Hiking the Amazing Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain is one of Australia’s most iconic hiking destinations, located at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This remarkable area is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, recognised for its pristine natural beauty and unique wildlife.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual explorer, Cradle Mountain offers an unforgettable adventure with its dramatic landscapes, alpine lakes, and abundant flora and fauna.

Why Visit Cradle Mountain?

Cradle Mountain is a destination that appeals to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list:

World Heritage Significance: As part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it is internationally recognised for its outstanding natural values, including ancient rainforests and glacial lakes.
Diverse Wildlife: Spot native species such as wombats, echidnas, pademelons, and even Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat.
The Overland Track: For serious hikers, Cradle Mountain marks the start of the famous 65 km, 6 day Overland Track hike, which traverses some of Tasmania’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes.
Stunning Scenery: From alpine meadows to rugged peaks, the scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful in every direction.
Accessibility: Despite its wild appearance, the area is well-supported with facilities, including a visitor centre, shuttle buses, and clear signage.

Getting to Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is accessible by road and can be reached from Tasmania’s major cities:

From Hobart: It’s approximately a 4-hour drive (about 300 km). The route takes you through the heart of Tasmania, with opportunities to stop at charming towns and other attractions along the way.
From Launceston: The drive is shorter, taking about 2 hours (140 km). This makes Launceston a great starting point for a day trip or weekend escape.
Public Transport Options: Although limited, you can also reach Cradle Mountain via coach tours or private shuttles from Launceston and Hobart.

For those flying into Tasmania, Launceston Airport is the closest major airport to Cradle Mountain.

Essential Tips for Planning Your Hike

Before you set out, it’s essential to plan and prepare:

Park Pass: You’ll need a Parks Pass to access Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. These can be purchased online, at the visitor centre, or at some local shops.
Shuttle Bus Service: Private vehicles are not permitted beyond the Visitor Centre and Transit Terminal during peak times. A convenient shuttle bus operates from the visitor centre to key trailheads, including Ronny Creek and Dove Lake.
Weather Awareness: Tasmania’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, wind, and temperature changes, even in summer.
Trail Maps: Pick up a detailed trail map at the visitor centre or download one online. Signage is generally good, but it’s always wise to have a backup.

Overview of the Cradle Mountain Hiking Trails

Cradle Mountain offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day treks. Here’s a brief overview of popular options:

Dove Lake Circuit (2-3 hours): A relatively easy 6 km loop around Dove Lake with stunning views of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding landscape.
Enchanted Walk (20 minutes): A short, family-friendly trail through moss-covered forests and along a babbling creek.
Marions Lookout (3 hours return): A more challenging hike with steep sections, offering panoramic views of Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, and Barn Bluff. This is included in our Cradle Mountain hike.
The Overland Track (6-7 days): This iconic multi-day trek begins at Cradle Mountain and ends at Lake St Clair, showcasing some of Tasmania’s most remote and spectacular wilderness.

Hiking Cradle Mountain: Our Experience

Before leaving on the hike it’s important to know that the following hike is a Category 4 hike, which means it is classified as a difficult hike.

We embarked on a thrilling 6-hour hike at Cradle Mountain, starting and finishing at Ronny Creek Car Park.

Ronny Creek Car Park to the Horse Track

Our journey began at Ronny Creek, a popular starting point for many hikes, including the Overland Track. There are two ways to get to the Ronny Creek car park where we started our hike. Firstly, you can drive and park there yourself or park at the Visitor Centre and catch a bus to the car park.

Arriving at 8 am, we found plenty of parking space, but during busier times, you might need to rely on the shuttle bus service.

Registration Booth: Before setting out, we signed the registration book, providing our names, car registration, and planned route. This safety measure ensures that park authorities know your whereabouts in case of an emergency. But don’t forget to sign out on your return.
Marshland Boardwalk: The initial stretch of the trail is a well-maintained wooden boardwalk that winds through picturesque marshlands. Keep an eye out for wombats grazing nearby; we spotted two within the first 20 minutes.
Trail Junction: After crossing the marshlands, we reached a junction with blue signs. Two direct you to the left path which continues to the Overland Track and to Marions Lookout and one directs you along the right path to the Horse Track. Follow the sign to the Horse Track, veering right and leaving the Overland Track.

Horse Track to Kitchen Hut

The Horse Track quickly began to climb, leading us up a series of rocky steps. The ascent is steady but manageable, rising about 300 meters to Crater Peak.

Challenging Terrain: On the day of our hike, rain created small streams flowing down the steps, adding an adventurous element to the climb. Good hiking boots are essential for grip and comfort.
Panoramic Views: Reaching the upper sections of the Horse Track, we were rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including Crater Lake below and the rugged peak of Cradle Mountain above.
Solitude: Unlike the busier Overland Track, the Horse Track was delightfully quiet. Despite hiking during peak season, we didn’t encounter any other hikers on this trail.

