Cradle Mountain

The heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, where jagged peaks reflect in Dove Lake and wombats and Tasmanian devils roam, a hiker's paradise.

Cradle Mountain lies in northwest Tasmania, Australia, within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, the core of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The serrated profile of Cradle Mountain mirrored in the glacial Dove Lake is Tasmania's most famous view. Wombats and wallabies are a common sight on the high moorland, and at night you can see Tasmanian devils at a wildlife sanctuary.

Climate and seasons: Mountain weather is changeable, with four seasons in one day, and rain or even snow is possible all year. Trail conditions are best in summer (Dec–Mar). In late April to early May the deciduous beech turns gold. Winter (Jun–Aug) often brings snow; the scenery is magnificent, but higher trails can be icy.

Main areas to explore: (1) Walks around Dove Lake, Marions Lookout and Crater Lake (the lake circuit takes 2–3 hours, the lookout loop half a day, and the summit climb a full day); (2) the park entrance area, with wombat-watching at Ronny Creek, Waldheim Chalet, the Enchanted Walk and a Tasmanian devil sanctuary; (3) the West Coast loop to the southwest: Queenstown, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, Gordon River cruises from Strahan, Montezuma and Nelson Falls, and Lake St Clair at the park's southern end; (4) the north: Leven Canyon, the mural town of Sheffield, Mount Roland and the Mole Creek caves.

Getting there: There is no direct public transport, so driving is recommended. It takes about 1.5 hours from Devonport, 2.5 hours from Launceston and 4.5 hours from Hobart. Private cars cannot drive to Dove Lake; park at the visitor centre and take the free shuttle bus. All visitors must buy a national park pass.

Suggested time: 2–3 days for the park itself, or 4–5 days including the West Coast loop. Accommodation is concentrated in mountain lodges and campgrounds near the park entrance and needs to be booked months ahead in peak season. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers, and watch for wildlife crossing the road when driving in the evening.

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