The Ultimate Guide: Top Things to Do in Cradle Mountain National Park
A trip to Tasmania is not complete without visiting Cradle Mountain National Park, which offers a diverse range of experiences amidst stunning wilderness. We can attest to the four seasons in one day; snow, wind, and sunshine all in a single day. You never know what weather you’re going to get in Cradle Mountain, but that only adds to the adventure. And the best part? We can guarantee that it’s beautiful no matter the season.
Here’s a detailed guide to the top activities you must experience during your visit to Cradle Mountain National Park!
The Best Long Walks of Cradle Mountain
Hansons Peak Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 km return
Duration: 3 hours
One of the highlights of Cradle Mountain is the exhilarating hike to Hansons Peak. This challenging yet rewarding trek offers stunning views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. The 5 km return trail begins at Dove Lake car park, following the circuit before turning off to a steep ascent. The path is rocky and can be slippery during the cooler months when it’s raining, so beware. As you ascend, be prepared for breathtaking panoramas of Lake Lilla and Lake Hanson. The final stretch involves a bit of scrambling and a thrilling climb aided by a chain, providing an adrenaline rush and unforgettable views.
We also found this the least busy walk of them all, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and snap uninterrupted photos.
Dove Lake Circuit
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 km return
Duration: 3 hours (dependent on walking traffic)
For a more leisurely walk, we highly recommend the iconic Dove Lake Circuit. This 6 km loop takes you around the perimeter of Dove Lake, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering peak of Cradle Mountain. Along the way, you'll encounter the famous Boat Shed, built in 1940 by the first ranger stationed at the national park—a picturesque spot that is a highlight on many Instagram feeds.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most popular long walks at Cradle Mountain National Park, and we struggled behind big crowds while walking through the Ballroom Forest to the Boat Shed.
Cradle Mountain Summit
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 13 km return
Duration: 8 hours
We will not sugarcoat it: the Cradle Mountain Summit is long, steep, and difficult, but the hike is worth the view. The walk begins at Dove Lake, passing by Lake Lilla, Wombat Pool, Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Kathleen’s Pool, and finally Lake Wilks on the way back to the Dove Lake car park.
It really is a walk that allows you to tick off nearly every lake surrounding Cradle Mountain. It’s best hiked on a clear day (which is nearly impossible to predict), and it’s also worth noting the walk is not open when it's windy, snowing, or raining.
If you’re feeling inspired to tackle a once-in-a-lifetime hike, we recommend the Overland Track a 65 km one-way hike that takes 6 days, beginning at Cradle Mountain National Park and finishing at Lake St Clair National Park.
The Best Short Walks of Cradle Mountain National Park
Enchanted Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.1 km
Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Cradle Mountain's rainforest on the Enchanted Walk. This short 1.1 km circuit, starting near Cradle Mountain Lodge, takes you through lush foliage and moss-covered trees and ferns. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as pademelons or wombats. If you’re lucky, you might spot a platypus in the Pencil Pine River, we were not so lucky, but the magic of the walk made up for it.
Waterfalls Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 km
Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Waterfalls Walk is a 1.5 km circuit that showcases two beautiful cascades: Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls. Surrounded by ancient myrtle beech trees, it’s a peaceful walk, and the sounds of rushing water are soothing. We didn’t brave the cold, but we’ve heard that Pencil Pine Falls is a lovely swimming spot. The entire track is a boardwalk, making it accessible to everyone.
King Billy Track
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 km
Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
The majestic King Billy pines on the King Billy Track are breathtaking. This 2 km circuit, starting from Cradle Mountain Lodge, leads you through towering trees that are up to 1500 years old and are some of the oldest in the area. Once, these trees were sought for timber, but now they’re protected, allowing us to admire their size.
The Best Activities at Cradle Mountain
Visit the Wombats at Ronny Creek
Cradle Mountain is home to a lot of wombats, and Ronny Creek is an excellent spot for up-close encounters. During a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, you'll encounter friendly wombats grazing in the grass or lounging beside the walking trails. Keep your camera ready. We can guarantee you’ll see more wombats than you can poke a stick at, especially during dawn and dusk.
Relax at Waldheim Alpine Spa
After days of exploring and hiking, treat yourself to a luxurious retreat at the Waldheim Alpine Spa. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments amidst breathtaking views of the Pencil Pine River and surrounding wilderness. We opted for the 60-minute Private Sanctuary, offering a dry heat sauna, a wet steam room, a large outdoor hot tub, and a cool vitality pool. The 60 minutes went by very quickly, and we felt like a million dollars leaving the spa.
Discover the Iconic Tasmanian Devil
Located just outside the Cradle Mountain National Park World Heritage area, Devils @ Cradle Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about Tasmania's carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian devil. Devils @ Cradle plays a crucial role in breeding and conserving Tasmania's threatened species. A visit here not only allows you to appreciate these unique animals but also supports their conservation efforts.
Start your day with a Keeper Tour at 10:30 am or join a Feeding Tour at 1:00 pm to witness the lively feeding antics of these fascinating animals. Watch as the devils and quolls eagerly consume their meals, showcasing their natural behaviors and agility. They also offer an evening wildlife observation tour.
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If you're planning a visit to Cradle Mountain, you'll be pleased to find a variety of accommodation options to fit every budget. For those who enjoy camping, there are free campsites available in the area. We had a fantastic time at Lake Gardiner Campsite. The 'Wiki Camps' app is an excellent tool for discovering these kinds of spots.
We also stayed at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, which offers a mix of accommodation types including Unpowered and Powered campsites. If you prefer a roof over your head, there are cabins to choose from. For a more luxurious stay, consider Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. If you're after a rustic cabin experience, Waldheim Cabins or Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages could be perfect for you. Prices vary based on the type of accommodation, but there are options to suit different budgets.
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Cradle Mountain is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Summer (December to February) is popular for hiking, with longer days and warmer weather.
Autumn (March to May) brings stunning foliage colours.
Winter (June to August) can be magical with snow-covered landscapes, ideal for photography.
Spring (September to November) sees wildflowers in bloom and wildlife more active. Just be prepared for unpredictable weather no matter when you visit! We visited in December and experienced snow fall on our visit.
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Getting to Cradle Mountain is part of the adventure. The park is about a 2.5-hour drive from Launceston or a 1.5-hour drive from Devonport. If you're flying in, the closest airports are in Launceston and Devonport. Once you arrive, there's a visitor center at the park entrance where you can get information, buy park passes, and catch the shuttle bus that takes you into the heart of the park. The shuttle is the best way to get around, especially during peak times.