Things to do in Cradle Mountain

Go walking, hiking or trekking

Cradle Mountain is an absolute paradise for wilderness walks and hiking trails. Whether you want to set aside a full day, multiple days, a few hours, or 20 minutes, there’s a range of great walking trails to suit any Tasmanian holiday itinerary. The fabulous Waterfalls Walk and Enchanted Forest Trail start directly from the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre, each giving you a taste of Cradle Mountain’s lush forest and cascading waterfalls in well under an hour. Further into the national park, the 6 km Dove Lake Circuit is famous for its iconic Boatshed and fabulous wildlife viewing, while the 9 km Crater Lake Loop offers sensational views over the entire region and the challenging Dove Canyon Track throws in some rock scrambling, canyoning, and steep up-and-down elevation for good measure. For those with more time, the 8-hour Cradle Summit and Hansons Peak Loop and the world-famous, 80 km, 6-day Overland Track reveal the full beauty and richness of Cradle Mountain wilderness walks.

Spot rare and endangered local wildlife

Tasmania is a haven for nature-lovers, and Cradle Mountain is a particularly good place for spotting Tasmanian wildlife. Most famous of all is the iconic Tasmanian Devil, which you can meet at the excellent Devils @ Cradle conservation centre. Wobbly wombats and spiky echidnas are two other unique Australian creatures who can be spotted just a short walk or shuttle trip inside Cradle Mountain National Park, around Ronny Creek, Dove Lake and Wombat Pool. Those venturing further into the wilderness or deeper into Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park may encounter everything from the elusive platypus to the impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest bird of prey. Even just sitting on the balcony behind the shop at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, though, you can see wallabies, pademelons, rosellas, wombats, and a range of other local wildlife. 

See Lake St. Clair

Often playing second fiddle to its northern neighbour inside the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Australia’s deepest lake can certainly stand on its own two feet in terms of attracting visitors to Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Packed with a range of fantastic hiking trails both short and long, the area around Lake St. Clair offers some of the best views in the region. If you’d prefer to experience them from on the water, then take the wonderful ferry service around Cynthia Bay and Narcissus Bay. For visiting wildlife lovers, Lake St. Clair is home to the best spot for seeing the most elusive of Tasmania’s renowned wildlife inhabitants at the aptly named Platypus Bay.

Relax – Massage & Spa

Cradle Mountain isn’t only about getting out and about to enjoy the wilderness and scenery. Why not take it easy and enjoy the stunning surroundings from the relaxing comfort of an alpine spa? Thanks to The Retreat Spa (at Cradle Mountain Hotel) and Waldheim Alpine Spa (at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge) you can do this whether you’re a paying hotel/lodge guest or not. If you want to go all-out on self care, relaxation or pampering yourself, then both spas offer different options for full-day treatments, saunas, massages and other packages, while Cradle Mountain Massage (on Cradle Mountain Road near Black Bog) specialise in relaxing and recovery massages. The perfect way to relax after a Cradle Mountain hike!

See the scenery from above: Helicopter tour

Cradle Mountain’s main attraction is surely its stunning scenery, and taking a scenic helicopter ride above the national park is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Offering unrivalled, unhindered views across the region’s many sweeping mountains, forests and lakes, Cradle Mountain Helicopters provide a range of different flight options: from the popular 20-minute Cradle Mountain and Fury Gorge Adventure to the hour-long Overland Adventure Flight towards the “Wall in the Wilderness”. 

See the stunning views on horseback

We know that hiking up hills isn’t everybody’s thing – but getting the most sweeping views across Barn Bluff, Black Bluff, Mt. Roland and Cradle Mountain isn’t reserved for those who choose to walk to a higher viewpoint. Cradle Country Adventures offer an awesome 4-hour guided horseback ride up to the top of Speeler Plain. It’s a unique and relaxing way to take in the stunning surrounds of the wilderness area. The trek follows a riding track through the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area, passing through alpine eucalypt forest and myrtle rainforest on its way up to the Speeler Plain vantage point.

