Cradle Mountain (Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park)
Cradle Mountain is the iconic place in Central Tasmania with stunning wilderness of exceptional natural beauty and a place for all seasons.
Cradle mountain
This is situated at 2hr distance from Launceston. Cradle Mountain range is part of Lake St Clair National Park.
This is walkers paradise with variety of walks both short and long 7 day Overland circuit. The vegetation is rich and as a result has a abundance wildlife including Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna and several bird species.You are sure to spot any of the above wildlife on any walk.
The visitor information center at the base of Cradle mountain is very handy and has a cafe, a store with basic amenities. You can purchase national park pass from here or online. The shuttle service runs every 10 mins from visitor information center to Various walk bases b/w 8 am to 7pm (8 am to 5pm in winter). The shuttle bus stops at 4 main bus stops- Interpretation Center /Ranger Station, Snake Hill, Ronny Creek and Dove Lake. Private vehicle can go till Ronny Creek before and after shuttle service starts for the day.
Cradle Mountain Circuit Cradle Mountain Map
Enchanted Circuit
There are various walks for family too ranging from 10 min to 40min return. The most popular among them is Enchanted walk. This is a 20 min circuit on well carved boardwalk with wheelchair access and special places just for children on the way. Get down the shuttle at Interpretation center and Ranger Station and go over Pencil Pine bridge to start the walk. This walk has got everything one look for a refreshing walk mossy rain forest, creek, cascade fall. Its truly a enchanted walk. One can easily find wombat and Pademelon.
Cascade Falls Enchanted walk Enchanted walk board Pencil pine creek Enchanted Walk Crossover bridge Mossy forest Mossy tree Mossy Forest walk
Dove Lake Circuit
The other popular walk is a Dove Lake with Instagram worthy boathouse photo. The shuttle service goes till Dove lake carpark. One can do the full lake circuit 2-3hr return or can do short walk till boat house and few look out points on the way.
Crater Circuit
There are other lake circuit walks mostly starting from Ronny creek and requires a moderate level of fitness. You can experience the rugged , colorful breathtaking scenery, echidnas and magnificent wilderness. The popular ones are Crater Circuit, Lake Lilla Track, Marions Lookout where one can view both the lakes from Top. When you start from Ronny Creek you can chose a different return path which will cover Crater lake, woombat pool, lake Lilla and Dove lake.
Note: The toilets are at Visitor information center and at all places of shuttle service stop i.e. at Ranger Station, Ronny creek and Dove lake. One must carry water for drinking as there isnt any refill station.Also carry appropriate clothing as the weather changes quickly and it can get too windy , rainy or warm.
There are few accommodation options Cradle Mountain Lodge, Highlander , Discoverypark and food options with a high end restaurant Peppers and Tavern Bistro . You can also take part in Tasmanian Devil feeding.
