Guide to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Tasmania’s majestic mountains make for the perfect wilderness adventure.
Dramatic, serrated peaks, glacial-carved lakes, unique grasslands and ancient rainforest define Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Within the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness Area, Cradle Mountain offers world-class hikes, unique wildlife experiences and a truly profound connection to nature.
Top things to do in Cradle Mountain
Get acquainted with Tassie devils
The Tasmanian devil is usually secretive and shy. A great way to see them is at Devils@Cradle, a working conservation centre, offering day and night tours. You’ll also meet the spotted-tail and eastern quolls when you visit.
Explore trails on horseback
Experience the grandeur of the mountains from the back of a trusty stead, as you climb through alpine eucalypt and myrtle forest to the button grasslands of Speeler Plain. Gaze over Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff and Mount Roland on horseback.
Soar over Cradle in a helicopter
If extended hiking is not for you, or you’re short on time, the best way to explore this World Heritage Area is from the air. Book a scenic helicopter flight near Cradle Mountain and soar over jagged, snow-capped peaks and deep, inky lakes.
Walk the Dove Lake Circuit
Starting at the glacially carved Dove Lake, the track features alpine grasslands, rainforest species like sassafras and the King Billy pine. Head off on this two to three-hour walk for breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain.
Uncover art within the wilderness
Visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery to take in the stories of the island state through art. The unique, 12-room experience consists of large art installations, exhibitions, displays and film, all with a focus on Cradle Mountain and Tasmania.
Hike the Overland Track
The Overland Track is an iconic six-day alpine hike through dramatic wilderness. Starting at Cradle Mountain and finishing at Lake St Clair, the track is for experienced hikers. Choose to be independent or join a guided and catered tour.
Stay at the stunning Pumphouse Point
This adults-only retreat comprises heritage-listed buildings of a former hydro-electric station, one of which sits atop a jetty over Lake St Clair. Guests can explore Australia’s deepest lake by row boat or explore by e-bike.
Explore Cradle Mountain’s canyons
For a wilderness experience with adrenaline, join a canyoning tour to learn all you need to know to safely jump off waterfalls, abseil down cliffs and shoot through rapids. A choice of tours provides differing adventure levels.
Go wildlife spotting after dark
Many local animals are nocturnal, and the best way to see them is by joining a guide for a walk inside the national park at night. Stroll the boardwalks to spot wombats, pademelons, wallabies, quolls and possibly Tasmanian devils.
See Tasmania’s native autumn colours
Fagus trees are among only a handful of native deciduous trees in Australia. In Tasmania, the ‘turning of the fagus’ is a riot of mid-autumn colour. See the orange leaves at Dove Lake and Crater Lake and a few other national parks.