Go canyoning

For visitors who want to get a bit of adrenaline or excitement on an active holiday at Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain Canyons have a range of options. From family-friendly, easy introductions to canyoning in the mellow Lost World Canyon, to abseiling into Dove Canyon and sliding down the 10-metre high “Laundry Chute” natural slide or taking on the challenge of a full day launching yourself off waterfalls and over obstacles through beautiful Phoenix Gorge. No canyoning experience is required, and only a decent level of fitness and swimming ability for most tour options. It’s a fun day out for families or thrill-seekers alike! 

Kayak or canoe across Dove Lake

Dove Lake is at the heart of Cradle Mountain’s renowned wilderness hiking area, and it is often overlooked by visitors “passing through” on their way towards the national park’s many renowned hiking trails. However, take the time to paddle out onto the lake and you’ll get to enjoy the spectacular landscapes from an entirely different perspective. There are a number of different tour options and vessel types, ranging from short trips to longer days out exploring more nooks and crannies, keeping an eye out for local wildlife residents!

Support local artists

Cradle Mountain isn’t only about the wildlife and the wilderness. If you want to support local artists and see some creations inspired by the stunning surroundings, then the Wilderness Gallery (beside Cradle Mountain Hotel) is a great place to get a glimpse of the more creative side of Cradle Mountain. 

Go fishing

Whether you’re an experienced fisher, looking for a relaxing day out or wanting to try your hand at catching your own food, Cradle Mountain has a surprising number of opportunities for fly-fishing and trout fishing in its lakes and rivers. Renowned fly-fishing spots for expert anglers include Lake Lea, the Vale River, and Talbots Lagoon. If you prefer the guidance of an expert, several companies offer fishing tours out onto Dove Lake and fly-fishing courses up the rivers. If you want to learn or try your hand before heading out to catch the real thing, you can even do a few hours of “Target Fishing” practice at Cradle Mountain Fishery and Camping’s dam, in Moina. The best time of the year for trout fishing at Cradle Mountain is between September-April.

Dine out on Tasmania’s world-famous produce

Whether you want to try the best of local Tasmanian produce along the renowned northwestern Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal at Cradle Mountain village, there are plenty of options. 

From truffles and olives to wine and beer, the greater region around Cradle Mountain is loaded with an incredible number of artisan and boutique producers. If you’re looking for a replenishing meal after a Cradle Mountain hike then the Tavern Bar & Bistro at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Lodge and Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar at Cradle Mountain Hotel could be just the ticket. For down-to-earth, honest local fare the Hungry Wombat cafe near Lake St. Clair is a classic local eatery. While the award-winning Highland Restaurant (in the Wilderness Lodge) and renowned Hellyers fine-dining restaurant (at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village) offer an elevated dining experience showcasing seasonal local produce. 

Sleep in style, or in nature

Although no lodging is available within the national park (besides the huts and camping areas along the hiking trails), the area around the entrance to the national park has a surprising range of accommodation options. If you feel like adding some luxury and style to your Cradle Mountain holiday, then Cradle Mountain Lodge and Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village offer all-in-one holiday experiences with on-site restaurants, spas and activities. Or, nestle into one of many cosy cabin or boutique lodge options with fantastic star-gazing opportunities. Alternatively, Lemonthyme WIlderness Retreat and Cradle Alpine Retreat offer real isolation and immersion in nature, while there are fantastic motor inn and holiday park accommodation options in the area, too.

How to make your Cradle Mountain holiday happen?

If you like the sound of any or all of these wonderful things to do in Cradle Mountain, you can find out more about visiting Tasmania and getting to Cradle Mountain on First Light Travel. They have a number of great self-drive Tasmanian tour packages already listed. Or, if you prefer, you can contact them directly to make your own, customised itinerary.