What to expect:
Cradle Mountain is located in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). During your excursion you'll walk through beautiful rainforests and moss covered pathways, you'll see snow covered peaks (probably! - depending on when you go) and the most crystal blue lakes and rivers.
Cradle Mountain and its landscapes will truly take your breath away.
If you're lucky you will also see a lot of wildlife! When we went we only say wombats and black curranwongs, but you can also expect to see Tasmanian devils and much more!
Cradle Mountain's beauty will captivate you.
Climate & what to wear:
We visited Tasmania in April and we were warned that the temperature in Cradle Mountain is always 5 to 10 degrees less than in the mainland.
Make sure to bring some extra layers, just in case!
While we visited the rest of Tasmania we were fine wearing just a sweatshirt (1 layer), as soon as we got to the visitor's centre (more on this below!) and left the car, our legs froze instantly! I really recommend if you visit during April or later (April to January), to make sure you are wearing your coziest socks or double up on your bottoms.
I also advise that, even though leggings and Uggs were fine - do as i say and not as I do - that you wear proper hiking clothing and shoes to enjoy the experience at its fullest. A hat is also very recommended to not burn your nose (even during the coolest months).
Getting to Cradle Mountain:
You have two options - taking the shuttle bus or by private vehicle access.
Shuttle bus: The shuttle bus leaves from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and operates seven days a week. Tickets are included with the purchase of your Parks Pass and can be collected from the Visitor Centre prior to boarding. A valid Parks Pass is required to collect your tickets.
Shuttle bus times are seasonal and subject to change. Confirm with the Visitor Centre prior to arrival.
- Summer (1 October - 31 March) 8:00am to 6:00pm every 10 to 15 minutes
- Winter (1 April – 30 September) 9:00am to 5:00pm every 15 to 20 minutes
Private vehicle access is not permitted during shuttle bus operating times.
Visitor Centre & routes:
The visitor centre is open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm (hours are extended during peak periods) and provides information on walks and other activities in the area, as well as sales of parks passes and a range of souvenirs.
There are a range of walks that vary in time and difficulty. All of them (shortest to longest) will take your breath away, as no matter what direction you take or where you look, you'll be constantly amazed!
These routes can vary from 2h hike to an 8 hour walk to the top. Here's a map of the paths you can take and the places to visit:
The track we took was from Dove Lake via Marions Lookout.
Where to eat:
Depending on the track you walk, I would greatly encourage you to bring your own food, you can either have a picnic at the park or bring some sandwiches and snacks. Most importantly, remember to bring water!
As we hiked a short(ish) route, and started early in the morning, we were done by lunch time and were able to enjoy a very cozy and so delicious lunch at Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Very much recommend!
https://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/food-and-wine/highland-restaurant/
.png)
Where to stay:
We stayed at a lovely motel located in Sheffield, called Sheffield Motor Inn. The reception lady was so helpful and offered milk and water upon our arrival. All rooms are equipped with a tv, microwave and complete bathroom (towels provided). The beds had heated sheets which was SO nice as we were freezing as soon as we reached Sheffield.
I highly recommend staying in Sheffield the night prior to your hike as it was a quick drive to Cradle Mountain's Visitor Centre and it's an old but very charming town to stay and visit.
*All photos are mine or taken by me unless otherwise stated.
