Cradle Mountain Walks

Everyone traveling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travelers are required to produce:  

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination

• All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

• If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

It is a 1.5 hour drive from Devonport and 2.5 hour drive from Launceston via Sheffield to Cradle Mountain which is located at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. There is no direct road link through the national park.

Read more about how to get from Hobart to Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain National Park has a free shuttle bus which operates daily throughout the year. To obtain a shuttle bus ticket, simply show your valid National Parks Pass to Parks and Wildlife Service staff in the visitor center. Private vehicles aren't permitted between the visitor center and Dove Lake/Ro​nny Creek (along Dove Lake Road) when the shuttle bus is operating.

The weather at Cradle Mountain is (very) changeable. There can be snow in December or you could be walking around in shorts and a t-shirt in winter. Or piling on warm clothes because the temperature has dipped towards zero degrees at pretty much any time of year. However, from November to March the weather is generally good with warm temperatures and clear skies. Spring weather can be changeable but it's a good time to see wildflowers and animals become more active around this time as well. Autumn brings with it the changing colors of the leaves and crisp mornings and nights. Winter is the best time to snuggle up in front of a fire and enjoy the cozy nights. 

Read more about the best time to visit Cradle Mountain

Pretty much everything. Bring clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, sunscreen, a hat and a beanie. And don't be surprised if you end up wearing all these things on the same day. If you are planning on going walking, even a gentle stroll around Dove Lake, decent wet weather gear and warm clothes are essential. Conditions can change in an instant and hikers have been caught out in the past with sometimes tragic results. 

If you're going out hiking, dress for the conditions and pack your backpack for the unexpected. If you're hanging out at your hotel or going somewhere to enjoy a meal, dress for comfort rather than fashion. Cradle Mountain is a place for lovers of the great outdoors so come as you are, as long as your clothes are (reasonably) clean. 

In short, pretty much non-existent when you're out and about aside from a weak Telstra signal here and there. Some accommodation offers Wi-Fi access but the signal can be patchy if heavy weather moves in. 

There is virtually no mobile phone signal at Cradle Mountain aside from a weak Telstra signal here and there. 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Some of the hiking trails at Cradle Mountain are accessible but others can make walking difficult for travelers who are less mobile on foot. However, we’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid