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Get your parks pass
Blue bus parked next to a path. People are lining up to get onto the bus
Cradle Mountain shuttle bus

Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus Information

Find out more
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.

About

​The Cradle Mountain shuttle bus provides safe access on the narrow, winding road from the visitor centre to Dove Lake. A $15 fee applies to all adult visitors, 18 years and over, where a Cradle Mountain Icon Parks Pass or Overland Track Pass has not been purchased. Children under the age of 18 travel on the shuttle bus for free.

Shuttle route and stops

​Decroative image showing each shuttle bus stop - Visitor Centre, Interpretative centre and ranger station, snake hill, ronny creek and dove lake 

Cradle Moutain shuttle stops
Map showing the road into Cradle Mountain and where the stops are 
Cradle shuttle route
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Shuttle Bus operating hours

The shuttle bus operates 7 days a week, including public holidays 

  • Mid-May to September 8:45am to 4pm 

  • Early September to Mid-September 8:45am to 4:30pm 

  • Mid-September to October** 8:45am to 5pm 

  • October** to November 8:15am to 5:30pm 

  • December to late-December 8:10am to 6pm 

  • late-December to February 8:10am to 7pm 

  • February to March 8:10am to 6pm 

  • March to April * 8:10am to 5:30pm 

  • April* to mid-May 8:15am to 5pm 

**First Sunday in October (when daylight saving starts)

*First Sunday in April (when daylight saving ends)

Shuttle bus times are seasonal and subject to change. Road conditions can be affected by weather, which can affect operations times. Please check for updated times at the Visitor Centre.​

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cradle Mountain shuttle ticket?

A $15 fee will be implemented to use the shuttle bus at Cradle Mountain for adults and will apply from 15 November 2023 onwards.

Who will pay the fee?

The $15 fee applies to all adult visitors, 18 years and over, where a Cradle Mountain Icon Parks Pass or Overland Track Pass has not been purchased. Children under the age of 18 travel on the shuttle bus for free.

​How long is the ticket valid for?

The shuttle ticket provides access to the shuttle bus for 72 hours (3 days) from the time of purchase. Please note the pass is not transferrable to other people.

Why was the fee introduced?

As a visitor transport service, the shuttle bus is a significant cost which is currently paid for through the sale of park entry fees across Tasmania.

We believe $15 for a return transport service for three days to access this iconic World Heritage Area site represents really good value for money.

​Is there an annual shuttle pass?

Yes, for frequent users of the Park who hold a valid National Parks Pass, there is an annual pass available to purchase for $45 per person. The pass is not transferable to other people.

How is the annual shuttle pass issued?

Please see our staff at the Cradle Mountain visitor centre for assistance, you will need to bring your parks pass and identification.

How do I access the shuttle service with my annual shuttle pass?

You must present to the Visitor Centre with your Parks pass and/or identification. The staff will check your details in the system and provide you with a valid 72-hour shuttle ticket (3 days). If you are visiting the park for longer than 72 hours, please return to the centre to access additional tickets.

Do I still need a national park pass?

Yes, you need a valid national park pass to access the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Are there any exemptions that apply to the shuttle ticket?

If you feel an exemption should apply to you, please see the staff at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre for assistance.

Do I need a shuttle ticket to access the Overland Track?

The cost of the shuttle ticket is included in the booking fee to walk the Overland Track from October to May each year.

Visitors walking the Overland Track from June to September when there is no booking fee will need to buy a shuttle ticket if departing from Cradle Mountain and using the shuttle service.

What if I have booked to stay at Waldheim?

Access to the Waldheim Cabins is strongly encouraged outside of shuttle bus operating hours to ensure public safety. However, access is permitted through the boom gate via authorised “swipe cards” which are programmed for set time periods if access is required during shuttle operating hours. If entering during operating hours, guests must only enter and exit the park with shuttle bus escort.

I’m staying at Waldheim within the national park boundary and want to use the shuttle. Do I need to buy a shuttle pass?

If you have driven into the park as a guest staying at Blandfordia, Waldheim or Baden Powell Memorial Lodge, you may use the shuttle bus service to travel within the park without purchasing a shuttle bus ticket. However, valid shuttle bus tickets must be purchased to board a shuttle bus at the Visitor Centre and Ranger Station if you exit the park and wish to return via the shuttle bus service.

Can I park at Waldheim?

Yes. If you have booked a cabin at Waldheim, you will be able to park there, however you will have to follow a shuttle bus in and out of the park during shuttle bus hours.

If I walk into the National Park, and I want to use the shuttle bus to travel internally within the park or exit the park, will I need to purchase a shuttle bus ticket?

No. If you have walked into the National Park, you may use the shuttle bus service to travel within or exit the park from Snake Hill, Dove Lake or Ronny Creek without purchasing a shuttle bus ticket. Valid shuttle bus tickets must be presented to board a shuttle bus at the Visitor Centre and Ranger Station for all inbound trips.

Can private vehicles access and park at Dove Lake?

Private vehicle access is not permitted during shuttle bus operating times. There is limited private vehicle access and parking for Dove Lake is available outside shuttle bus operating hours. Please see our staff at the Visitor Centre for more information.

