Cradle Mountain rewards a flexible plan. Conditions can change quickly, and the park offers everything from short rainforest walks to a full-day alpine summit route. Dove Lake is the obvious place to start for many visitors.
How to get there
Start at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. During shuttle operating periods, park there, validate the parks pass and arrange a shuttle ticket before entering the national park.
The shuttle runs on seasonal hours and stops at the Interpretation Centre and Ranger Station, Snake Hill, Ronny Creek and Dove Lake. The one-way trip from the Visitor Centre to Dove Lake takes about 20 minutes. Private vehicles are not permitted into the park during shuttle operating times, although limited access is available outside those hours.
What to see and do
Dove Lake Circuit
The Dove Lake Circuit is 6 km, Grade 3 and usually takes 2 to 3 hours. The track is best walked clockwise and passes through buttongrass and rainforest beneath Cradle Mountain.
Enchanted Walk
The Enchanted Walk is a 1.1 km Grade 2 circuit that takes about 20 minutes. It follows Pencil Pine Creek through mossy forest, with pademelons and wombats sometimes seen around the forest edges.
Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk
This 431 m Grade 1 circuit takes about 10 minutes. It starts behind the Interpretation Centre and passes through cool temperate rainforest to views of Pencil Pine Falls.
Cradle Summit
The Cradle Summit is a very different undertaking: 12.8 km return, about 8 hours, a 600 m climb and a Grade 5 classification. The route is long and steep, with exposed scrambling over large rocks. It should not be attempted when windy, snowy or rainy weather is forecast.
How much time to allow
A short visit can include the Rainforest Walk or Enchanted Walk. Dove Lake needs about 2 to 3 hours, while the summit is an all-day commitment at around 8 hours. Choose the route around the available daylight, current weather and the group's experience.
Practical notes
- A valid Tasmania parks pass is required.
- A shuttle ticket is required to use the shuttle. Check current fares and pass inclusions before travelling.
- Shuttle hours are seasonal and can change, and weather or road conditions can affect operations.
- Campervans, motorhomes, caravans, trailers and similar vehicles are not permitted on Dove Lake Road at any time.
- Alpine weather can change rapidly. Check the forecast and choose a walk that matches the group's fitness and experience.
A suggested plan
Check the conditions first, then build the day around them. Dove Lake makes a strong half-day walk, the Enchanted and Rainforest walks work well when time is shorter, and the Grade 5 summit should be reserved for experienced walkers in suitable weather.
