Cradle Mountain really lives up to the hype! We spent a couple of days hiking there and it absolutely delivered. 

The area is absolutely stunning and there’s wildlife everywhere, especially wombats (sunset is unreal for spotting them).

It’s very much a hiking-focused stop, you’re here to walk, soak up the scenery, and cop a bit of leg burn. There are heaps of hikes for all levels, some are family-friendly while others are not. 

So, we recommend thinking about which walks you want to do before getting there. 

These are the hikes we did and 100% recommend: 

• Dove Lake Circuit: 6km loop, 2-3 hours. One of the easiest walks in the area, very flat, with the classic Cradle Mountain views. Great option for sunset.

• Marion’s Lookout: 7.5 km return, 3-4 hours. A bit steep and there’s some scrambling involved, but one of the best viewpoints without doing the full summit.

• Cradle Mountain Summit. 12.8 km return, 8-10 hours. Very taxing hike, both mentally and physically. Lots of scrambling, incredible views but only for fit hikers.

If you’re doing the summit, definitely plan for some time to recover afterwards! We were dead by the end of that one LOL, it took us a few days to recover. 

HOW LONG TO STAY?
3 days at least, 1 extra if you want to do the summit. The weather up there changes fast so you’ll want flexibility in case it rains or snows (can happen at any time of the year).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

We recommend summer, especially if you want to do the summit.

Not that you can’t visit outside of those months, but the weather determines everything up there and it changes quickly! Bad weather can force you to cancel the summit hike due to safety issues.

Summer gives you the best odds of great weather, but know that it can even rain or snow at any time of the year. 

GETTING THERE & MOVING AROUND

• From Hobart: ~4.5-hour drive.

• From Devonport (ferry terminal): ~1.5-hour drive.

For getting around, you have to use the park shuttle buses during the day. It’s an extra cost on top of the Park Pass.

You can drive your car there but outside the shuttle operating hours (no motorhomes). We did this at 4 am to see the sunrise, it was incredible and definitely worth the early alarm.

More info on the shuttle bus here.

TRAVELLING WITH DOGS
Dogs sadly are not allowed anywhere in the park or on the walking tracks.

ACCOMMODATION

You can stay inside the park at Waldheim Cabins, but they’re extremely limited and hard to book.

So most people stay in the small settlement just outside the park. There are loads of options, here are some of our picks:

• Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain. Best option for campers and vans, powered sites, hot showers, very close to the park entrance.

• Cradle Mountain Hotel. Comfortable and popular stay with a great restaurant.

• Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Luxury option surrounded by bushland, perfect if you want comfort after big hike days.