Three days wandering across Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park: from mossy forests to alpine ridgelines, from soft golden sunrises to rugged summit scrambles. This guide shares our hiking itinerary, practical tips, and quiet moments of awe in one of Tasmania’s most iconic wild places.
After a year living in Tasmania, it was finally time to go explore the famous Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, a place where mountains rise above glacial lakes while wombats wander through golden button grass.
I’ve prepared this guide so it can be useful for those planning to hike in Cradle Mountain or looking for the best day walks in the area.
Table of contents
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park
Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and one of the state’s most iconic natural destinations for hiking. Known for its dramatic alpine scenery, ancient rainforest, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks, it’s a hiker’s paradise with trails for every level. This park is home to unique wildlife like wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, and wallabies, and the changing seasons bring different moods to its landscapes, from autumn’s golden tones to snow-dusted winter silence. I’m a big fan of the autumn so I knew I wanted to go during this season to experience the warm colours and cold wind announcing winter is near.
The park is split into two sections: Cradle Mountain in the north and Lake St Clair in the south—connected by the famed Overland Track. Our adventure focused on the northern region around Cradle Mountain during early May, where my partner and I spent 3 days exploring the hiking trails, walking beneath towering peaks, through mossy forests, and into the silence of alpine lakes, constantly marvelling at nature.
This is how we spent 3 days in Cradle Mountain, moment by moment, track by track.
Hiking itinerary: 3 Days in Cradle Mountain
Day 1 – Arrival & Easy Cradle Mountain Walks
- Pencil Pine Rainforest Walk
- Enchanted walk
- Dove canyon track to knyvet falls
Day 2 – Cradle Mountain Summit Hike
- Overland track to Marions lookout
- Cradle Mountain Summit
- Cradle Mountain Face Track
- Lake Rodway Track
- Dove Lake Circuit (section) + Lake Lilla Track to Ronny Creek Carpark
Day 3 – Sunrise & gentle loop walk
- Dove Lake Circuit
Day 1 – Arrival & Easy Cradle Mountain Walks
We left Hobart early, heading north through the heart of Tasmania. The landscape shifted from farmland to forest as the mountains grew on the horizon.
By midday, we were at Lake Gairdner Free Camping Area, about a 40-minute drive from the park. We set up camp early to catch a good spot before it got crowded with campervans in the evening.
The day was clear, with a few clouds wandering above us. We had lunch and headed to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, picked up our parks pass and hopped on the shuttle bus into the park. With only a bit of daylight left, we chose to explore a few easy trails around Ranger Station and the Interpretation Centre.
Hikes around Ranger Station and the Interpretation Centre
Pencil Pine Rainforest Walk
- Distance: 250 m loop
- Time: ~10 min
- Difficulty: Easy
An easy and peaceful way to begin exploring the area following a short but beautiful trail through mossy rainforest, ending with the view of Pencil Pine falls from above.
Enchanted Walk
- Distance: 1.1 km loop
- Time: ~20 min
- Difficulty: Easy
True to its name, this hike was like stepping into a fairy tale. We followed the Pencil Pine Creek under a canopy of ferns and myrtle, taking time to smell the fresh air and spotting some wombats and wallabies on the way.
Dove Canyon Track to Knyvet Falls
- Distance: 1.3 km return
- Time: ~20 min
- Difficulty: Easy
We didn’t do the full Dove Canyon loop as dusk approached, but we walked to Knyvet Falls passing through the Pencil Pine falls. Beautiful waterfalls, totally underrated walk.
Evening at Lake Gairdner
We came back to the campsite at sunset, cooked dinner under the stars and curled into every layer we’d packed. That night was brutally cold. If you’re braving it off-season bring layers, thermals, and even a hot water bottle. It’s absolutely freezing at night.
Day 2 – Cradle Mountain Summit Hike
We got up in the dark after a rough night’s sleep. Our tent and car were frozen (we couldn’t even open the car door).
The plan was to start the trail from Dove Lake Carpark, but it was already full by 7am (only 9 parking spots available there). We headed back to Ronny Creek Carpark, a little disappointed at having to add extra kilometers to the hike, but we were rewarded with a dreamy misty sunrise. We stayed nearly an hour contemplating the frozen landscape, and taking photos with numb hands (it was only -1°C that morning). Absolutely stunning!
