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When planning a trip to Tasmania, one of the hardest decisions is which destinations to include. Cradle Mountain isn’t the easiest spot to reach, so you may wonder: is Cradle Mountain really worth visiting?
After visiting several times, my answer is yes – especially if you love nature, hiking, and unique landscapes. But it does depend on what kind of traveller you are. In this article, I’ll share what makes Cradle Mountain special, practical tips for your visit, and how many days you should plan to spend there.
Is Cradle Mountain worth visiting? The short answer
Yes, Cradle Mountain is absolutely worth visiting if you enjoy:
- Stunning alpine landscapes that are rare in Australia
- Hiking trails for all levels, from easy boardwalks to challenging peaks
- Spotting wombats and other native wildlife in the wild
- Escaping into well-protected wilderness
However, it may not be the right choice if you’re mainly interested in beaches, city breaks, or you don’t enjoy cooler weather and outdoor activities.
Six things that make Cradle Mountain so special
In a nutshell, Cradle Mountain is heaven for nature lovers, with unique wildlife and spectacular landscapes you won’t find elsewhere in Australia. The national park offers many opportunities to connect with nature, no matter your fitness or adventure level.
1. A rare alpine environment in Australia
Australia is famous for its beaches, but alpine landscapes are much harder to come by. Cradle Mountain offers distinctive flora, glacial lakes, and crisp mountain air that feel very different from the rest of the country.
It’s also one of the coldest places in Australia, which can be a bonus in summer. I love the heat (that’s why I live in Brisbane!), so the chilly conditions felt unusual – not always in a positive way! The weather and temperature in Tasmania are unpredictable year-round, so make sure you pack layers and check the forecast before you go.
2. An iconic summit
Cradle Mountain itself is a striking sight, visible from many trails in the park. You don’t need to climb it to appreciate its beauty, but if you do attempt the summit walk or a nearby peak, come prepared. You’ll need plenty of water, snacks, suitable footwear, and multiple layers of clothing. The visitor centre provides excellent advice on choosing the right trail based on the day’s conditions.
3. Cute wildlife
One of the highlights of visiting Cradle Mountain is the chance to see wombats, particularly in the late afternoon near Ronny Creek. These wild animals aren’t bothered by visitors, making it one of the best places in Australia for wildlife spotting.
Responsible travel tip: Never feed or touch wildlife. It is dangerous for them (and potentially for you) and can make them sick. The wombats are cute and come very close, but as tempting as it may be, you should never pet wildlife.
4. Accessible, well-protected wilderness
Despite its wild feel, Cradle Mountain is surprisingly accessible. A large car park and shuttle buses make it easy to reach different trailheads, and there are options for visitors with limited mobility. On a clear day, you can enjoy sweeping views of untouched landscapes with hardly a sign of human development.
5. Activities for all fitness levels
You don’t need to be an experienced hiker or avid adventurer to enjoy Cradle Mountain. There’s a wide range of things to do:
- Visitor and Interpretation Centres: Learn about the park’s flora and fauna through interactive displays and videos (at the car park or accessible by bus)
- Hiking: From short boardwalks like the Enchanted Walk to the challenging Overland Track, there are trails for everyone.
- Canyoning: A thrilling way to explore, though the cold deterred me from trying it here.
- Kayaking: Paddle across Dove Lake for a different perspective on the mountain.
- Helicopter tours: Ideal if you prefer to see the scenery without hiking.
- Guided wildlife walks: Great for spotting animals that are harder to find on your own.
6. Memorable accommodations
Accommodation inside Cradle Mountain National Park is limited but stunning – think cosy chalets and cabins with spas surrounded by nature. Sadly, it was fully booked during our visit, but it’s worth planning ahead to stay overnight. Waking up in the park gives you the best chance of spotting nocturnal wildlife.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a comfortable room with a spa in the middle of nature to recover from walking all day? We could only dream of it! I’ve included more accommodation tips below.
Did you find Cradle Mountain worth visiting? Share your experience in the comments below!
How many days do you need at Cradle Mountain?
If you’re wondering whether Cradle Mountain is worth visiting overnight, the answer is yes. Staying in the park makes the experience even more special, especially for wildlife spotting.
I recommend at least two days (one night) to enjoy the highlights without rushing. If you’d like to explore the southern section of the park around Lake St Clair, add another day, as it takes about three hours to drive from the northern part of the park to the southern part. We preferred the northern part, but friends highly recommended the Mount Rufus walk in the southern part if you’re headed that way.
It is possible to visit Cradle Mountain in a single day, but you’ll need to prioritise. The Dove Lake Circuit (about three hours) is a great starting point, and I’d add the Enchanted Walk and a stop at Ronny Creek to look for wombats.
Some travellers wonder if Cradle Mountain is worth visiting as a day trip from Launceston – it’s possible, but you’ll get a much better experience if you stay overnight. For a day trip from Launceston, consider joining a tour so you can relax instead of driving.
Where to stay near Cradle Mountain
Book as early as possible, especially if you’re visiting in peak season.
- Inside the park: Cradle Mountain Hotel, Cradle Mountain Highlanders (spa cabins), and Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (self-contained or group); all of these were fully booked when we organised our trip.
- Nearby options: Moina (20 km away) offers good alternatives like Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat and Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley.
- Camping: Discovery Parks is the only campsite inside the park, though it’s basic and pricey. You can check WikiCamp, CamperMate and Hipcamp for cheaper campsites outside the park.
If you’re new to Hipcamp, here’s a coupon code that will give you (and me!) $10 credit for your first stay: ELOISET668EFD.
How to get to Cradle Mountain
There are two main access points:
- North (most popular, one of the most visited places in Tasmania): where you’ll see the iconic mountain, about 1hr15 minutes from Devonport or two hours from Launceston.
- South (Lake St Clair): home to Australia’s deepest glacial lake, about 2.5 hours from Hobart or Launceston, and three hours from the north.
Unless you’re on a tour, you’ll need your own vehicle. From the main car park, shuttle buses run to different parts of the park, making it easy to do one-way hikes.
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