How to do Cradle Mountain in Winter

Snowcapped peaks, extra-fluffy wildlife, moody trails minus the crowds. Cradle Mountain in winter is the coolest place to be.

Need more convincing? Wildlife sanctuary owner Wade Anthony shares why the Off Season is one of the best times to visit Cradle Mountain, in Tasmania’s north west.

Why Cradle Mountain is a winter must-do 

Summer isn’t always better. Winter in Tasmania brings atmosphere, adventure, fewer crowds and the chance to frolic in snow at Cradle Mountain.

With 25 years working here under his all-weather coat, Devils@Cradle owner and general manager Wade Anthony knows a thing or two about how to make the most of the Off Season.

“Waking up to a fresh snowfall feels like a winter wonderland,” Wade says. “It creates a feeling of quietness – the sounds of nature are amplified and the footprints from our nocturnal wildlife provide randomly detailed patterns in the snow.”

I love the frosty mornings, the cool clear days, the amazing sunsets.

It’s a time to see the famed mountain dusted in white. Breathe the crisp air and feel the crunch of snow on quiet trails – you'll probably meet wombats and pademelons along the way (they love the cold). Then warm up with fireside drinks and hot tub soaks at your accommodation.

Winter walks and landscapes

Snow-dusted peaks, burbling creeks, cool-climate rainforest draped in frosted ferns and clear lake reflections. Cradle Mountain walks and winter activities don’t need much selling.

“One of my favourites is a short stroll on the Enchanted Walk, amongst the rainforest and along the pristine Pencil Pine Creek,” Wade says. “You may even spot a platypus.”

Dove Lake circuit is one of the best Cradle Mountain walks in any season. This loop around the lake passes below the nose of Cradle Mountain (6km, 2–3hr loop). Nearby, the boardwalks at Ronny Creek are a top spot to watch wombats bulldoze through the snowy heathland.

Amazing wildlife and spectacular wilderness is right at our doorstep.

If you’re planning any outdoor adventures, swab up on essential alpine safety tips. Always check weather forecasts and warnings before you set out. Stick to walks at lower elevations, always carry warm and waterproof clothing, never walk alone and be realistic about your (and your fellow walkers’) ability. Hook up with the experts on a guided walk, kayak Dove Lake on a guided tour or take a scenic helicopter flight.

The dark night sky is great for astrophotography and aurora-spotting from your alpine accommodation.

Wildlife encounters: Devils@Cradle and alpine animals

With many native animals more active during the cooler days of winter, Cradle Mountain wildlife spotting includes pademelons, wallabies, birds, echidnas and wombats.

Tasmanian devils are trickier to see in the wild, but visit Devils@Cradle and you’re guaranteed a sighting. Wade’s worksite is not only an animal sanctuary it’s also a conservation breeding facility protecting Tassie devils – the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world.

As well as a range of tour options during the day, Devils@Cradle is offering two winter-only experiences. Join a twilight joey encounter to get close to the sanctuary’s cute younger residents. Or gather around the fire after a tour under the stars to enjoy dessert with the devils – they’re more active as night falls.

“By the time winter arrives, our joeys have turned into terrible teenagers – yelling, screaming and fighting over just about anything,” Wade laughs. “So be prepared."

Planning your visit

Winter in Tasmania officially hits the calendar June–August, with plenty of cool-season activities shouldering into May and September. The brisk bluebird days tempt you outdoors with bracing outdoor adventures but Wade knows better than many: alpine weather can be unpredictable. So it’s best to keep your Cradle Mountain winter plans flexible.

“We get our first snowfall in May and then it can come at any time right through to November,” Wade says.

Expect temperatures between -5°C and 10°C but be prepared for fast (and extreme) weather changes.

On the roads, snow, ice, fog, gravel roads and shorter daylight hours are all part of the deal at this time of year. And while Cradle Mountain road conditions call for extra caution when driving, with a bit of preparation it’s perfectly doable. Our winter road trip guide gives you need-to-knows including road access, requirements and closures.

Fewer crowds are a winter perk, though Wade recommends booking your Devils@Cradle experiences to avoid disappointment. “Night feeding tours and joey encounters are very popular,” he says.

It’s also worth booking Cradle Mountain accommodation in advance – sitting right on the edge of World Heritage wilderness means beds can fill fast, even in the quiet of winter.

Where to stay and what to bring 

Wondering what to wear in Tasmania in winter?

“The weather can change at any moment, from calm, sunny and warm to belting winds, rain and snowstorms,” Wade says. “If you're not prepared and find yourself out in this type of weather, things can turn bad very quickly.”

Ready your winter wardrobe with layers. A waterproof outer shell, insulated jacket and thermal base are essential. Add a warm hat, gloves and sturdy boots. A headlamp for the dark winter nights is also a good idea.

When it comes to where to stay, Wade says the area’s accommodation caters to different budgets and winter wishlists. Even better, winter means Off Season offers for stays during May–August. Think complimentary breakfast, a bottle of wine and dessert with your Cradle Mountain Hotel stay, 20% off cabins and caravan sites at Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain, a warming welcome drink, discounted spa time and daily brekkie at Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Wade admits he has a soft spot for Cradle Mountain Lodge. “This is the original tourism lodge built at Cradle Mountain in the early 70s and has an iconic aurora about it,” he says.