Australia’s southern isle of Tasmania holds a vast array of natural spaces to explore and Cradle Mountain is an age-old favourite for all types of day hikers and multi-day trekkers.
Over in central north-west Tasmania lies the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) and Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. While the TWWHA takes up a fifth of Tasmania itself, Cradle Mountain National Park sits within a smaller 1614 km² that lends itself to a hikers dream park.
Made up of several uniquely Tasmanian landscapes from its thousands-of-years-old rainforests to its snowy mountaintops and glacial lakes, you don’t have to wait long for the scenery to change while out exploring.
If you’re looking for a short but scenic snapshot of the national park, the 2-3 hour Dove Lake Walk is the way to go, while avid trekkers can opt for the 6-day Overland Trek.
Trips to Cradle Mountain
1. Cradle Mountain Summit
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 13km return
- Duration: 7 hours
- Elevation: 600m
- Wheelchair accessible: No
As the name suggests, this hike takes you to the top-most point of Cradle Mountain. While the walk starts off reasonably easy, it quickly gets more challenging the higher you climb, with some steep sections requiring some serious rock scrambling skills.
But the higher you climb, the better the view gets, especially when you reach the summit where dozens of lakes and smaller mountain peaks sit below.
2. Marion’s Lookout
- Difficulty: Medium-hard (some level of hiking experience is required)
- Distance: 10km return
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 348m
- Wheelchair accessible: No
If you’re looking for a Cradle Mountain walk that’ll take your breath away, then look no further than Marion’s Lookout. Less challenging than some of the other Cradle Mountain walks on this list, Marion’s Lookout offers views of the surrounding mountain peaks and Dove Lake. While the walk is suitable for any season, trekking the track in summer is the time to see the region’s flowers in bloom, making it the most popular time to go.
However, winter is also a great time to visit Cradle Mountain, as at this time, the view will likely be of snow-topped mountain peaks. This walk is manageable for the most part; however, some sections are more difficult than others, so remember to take care, especially in the winter when the ground is uneven and slippery.
3. The Enchanted Walk
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.1km return
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Elevation: 22m
- Wheelchair accessible: No
The words ‘Enchanted Walk’ definitely conjure up a magical walking experience and luckily, this walk fits the bill. Step out onto a mild, winding track that takes you through the mossy forest floor of Cradle Mountain where you might be lucky enough to spot a local wombat or two.
This track follows a creek on a mostly boardwalk track and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. While the track doesn’t feature a signature view of Cradle Mountain or Lake St Clair, the towering myrtle-beech trees and stick-thin pencil pines, as well as a network of wombat-inspired children’s activity tunnels are sure to entertain any hikers.
Read more: Which Freycinet National Park trek to choose from
4. Dove Lake Circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 6km return
- Duration: 3 hours
- Elevation: 240m
- Wheelchair accessible: No
One of the more scenic Cradle Mountain routes, the Dove Lake Walk is perfect for those who are keen for a walk but not a multi-day trek. Taking you to the Glacier Rock and then down to the water’s edge where the Honeymoon Islands sit in the lake.
But the walk doesn’t stop there. Make your way through the Ballroom Forest (which sounds as grand as it actually is), walking underneath a canopy of sky-reaching trees until you come to the Boatshed. Sat on the lakefront, the Boatshed was built in 1940 by the first ranger to be stationed at Cradle Mountain, remaining an interesting part of this region’s history today and well worth a visit to.
5. Overland Track
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 65km return
- Duration: 6 days
- Elevation: highest point is 1,250 m
- Wheelchair accessible: No
The Overland Track is the Cradle Mountain trek. Attracting travellers and avid hikers from all over, this track is definitely not for the faint of heart.
From dipping valleys and temperate rainforests to alpine meadows and lush moorlands, the Overland Track will ensure you’ve seen it all. Giving you the chance to reconnect with the nature around you, this wilderness-y wonderland of a track gets you into the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and away from everything else.
Read more: Everything you need to know about hiking Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Overland Track
6. Hansons Peak
- Difficulty: Easy-medium
- Distance: 3km return
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Elevation: 250m
- Wheelchair accessible: No
While you might have to do some steep climbing to reach the top of Hansons Peak, you won’t regret the effort once you lay your eyes on the views of Cradle Mountain below you. You won’t even have to fight off other travellers doing the same thing as you, either, as this walk is typically not as frequently visited.
Make sure you’re fully prepared for the steep but short climb with comfy hiking boots, snacks and a full reusable drink bottle. Don’t let this put you off though because this track has views for days, weeks and fortnights too, so keep an eye out for the Twisted Lakes and Marion’s Lookout.
Trek Cradle Mountain with Intrepid on a Tasmania small-group adventure.
Originally published in December 2021
