Visiting Cradle Mountain, Tasmania: A Traveller’s Guide to Alpine Scenery, Epic Hikes & Wombat Encounters
The Overland Track, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.
“Wild alpine landscapes, snow-dusted peaks and wombats wandering beside the track, Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most unforgettable experiences.”
Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most iconic places, and it’s one of those destinations that quietly reshapes how you think about Australia. Cold, rugged and beautifully untamed, this alpine region feels worlds away from beaches and bushland. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear why Cradle Mountain sits so high on so many travel bucket lists.
Wombats, in particular, are a highlight here, and seeing them in their natural environment is genuinely special. It’s this combination of dramatic scenery, accessible hiking and raw wilderness that makes Cradle Mountain such a standout… even in a state already known for natural beauty.
This guide shares what it’s really like to visit Cradle Mountain, including how access works, the best hikes to prioritise, wildlife encounters, weather and practical tips that will help you plan your time in one of Australia’s most iconic national parks.
Quick Travel Snapshot: Cradle Mountain
Location: Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (Nov-Apr), with snow possible year-round
Ideal visit length: Half day minimum, full day recommended
Getting there: 2.5 hours from Launceston
Don’t miss: Dove Lake Circuit, Overland Track (short section), wombat spotting
Good to know: Private vehicles are restricted, shuttle bus required most of the year
Where Is Cradle Mountain & How to Get There
Cradle Mountain in Lake St Clair National Park is located in Tasmania’s north-west, and is most commonly visited from Launceston.
Launceston to Cradle Mountain: ~2.5 hours
Devonport to Cradle Mountain: ~1.5 hours
The final stretch of the drive is narrow and winding. Wildlife is common, especially wombats and wallabies, so slow driving is essential.
If you can, stay one or two nights nearby rather than rushing in and out. Cradle Mountain is the kind of place that deserves breathing room, especially with weather that can change quickly.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting Cradle Mountain
One of the most important things to understand before visiting Cradle Mountain is that you can’t freely drive through the park for most of the year. This helps protect the environment and manage visitor numbers:
Here’s how it works:
You park at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre
Present your Tasmanian Parks Pass
Purchase a Cradle Mountain shuttle bus ticket
Travel through the park using the hop-on, hop-off shuttle
The shuttle stops at all major trailheads and runs frequently. You’ll receive a map showing walking tracks and bus stops, making it surprisingly easy to navigate. Once you’re out on the trails, the lack of traffic adds to the sense of wilderness… something that really sets Cradle Mountain apart.
Get up close with wombats on The Overland Track.
Cradle Mountain Weather: What It’s Really Like
Cradle Mountain is an alpine environment, and the weather doesn’t follow the rules.
Snow is possible year-round, winds are common, and temperatures often hover near freezing… even in late spring or summer. We visited in late November, just before summer, and it was bitterly cold. I was layered up with a beanie and a thick puffer jacket, and still needed every layer. Anyone who wasn’t prepared spent the day cold.
What to pack for Cradle Mountain:
Thermal layers
Warm mid-layer
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Beanie and gloves
Proper hiking shoes
Food and water
If you’re planning a visit, pack as if it’s winter. There are toilets and water refill points throughout the park, but no food outlets once you’re inside… bring everything you need for the day.
How Much Time Do You Need at Cradle Mountain?
While Cradle Mountain can be visited in half a day, it’s far more rewarding if you allow extra time.
We arrived around 9:30am and didn’t leave until around 2:30pm, and by then we were completely hiked out. If you love walking, photography or simply soaking up dramatic landscapes, it’s very easy to spend a full day here.
If you’re short on time, prioritising the right walks makes all the difference.
The Best Walks at Cradle Mountain (In Order of Priority)
Dove Lake Circuit (The Iconic One)
If you only do one walk at Cradle Mountain, make it this one.
Set directly beneath the jagged peaks, this walk delivers some of the most iconic scenery in Tasmania.
You can experience it in two ways:
Walk the full Dove Lake Circuit (2-3 hours, undulating but manageable)
Or take the short walk to the famous boatshed, the classic Cradle Mountain photo
If you’re short on time, follow the path from the Dove Lake bus stop and turn right once you reach the lake to reach the boatshed in around ten minutes. Most people turn left to start the circuit, so patience pays off here. Wait a little, and you’ll often have the scene almost to yourself.
This was our jaw-dropping Cradle Mountain moment, the kind that instantly makes the drive worthwhile.
The famous boatshed on the Dove Lake Circuit.
The Overland Track (Short Section): Best for Wombats
The Overland Track is one of Australia’s most famous multi-day hikes, starting at Cradle Mountain. But you can walk a short section without committing to the full trek.
This area is known for:
Open alpine landscapes
Boardwalks through button grass
Frequent wombat sightings
With a little patience, wombats often wander closer to the track, grazing quietly or sheltering beneath the boardwalks. Take your time here. The longer you linger, the more likely the wildlife comes to you.
Start at the Ronny Creek shuttle bus stop to complete a short section (allocate at least 20-30 mins). Alternatively, take the 45 min Lake Lilla Track from Dove Lake to Ronny Creek.
The boardwalk on The Overland Track at Cradle Mountain.
Enchanted Walk (Short, Sheltered & Beautiful)
If you’re looking for something gentler, the Enchanted Walk is a beautiful contrast to the exposed alpine tracks.
Starting from the Interpretation Centre, this short loop winds through mossy rainforest alongside a stream and is mostly sheltered from wind and weather. It’s ideal if you’re travelling with kids or finishing up a big day of hiking.
The Enchanted Walk is sheltered, and ideal for families.
Wildlife at Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is one of the best places in Tasmania to see wildlife in the wild.
You’re likely to see:
Wombats
Echidnas
Wallabies
Pademelons
If you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a Platypus or Tasmanian Devil.
While some animals may appear friendly, it’s essential to keep your distance. No touching, feeding or approaching… just quiet observation and respect.
We saw plenty of Echidnas on the Cradle Valley Boardwalk track.
Unique Experiences to Add (If You Have Time)
If you’re staying overnight, and looking to add a unique experience (or two), there’s plenty more on offer at Cradle Mountain:
What Else to See Nearby
If you still have energy after leaving the park:
Mole Creek Caves offer guided tours through Marakoopa and King Solomons caves (with limited daily times)
The drive back passes through small rural towns like Sheffield, known for its murals
See Tasmanian Devils up close at the Devils@Cradle Tasmanian Devil sanctuary
Scenic lookouts along the way are worth stopping for if the weather cooperates (especially those with views of Mount Roland)
Even the journey to and from Cradle Mountain feels like part of the experience.
Where to Stay
If you can, stay at least one night near Cradle Mountain. It gives you flexibility with the weather, lets you start early or finish late, and makes the whole experience feel far more immersive.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge: Best for couples and travellers wanting a cosy, wilderness-style stay. Timber cabins, open fireplaces and walking trails right outside your door make this a classic Cradle Mountain experience.
Cradle Mountain Hotel: A comfortable and modern option close to the visitor centre and shuttle bus.
Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain: Self-contained chalets set in a quiet bushland setting.
Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain: A practical choice with cabins and chalets just minutes from the park entrance.
Is Cradle Mountain Worth Visiting?
Without hesitation, yes.
Cradle Mountain is raw, cold, wild and unforgettable. It’s the kind of place that rewards preparation and patience, and gives you moments that stay with you long after you’ve left.
If Tasmania is on your bucket list, Cradle Mountain should be too.
Ready to start planning? Discover 27 Fascinating Things to Know Before Visiting Tasmania.
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