The iconic Cradle Mountain at sunset with organe fagus shattered over the mountain
Cradle Mountain fagus (photograph: Anthony Robertson)
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Cradle Mountain
(Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Tasmania’s iconic wilderness destination.

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Alerts for Cradle Mountain

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Safety alert: Winter walking - Be safe in our parks and reserves this winter
Applies from 27/6/2024
​Winter walking comes with increased hazards. This includes severe weather and the risk of hypothermia.

Know before you go. Check weather forecasts and choose walks that match your abilities. Use the right equipment and be flexible with your plans if conditions change. 

Carry items for all possible conditions including sub-zero temperatures. Use our Alpine Walker Pack List and Safety Checklist to help you prepare. 

Always carry a communication device. You can’t rely on your mobile phone coverage in remote areas. Carry a physical map, a portable battery bank and a Personal Locator Beacon.

More information is on our safety in parks webpage.

Walks that need overnight walker registration​ must be self-reliant. There is no ranger presence on these tracks. If the weather forecasts or conditions change do not depart if it is unsafe to walk. Please change the date of registration.

Last reviewed 4/9/2024 10:19 AM


About

​​Iconic Cradle Mountain is a place of exceptional natural beauty in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). From moss-covered ancient rainforests and deep river gorges to snow-covered mountain peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes, the park is revered for its diverse and breath-taking landscapes.

A place for all seasons, discover deep snowdrifts in winter, spectacular displays of yellows, oranges and reds across the mountain slopes in autumn as Tasmania’s deciduous Fagus turns colour, playful young joeys and​ hungry echidnas emerging in spring, and the fragrance of wildflowers filling the air as you dip your toe into a crystal-clear lake on a summer’s day.

Cradle Mountain is synonymous with nature, wilderness and all things pristine. Wildlife is in abundance in this spectacular national park, giving opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats and the highly inquisitive black currawong.

The Park offers a world-class system of walking tracks to explore that ranges from very short, easy strolls to the legendary Overland Track. This 5-6 day hike stretches 80km from Cradle Mountain through to Lake St Clair and is an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s alpine heart. Even if hiking boots and backpacks aren't your thing, you will find it hard to resist the lure of the well-formed tracks that lead you to surprising discoveries. Whichever way you look at it, the magic of Cradle Mountain is bound to captivate.​

National park

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​​​"This must be a National Park for the people for all time." So declared Gustav Weindorfer from the summit of Cradle Mountain in 1910. It is now one of Australia's most famous national parks, protecting a grand glaciated landscape and the wonderful flora and fauna it contains.

The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain frame the icy waters of Dove Lake – together forming a dramatic vista that can be enjoyed as you explore the shores of the lake on foot. The dolerite peak is one of the Park's natural highlights, although the wild weather of the Tasmanian highlands often shrouds the mountain in cloud.

There are a number of excellent walks, including the Dove Lake Circuit, which takes you through the stunning Ballroom Forest – an area of cool temperate rainforest nestled against the slopes of the mountain. Take the short Weindorfers Forest Walk and learn about the fascinating history of the rustic Waldheim Chalet and Gustav Weindorfer, the founding father of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. In this beautiful setting, you will quickly understand why Gustav dedicated his life to ensuring the preservation of this area.

This famous Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area national park has two widely-separated visitor access points: Cradle Mountain in the north of the park and Lake St Clair in the south. There is no direct road link through the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to join the two ends of the park.​​

Cradle Mountain webcam

Webcam from Dove Lake carpark looking towards Cradle Mountain, image captured: 12/09/2024 6:30:48 AM

Experiences in Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Cradle Summit

A challenging track to the summit of the picturesque Cradle Mountain.

8 hrs return, 12.8km, 600m climb in elevation. Walk includes crossing large rocks, Grade 5
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Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Crater Lake

Explore a series of delightfully different alpine lakes. A better option for days when the higher altitude tracks are being lashed by cold winds and heavy rain.

2 hour circuit, 5.7km circuit, Grade 3
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Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Dove Lake

A great introductory walk to the park. Enjoy iconic views of Cradle Mountain and walk through the tranquil Ballroom Forest on one of Tasmania’s premier short walks.

2-3 hour circuit, 6km circuit, Grade 3
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Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Enchanted Walk

A walk to suit all age groups—featuring a cascading river and magical old-growth rainforest.

20 minute circuit, 1.1km circuit, Grade 2
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Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

FAQs - Shuttle changes from 15 November 2023

From 15 November 2023, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service will introduce a $15 fee to travel on the Cradle Mountain shuttle bus.

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Horse riding, Bakers beach Narawntapu

Hobart and South, Launceston and North, North West

Horse riding

Explore sites around Tasmania where you can experience our wilderness on horseback.

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Walkers at Lake Windermere, Overland Track

Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Overland Track

2 current alerts

The Overland Track is Australia’s premier alpine walk – a 65 km, six-day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

6 days one way, 65km one way, Grade 4
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Group rafting on the Franklin River

Statewide

Rafting and kayaking

Tasmania’s oceans and rivers have a well-deserved reputation as some of the cleanest in the world, and what better way to explore these wondrous waterways than up-close and self-propelled.

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Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Rainforest Walk

Take a short, easy stroll through the rainforest.

10 minute circuit, 431m, Grade 1
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Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Waldheim Chalet

Uncover the colourful history of the Weindorfers.

5m (from the main Waldheim carpark), 100m, Grade 2
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Wedding at Highfield Historic Site

East coast, Hobart and South, Launceston and North, North West

Weddings

Tasmania's parks and reserves can make for a beautiful backdrop for your special day. See some of our favourite locations for simple, outdoor wedding ceremonies, through to full packages offered by Highfield Historic Site.

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Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park)

Weindorfers Forest Walk

The Weindorfers Forest Walk gives you a glimpse back in time to the life of the Weindorfers in the beautiful Cradle Mountain.

20 minute circuit, 750m circuit, Grade 2
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Accommodation

Stay Overnight

  • Cradle Mountain Waldheim Cabins

Waldheim Cabins offers an authetentic wilderness experience when you visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Bookings and more info

Cradle Mountain Waldheim Cabins