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The iconic Cradle Mountain at sunset with organe fagus shattered over the mountain
Cradle Mountain fagus (photograph: Anthony Robertson)

FAQs - Shuttle changes from 15 November 2023

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Alerts for FAQs - Shuttle changes from 15 November 2023

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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.

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Last reviewed 4/9/2024 10:19 AM

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

About

​​​​Why are PWS introducing this fee? ​

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. 

Who will pay the fee?

​The fee applies to adults while passengers under the age of 18 will travel free and commences on 15 November 2023. 

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 transferable to other people.​

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.  ​​​

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 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.  

What are the shuttle bus hours of operation? 

Shuttle bus times are seasonal and subject to change. Confirm with the Visitor Centre prior to arrival.

  • Summer (1 October - 31 March) 8am to 6pm every 10 to 15 minutes
  • Winter (1 April – 30 September) 9am to 5pm every 15 to 20 minutes 

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 commercial operators need to pay this fee? 

Yes, if they use the shuttle bus.  The commencement date for commercial operators will be introduced in 2024 to provide time for operators to adopt the service fees into their business operations.  


​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?​

Vehicle 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? 

Yes, you will require a ticket, please visit the staff at the Visitor Centre when you arrive to pick up your keys during office hours. 

​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 at Dove Lake available outside shuttle bus operating hours. Please see our staff at the Visitor Centre for more information. 

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.


Who do I contact if I have questions?

​Please contact parkfees@parks.tas.gov.au​

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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.​

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.


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​.

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