Sunrise at Ronny Creek Carpark
We started the hike just after sunrise (and a hot chocolate). Our bodies were cold, but our spirits were high. This was our big day: an ambitious loop linking alpine lakes, wind-blasted ridgelines, and the summit of Cradle Mountain itself.
Hiking Marions Lookout + Cradle Mountain Summit + Hansons Peak Circuit
- Distance: ~18,7 km
- Elevation gain: 928 m
- Time: ~9 hrs
- Difficulty: very hard
- Route Type: circuit
- [Check the hike on AllTrails]
This demanding full-day hike took us through buttongrass plains, up to Marions Lookout, and to the raw alpine heights of Cradle Mountain’s summit. After a challenging rock scramble to the top, we descended via Face Track, passed Lake Rodway, crossed Hansons Peak, and returned through part of the Dove Lake Circuit and Lake Lilla Track.
This hike was a journey through Tasmania’s wild heart. We walked through frost-kissed valleys, climbed steep ridgelines, and scrambled over ancient boulders. The trail led us past alpine lakes and golden slopes, testing our bodies and lifting our spirits. A wild, rewarding loop with stunning scenery every step of the way.
It was a day of challenge, wonder, and deep connection with the mountain.
Ronny Creek to Marions Lookout via Overland Track
We set off from Ronny Creek Carpark following the boardwalks of the Overland Track through buttongrass plains as the sun began to melt the frost.
The trail climbed gently into a forest, passing by the Crater Fall, then steepened near Crater Lake.
Yellow Fagus leaves scattered the trail and the terrain became rocky and more open.
We reached Marions Lookout, a place where the mountains unfolded in every direction. The climb was a challenge, but the view made it all worthwhile. From here, you can wander around a flat area and see Dove Lake, Lake Lilla, Hansons Peak, Mount Campbell, Little Horn, Weindorfers Tower, and Cradle Mountain.
We enjoyed the view with a snack and continued uphill.
Marions Lookout to Cradle Mountain Summit Track Junction
From Marions Lookout, the trail climbs along the ridgeline above Crater Lake. It’s exposed, rocky, and incredibly scenic. Then, you enter into the alpine heart of the park. The trees fade away, and you walk among rocks and boardwalks, passing small alpine tarns with Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff looming ahead.
Ah! And there’s a toilet just after Kitchen Hut, right before the start of the Cradle Mountain Summit Track.
Cradle Mountain Summit Track
- Distance: 2 km return (from junction)
- Elevation gain: 270 m
- Time: ~2–4 hrs
- Difficulty: very hard.
This is where the hike got serious, where the real effort began.
The trail is marked by white poles, because there’s no actual path, only rocks.
We scrambled up loose boulders, using both hands and feet. For sure this hike will be a challenge for all those who are afraid of heights.
As you climb, the boulders become bigger, and every move requires precision, attention, and energy to keep going.
It’s a wild trail, but that’s part of what makes it beautiful and enjoyable.
It was windy at the top, a raw place of stone and silence. Lucky for us, the weather was on our side, giving us a pleasant, sunny day with stunning views. The summit is very open and spacious, perfect for walking around and enjoying a snack without being too close to other hikers.
The climb down demanded full-body effort and a bit of creativity.
This was one of the most challenging and rewarding climbs I’ve ever experienced.
Face Track + Lake Rodway to Hansons Peak
We returned to the junction and started descending along the Face Track, a narrow trail hugging the mountain’s cliffs. Raw and exposed.
Short yellow fagus shaped by the wind lined the path, announcing the season’s change.
The trail led through alpine plains to the stillness of Lake Rodway, the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.
We reached Hansons Peak Summit as the golden hour arrived and the sun dipped low. We wanted to stay longer and explore more of the Lake Rodway Track, but nightfall was close, so I put away the camera and we picked up the pace.
Home Stretch via Dove Lake Circuit (partial) & Lake Lilla Track
We descended Hansons Peak via a very steep, rocky path (seriously, it was crazy steep in parts). The golden hour lit the trees like fire. We joined the end of the Dove Lake Circuit, then crossed to the Lake Lilla Track, which led us gently back to Ronny Creek just as night arrived. A perfect end to a big day.
Back at the camp
In Lake Gairdner, we ate sandwiches, wrapped ourselves in every spare layer, prepared a hot water bottle, and went to bed tired but proud of ourselves for completing this wild hike.