If I take my car in before the shuttle service starts, will I be able to drive out at any time?

Yes. The boom gate will prevent inbound access after the shuttle service starts, but cars already in the park will be able to leave at any time during the day as long as they exit behind the shuttle bus escort if departing before the end of the daily service.

This is to ensure that they do not meet a shuttle bus unexpectedly, and/or where passing is not possible. The shuttle buses are in constant radio communication to ensure they safely pass each other at designated passing bays.

No queuing is allowed at the boom gate. If you are unable to access the carpark as it is already full, you must return and park your vehicle at the Visitor Centre.

Why isn't the ticket either free or discounted for Tasmanians?

Under section 117 of the Australian Constitution, PWS cannot provide a different fee for Tasmanians. This would be discriminatory for residents of other Australian States. Unlike the private sector, PWS as a Government Department is operating as an entity of the Crown and must provide the same fee rate to all Australians.​​​

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​Shuttle bus

The shuttle bus leaves from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and operates seven days a week. A valid Parks Pass is required along with a ticket for the shuttle bus which can be organised at the Visitor Centre.​

The shuttle bus service is included as part of the Cradle Mountain Day Icon pass and as part of the Overland Track booking fee.​

The shuttle bus departs from the Visitor Centre stopping at the Ranger Station / Interpretation Centre, then Snake Hill, then Ronny Creek, and finally Dove Lake. The journey one-way (from the Visitor Centre to Dove Lake) is approximately 20 minutes.  ​

Shuttle bus times are seasonal and subject to change. Road conditions can be affected by weather, which can affect operations times.   Confirm with the Visitor Centre prior to arrival.

Visit our Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus Information​​ webapge for more information about the shuttle bus route and times.

Private vehicle access

Limited private vehicle access and parking for Dove Lake is available outside shuttle bus operating hours. This includes nine private vehicle parking spaces and one disability parking space.

Campervans, motorhomes, caravans, trailers and similar vehicles are not permitted on Dove Lake Road at any time. Visitors with these types of vehicle will be required to park at the Visitor Centre to use the shuttle bus service to access the park.​

Private vehicle access is not permitted into the National Park during shuttle bus operating times.​

For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions:

 Dove Lake Shelter Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 199Kb)



Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

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​​​​​​​​​This is a designated Fuel Stove Only area and campfires are not permitted. Find out more information about the safe use of fuel-stoves in our national parks on the Fuel Stove Only Areas page.

Road access

For road closures, please visit Tasmania Police Community Alerts​. For condition advisories, contact the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre on 03 6492 1110.

All visitors should park at the visitor centre, validate their parks pass and organise a shuttle bus ticket to access the park​

Vehicle access into the park is only permitted outside of shuttle bus operating hours​. 

Limited parking is available at Dove Lake, Waldheim & Ronny Creek.

Visitor Centre and facilities

The visitor centre provides information on walks and other activities in the area, as well as sales of parks passes and a range of souvenirs. The Overland Track check-in counter is located inside the visitor centre.

The Cradle Mountain Interpretation Centre and Rangers Station is located just inside the national park entrance and features informative displays and an art gallery. The centre is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm (hours are extended during peak periods). 

Picnic shelters with electric barbecues are adjacent the interpretation centre and rangers s​tation. There are also picnic tables at Waldheim, Ronny Creek and Dove Lake. Food service is available at Cradle Mountain Café and Hotel, Cradle Mountain Lodge and Wilderness Village. Basic grocery items are available at the Discovery Holiday Parks reception.  

A 24 hour self-service fuel bowser is available for use by visitors, accepted payment methods are credit/debit cards only. Please note that fuel may not be available at all times. For further information regarding fuel, please enquire at the Cradle Mountain Café located opposite the Visitor Centre within the courtyard.​​

Recreational use of drones​ is not permitted in national parks and other reserves managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.​

Staying overnight?

The eight Waldheim Cabins provide simple and affordable lodgings where a number of great walking tracks leaving from your front door.​ Each cabin is equipped with electric heating, single bunk beds, basic cooking utensils, a small refrigerator, crockery, cutlery and a standard electric stove. Tap water at the cabins is not potable. Campervans, motorhomes, caravans, trailers and similar vehicles are not permitted on Dove Lake Road at any time​. Caravans and trailers may be un-hitched and parked in the main carpark at the Cradle Mountain visitor centre. There is an afterhours key collection service available.

Access to Waldheim Cabins is strongly encouraged outside of shuttle bus operating hours to ensure public safety; however, access will be permitted through the boom gate via authorised “swipe cards” which are programmed for set time periods if access is required during shuttle operating hours. If entering during operating hours, guests must only enter and exit the park with shuttle bus escort. Please speak to Visitor Centre staff on your arrival if entering during shuttle operating hours to receive instruction on how to follow entry and exit procedures.​

​For accommodation options in the Cradle Mountain area, see the Discover Tasmania website​.

Local guide

This local guide will help you find all the dining, takeaway options and activities to do while you in the Cradle Valley.

 Cradle Mountain local guide (PDF 197Kb)​

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​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.