Is the Cradle Mountain Summit Hike Tassie’s Most Adventurous One-Day Challenge?

With unrivalled views, false summits, and the occasional wombat, there’s not much this hike doesn’t deliver. Tayla describes her adrenaline-fuelled experience on Tassie’s most iconic mountain.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Weebonenetiner people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

The 12.5km Cradle Mountain Summit hike, located about 65km from Sheffield, is a Grade 5 trek in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. It takes around seven hours to complete, depending on the chosen route.

The hike often surprises trekkers with a deceptively dangerous climb to reach the summit. 

Cradle Mountain Summit Hike Facts

Distance: 12.5km (approximately)
Duration: 7 hours (including the 2.5 hour return climb)
Elevation gain: 600m
Nearest town: Sheffield

About Cradle Mountain

Located in Tasmania’s Central Plateau, the national park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness UNESCO World Heritage Area. The dramatic landscape was carved out by glacial erosion 20,000 years ago during the last ice age. After the melt, the iconic lava-basalt ridge, known today as Cradle Mountain, was revealed. 

Abundant with wildlife, you’d have to walk with your eyes closed to avoid seeing the tubby wombats and echidnas that waddle through the lower valley. However, as the altitude increases so do the views, with lakes and mountainous landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.  

Don’t be fooled into thinking this day hike is an easy stroll! Even the most experienced hikers find themselves challenged by the final 600m climb to the top!

The Cradle Mountain Summit Hike has different route options, all with varying degrees of difficulty. It’s a real life ‘choose your own adventure’, with a route to suit whatever challenge tickles your fancy.

Whichever way you choose to get there, you’ll get to enjoy this view!

History of Cradle Mountain

Historians estimate that Aboriginal people resided in the Cradle Mountain area as early as the end of the last ice age – about 12,000 years ago. Stone tools and quarries uncovered in the area suggest they didn’t live permanently in the challenging alpine climate, but rather travelled to the fertile valleys on seasonal hunting trips. 

Cradle Mountain was named by explorer Joseph Fossey in 1826, who thought it bore a remarkable similarity to a gold prospector’s cradle. The other peaks and lakes of the region were also named by various early explorers and pioneers, including Gustav Weindorfer. 

Weindorfer and his wife both summited the mountain in 1910, fell in love with the region, and built a chalet in the valley for other explorers. Weindorfer named Mount Kate in his wife’s name and had his desire for the area to become a national park realised in 1922. 

Even on a cloudy day the view from the top is stunning

How To Get To Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is in the north west of Tasmania. The best way to get there is by car as it isn’t on any public transport routes. From Launceston it’s just over a two-hour drive along National Highway 1. From Hobart it’s just over a four-hour drive along the A5.

If you’re flying in from the mainland, definitely fly into Launceston. You can hire a car or arrange for transport to Cradle Mountain from a few independent operators. McDermotts Coaches is the cheapest option at $80 per person and its shuttle runs twice per day.

Getting to the Trailheads

The summit trek can be started from the car park at either Ronny Creek or Dove Lake. Each car park can only be accessed via shuttle buses that operate seven days a week, leaving from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Buses leave approximately every 15 minutes, starting from 8am, and cost $15. 

Hikers need to make sure they finish the trek before the last shuttle bus leaves the trailheads – 6pm during summer and 5pm during winter. Otherwise, you’ll be walking at least another 6km back to the visitor’s centre!   

Access to the park also requires a parks pass, which can be purchased from the visitor centre or online. A single day Cradle Mountain pass costs $27.95 and includes the shuttle bus ticket.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Ronny Creek trailhead

Skill Level 

Advanced

Even the easiest route options require excellent physical fitness and should not be attempted by beginner hikers. An intermediate level of skill will get you to the base of Cradle Mountain, however only experienced hikers with a high degree of upper body strength and confidence should attempt the climb. 

Hikers should also check the weather forecast prior to starting the trek – attempting the climb in the rain is not advised. During the winter months the top part of the mountain is covered in snow and can be extremely slippery. 

The trail is very exposed and if the sun is out, it’ll be all over you. On a hot day you’ll definitely feel the heat and need a lot more water than you otherwise would. Always take more water than you think you’ll need.

Read more: How To Hike in Hot Weather

There’s no phone reception or clean water sources along the track so hikers must be well prepared. 

Essential Gear for Cradle Mountain Summit Hike

• A map or navigation reference
• Sturdy hiking boots (with grip)
• Water bottles (yes, more than one!) or a hydration pack
• Food/electrolytes
• PLB
• Thermal clothing in winter (it’s chilly up the top!)
• First aid kit
• Sun-protective clothing – even in winter! 

Read more: What To Look For In A Great Pair Of Hiking Boots

Many hikers choose to leave their packs at Kitchen Hut while they climb, but taking it with you is the safer option

What It’s Like To Hike and Climb the Cradle Mountain Summit Hike

Route 1: Marions Lookout Track – The most popular route

Trailhead: Ronny Creek
Distance: 11.5km return (to the base of Cradle Mountain)
Duration: 4.5 hours 

All routes starting from Ronny Creek begin on the famous Overland Track and take you through the valley grasslands where the wombats live. Within 500m of the start, it’s not uncommon to see 20 or so wombats cruising around!

