Cradle Mountain

Travel Guide
Midlands featuring a sunset, mountains and mist or fog
Enjoy Tasmania’s pristine wilderness and diverse forest and mountain ecosystems while hiking around glacial lakes and to snowcapped peaks.

The breathtaking landscape of Tasmania’s Central Highlands is preserved in the vast Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. There are many ways to explore this special environment. Tackle the famous Overland Track, climb the dolerite peaks of Cradle Mountain or enjoy shorter walks to stunning lakes. You’ll pass buttongrass meadows full of wombats and ancient temperate rainforest.

Take a helicopter ride to get a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular Crater Lake, mountains and gorges. See the diverse ecosystem up close during the half-hour Enchanted Nature and Weindorfers Forest trails. Another moderate walk is the 2-hour Dove Lake Circuit through a myrtle beech forest. Take pictures of the wooden 1940s boat shed and rugged mountain peaks mirrored in the blue lake.

Adventure seekers can join a canyoning tour, which includes abseiling down waterfalls and rafting. Between November and April, wilderness lovers from all over the world come to the Cradle Valley to hike the 6-day Overland Track to Lake St. Clair.

You can visit the national park in one day or on a coach tour, but most prefer staying overnight because it is a 5-hour drive from Hobart and a 2-hour drive from Launceston. Enjoy a glass of Tasmanian wine, dine by a wood fire or relax in a spa in one of the many basic cottages and upscale chalets near the park.

Slow your pace upon arrival, because wombats graze near the roads. Buy a vehicle permit from the visitor centre near the entrance or park your car and take a shuttle bus to the trails. The weather can go from perfectly sunny to wet, windy and cold within minutes, so register for all hikes and bring supplies and protective clothing.

The visitor centre, which sells guide books and all-weather gear, has weather updates and flora and fauna displays. Learn more about Australia’s many special creatures, including quolls, echidnas, wombats, platypuses, pademelons and Tasmanian devils. If you didn’t spot a devil in the wild, stop by the nearby sanctuary to see these stocky beasts up close.

Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
3 out of 5
Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, TAS
The price is RM421 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
RM421
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Cradle Mountain. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and an onsite convenience store. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The accommodation booked through Wotif was not what I had asked for. It was a bunk bed in a shared male room. But the staff at Discovery Parks were very helpful in relocating me in a singles room ( at extra cost). It was very comfortable and I was lucky to get it after the error made by Wotif. Best ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain Hotel
Cradle Mountain Hotel
4 out of 5
3718 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, TAS
The price is RM761 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM761
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cradle Mountain. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Location right near entrance to the park is excellent. The staff were very helpful. Our room was spacious and the view of the forest was very pleasant. Food at the breakfast buffet was not very good."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Cradle Mountain Hotel
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
4.5 out of 5
4038 Cradle Mountain Road Tasm, Cradle Mountain, TAS
The price is RM1,597 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
RM1,597
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cradle Mountain. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The property was well situated in a beautiful area and the staff were friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Zeehan Bush Camp
Zeehan Bush Camp
2 out of 5
Hurst Street, Zeehan, TAS
Stay at this campground in Zeehan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum and Zeehan ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (112 reviews)
"It was blissful"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Zeehan Bush Camp
Cradle Highlander
Cradle Highlander
3.5 out of 5
3876 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cradle Mountain. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (636 reviews)
"Fantastic stay in a character filled warm cabin. Thoughtfully fitted out with everything needed. Great location just opposite the NP info Centre and bus terminal and yet so quiet. Friendly and kind staff."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Cradle Highlander
Cradle Alpine Retreat
Cradle Alpine Retreat
3.5 out of 5
1429 Cradle Mountain Road, Moina, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Moina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Staverton Regional Reserve and Lake Barrington International ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (184 reviews)
"Lovely location, tranquil and well maintained property. Not too far drive to Cradle Mountain and all the great walks in the area. Well stocked for cooking your breakfast (eggs, bacon, tomato, bread for toasting, yum!) Bring your own provisions for cooking dinner as the villa provides pretty well ..."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Cradle Alpine Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Cradle Mountain

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Feb 2020

Fabulous walking and very convenient and informative bus service.