Australia s most recognisable mountain, Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mtn.  Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The familiar jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while abundant wildlife, icy streams, alpine heathlands, colourful deciduous beech and ancient pines reflected in still glacial lakes entice many visitors to stay and explore.

How to get there

By car, drive from Burnie or another coastal town via Sheffield to Cradle Mountain.
By coach, there are numerous coach companies that offer transport to and from Cradle Mountain. There is a bus/coach service between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair for those who parked their vehicle at either end and walked The Overland track. Booking transport for the return journey prior to walking is recommended.

The best time to go

Cradle Mountain can visited at any time of the year, but snowfalls in winter can lead to the road being closed. Cradle is the starting point for the world-famous Overland Track, a magnificent 6 day walk that will take you through the heart of some of the finest mountain terrain. The walking season for the Overland Track is 1 November to 30 April. Bookings are required. Walkers are required to walk the track from North to South (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and pay the Overland Track Fee. Bookings open July each year for the coming season. Bookings are not required if visitors intend walking other tracks in the vicinity of Cradle Mountain.

In The Area

The area is one of the most glaciated in Australia and includes Tasmania s highest mountain, Mt. Ossa (1617 metres) and Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest natural freshwater lake, the source of the River Derwent.

Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mtn - Lake St Clair National Park, it being a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rainforest and alpine heathlands, buttongrass and stands of colourful deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. Icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes and a wealth of wildlife ensure there is always something to captivate you. The area is one of the most popular natural areas in Tasmania. A visit will reveal why.

Day and Part Day Walks

There are a range of walks that can be taken by visitors to Cradle Mountain that are perfect for anyone who wants to experience the mountain but does not have the time or inclination to do the Overland Track walk. There are walks of all grades of difficulty, from easy walks for family groups or seniors, through to walks with a great degree of challenge and difficulty. A day walk map should be purchased from the visitor centre if you want to go on any day walks. Staff at the visitor centre will also provide tailor-made advice to match your walking needs with the tracks available.


Dove Lake

At certain times throughout the year, rangers offer a variety of activities such as walks, talks and slide shows for both adults and children. Besides being lots of fun these are a great way to learn about our national parks, wildlife and cultural heritage.

There are a number of options for walkers wishing to do overnight walks in the Cradle area. Popular walks include a circuit of Cradle Mountain via Lake Rodway (staying in the Scott-Kilvert Hut) and to Barn Bluff and Waterfall Valley. However, to ensure a quality experience for all, walkers should be aware that there are guidelines in place to ensure that overnight walkers and those undertaking the Overland Track do not adversely impact upon each other.

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Waterfalls

Pencil Pine Falls

Pencil Pine and Knyvet Falls
Pencil Pine is a very attractive falls, a mere 100 metres downstream from the bridge, at the entrance to the Cradle Mountain National Park. Further down Pencil Pine Creek, is Knyvet Falls, a small fall of possibly 5 metres or less. A short stroll of about 30 minutes return, can take in both falls. Just follow the nature track.
Location: off Cradle Mountain Development Road, Middlesex, Tas.


Enchanted Falls

Enchanted Falls
The appropriately named Enchanted Falls is a beautiful little cascading waterfall, deep in the forest and easily viewed from the bridge on the walk from the Cradle Mountain National Park. Location: the walk to the falls starts near the visitor centre just inside the Cradle Mountain National Park, 3km from Wilmot.


Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls
These falls are one of two lovely waterfalls near Lemonthyme Lodge Wilderness Retreat at Moina, near Cradle Valley. The falls tumble 15-20m into Bulls Creek and when flowing well, look like a rectangular curtain of water. In lower flows, the wall of water becomes columnar strands draping the underlying rock wall.


Champagne Falls

Champagne Falls
Combining Bridal Veil Falls with Champagne Falls makes for an excellent half day walk. From Lemonthyme Lodge walk along a 4WD track, up the hill past the manager s residence, until the track starts to level out and descend. Continue past a signed fork and descend to Bridal Veil Falls. It takes two hours to go to one waterfall, returning back the way you came. Location: near Lemonthyme Lodge Wilderness Retreat at Moina, near Cradle Valley section of Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, Tas.