Day 3 – Sunrise & gentle loop walk
We rose in the dark, drove in silence, and arrived around 6am at Dove Lake Carpark, happy to catch one of the last two spots.
Dove Lake Circuit
- Distance: 6 km loop
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
The sky was just beginning to blush. We walked a bit and stayed in Glacier Lookout contemplating how the light was kindly touching Cradle Mountain’s face in soft fire. No one else was there.
We stopped often during the hike, letting the quiet seep in, feeling grateful for the big hike of the last day and for being immersed in such a wonderful place. The wind was wild, the light soft and golden. Around every bend, Cradle showed a new face.
Late Morning – Farewell
We didn’t want to leave, but we had to come back to the campsite and pack everything to get back to Hobart early. We drove back with Cradle shrinking in the rear-view mirror like a dream you’re not ready to wake from.
Cradle Mountain Essentials
How to Get There
You can drive from either Hobart (4.5–5 hrs) or Launceston (2.5 hrs). The roads are scenic but winding, drive carefully in cold weather and beware of animals.
Public transport to Cradle Mountain is limited but possible. Tassielink offers bus services from Hobart and Launceston to Sheffield or Devonport, where you can arrange a transfer to the park. Some private shuttle services also operate from Launceston to Cradle Mountain. I would recommend hiring a car though.
Getting Around the Park
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park has narrow, winding alpine roads, especially the one leading to Dove Lake, the main trailhead. To reduce traffic and protect the landscape, private vehicles are not allowed past the Visitor Centre during shuttle operating hours.
Instead, visitors use a shuttle bus service to access the trails. This system helps manage crowds and preserves the delicate alpine environment.
If you arrive by car, there is a gate just past the Visitor Centre. It opens automatically when you approach, but only if parking is available beyond that point. This allows limited vehicle access outside shuttle hours.
Important: A Parks Pass is required for all visitors entering the national park, whether by car, shuttle, or on foot. Passes can be purchased online or at the Visitor Centre.
Parking availability (limited):
- Dove Lake Carpark – only 9 spaces
- Ronny Creek Carpark – approx. 20–30 spaces
- Visitor Centre – large secure parking area (recommended if using shuttle)
Shuttle Bus Details:
- Tickets must be purchased at the Visitor Centre
- Operates daily: approx. 8am–6pm in summer, 9am–5pm in winter
- Runs every 10–20 minutes, depending on season and demand
- Stops at:
- Visitor Centre
- Interpretation Centre / Ranger Station
- Snake Hill
- Ronny Creek
- Dove Lake Carpark
Shuttle tickets are valid for 72 hours and allow unlimited rides—ideal for multi-day hikers.
For updated shuttle times, prices, and access info, visit: Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus Information
Where to Stay
There are several accommodation options around Cradle Mountain, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites, depending on your style of travel and budget.
Inside the Park: Hotels, Cabins & Lodges
They offer comfort and easy park access, but they can be quite expensive, especially in peak season. Booking ahead is essential.
Budget Options: Free & Low-Cost Camping Nearby
For budget-conscious travellers or those who love camping, there are free campsites within a 30–40 minute drive of the park.
We stayed at Lake Gairdner Free Camping Area, about 40 minutes from the park. It’s peaceful, surrounded by forest, and wide open skies. There are no facilities, you must be fully self-sufficient and follow the Leave No Trace Principles to protect that place. Nights are extremely cold, especially outside summer, so pack accordingly.
Other nearby free or low-cost campsites are available around Moina and Lemonthyme, making them good alternatives if you don’t mind a bit of extra driving.
Food & Supplies
There are cafes near the visitor centre, but they’re pricey. There are no supermarkets nearby, so I recommend you to bring your own food and cook at camp if you’re staying multiple days.
Final Thoughts
This was my favourite trip in Australia so far and I couldn’t recommend it more!
Three days at Cradle Mountain left our legs sore and hearts full. The summit tested us and the lakes calmed us.
If you go, go gently. Respect the paths. Listen to the wind. Stay present. Go prepared. And let the mountain meet you on its terms.
Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles. You can check out my post with simple tips to help protect nature. It’s not about rules, it’s about kindness, so wild places stay wild.
AH! And never underestimate the weather.
Luckily we had sunny days but that is not usual in this wild place.
