walk takes 5-6 days and passes through ancient rainforest, alpine plateaus, and past waterfalls, glacial lakes, and mountain peaks. It is a bucket-list experience for bushwalkers.
- Season: The track is managed during the peak season (October to May), when bookings are required and numbers are limited to 34 walkers starting per day. Book well in advance - peak season dates sell out months ahead.
- Cost: $200 per person during peak season (plus national parks pass).
- Fitness: The track is rated as a moderate-to-hard multi-day walk. You need to be reasonably fit and carry a full pack (typically 15-20kg).
- Accommodation: Basic huts are provided along the track (no booking required - first come, first served), but you must carry a tent as huts may be full. Private operators also offer a guided, lodge-based Overland Track experience with comfortable accommodation and meals.
Other Walks
The park has numerous shorter walks suitable for day visitors:
- Crater Lake: A 2-hour circuit through rainforest to a beautiful lake in an old volcanic crater.
- Enchanted Walk: A 20-minute easy rainforest walk near the visitor centre - perfect for families and for spotting wildlife.
- Marions Lookout: A steep 3-hour return walk to a spectacular viewpoint above Dove Lake with panoramic views of the Cradle Mountain massif.
- Cradle Mountain Summit: A challenging 6-8 hour return walk from Dove Lake to the summit. Involves rock scrambling near the top and should only be attempted in good weather by fit, experienced walkers.
Wildlife
Cradle Mountain is one of the best places in Tasmania to see wildlife:
- Wombats: Common wombats are abundant and remarkably unafraid of people. They graze on the grass around the visitor centre, lodges, and walking tracks, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Pademelons: These small wallabies are frequently seen in the rainforest and around accommodation areas.
- Platypus: Present in the park's creeks and lakes, though shy and best spotted at dawn or dusk in still water.
- Tasmanian devils: Present in the park but rarely seen in the wild. The Devils@Cradle sanctuary near the visitor centre offers close encounters and feeding tours.
Where to Eat
Dining options are limited near Cradle Mountain, as it is a wilderness area:
- Cradle Mountain Lodge: The lodge's Highland Restaurant serves Tasmanian produce in a warm, log-cabin setting. Mains $32-48. The Tavern Bar offers more casual meals.
- Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge: Similar dining with a focus on local ingredients.
- Waldheim Cafe: Near the Waldheim cabins, this cafe serves simple meals, hot drinks, and snacks for walkers. A welcome warm-up after a day on the trails.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park (cabins and powered sites in the bush near the park entrance. Cabins from $90), Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (self-contained cabins).
- Mid-Range: Cradle Mountain Hotel (comfortable rooms near the park entrance with a restaurant and bar), Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat (rainforest lodges 20 minutes from the park).
- Luxury: Cradle Mountain Lodge (iconic wilderness lodge with spa cabins surrounded by rainforest. King Billy Suites are the premium option. From $350), Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (upscale lodge with spa and dining).
Practical Tips
- Weather: Cradle Mountain has one of the most unpredictable climates in Australia. Snow can fall in any month, and the temperature can drop dramatically within hours. Average summer maximums are only 15-18°C, and winter averages 3-7°C. Rain, wind, fog, and snow are possible year-round - come prepared with warm layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear even for short walks. - When to visit: December to March offers the best (but not guaranteed) weather and the longest daylight hours. Winter is beautiful but cold and often snowy. - Booking: The Dove Lake shuttle and the Overland Track both require booking in peak season. Book accommodation well in advance, especially for summer and school holidays. - Mobile phone: Coverage is limited to non-existent in the park. Download offline maps and let someone know your plans.
AUBIS Tip
: Cradle Mountain is a must-visit on any Tasmanian itinerary. Use AUBIS to plan your visit - book the national parks pass, schedule the Dove Lake Circuit, and add the Devils@Cradle wildlife experience. If you're planning the Overland Track, the platform can help you organise the logistics including transport back from Lake St Clair. Combine with Strahan or Devonport for a complete western Tasmania adventure.