How To Get To Cradle Mountain

Where is Cradle Mountain?

You will find Cradle Mountain in Tasmania’s northwest. It’s around 144km west of Launceston,  Tasmania’s second-biggest city. Cradle Mountain is part of the Central Highlands region, which is also known as the Lake Country of Tasmania (we’re sure you can guess why).

Getting to Cradle Mountain is straightforward, in spite of its remote location - it’s one of Tasmania’s most important national parks, after all. But do be prepared to drive a couple of hours from whichever city you start from. 

How Long Does It Take To Get To Cradle Mountain?

Launceston to Cradle Mountain: 2.5 hours
Hobart to Cradle Mountain: 4.5 hours
Devonport to Cradle Mountain: 1.5 hours
Burnie to Cradle Mountain: 1.25 hours
Coles Bay (Freycinet National Park) to Cradle Mountain: 5 hours
Lake St Clair to Cradle Mountain: 3.5 hours
(That’s right - Lake St Clair is in the same national park as Cradle Mountain and it takes 3.5 hours to drive between the two!)

From Mainland Australia & New Zealand

If you are travelling to Australia  and you want to visit Tasmania, you will have to start your journey from a major Australian city. New Zealand is the exception to this: Air New Zealand launched their direct Auckland to Hobart route in early 2021, which is fantastic news for Kiwis!

From mainland Australia, here are the 3 ways to get to Tasmania:

• Fly to Launceston (direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne  and Brisbane)
• Fly to Hobart (direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra, and Auckland)
• Sail from Melbourne to Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry

Which option should you choose for Cradle Mountain? It depends on which Australian city you are departing from. 

What is the closest airport to Cradle Mountain?

Burnie is the closest airport to Cradle Mountain with a drive time of 1.5 hours, but we recommend Launceston. 

Here’s why: There are frequent direct flights from Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas (cost effective) to Launceston from mainland Australia, while Burnie is only available from Melbourne. It may be further away from Cradle Mountain than Burnie  (2.5 hours drive),  but you have greater flexibility to work with your vacation itinerary.

From: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane

FLY LAUNCESTON and drive to CRADLE MOUNTAIN

Flight Duration:
Direct Sydney to Launceston: 1 hr 45 mins
Direct Melbourne to Launceston: 1 hrs 5 mins
Direct Brisbane to Launceston: 2 hrs 35 mins

The route from Launceston Airport to Cradle Mountain is well signposted - just pick up your hire car and hit the road. 

Follow the A1 from Launceston towards the North West Coast. At Elizabeth Town turn left (B13) towards Kimberley. Continue to Railton then turn left onto the (B14) to Sheffield. At Sheffield turn left (C136) following the signs to Cradle Mountain, crossing the Forth River at Cethana. At Moina turn left (C132). After approximately 20km turn left at the intersection to Cradle Mountain.

From: Adelaide, Perth, Canberra (and Auckland, New Zealand)

• Fly direct to Hobart, then drive to Cradle Mountain (4 hours drive)

There are no domestic flights between Hobart and Launceston so driving (or catching a bus) is your only option. We do not recommend self drive day trips from Hobart, although it is possible, it’s a long drive (8 hours driving return). But there are coach companies offering day trips from Hobart to Cradle Mountain, so you can relax in comfort and enjoy the journey. 

The Route from Hobart to Cradle Mountain

From Hobart take the Midlands Highway (A1) north towards Perth travelling through Campbell Town. Entering Campbell Town, you’ll turn left towards Longford (B52). When you reach Elizabeth Town turn left (B13) towards Kimberley, turning left onto the C156 towards Sheffield. Turn left at Sheffield (C136) following the signs to Cradle Mountain. Turn left onto the C132 at Moina - you’ll see the intersection for Cradle Mountain after approximately 20km.

• Connect with a flight to Launceston via Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane.

This is the more convenient way to get to Cradle Mountain if you don’t fancy the four-hour drive from Hobart.  [Simply follow the suggested route for driving from Launceston to Cradle Mountain.]

Getting To Cradle Mountain from Melbourne - Ferry & Car

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry ride is an iconic Australian journey across the Bass Strait (the sea which separates Tasmania from mainland Australia). It’s an overnight crossing from Melbourne to Devonport, with extra daytime crossings available from spring to autumn. Set sail at 7:30pm, grab an early night, and when you wake up in the morning you’re in Devonport, Tasmania. The ferry crossing takes 9-11 hours, so your journey will be longer. But it’s a more leisurely way to travel and you can bring your car too.

The Route from Devonport to Cradle Mountain (1.5 hours drive)

In Devonport, follow Formby Road, which runs alongside the Mersey River, towards Spreyton, where you will turn right on to the B14 to Sheffield. Drive through the town of Sheffield to reach the junction with the C136, turning right towards Moina and Cradle Mountain. Turn left onto the C132 at Moina - you’ll see the intersection for Cradle Mountain after approximately 20km.

Fitting Cradle Mountain into your Tasmania Self Drive Itinerary

Whether your Tasmania road trip is a point to point journey  (eg from Hobart to Launceston) or a circuit around the island, a visit to Cradle Mountain will slot in nicely. Our Itinerary Library is packed with ideas for you - here are some examples of how to do it:

8 Day Lap of Luxury Tasmania Tour (arriving and departing Hobart)
With 3 nights in Hobart, 2 nights at Cradle Mountain and 2 nights in stunning Freycinet National Park, this indulgent 8-day Tasmania itinerary showcases 3 very diverse and iconic areas: rugged mountains, dramatic coastline and a vibrant capital city. 

