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Tasmanian World Heritage Area
Dove Lake, moss-covered rainforest and wombats in the open grasslands of Cradle Valley.
Cradle Mountain rises at the northern end of Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Around 90 minutes from Devonport, it is where a journey inland from the North West coast opens into Tasmania’s alpine country.
Dove Lake is Cradle Mountain’s most recognisable view, but there is much more beyond the lake. Follow an easy track through Cradle Valley or take a longer walk into the high country, including the route to the summit.
Plan to stay nearby if you can. An extra day gives you more flexibility when the weather changes and time to return to Cradle Valley later in the day, when wombats are often more active.
Make the visitor centre your first stop, even if you already have a parks pass.
PARK ENTRY
A valid parks pass is required to visit Cradle Mountain. The Cradle Mountain Icon Daily…A valid parks pass is required to visit Cradle Mountain. The Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass includes park entry and the shuttle for 24 hours. Holiday, Annual and Two-Year All Parks Passes cover entry, but adult shuttle tickets must be purchased separately. Standard Daily Passes and One Park Passes do not cover Cradle Mountain.
Parks Pass →SHUTTLE ACCESS
The shuttle travels between the visitor centre and Dove Lake, stopping near the Interpretation Centre,…The shuttle travels between the visitor centre and Dove Lake, stopping near the Interpretation Centre, Snake Hill and Ronny Creek. Private vehicles cannot enter Dove Lake Road during shuttle operating periods. Shuttle schedules change throughout the year, so check the current timetable before arriving. You can get off at one stop and return from another.
Shuttle Timetable & Map →LARGE VEHICLES
Campervans, motorhomes, caravans and trailers are not permitted on Dove Lake Road at any time.…Campervans, motorhomes, caravans and trailers are not permitted on Dove Lake Road at any time. Park at the visitor centre and use the shuttle to reach Dove Lake and the walking areas inside the park.
Cradle Mountain
You don’t need to complete a major hike to see Cradle Mountain. Short tracks begin near the park entrance, while the shuttle goes to walks around Ronny Creek and Dove Lake. The visitor centre has the full list. Conditions in the valley can be very different from those higher on the mountain.
EASY FOREST WALK
The Enchanted Walk begins near Pencil Pine Creek and follows a 1.1-kilometre circuit through old-growth…The Enchanted Walk begins near Pencil Pine Creek and follows a 1.1-kilometre circuit through old-growth rainforest. Allow around 20 minutes. The first part of this walk is accessible, but the track has some steps near the end.
Enchanted Walk →
DOVE LAKE
The six-kilometre Dove Lake Circuit follows the lake beneath Cradle Mountain before returning through Ballroom…The six-kilometre Dove Lake Circuit follows the lake beneath Cradle Mountain before returning through Ballroom Forest. Allow two to three hours and walk clockwise as directed. The Grade 3 track includes steps, uneven surfaces and short steep sections. If you’re not walking the full circuit, the viewing shelter still gives you the classic view across the lake.
Dove Lake →
LONGER DAY WALK
The Crater Lake Circuit leaves Dove Lake and climbs through changing forest towards Crater Lake.…The Crater Lake Circuit leaves Dove Lake and climbs through changing forest towards Crater Lake. The 5.7-kilometre circuit takes around two hours and is Grade 3.. Expect steps, rougher ground and a steady climb. Longer routes can continue towards Wombat Pool or Marion’s Lookout.
Crater Lake Circuit →
ALPINE Walks
The summit walk is a demanding Grade 5 alpine route for experienced and properly equipped…The summit walk is a demanding Grade 5 alpine route for experienced and properly equipped bushwalkers. Allow around eight hours for the 12.8-kilometre return walk. The final section involves steep, exposed scrambling across large boulders and should only be attempted in suitable weather.
Cradle Summit →
Multi-day walk
The Overland Track is a multi-day wilderness walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. It is separate from the day walks around Dove Lake and requires its own planning. The main journey covers approximately 65 kilometres and generally takes six days. Walkers must carry suitable equipment and be prepared for remote alpine conditions. Bookings and additional fees apply during the peak walking season.
Overland Track
Waldheim Chalet tells the story of Gustav and Kate Weindorfer, who built a home and guest chalet in Cradle Valley in 1912.
