Explore the Best of Cradle Mountain in 2 Days: An Ultimate Itinerary
If you're planning a road trip to Tasmania, then Cradle Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination that should be at the top of your list - it was certainly at the top of mine! The park is home to breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and world-class hiking trails that will leave you speechless. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Cradle Mountain has something for everyone. I recently had the pleasure of exploring the park for 2 days and I can say without hesitation that it was one of the highlights of my Tasmania Road Trip. So, let me share with you my ultimate itinerary for exploring the best of Cradle Mountain National Park.
Day 1:
We camped at Lake Gardiner Campsite the night before our first day in Cradle Mountain, making it an easy 25-minute drive to Cradle Mountain in the morning. When we arrived, we parked in the huge car park next to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Even if you've done your research, you still need to head into the Visitor Centre to collect your shuttle bus ticket that's included with your Parks Pass. The first shuttle bus leaves at 8:00 am in the Summer (9:00 am in the Winter), and departs every 15 minutes, 7 days a week. Keep in mind, this is the only way to access Cradle Mountain National Park between 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.
We were lucky enough to secure seats on the first bus and rode it all the way to Dove Lake Car Park. First up, we tackled the most challenging walk on our list - Hansons Peak. With lots of energy and eagerness to explore, we were rewarded with stunning views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. From the Dove Lake car park head left on the Dove Lake Circuit, you’ll see a sign just past Glacier Rock for Hansons Peak and the track will start to veer left. This 5 km return walk takes about 2 hours, but don't worry, there are plenty of places to catch your breath and snap some photos along the way. Once you reach the top of the incline, you'll be greeted with an unbelievable view of Lake Lilla and Lake Hanson on your left. The next section requires a bit of a climb with the help of a chain. If you don't feel comfortable, we recommend turning back to the Dove Lake Circuit.
Next up was the Dove Lake Circuit, a 6 km walk that took us about 2-3 hours to complete. There were lots of people walking, which gave us the opportunity to take our time and stop for plenty of photo opportunities. Especially at the iconic Dove Lake Boat Shed.
We took the shuttle bus back to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, feeling both tired and eager to return to the comfort of our home on wheels. Taking advantage of the phone signal in the car park, we waited for the shuttle bus to complete its last route at 6:00 pm. Once the bus finished, we were able to drive down into Cradle Mountain National Park to Ronny Creek, and experience our first wombat encounter in Tasmania. As we walked along the timber boardwalk, the lady at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre had told us that we would "see more wombats than you could poke a stick at," and she was absolutely right.
Note: Just a heads up, access to Cradle Mountain National Park is restricted by a boom gate. Once the shuttle finishes, you may have to wait 10-15 minutes for it to open. There's a car park at the Rangers Station where you can wait and watch everyone try to get in, then follow!
For dinner, we treated ourselves to the Tavern Bar & Bistro in the Cradle Mountain lodge and camped at the Discovery Park - Cradle Mountain. It was a bit pricey, but the hot shower was well worth it after a long day of walking.
Day 2:
If you’re anything like us, we know it’s tough to get up early after a day of non-stop walking, but trust us, the day ahead is worth it! On day two of our Cradle Mountain adventure, we started the day with a few short walks to ease ourselves in:
Enchanted Walk
Distance: 1.1 km Circuit
Duration: 15-20 Minutes
Starting Point: Cradle Mountain Lodge
Highlights: This walk takes you through lush rainforest with plenty of moss-covered trees and ferns. Keep an eye out for pademelons and wombats along the way.
The Waterfalls Walk
Distance: 1.5 km Circuit
Duration: 45 Minutes
Starting Point: Cradle Mountain Lodge
Highlights: This walk is close to the Enchanted Walk and takes you past two beautiful waterfalls, Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls. Keep an eye out for wombats along the way, we saw a quick glimpse of two in the distance.
The King Billy Track
Distance: 2 km Circuit
Duration: 45 Minutes
Starting Point: Cradle Mountain Lodge
Highlights: This walk takes you through a beautiful forest of towering King Billy pines. There is a steady incline on the way there, but it's all downhill on the way back, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery.
After a morning of walking, we treated ourselves to a luxurious experience at the Waldheim Alpine Spa. We usually don't indulge like this on the road, but it was my birthday, so we opted for the private Spa Sanctuary. For $130, we had 60 minutes of pure relaxation, including a dry heat sauna, a wet steam room, an outdoor hot tub, and a cool vitality pool. It was well worth it, and we highly recommend it if you're looking for a little luxury during your travels.
From the Spa Sanctuary, we had a great view of the Pencil Pine River and King Billy pines we had walked through earlier that morning. If we didn't head to the Waldheim Alpine Spa, we would have completed the Ronny Creek to Dove Lake Circuit or the Marions Lookout walk in the National Park. These are both walks that we cannot wait to do next time.
We decided to opt for a free camp at Lake Gardiner Campsite again, where we could park our wheels and snooze peacefully without any distractions. The next morning was blissful, waking up to the serene and quiet surroundings was a perfect way to start the day.
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While the weather in Cradle Mountain can be unpredictable, it is truly a place for all seasons. The average temperatures can range from a low of 1°C in winter to a high of 20°C in summer. However, even during the summer months, the temperature can drop significantly in the evenings, so it's important to bring warm clothing. When is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain? The best time to visit depends on what you want to do and see. If you want to experience snow, then winter is the best time to visit. If you want to see the wildflowers in bloom, then spring is the best time. Summer is great for hiking and enjoying longer daylight hours, while autumn brings beautiful foliage colors. Just be prepared for the possibility of rain, wind or even snow, regardless of the season.