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The Overland Track

Tasmania's premier long-distance track, it is a six day walk travelling 65 km through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Beginning at Cradle Mountain, The Overland Track is a true wilderness walk which travels through spectacular dolerite mountains, near beautiful waterfalls, through a variety of fascinating ecosystems and close to Tasmania s highest mountain, before finishing at Australia s deepest lake, Lake St Clair. The stunning scenery and the physical challenges of this mountain walk have ensured that the Overland Track has built a national and international reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks.



The Overland Track experience commences in the northern part of Cradle Mountain -Lake St Clair National Park, at Ronny Creek, climbing out of the Cradle Valley and finishes at Narcissus Bay on Lake St Clair. Although the track is well-maintained and clearly marked, for some the journey may not be an easy one. Some people may find the walk quite steep in sections and six days of continuous walking can be physically demanding.

Bookings are required for each walking season (1 November to 30 April). During the booking period walkers will be required to walk the track from North to South (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and pay the Overland Track Fee. Bookings open July each year for the coming season.

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Lake St. Clair

Carved out by ice during several glaciations, Lake St Clair is the deepest lake in Australia and the headwaters of the Derwent River, upon which the capital city of Tasmania is located. It has an area of 1,114 km2 , and a maximum depth of 200 m. The area around Lake St Clair offers a wealth of walks, ranging from leisurely strolls to overnight bushwalks, as well as beautiful forests to explore.

Lake St Clair is at the southern end of the world famous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The area around Lake St Clair offers a wealth of walks, ranging from leisurely strolls to overnight bushwalks, as well as beautiful forests to explore. Lake St Clair is also the end point of the famous Overland Track, a long-distance walk which runs from Cradle Mountain in the north to Cynthia Bay on the southern shore of Lake St Clair.

Visiting Lake St Clair

Start your visit to Lake St Clair by calling in to the park centre. There, via innovative displays, you can take a trip through time that shows how the Lake St Clair area has developed from ancient times through to the present day. To help you make the most of your stay, information officers are available at the centre seven days a week. They can advise you on what to do and where to go and assist with general enquiries.

There are picnic facilities with barbecues at Cynthia Bay. Wheelchair accessible toilets are located at the park centre. The area also has a general store and restaurant, public telephone and outdoor seating facilities.

Through a Private Operator, canoes, bicycles and motorised dingies are available for hire. Contact the Private Operator on (03) 6289 1137 for details.



How to get there: Lake St Clair is at the southern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is 2 1/2 hours west of Hobart via the Lyell Highway (A10) and a similar distance from Launceston via Longford and Poatina. At Derwent Bridge turn right onto the 5 1/2km long access road to the lake at Cynthia Bay. From Queenstown the Lyell Highway is a winding and narrow 1 1/2 hour drive.

Both the Lyell Highway and the access road from Derwent Bridge may occasionally be closed by snow in winter.

There is no direct road link through the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park to join the two ends of the park. Visitors may most easily reach Cradle Mountain via the Cradle Link Road (C132) and the Murchison and Lyell Highways (A10).

A passenger launch operates from Cynthia Bay to Narcissus Bay at the northern end of the lake. It provides a leisurely way to experience the lake and mountains of the Lake St Clair area. For the more energetic it is possible to walk back via part of the Overland Track. Launch bookings can be made at the general store or by phoning (03) 6289 1137. Contact the concessionaire  phone (03) 6289 1137

Accommodation

Camping is available at Cynthia Bay. For further details please contact the concessionaire on ph (03) 6289 1137.

A Backpacker/Travellers Hostel is also available at Cynthia Bay with 2 and 4 bunk rooms and refectory kitchen. Unique alpine-style units are also operated privately by the concessionaire - phone (03) 6289 1137. Accomodation is also available outside the park at Derwent Bridge.