Kitchen Hut and the Summit

After a steady climb, we arrived at Kitchen Hut, a two-story emergency shelter located at the base of Cradle Mountain’s summit.

Weather Challenges: Unfortunately, heavy rain and low clouds obscured the summit, leading us to decide against the climb. The summit route is steep and requires scrambling over large rocks, so clear weather is essential for safety.
Emergency Shelter: While not designed for overnight stays, Kitchen Hut provides a vital refuge in case of extreme weather. Its upper-level entrance is particularly useful during snow season.

Return Journey: Overland Track via Marions Lookout and Crater Lake

From Kitchen Hut, we descended via the Overland Track, which took us past several iconic landmarks:

Marions Lookout:
- The trail to Marions Lookout features a mix of wooden boardwalks and rocky paths.
- We stopped here for lunch, enjoying sweeping views despite the persistent clouds. On clear days, you can see Dove Lake and Barn Bluff from this vantage point.
- A short but steep section with a chain for support added a touch of excitement. People who are starting the Overland Track climb this section with full backpacks.
Crater Lake and Boat Shed:
- Following the path from Marions Lookout, we reached Crater Lake, nestled in a glacial hollow. The reflections on the water were mesmerising.
- The historic boat shed, perched on the lake’s edge, is a favourite spot for photographers.
Crater Falls:
- Descending further, we encountered Crater Falls, a tranquil cascade surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of rushing water added to the serene atmosphere.
Return to Ronny Creek:
- Finally, we rejoined the marshland boardwalk and spotted a few more wombats before arriving back at Ronny Creek Car Park.
- Don’t forget to sign out at the registration booth!

Recommended Gear for Cradle Mountain Hike

While this is only a day hike, it is reasonably difficult (it is a Grade 4 hike), and the weather can be unpredictable. It is therefore important to be prepared when doing this hike. Here’s a comprehensive gear checklist:

Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for navigating rocky and wet terrain. We saw people doing the hike up to Marions Lookout in sandals and one lady in a pair of ballerina style slip on shoes.
Hiking Poles: These provide extra stability, particularly on steep sections.

Weather Protection: Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, as rain can arrive unexpectedly. We had reusable ponchos that cover us, our backpacks and go down to just above our knees so we stayed relatively dry when it is raining.

Layered Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures.
Sunscreen and Hat: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong.
First Aid Kit: A compact kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relief is a must.
Food and Water: Pack enough snacks and at least 2 litres of water per person.
Camera: Definitely don’t forget this. The scenery is amazing. Spare batteries are also important as batteries go flat faster in colder climates.
Navigation Tools: While the trails are well-marked, a map or GPS device adds peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Cradle Mountain significant?

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most iconic landmarks, located within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It’s part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, recognised for its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can see alpine meadows, ancient rainforests, and unique wildlife like wombats and Tasmanian devils. The mountain is also a key starting point for the Overland Track, a six-day trek considered one of the world’s great walks.

What month is best to visit Cradle Mountain?

The best time to visit is from November to March, during Tasmania’s summer. The weather is warmer, with longer daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking. Wildflowers bloom in these months, adding colour to the scenery. Autumn (April to May) is also popular for its vibrant foliage, while winter (June to August) offers a chance to see the mountain dusted with snow, though conditions can be challenging.

How much does it cost to climb Cradle Mountain?

A National Parks Pass is required to access the park, costing around AUD $46 for a 24-hour vehicle pass or AUD $30 for Cradle Mountain only. For around AUD $94 you can get a 2 month pass for all Tasmania national parks. If you are wanting guided hikes to the summit or multi-day treks like the Overland Track check with the hiking company. If hiking independently, costs may include gear rentals or accommodation near the park.

Can you drive to Cradle Mountain, Tasmania?

Yes, you can drive to Cradle Mountain, with the Visitor Centre serving as the main access point. From there, a shuttle bus takes you into the park, including stops at Dove Lake and Ronny Creek. Private vehicles aren’t allowed beyond the Visitor Centre during peak times to protect the environment. The area is accessible via well-maintained roads, about a 2.5-hour drive from Launceston or a 1.5-hour drive from Devonport.

Final Thoughts

Hiking Cradle Mountain is a rewarding experience that combines natural beauty, physical challenge, and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re tackling a short-day hike or embarking on the Overland Track, the memories you make here will stay with you forever. Be sure to prepare adequately, respect the environment, and savour every moment of this remarkable journey.

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About: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.

We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.

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