The original building no longer stands, but an accurate reconstruction contains displays about their lives and their role in the early conservation of Cradle Mountain.
Combine the chalet with the short Weindorfers Forest Walk through the surrounding rainforest.
Cradle Valley is home to wombats, pademelons, echidnas and many native birds. Wildlife is often more active early in the morning or later in the day, particularly around the open grasslands near Ronny Creek.
Sightings are never guaranteed. Watch quietly from the track and give animals room.
Never touch or feed wildlife. Secure your food, take all rubbish with you and drive carefully around dawn, dusk and after dark.
Paddle on Dove Lake runs in kayaks handcrafted from King Billy pine, and the same local operator runs canyoning trips. You can also meet Tasmanian devils at a conservation sanctuary or see the mountain from the air on a scenic flight. These operate to set schedules and weather can affect them, so book ahead.
Discover the secret side of Cradle Mountain on canyoning, packrafting or Dove Lake kayak tour. Canyoning involves putting on a wetsuit and helmet and swimming, floating, abseiling, walking…
The Devils@Cradle Tasmanian devil sanctuary is a breeding and conservation facility for three of Tasmania’s unique threatened carnivorous marsupials; the Tasmanian devil, the Spotted-tail quoll, and Eastern quoll.…
Cradle Mountain Helicopters offer scenic flights over the wonderous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and beyond. The pilots and support staff are all local Tasmanians who will…
Long daylight hours give you time for everything from short rainforest walks to longer alpine hikes. Look for wildflowers across the landscape and leave time for Dove Lake..
Come for the turning of the fagus, when its small leaves change to yellow, orange and rusty red. Late April to early May is usually the best window, although the timing varies each year. Dove Lake and Crater Lake are favourite places to see the colour.
Visit for the chance of snow-covered peaks, frosty forest walks and cosy evenings beside the fire. Snow is never guaranteed, so treat it as a bonus.
Cradle Valley moves into spring with new growth, emerging wildflowers and young wildlife, and winter snow sometimes stays in the high country.
How long should you spend at Cradle Mountain?
Begin at the visitor centre and take the shuttle to Dove Lake.
Choose the Dove Lake Circuit or combine a shorter valley walk with Ronny Creek and Waldheim. Avoid planning a long onward drive after a full day in the park.
Use your first day for Dove Lake and the easier walks through Cradle Valley.
Keep the second day available for a longer alpine walk or another booked experience. This gives you some flexibility if the mountain is hidden by poor weather.
Allow a full day for a major walk without sacrificing the shorter tracks and wildlife experiences.
Add Devils@Cradle, a guided adventure or time to slow down at your accommodation between days in the park.
Staying in Cradle Valley means less driving. Accommodation near the park includes wilderness lodges, hotels and self-contained cabins. Holiday park sites are also available, while the simple Waldheim Cabins are inside the national park and booked through Parks and Wildlife Service. You can also stay at Moina or choose accommodation around Sheffield.
Cradle Mountain Lodge is widely considered one of Australia’s iconic wilderness experiences. Nestled on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this premier…
Home for them is in the Tasmanian Highlands, surrounded by temperate rainforest, by tranquil rivers and mesmerising views of the outermost corners of the Black Bluff Conservation Area.…
Cradle Mountain Hotel is situated in alpine woodland at the northern end of Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain Hotel offers a blend of nature and comfort close to the…
From a coffee between walks to dinner beside the fire, Cradle Valley has restaurants, cafés and casual dining options. Book ahead for dinner, particularly during busy periods.
If you’re self-catering, buy groceries and walking snacks before leaving Sheffield, Devonport or another service town. Basic supplies may be available at Discovery Parks, but there is no full supermarket at Cradle Mountain.
The area
Find your way around the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair gateway - pin by pin. Filter the map by where to stay, what to see and where to eat.
Caravan and motorhome sites are available near the visitor centre. Facilities and site sizes vary, so book ahead and confirm your van and vehicle will fit.
Large vehicles can’t travel along Dove Lake Road. Leave your vehicle at the visitor centre or your accommodation and use the shuttle to enter the national park.
Stock up before arriving. Don’t rely on Cradle Valley for a public dump point, a full grocery shop or guaranteed fuel.
Cradle Mountain is best reached by car, booked transfer or organised tour. The roads are sealed, but the final approach is winding and can take longer than expected.
