Cradle Mountain

With the distinctive silhouette of Cradle Mountain rising behind its tannin-stained waters, Dove Lake has become one of Tasmania's most recognisable views. On a still morning, the reflections in the lake are spectacular, while the changing weather can give the mountain an entirely different personality throughout the day.

The Dove Lake Circuit is the classic way to experience the area, taking you around the lake through a changing landscape of rainforest, buttongrass and alpine vegetation. Allow roughly two to three hours for the entire circuit or walk as far as you feel comfortable with before retracing your steps.

A visit to Devils@Cradle offers the chance to see two of Tasmania's most famous native carnivores while learning about the conservation challenges facing them. The sanctuary, located close to the Cradle Mountain park entrance, is dedicated to the protection and breeding of Tasmanian devils and spotted-tailed quolls.

During a visit, you can learn about the threats facing wild Tasmanian devils, including devil facial tumour disease, and discover how conservation programs are helping maintain healthy populations. We’d highly recommend joining an After Dark Feeding Tour when these nocturnal animals are at their most active. 

• Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 daily

• Entrance fee: $27.50 for adults and $15 for children (under 4s are free)

When the weather turns sour or you simply want a break from walking, the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery provides a great alternative. Located at Cradle Mountain Hotel, the gallery celebrates Tasmania's wild landscapes through rotating exhibitions of paintings and photographic works. 

The gallery also features a permanent collection dedicated to the work of renowned Tasmanian wilderness photographer Peter Dombrovskis. His powerful images played an important role in raising awareness of Tasmania's wild places and their conservation. A small cinema and gift shop add to the experience.

• Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 daily

• Entrance fee: Free

Hidden among the forest near Ronny Creek, Waldheim Chalet is an important part of Cradle Mountain's story. Gustav and Kate Weindorfer built the original chalet in 1912 and became passionate advocates for protecting the area's unique landscapes. Their vision helped pave the way for the establishment of what would eventually become Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

The original building was lost to fire in 1974, but a carefully recreated chalet now stands on the historic site. Inside, displays and photographs tell the story of the Weindorfers, their life in the wilderness and their efforts to ensure Cradle Mountain would be protected for future generations.

After spending a day hiking through Cradle Mountain's rugged landscapes, you can retreat to the warmth of the Waldheim Alpine Spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Surrounded by native forest, this idyllic setting is undeniably peaceful for indulging in a massage, facial or wellness package. You don't have to be staying at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge to book a treatment, although advance reservations are recommended.

• Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 daily

Cradle Mountain boasts lots of short walks that offer a taste of Tasmania’s wilderness. The Rainforest Walk is one of the quickest, taking around 10 minutes and leading to a viewpoint overlooking Pencil Pine Falls. A little longer is the Enchanted Walk, which follows Pencil Pine Creek through button grass, myrtle forest and eucalypt woodland.

The 2-kilometre King Billy Track is ideal for seeing some of the area’s impressive King Billy pines, while the Waterfalls Walk visits both Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls.

If you’re looking to venture further into Cradle Mountain National Park, there are plenty of longer walks on offer. The 7.5-kilometre trail to Marion’s Lookout is one of the most rewarding, delivering breathtaking views across Dove Lake. More challenging is Cradle Summit, a 12.8-kilometre hike that offers spectacular panoramas across the rugged peaks and lakes of the national park.

If you don’t want a strenuous climb, the Cradle Valley Boardwalk follows a picturesque 6-kilometre route from the Interpretation Centre past Ronny Creek towards Dove Lake. The Dove Canyon Track is another three-hour option, winding through temperate rainforest and rocky canyon scenery.

Perhaps the most popular walk in the park is the 6-kilometre Dove Lake Circuit, which winds between temperature rainforests and sub-alpine vegetation. For a quieter experience, the Crater Lake Circuit passes alpine lakes, pandani and sassafras forests along its 5.7-kilometre route.

For an immersive wilderness experience, the Overland Track is Tasmania’s most famous multi-day hike. Stretching 65 kilometres from Ronny Creek at Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, this iconic route takes around six days to complete and passes through some of the island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. 

Basic huts and tent platforms provide places to camp along the way, but walkers need to be fully self-sufficient and carry their own food and equipment. The Overland Track is particularly popular during the peak walking season from 1 October to 31 May, when bookings are essential.