Things to do in Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania and is a highly recognizable view in the Tasmanian Wilderness: the rugged dolerite ridges form a cradle-like silhouette, which is how the mountain got its name. The main peak is over 1,500 m above sea level, and the summit is often snow-capped in winter. It is located in the northern section of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and belongs to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Most visitors first go to Dove Lake at the end of the valley. On calm, sunny days, the lake reflects the full silhouette of the mountain, and the boatshed on the shore is a highly photogenic spot in Tasmania. More than 100 years ago, Austrian-born naturalist Gustav Weindorfer was moved the first time he reached the summit and resolved to make this mountain forest a "national park for all time." In 1912, he used local materials, specifically the ancient conifer endemic to Tasmania—the King Billy pine—to build a cabin in the valley named "Waldheim," and thereafter hosted hikers passing through year-round. Through his efforts, this forest was designated a protected area in 1922 and gradually developed into today's national park. There is a wide range of trail options: those with average fitness can stroll along the lake or walk the rainforest boardwalks. On the alpine moorland boardwalks around Ronny Creek, you can often encounter wombats grazing. For those who want to climb higher for a view, there are also routes leading to high-altitude viewpoints. During the local fall season in April and May, the native Tasmanian deciduous beech turns the hillsides golden-red, making it the most colorful time of the year. Hikers with plenty of energy and time can embark on the trail that traverses the wilderness from here, heading south to reach Lake St Clair in about 1 week, which is a classic route that many hiking enthusiasts aspire to complete. The weather in the mountains is changeable, and it is not uncommon for sun, rain, wind, and snow to take turns within a single day. Packing windproof and waterproof clothing will make your itinerary much more relaxed.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Tasmania

Devils@Cradle

Devils @ Cradle is a unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Visitors to the sanctuary can view these animals from the comfort of the visitor centre, wander through the sanctuary at their leisure, or join a personalised guided tour which ensures a close up encounter with our animals. An experienced Tasmanian Devil Keeper will give you an accurate understanding of their life cycles and the current threats that confront them, such as Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

Dove Lake Circuit

Lake St. Clair National Park is a volcanic lake landscape located at the foot of the famous Cradle Mountain, echoing the Cradle Mountain. The lake water is a dammed lake formed by earthquakes. After thousands of years of precipitation, the lake water is very clear and calm, like a mirror, reflecting the Cradle Mountain in it, which is really beautiful.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre

Dove Lake Boatshed

Cradle Mountain Interpretation Centre & Ranger Station

Cradle Mountain Canyons

Dove Lake

Crater Lake Lookout