It is recommended that all visitors undertaking the Overland Track purchase the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair map and notes (1:100 000 TASMAP) before you depart.
Cradle Mountain is located at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is 1.5 hours drive from Devonport and 2.5 hours drive from Launceston via Sheffield. From Sheffield, take the C136 and C132 to the park entrance.
There is no direct road link through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to join the two ends of the park.
The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Transit Terminal is the departure point for the Dove Lake shuttle bus. The shuttle bus service aims to protect the important values of the World Heritage Area and preserve the visitor experience by limiting vehicle numbers in the park.
A valid shuttle bus service ticket is required prior to boarding the Dove Lake shuttle bus. To obtain a shuttle bus ticket please present your valid National Parks Pass to Parks and Wildlife staff in the visitor centre. The shuttle service operates seven days a week, free of charge.
A new fleet of larger hybrid diesel/electric shuttle buses have been introduced to increase carrying capacity and meet Disability Discrimination Act 1992 legislation for public transport at Cradle Mountain.
Visitors are advised that private vehicle access between the visitor centre and Dove Lake/Ronny Creek (along Dove Lake Road) is not permitted during shuttle bus operating times.
The restriction for private vehicles will generally occur between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm each day over the winter period - 1 April to 30 September; and 8:00am to 6:00pm over summer - 1 October to 31 March.
Please Note: Dove Lake car park restrictions due to shelter construction
During the construction of the new Dove Lake viewing shelter from May 2020 to July 2021 there is no private vehicle access beyond the Ronny Creek car park to Dove Lake.
Visitors are permitted to drive private vehicles to Ronny Creek before or after shuttle bus operating hours, however using the shuttle bus service is strongly encouraged.
The shuttle bus service will continue to operate on a frequent timetable during the peak periods throughout the construction. See the Frequently Asked Questions to understand further details regarding the works and access.
Overland Track
Organising transport to and from the Overland Track requires forward planning. Explore your transport options before you book your walk. Most walkers plan a spare day for transport / logistics either side of their departure date.
Bus
Transport to and from Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair visitor centres is available all year from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. Check with the operators listed in Plan your trip for chartered services.
Ferry at Lake St Clair
If you plan to finish your walk at Narcissus, and catch the ferry across Lake St Clair to the visitor centre at Cynthia Bay, you need to book the ferry before you commence your Overland Track walk. The ferry is privately run. A fee applies.
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.