Does Cradle Mountain have snow? Our first time visiting Cradle Mountain was in the snow…at the end of November. And the sun was shining by the time we reached our campsite for the night.
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If you're arriving in Tasmania via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry into Devonport, the most direct route to Cradle Mountain is via the Bass Highway (A1) to the town of Sheffield, then onto C136 towards Cradle Mountain. This route takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers a distance of around 90 km.
If you're coming from Launceston, you can take the Bass Highway (A1) to the town of Deloraine, then onto the B12 towards Mole Creek and onto C132 towards Cradle Mountain. This route takes approximately 2 hours and covers a distance of around 145 km.
If you're driving from Hobart, the journey to Cradle Mountain is longer at around 300 km, taking approximately 4 hours. You can take the Midlands Highway (N1) to the town of Campbell Town, then onto the B52 towards Poatina, and onto C413 towards Cradle Mountain.
And lastly, if you're in the nearby towns of Stanley or Queenstown, the best way to get to Cradle Mountain is via the Murchison Highway (A10) towards Somerset, then onto the B18 towards Wynyard, and finally onto the B19 towards Cradle Mountain. The journey from Stanley takes approximately 2 hours and covers a distance of around 140 km, while the journey from Queenstown takes approximately 2.5 hours and covers a distance of around 170 km. Keep in mind that these routes include winding roads through mountainous terrain, so allow extra time for your journey and take care while driving.
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Cradle Mountain is an amazing destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for short walks and lookouts, multi-day hikes, family-friendly restaurants and accommodations, or more luxury options, Cradle Mountain has it all. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip. That's why my guide is perfect for couples who want to challenge themselves with rewarding views while on a budget. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting out, Cradle Mountain is definitely worth visiting.
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Yes, it is possible to do Cradle Mountain in a day, but you'll need to plan your itinerary carefully to make sure you can fit in everything you want to see. The shuttle bus starts running at 8:00 am and finishes at 6:30 pm in the summer, so you can easily spend a full day exploring the national park. However, it's important to keep in mind that the weather at Cradle Mountain can be unpredictable, with four seasons in one day being a common occurrence. If you're only visiting for one day, make sure to pack for all seasons so that you can stay out and explore regardless of the weather. Despite the potential weather challenges, a day trip to Cradle Mountain is definitely worth it, with plenty of short walks and lookouts available to explore, and the stunning natural beauty of the area sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Cradle Mountain is home to some of the most stunning hikes in Tasmania, and there really is something for everyone, from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. One of the great things about hiking in Cradle Mountain is that the free shuttle bus departs regularly from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, making it easy to access the start of all the trails in the national park.
My top recommendations for the best hikes in Cradle Mountain include The Dove Lake Circuit, Hansons Peak, Ronny Creek, Enchanted Walk, The Waterfalls Way and The King Billy Track.
Of course, there are many other trails in Cradle Mountain to explore, and we recommend picking up a map from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. The map shows all of the trails in the national park, including the distance, grade, and time to allow. The staff there will also let you know of any track closures or alerts in the park at the time you're visiting. With so many options to choose from, it's easy to find a hike that suits your interests and fitness level.
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Yes, it is generally safe to hike in Cradle Mountain National Park as long as visitors are properly prepared with the right gear and adhere to safety guidelines. As mentioned earlier, it's important to pick up a map from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and be aware of any track closures or alerts. However, visitors should also be aware that weather conditions can change quickly in the park, so it's important to be prepared for all eventualities. We recommend having appropriate shoes, clothing, and most importantly water when hiking in Cradle Mountain National Park.
On our first visit to Cradle Mountain, we got caught out in the snow and didn't have the right clothing and shoes, which made for an uncomfortable walk back to the car. By being prepared and following safety guidelines, visitors can enjoy the stunning natural beauty that Cradle Mountain National Park offers.
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If you're planning a visit to Cradle Mountain, you'll be happy to know that there is a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. For those who prefer the freedom of camping, like us, there are free campsites available in the area. We loved our stay at Lake Gardiner Campsite. The 'Wiki Camps' app is a great resource for finding these kinds of options.
On the first night, we stayed at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, which offers a variety of accommodation types. If you prefer a roof over your head, there are also cabins available. If you're looking for something a little more upscale, you might want to check out Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. For a rustic cabin experience, Waldheim Cabins or Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages might be more your style. Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose, but there are options available for a range of budgets.
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Yes, visitors to Cradle Mountain National Park can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife during their visit. Cradle Mountain is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, and visitors are nearly guaranteed to see some of the friendly wildlife that thrives in the park. The park is home to a range of animals, including wombats, wallabies, quolls, echidnas, platypus, possums, and small native rodents. Dozens of species of birds, reptiles, fish, frogs, and insects also call the park home.
Wombats are a particular favourite for many visitors, and they are commonly spotted in the park. During our visit, we were fortunate enough to see many wombats up close. Visitors can also try their luck to spot the Tasmanian devil, which are nocturnal and therefore more difficult to see during the day. We, unfortunately, didn’t catch a sighting of the elusive animal.
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If you're planning a road trip in Tasmania and visiting Cradle Mountain National Park, it's important to know the entrance fees. For a shorter trip, the Icon Daily Pass is the best option, as it provides access to the park and the free shuttle bus for 24 hours.
However, if you plan to stay in Tasmania for a longer period and visit other national parks, it's recommended to purchase either a Holiday Pass or an Annual Pass, both of which include access to Cradle Mountain and the free shuttle bus. The Annual Pass is especially great value if you're staying in Tasmania for an extended period, as it grants you access to all 19 national parks in the state. More information can be found here.