Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain lies in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). Nature experiences range from views of Cradle Mountain along the Dove Lake Track to a multi-day hike on the Overland Track. Wildlife and informative exhibitions are also among the options available here. As you plan your trip, you can consider whether to combine individual nature and cultural experiences or focus on a longer hike.

Experience nature and wildlife

The national park near Cradle Mountain offers the chance to spot Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypuses, echidnas, wombats and black currawongs. The different animals make the park’s wildlife a focus in its own right, alongside its landscapes. If wildlife particularly interests you, you can make it a priority in your plans; if you mainly want to hike, the Dove Lake Track and the Overland Track offer two very different options.

The Dove Lake Track offers views of Cradle Mountain and passes through the peaceful Ballroom Forest. It combines views of the mountain with a walk through the forest. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether these experiences or a multi-day hike better suit your interests.

Exhibitions and getting your bearings

The Cradle Mountain Interpretation Centre and Rangers Station features informative exhibitions and an art gallery. If you’re interested in exhibitions or art as well as nature experiences, you can include a visit in your plans.

The shuttle bus is also useful for getting around the area: it departs from the Visitor Centre and stops at the Interpretation Centre and Ranger Station, Snake Hill, Ronny Creek and Dove Lake. These stops give you specific points of reference for planning your visit. As you plan your trip, you can first check which of these stops are important to your interests.

A hike or other priorities?

The Overland Track is an 80 km hike from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair that takes 5–6 days. Its duration, length and route make it very different from a visit focused on the Dove Lake Track, wildlife or exhibitions. If you’re considering a longer hike, you can take the route and duration into account as key details when planning your trip. Other travel plans offer their own points of interest among the experiences described, without making the Overland Track the benchmark for every visit.

The Cradle Mountain Gateway Village Precinct is the area’s visitor and service hub. This adds a distinct point of reference to the nature and hiking experience.

Find more town pages here: Carrick, Howth, Rowella, Dunalley, Wilmot, Moina, Bothwell and Ellendale.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.