Views from the summit of Cradle Mountain, a vast expanse of alpine mountain peaks and valleys
Views from the summit of Cradle Mountain (photograph: Cam Blake)
60 Great Short Walks

Cradle Summit

Find out more
8 hrs return, 12.8km, 600m climb in elevation. Walk includes crossing large rocks
Grade 5: Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.
Supervise children. Tracks are subject to severe weather conditions – weather may change quickly.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
The Cradle Summit walk can be started from either the Ronny Creek or Dove Lake carparks at Cradle Mountain, at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

About

​​Time of day, weather conditions and fitness of party should be kept in mind when choosing tracks for the trip. If in doubt, check with staff at the visitor centre.​

This is a long, steep and sometimes difficult track to the summit of a beautifully picturesque mountain. Walkers should have good all-weather gear, food and water, and be prepared for some steep, exposed scrambling. The walk is not suitable when windy, snowy or rainy weather is forecast. If in doubt, stop in at the visitor centre and ask the advice of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service staff.

On a clear day the rewards for the effort of this climb are considerable, with magnificent views over dozens of mountains and lakes.