Cradle Mountain: A Wilderness Adventure
Nestled in the heart of Tasmania, Cradle Mountain is a symbol of untamed beauty and adventure. As part of the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain offers an unforgettable experience for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers in one of Australia’s most breath-taking landscapes.
Getting There
We took the early morning ferry from Geelong, arriving in Devonport by late evening. After an overnight stay in Launceston, we set out for Cradle Mountain early the next morning. The drive itself is spectacular, winding through scenic landscapes dotted with small craft distilleries—we stopped at the Wilmot Hills Orchard and Distillery for a tasting session.
For our stay, we booked Cradle Mountain Hotel for two nights. Keep in mind, since the entire area is heritage-listed, a parks pass is required—even just to drive to the hotel. However, no one at the hotel checked if we had one but they will check when you book a shuttle bus at the Visitor Centre. To access the national park, private vehicles are not allowed between 6 AM and 6 PM. Instead, visitors must leave their cars at the Visitor Centre and take a $15pp shuttle bus into the park.
A Hiker’s Paradise
Cradle Mountain is a haven for hikers, offering trails for all fitness levels. The legendary Overland Track, a six-day trek through alpine wilderness, attracts explorers from around the world. For a shorter experience, the Dove Lake Circuit offers breath-taking views of the mountain mirrored in the lake’s still waters.
Cradle Valley Boardwalk
Leading up to Crater Lake
We embarked on a scenic five-hour trek starting at the Cradle Valley Boardwalk, leading up to Crater Lake and its historic boathouse.
Boathouse at Crater Lake
From there, we followed the track up to Marion’s Lookout, then descended past Wombat Pools and Lake Lilla.
View from Marion’s Lookout
before reaching Dove Lake and heading back to the Visitor Centre.
Dove lake and boathouse
⚠️ Tip: Plan your return carefully—the last shuttle bus leaves at 5 PM. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until 6 PM, when the road reopens for private vehicles. We did miss the last shuttle, however we had friends who only did the shorter Dove Lake circuit and took the last shuttle. Then had to wait for the boom gates to open at 6pm before picking us up around 6.30pm at the Dove Lake Visitor Centre.
Wildlife Encounters
Cradle Mountain is teeming with wildlife. Wombats are commonly spotted in the button grass plains along the boardwalk. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an echidna or even a Tasmanian devil.
One of the many wombats along the boardwalk
We didn’t see any devils in the wild, but we visited the Devils@Cradle Conservation Sanctuary, just up the road from the Visitor Centre. I would definitely recommend the guided tour around the park, giving a greater insight into the plight of the Tassie Devil.
Up close and personal with the Devils at Devils@Cradle conservation park
⚠️ Tip: If driving at night, take extra care—wombats and quolls frequently cross the roads.
Quolls at the Devils@Cradle Park
Cradle Mountain Through the Seasons
No matter when you visit, Cradle Mountain offers a unique experience:
🍃 Spring & Summer – Wildflowers bloom, and the trails are lush and green.
🍂 Autumn – The landscape transforms into a sea of warm, golden hues.
❄️ Winter – A dusting of snow turns Cradle Mountain into a magical wonderland.
We visited in May, experiencing crisp daytime weather and chilly nights. While there was no snow, the air was fresh, and the autumn landscape made for amazing photographic opportunities.
Near Marions Lookout
Crater Lake
Adventure & Relaxation
For those seeking adrenaline, activities like kayaking on Dove Lake or canyoning through rugged gorges offer an exciting challenge. But if relaxation is more your style, luxury lodges and cosy cabins provide the ultimate retreat, complete with crackling fireplaces and local gourmet delights.
Final Thoughts
Cradle Mountain isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave. Whether you’re tackling epic hikes, encountering native wildlife, or simply soaking in the crisp mountain air, this Tasmanian treasure has something for everyone.