After about 1km, you’ll reach a fork inviting you to go either right onto the Horse Track (more about this one later!), or left onto the Marions Lookout Trail. 

Did you really hike in Tassie if you didn’t see a wombat?

Marions Lookout is the most direct route up the mountain, and provides the best views of Crater Lake, however it’s also one of the steepest. The track takes you through lush rainforests where you’ll see Crater Falls then climbs up to the ridge of the giant Crater Lake.

As you follow the ridge around the lake, you’ll come to the final chain-assisted ascent up to Marions Lookout. This is the steepest part of the trek but shouldn’t cause any trouble for intermediate hikers. 

Once you admire the views of Crater Lake from Marions Lookout you’ll continue to enjoy uninterrupted views of Cradle Mountain until you reach Kitchen Hut. This is where all the trails converge at the base of the summit climb. 

Final section of Marions trail (that’s Cradle Mountain in the distance!)

Route 2: Horse Track – For those who love steps and solitude!

Trailhead: Ronny Creek
Distance: 12km return
Duration: 5 hours 

If the StairMaster is your favourite piece of gym equipment this is probably the route for you. After turning right onto Horse Track at the fork you’ll be greeted by steps that don’t stop for an hour. This track is longer than the Marions Lookout Trail but is just as steep.

It doesn’t provide the same spectacular views of Crater Lake, however it does provide solitude, because most people choose to hike Marions Lookout.  

Before you reach Kitchen Hut, you’ll pass Crater Peak, a quick three-minute detour which provides views of Crater Lake, Wombat Pool, and Lake Lilla. 

Route 3: Face Track via Lake Wilks – For the adventurous!

Trailhead: Dove Lake
Distance: 12km return
Duration: 5 hours

The Dove Lake loop is a mostly flat boardwalk where you’ll be accompanied by a lot of people. However, about two thirds of the way around this loop you’ll see a side detour for the Lake Wilks Track. This track is a steep ascent through mostly unmarked dense forest where you’ll be scrambling your way up the mountainside over tangled tree roots. 

As you exit the forest, you’ll cross over raging waterfalls and pass the serene Lake Wilks before reaching the beginning of Face Track. Face Track is a rough walk with constant trip hazards due to loose rocks, uneven ground, and steep drop-offs.

While this route requires a little more of an adventurous spirit, it provides incredible views on the transverse below Cradle Mountain ridge to Kitchen Hut. After leaving the Dove Lake loop, you’re unlikely to see another person until you reach Kitchen Hut! 

The ‘track’ on the Lake Wilkes route

The Cradle Mountain Climb

Distance: 1.2km return
Duration: 2.5 hours 

The 600m, Grade 5 climb begins as a gradual incline, however it’ll soon test your strength, endurance, confidence, and your comfort with heights.

The 2.5 hour return ascent from Kitchen Hut involves considerable scrambling over huge dolerite boulders. There are multiple vertical ascents requiring upper body strength and balance. 

The ascent is only marked by short orange poles which stick out of the rock every hundred metres or so. It’s very easy to accidentally go the wrong way if you’re paying more attention to the next boulder than your direction. 

The climb also has a false peak which you’ll scale and descend before ascending the actual peak. 

Once at the top, look for the summit marker and take in the views of the Tasmanian wilderness. You’ll see pretty much the whole state! 

Tips For Hiking Cradle Mountain Summit Hike

• If you catch one of the first buses of the day (8am) you’ll get to do most of the hike to the mountain in solitude
• There are many alternative side tracks you can walk (which can also be done on the way down the mountain) so get a map and know what your options are
• Toilets are located at the respective trailheads. There’s also a drop toilet available at Kitchen Hut but no toilet paper is provided so make sure to BYO!
• The times I’ve listed are for very fit, strong individuals. Some active hikers have still taken five hours (instead of 2.5 hours!) to complete the climb portion of Cradle Mountain so don’t overestimate your abilities!
• Cradle Mountain is popular. You won’t be on your own during your summit attempt so be patient and respectful of the pace of others. Move aside if you need a break and don’t rush – there isn’t a prize for beating a random stranger to the top!

Every ounce of effort to get here was worth it… just don’t think about the return trip!

FAQs Cradle Mountain Summit Hike

How long does the Cradle Mountain summit walk take?

This is a tough day hike and answers vary widely. For fit hikers with experience climbing, 7-8 hours is a pretty common duration. For those who haven’t trained, aren’t confident climbers, or who’ve tacked it on as a side trip to the Overland Track, the walk can take longer. 

Is the Cradle Mountain summit walk difficult?

Yes. This is a tough day hike suited to fit hikers and experienced climbers. Do not attempt this walk when wind, snow, or rain is forecast. 

What’s the easiest walk near Cradle Mountain?

The Dove Lake Circuit is the easiest walk to complete near Cradle Mountain. 

Where is the best view of Cradle Mountain?

The best view of Cradle Mountain is at Marions Lookout, which is probably why the Marions Lookout trail is the most popular route taken to get to the mountain!