8 day Tasmania Wildlife Self Drive Tour (Launceston to Hobart)
Discover the "Wild Side" of Tasmania on an 8 day spectacular wildlife road trip, taking you to Tasmanian icons such as Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, Mt Field National Park and Tasmania’s diverse natural environment – a perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife including marsupials, birds and marine mammals.

12 Day Complete Tasmania Itinerary (arriving and departing Hobart)
This 12 day Tasmania circuit explores Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Launceston, the Bay of Fires and the stunning Freycinet National Park. Taste gourmet food and wine, and take a step back in time at Port Arthur.

14 Day Top Tasmanian Getaway (Launceston to Hobart)
This 14 day Tasmanian getaway takes in the untouched beaches along the east coast, the rugged wilderness of the west and must-see attractions including Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires, and the Tarkine Wilderness.

The Basics

Visitor Fees

Like all Tasmanian National Parks, you’ll need to pay the entry fee either online or on arrival at the Visitor Centre. For a day trip, this is currently $25 AUD for adults, $10 AUD for children or $60 AUD for a family pass (2 adults and 3 children). Entry is free for children aged 5 and under.

If you’re spending a few days at Cradle Mountain, or if you intend to visit several National Parks while in Tasmania, a National Parks Holiday Pass offers good value. The pass is valid for 2 months and includes entry to all Tasmanian National Parks.

Transport within the National Park

You cannot drive within Cradle Mountain National Park during opening hours, so the Cradle Mountain Shuttle bus is the best way to explore. It leaves from the Visitors Centre around every 15 minutes, stopping at all the parks main destinations including the Interpretation Centre, Dove Lake and Ronny’s Creek. You will receive your shuttle bus ticket when you pay your entry fee - it’s included in the price.

Highly Recommended Cradle Mountain Experiences & Activities

Whether you visit Cradle Mountain for a day trip, a romantic weekend or an off-grid week in the wilderness, here are some great things you can do here:

1 Day at Cradle Mountain, and you can…

Stroll along the Enchanted Walk A short but wonderfully sweet little stroll among fern-lined streams and moss-covered rainforest. This flat and easy 1km loop takes just 20 minutes to walk from Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Walk the Dove Lake Circuit The track around Dove Lake is one of Tasmania’s top nature walks. It meanders around the lake and under the mountain before emerging into a gorgeous rainforest. Mainly flat, the 6km circuit takes 2-3 hours to complete.

Admire the Iconic Dove Lake Boat Shed One of the most instagrammable spots in the Park, the picturesque Dove Lake Boat Shed is a real highlight of the Dove Lake Circuit walk. 

Climb to Marion’s Lookout A demanding 8km walk, this steep ascent to Marion’s Lookout includes a few sections with chains to help you pull yourself up. But with panoramic views of the mountain ranges and 3 stunning lakes along the way, it’s an unforgettable journey that’s worth the effort. 

Meet a Tasmanian Devil They snarl, they scream, and they like to sneeze before a fight. Meet the world’s largest marsupial at the Devils@Cradle sanctuary - their manners are unusual but they’re guaranteed to win your heart!

1 weekend at Cradle Mountain, and you can…

Hike to the Summit of Cradle Mountain This steep, rocky 8-hour journey is not for the faint-hearted. But you’ll be rewarded with extraordinary views over the rugged mountains, lakes and forests that make up a landscape like no other.

Soak in a Spa Overlooking the Forest After all that hiking, soothe your tired muscles at the Waldheim Alpine Spa. While you indulge, you’re surrounded by towering King Billy Pine trees outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Heavenly.

Take a Cradle Mountain Canyoning Adventure vCraving adrenalin? A full or half-day canyoning adventure will have you leaping from waterfalls, lowering yourself down cliff faces and sliding down rocky natural waterslides to float in the canyon below. No canyoning experience necessary, but a decent level of fitness is recommended.

See Tasmanian Devils Enjoying A Night-Time Feeding Frenzy Tassie Devils can eat up to half their own bodyweight in 30 minutes, so feeding time is not a dull affair. Being nocturnal animals, dark evenings are the best time to see them at their most active on an informative After Dark Tour at the Devils@cradle sanctuary. 

1 week at Cradle Mountain and you can...

Trek the Overland Track If you have a spare 6 days and a good level of bushwalking experience, this 65km alpine walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is nothing short of spectacular. Thousands of hikers challenge themselves to walk the Overland each year - why not pack your tent and join them?

Tickle your Tastebuds on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail The Cradle To Coast Tasting Trail has been created to help you discover the delicious produce of the North West region. From juicy farm-fresh berries to salmon farms and single malt distilleries, the area around Cradle Mountain is packed with gourmet delights you shouldn’t miss.

Explore the Cradle Mountain Region on Horseback Trek through alpine, eucalypt and myrtle forests and across buttongrass plains, admiring the views with your trusty steed. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced rider, Cradle Country Adventures has a horse-riding adventure to suit your level, including multi-day rides to really get you off the beaten track.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect Tasmania Vacation? See our most popular self drive itineraries here

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