Cradle Mountain is a Land Lost in Time

Located in Lake St Claire National Park, Cradle Mountain was formed by glaciers some 10,000 years ago and looks as though it hasn’t aged a day.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the palawa 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

There are multiple day hikes you can do near Cradle Mountain located in the Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania. Start small with the 2 hour Dove Lake Circuit. Alternatively, the Cradle Mountain Summit hike is a 12.8km, Grade 5 hike. This longer hike starts at Dove Lake and takes up to 8 hours to complete.

Quick Facts Cradle Mountain

Distance: 5.7km (Dove Lake Circuit), 12.8km (Cradle Mountain Summit)
Duration: 2 hours (Dove Lake Circuit), up to 8 hours (Cradle Mountain Summit)
Elevation gain: 150m (Dove Lake Circuit) 600m (Cradle Mountain Summit)

How To Get To Cradle Mountain

From Devonport the fastest way to Cradle Mountain is to head west along Forth Road before taking Wilmot Road southwards toward the township of Wilmot. From Wilmot take Cradle Mountain Road which leads all the way to the Parks Information Centre and the Dove Lake car park.

The journey takes up to 2 hours and is accessible to all vehicles. It is important to leave early from Devonport if you are planning on summiting Cradle Mountain in a return day trip. Alternatively, you can stay nearby the information centre in one of the several lodges.

Skill Level

The skill level varies depending on the walks you decide to do at Cradle Mountain. The shorter walks are accessible to most able-bodied people, small children and large groups.

The summit walks and other longer trails require a high level of skill and can even test some of the more experienced walkers.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Essential Gear

• Hiking boots
• Water
• Rain jacket & pants
• Warm clothes (it’s been known to snow at any time of the year)
• Map (available at the information centre)
• High energy food
• GPS
• First aid kit
• PLB
• Optional: Camera, Hiking poles

What It’s Like To Hike at Cradle Mountain

The jagged contours of the Cradle Mountain summit loom high above the surrounding alpine lakes dominating the landscape. With one look at Cradle Mountain it comes as no surprise that it was listed in 1982 as an area of world significance due to its unsurpassed natural beauty and pristine wilderness.

The Dove Lake Circuit takes 2 hours to complete and is a great introductory walk that leaves right from the Dove Lake car park. The walk is best completed in a clockwise direction, passing under the shadow of Cradle Mountain through stands of ancient pines, past the iconic boat shed before returning to the starting point.

The climb to the summit offers the most scenic views and passes through the widest range of environments but should only be attempted by well-equipped, experienced walkers (allow up to 8 hours return).

Starting from Dove Lake the track climbs steeply up to Marion’s lookout which is a perfect spot to catch your breath, strip off some layers and gain a new found appreciation of the landscape from the higher vantage point.

The track continues northwards undulating with the plateau’s pristine streams and lakes to the base of the Cradle Mountain. The hike to the summit is not for the fainthearted and is appropriately rated 5/5 in terms of difficulty. The climb involves rock hopping, scrambling over boulders and steep drops that, in my opinion, make the views from the summit all the more rewarding.

FAQs Hiking at Cradle Mountain

What are the highlights of a visit to Cradle Mountain?

Cradle Mountain is located in a World Heritage Area, has stunning views and amazing landscapes, and is a great place for hiking, camping and adventure photography.

What activities can I do at Cradle Mountain?

Hiking, swimming, photography, and bird watching are just some of the activities on offer at Cradle Mountain.

See More of Tasmania

• Best Multi Day Hikes in Tasmania
• Best Waterfalls in Tasmania