Check your route and current conditions before leaving, and plan to arrive during daylight.
It’s about 90 minutes from Devonport. Travel inland via Spreyton and Sheffield, then continue via…It’s about 90 minutes from Devonport. Travel inland via Spreyton and Sheffield, then continue via Moina to Cradle Mountain.
Head inland through Ridgley to the Murchison Highway, then turn onto Cradle Mountain Link Road.
From Launceston, follow the Bass Highway to Elizabeth Town, then turn inland towards Sheffield and…From Launceston, follow the Bass Highway to Elizabeth Town, then turn inland towards Sheffield and continue via Moina.
From Strahan, travel to Queenstown, then follow the Murchison Highway north through Rosebery and Tullah.…From Strahan, travel to Queenstown, then follow the Murchison Highway north through Rosebery and Tullah. Turn onto Cradle Mountain Link Road.
Follow the Midland Highway north, then the Bass Highway to Elizabeth Town. Turn inland towards…Follow the Midland Highway north, then the Bass Highway to Elizabeth Town. Turn inland towards Sheffield and continue via Moina. Alternatively, take the longer western route via New Norfolk, Derwent Bridge and Queenstown, then follow the Murchison Highway to Cradle Mountain Link Road.
Book a transfer or tour to Cradle Mountain and confirm your pickup and return journey…Book a transfer or tour to Cradle Mountain and confirm your pickup and return journey before travelling.
Book your transfer →Check Parks and Wildlife Service alerts for updates affecting tracks, facilities and park access. Visit TasALERT for emergency warnings and information.
Cold wind, rain and snow are possible at any time of year. Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes, even if the coast is fine.
Match your walk to your experience, fitness and the conditions on the day. Ask at the visitor centre if you’re unsure, particularly before heading into alpine areas.
Mobile coverage is unreliable in parts of Cradle Valley and the national park. Save maps and booking confirmations before travelling.
Alpine vegetation is easily damaged. Follow marked tracks and signs, and walk through muddy sections rather than widening the track by going around them.
Watch quietly from a distance. Never feed or touch wildlife, secure your food and take all scraps and rubbish with you.
Recreational drones are not permitted in national parks and reserves managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Cradle Mountain is a Fuel Stove Only area. Campfires are prohibited.
Yes. The shuttle goes to Dove Lake and several areas within Cradle Valley. Short walks include the Enchanted Walk and Rainforest Walk, and the Dove Lake viewing shelter has the lake view without the full circuit.
Allow at least one full day. Two nights provide more time for walking and greater flexibility if the weather changes.
Yes. A valid Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service pass is required. Check whether your selected pass includes the Cradle Mountain shuttle.
Yes. Tickets are organised through the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Operating hours change during the year, so check the current arrangements before arriving.
Not during shuttle operating periods. Private vehicles can’t use Dove Lake Road then, and parking outside those hours is extremely limited. Campervans, motorhomes, caravans and trailers are prohibited on the road at all times.
The Dove Lake Circuit is six kilometres and generally takes two to three hours. It is a Grade 3 walk with steps and uneven sections.
Yes, but the summit route is a demanding Grade 5 alpine walk. It takes around eight hours and includes steep boulder scrambling. Attempt it only with suitable experience, equipment and weather.
Yes. The Dove Lake viewing shelter is close to the shuttle stop and provides views across the lake. Cloud and poor weather may obscure the mountain.
Wombats are often seen around the open grasslands of Cradle Valley, particularly near Ronny Creek. Early morning and later afternoon may provide a better chance, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. Snow can fall at any time of year, though it’s more common in winter. Check the forecast and road conditions before travelling.
Yes. Caravan and motorhome accommodation is available near the visitor centre. Large vehicles cannot enter Dove Lake Road and must use the shuttle to access the national park.
No. Pets aren’t permitted in the national park. Assistance-dog access is subject to Parks and Wildlife Service requirements.
Patchy in parts of Cradle Valley and the park. Download essential information before you travel.
Only basic supplies are available locally. Buy groceries and walking food before leaving a larger town.
No. Recreational drones are prohibited in Tasmania’s national parks and reserves.
About 90 minutes (86km) by road, via Spreyton, Sheffield and Moina. Depending on conditions.
Make it a trip
