Guide to Cradle Mountain

Tasmania’s most famous peak sets the scene for your otherworldly mountain adventures.

The imposing Cradle Mountain – Tasmania's fifth highest summit – stands supreme above the easy-to-access Dove Lake. Gazing up from this vantage point offers you the famous view of Cradle Mountain, not to mention the ridges and peaks framing the lake. You might want to stop and stare a while.

This imposing mountain at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is just the starting point to the area’s wilderness experiences, from alpine lakes to rainforest riverbanks and prolific wildlife.

Come for the mountain, but expect so much more.

What is Cradle Mountain known for?

• Cradle Mountain is known as the home of Australia's famous multiday alpine hike: the Overland Track. You'll also find shorter walking trails for a variety of abilities and fitness levels.
• It's a photogenic place to spot cool-weather wildlife in their element, especially wombats waddling along the grassy hillsides, often right beside the walking trails. And you'll be guaranteed a wildlife sighting when you visit Devils@Cradle wildlife sanctuary.
• Cradle Mountain is known for its highly snappable vistas from around Dove Lake. The inviting Dove Lake Great Short Walk (6km, 2–3hr) offers trademark views, ancient pines and rare Tasmanian flora and fauna.

Don't miss

• Walk the Dove Lake circuit for prime views of Cradle Mountain.
• Set out on the multiday Overland Track, one of Australia’s premier hikes.
• Catch a dinner hour with a difference at Devils @ Cradle.
• Enter the Cradle underworld on a canyoning tour.
• Before you visit, read our important alpine safety and hiking tips. Check Tasmania parks safety info, track closures and alerts, and stay up to date with emergency warnings via TasALERT.

Getting here

Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre is a 1hr 45min drive (140km) west of Launceston, and a 4hr drive (319km) north-west of Hobart. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service run shuttle buses between the visitor centre and Dove Lake seven days a week, including public holidays. For shuttle buse seasonal hours visit the parks and wildlife website. Private vehicles are not permitted on the road during these times. Shuttle bus tickets are $15 return for adults, and free for children.

Things to do

Lake walks

Find the beauty that surrounds Cradle Mountain on a range of lake walks. The Dove Lake circuit (2-3hr, 6km) skirts around the famous lake at Cradle Mountain’s foot, with highlights including the old boatshed on its shores, the lush Ballroom Forest and continuous views of the area’s star mountain. The Crater Lake circuit (2hr, 5.7km) ascends to an alpine lake set in a deep hollow in the mountains, returning past serene Wombat Pool.

Climb the mountain

Cradle Mountain’s summit can be reached on a long day walk (8hr return, 12.8km) that requires dexterity as the walk scrambles up its rocky slopes. 

Hike the Overland Track

Tasmania’s most famous multi-day hike is the 65km Overland Track, which begins at Cradle Mountain and traverses the length of the national park to Lake St Clair. It can be walked independently – there are six public huts along the track – or on a guided walk with Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, staying in private huts. Plan on a six- to seven-day walk. From October to May, a permit is required to hike the track. 

Devils@Cradle

Cradle Mountain’s devilish side can be found at this wildlife sanctuary, home to Tasmanian devils and the carnivorous eastern and spotted-tail quolls. Wander the sanctuary at leisure during the day, or come after dark for a night-feeding tour. At the Sunset Experience (October-April), the feeding extends to the guests, with sweet treats and drinks around a campfire as part of the tour.

Cradle Mountain Canyons

Some of the most spectacular spots at Cradle Mountain are beneath your feet – this adventurous guided trip delivers you deep into the area’s hidden canyons. Abseil, swim, leap and slide through the Laundry Chute in Dove Canyon, or make a series of high abseils through Machinery Creek. Families will be energised on the Lost World Canyon trip (minimum age, eight).

Cradle Mountain Helicopters

Get a higher view than even the mountaintops allow on a scenic flight with Cradle Mountain Helicopters to Cradle Mountain and beyond. Options range from a 20min flight over Cradle and nearby Fury Gorge – Australia’s deepest gorge – to extended flights across the national park and the west-coast mountains.

Waldheim Alpine Spa

Exhausted by all the above? Settle back and be pampered at Waldheim Alpine Spa with a soothing view onto the wilderness. Rejuvenate with a massage, or head to the sanctuary with its steam room, sauna, hot tub, cool plunge pool and relaxation lounge.

Places to stay

Explore cosy Cradle Mountain accommodation options: from indulgent stays to off-grid alpine chalets and leafy campsites.