Visitor access to the iconic gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) will be placed on a more sustainable footing with a cost recovery strategy being introduced for the Cradle Mountain shuttle bus service.
More than 300,000 people visit the park each year and approximately 80 per cent are interstate or international tourists.
The majority of visitors use the shuttle bus service, which costs Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) more than $3 million dollars to operate each year.
From 15 November 2023, PWS will introduce a modest $15 cost recovery charge for the service.
Passengers under the age of 18 will travel for free.
The $15 ticket will be valid for 72 hours to be used in conjunction with a parks pass.
An annual shuttle bus ticket will also be available for $45.
The shuttle bus cost recovery charge will be included as part of the Overland Track booking fee and the Icon Daily National Park Pass, which is valid for 24 hours.
The shuttle bus provides safe access on the narrow, winding road from the visitor centre to Dove Lake.
Dove Lake is the key destination for most park visitors wanting to experience the globally significant values of the TWWHA and access a variety of walking trails and the new award winning Dove Lake viewing shelter.
PWS will ensure that commercial operators who currently use the shuttle bus for their guests to enter the park are supported and allowances have been made to enable them to adopt the new model into their operations.
Importantly, this cost recovery initiative means that parks pass revenue is reinvested directly into maintaining critical infrastructure and protecting Tasmania’s natural and cultural values.
More Information can be found in the FAQs.