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.

Top things to do at Cradle Mountain

KAYAK DOVE LAKE

Shift gears to a gentler pace with Dove Lake Kayak, paddling among the surrounding ancient glacial landscape on kayaks hand-crafted from rare King Billy pine, a now protected tree growing around the lake. Drift onto one of Dove Lake's southern beaches for a snack and a short stroll.

GO HIKING

The six-day Overland Track is a rewarding journey through some of the world's most scenic alpine rainforests, moorlands and mountain valleys, while the Dove Lake circuit offers prime views of Cradle Mountain in only 2–3hrs.

Hike the 2hr Crater Lake circuit for fresh air and captivating views, or take on the 8hr trek to Cradle Summit to feel on top of the world.

TAKE A SHORT STROLL

Rainforest Walk (10min) is a gentle boardwalk wander to Pencil Pine Falls. It's wheelchair-accessible for travellers who have someone to assist them. Or try Weindorders Forest Walk, a 20min circuit among unique plants such as the gnarled King Billy pine, the fan-like pandani and the famous fagus with its crimped leaves changing colour every autumn. Or follow Enchanted Walk for 20min into a mossy forest beside an icy creek, searching for pademelons and wombats as you go.

STAY SAFE

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.

MEET THE WILDLIFE

Catch a dinner hour with a difference at Devils @ Cradle wildlife sanctuary on an After Dark Feeding Tour, watching Tasmanian devils as they feed. Or enjoy a gentle interaction with baby quolls and devils on the Joey Encounter Tour. You're supporting important wildlife conservation programs when you visit, and you're getting to meet Tasmania's friendly, furry locals. What's not to love?

GO CANYONING

Jump into Cradle's watery underworld with Cradle Mountain Canyons as expert guides safely lead you on a swimming, floating, leaping adventure – families can opt for the Lost World Canyon tour while thrill-seekers can take it to the next level on the Dove Canyon Tour.

FLY ABOVE THE PEAKS

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.

GET PAMPERED AT THE 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.

Plan your trip to Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is a place for all seasons, beaming through summer (with occasional unexpected snowfalls), gleaming white in winter and glowing golden in autumn when the deciduous fagus turns in colour on the slopes above Dove Lake.

Come for the mountain, but expect so much more.

WHERE TO STAY AT CRADLE MOUNTAIN

Immerse yourself in nature within the campgrounds at Cradle Mountain or stay on the fringes of the national park. Choose a ‘tiny escape’ beneath the Milky Way, an alpine retreat in a cosy cottage, a natural timber highland cabin, or a sophisticated hotel. Slip into an indoor spa bath in Cradle Village, or an outdoor spa with a wilderness view at the luxurious Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, surrounded by wildlife and walking trails. Accommodation in the artsy town of Sheffield is within 30min of the mountain.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK AT CRADLE MOUNTAIN

Enjoy tasty food by the fire at Altitude Restaurant or let the warm, welcoming vibes at Tavern Bar and Bistro envelope you between snowy expeditions. For whisky and wines with mountain views, dine at the "highest restaurant in Tasmania": Hellyers Restaurant.