Visiting Cradle Mountain in Winter

What to expect in Cradle Mountain during winter

Winter in Cradle Mountain is between June and September. During this period there is lots of rain, snow, and low temperatures. However, it’s also a time to experience this magical wilderness at arguably its most magical. 

You can avoid the larger crowds of other months, and you get to see Cradle Mountain’s stunning landscapes in a beautifully majestic, snow-draped light. Better yet, most of the activities, walking trails, and wildlife-viewing opportunities that attract visitors during the warmer months are available to enjoy all throughout winter at Cradle Mountain.

What is the weather like at Cradle Mountain in winter?

Winter rain and snow at Cradle Mountain

Winter is wet in Cradle Mountain, with all of July, August and September typically having higher levels of precipitation, rainfall, wet days, and snowfall than any other month of the year (and June not too far behind them). August is the wettest month of the year, with about 18 days of rain or snow, on average, and well over 200 mm (8 inches) of rain. July and September have similarly high levels of precipitation, although a lot of this falls as snow rather than rain. 

In addition, bear in mind that the Cradle Mountain region covers a very diverse landscape. Therefore, different parts of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park experience different microclimates and localised weather conditions. So while it might be wet and rainy in one part of the park, it could be crisp, clear and dry in another!

Winter temperatures at Cradle Mountain

In terms of temperature, the average daily high in Cradle Mountain is around 8°C (46.4°F) throughout winter overall, with average lows around 2°C (35.6°F). July is typically the coldest month, although nighttime temperatures can dip below freezing during other winter months, too.

The most important thing to keep in mind during winter at Cradle Mountain, especially if you’re going into the higher areas, is that this is an alpine environment. That means the weather conditions can change quickly. Be sure to check the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website for the most accurate, up-to-date forecasts and conditions.

Best Cradle Mountain winter activities 

Soaking up the scenery while soaking in a tub

The snow that winter brings to Cradle Mountain adds a touch of magic to the region’s already-stunning landscapes. From the snow-capped summits of Cradle Mountain and Mt. Ossa to the snow-covered boardwalks and fields of Cradle Mountain’s walkways, keeping an eye out for burrowing wombats waddling through the snow, there’s plenty of winter scenery to enjoy. One of the best ways to take in the cool scenery is from the warm comfort of a hot tub or luxury spa, several of which are offered by Cradle Mountain hotels and accommodation providers.

Winter walks at Cradle Mountain 

The winter does little to dampen the main appeal for most visitors to Cradle Mountain National Park: world-class hiking trails. With the addition of snowy landscapes and some stunning natural light effects, you might even get a better Instagram shot or lasting memory than in other months. The Dove Lake Circuit is a particularly popular winter trail, since its location at the base of Cradle Mountain makes it a bit more immune to snow and colder temperatures than the higher altitudes, while it still covers a decent distance. For those only wanting to go outside for shorter winter bursts, the Enchanted Forest Walk and Pencil Pine Falls trails can each be done within half an hour from the village, or the famed King Billy Pine Track takes only a little longer.

Warming meals, wine and whisky 

With Cradle Mountain restaurants sourcing a lot of superb local Tasmanian produce from nearby, winter can be a great time to settle in and savour some delicious food and drink. Curl up by the fireside with a heartwarming Cradle Coast Pinot Noir or a local Tasmanian whisky, or dine out on some exquisite local lamb, truffles, or artisan cheeses. If you want to trace it straight to the source, winter is also a great time to enjoy the fabulous Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. If you’re feeling extra festive and/or in need of some holiday cheer, the Cradle Mountain Hotel even puts on a fabulous mid-winter Christmas feast every July!

Take a majestic winter cruise on Lake St. Clair

Walking isn’t the only way to get yourself to a good vantage point for enjoying Cradle Mountain’s stunning winter landscapes. Instead, you can take advantage of fabulous ferry and cruise services across the ‘sleeping waters’ of Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St. Clair (Leeawuleena), situated in the southern part of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. 

Services generally run between Echo Point, Cynthia Bay and Narcissus. Getting out onto the lake offers a prime, undisturbed perspective in many directions: back towards the snowy dolerite ridges of Mt. Olympus and the glacier-carved peaks of Mt. Byron and the Traveller Range; the Narcissus wetlands with their stunning backdrop of the Gould Plateau (a favoured habitat of Cradle Mountain’s elusive platypus); or the snowy-tree-lined moraines of the Franklin Beaches and entangling headwaters of the Derwent Valley. 

Cuddle up with Tasmanian wildlife

Cradle Mountain is a haven for lots of local wildlife, and don’t worry – they’re used to the colder, wetter conditions of winter. In fact, winter can be the best time to spot some of Tasmania’s most famous and rarest wildlife, given that fewer humans around means some of Cradle Mountain’s shyest creatures are more likely to venture out. 

None is more elusive than the platypus, which can occasionally be spotted near riverbanks and waterways (particularly in the southern areas of the national park, around Lake St. Clair). Closer to the Cradle Mountain visitor centre and Cradle Mountain village, you can frequently see snow-dusted wombats burrowing and wobbling around, as well as curious echidnas foraging for worms, their thick coat and protruding spikes showing they aren’t to be deterred by the weather. The best way to see the world-renowned Tasmanian devil up close is at the wonderful Devils @ Cradle conservation centre, open year-round.

Extra tips for visiting Cradle Mountain during winter

Check the forecasts

As mentioned above, weather can change quickly in the mountains. Particularly during winter, it’s wise to be up to date with the latest weather forecasts and conditions from official sources (like the Australian government’s Cradle Valley forecast). 

Driving in Cradle Mountain in winter

Similarly, the snow in and around Cradle Mountain can occasionally lead to roads being blocked and/or closed on the way in. This won’t stop your visit –  it just might take some rerouting or manoeuvring. Again, check the official Tasmania Police Community Alerts page for any official road closures. You don’t need to worry about driving inside the national park, as the free (with a Parks Pass) shuttle bus service will get you anywhere you need to go.

If you like the sound of seeing Cradle Mountain in winter and want to start planning your trip now, check out First Light Travel’s range of Tasmania self-drive tours and other detailed information about visiting Tasmania on their website. If you want to design your own Tasmanian winter tour itinerary, simply contact FLT directly and they can help you put it together, free of charge.