Epic Cradle Mountain Highlights Guided Walk – 4 Days

Our Walks Are All Inclusive

All Our Walks Include

• Small Group of 10 or less
• You only carry your daypack, we’ll take care of the rest
• Guided walks designed to immerse you in the region’s beauty, history and wildlife
• Two experienced and accredited guides – safety gear equipped and full of knowledge about the region
• Return transport and tour transfers included

Plus, This Walk Includes

• 3 nights fantastic accommodation
• Breakfasts, lunch & two-course dinners, plus heaps of snacks, fruit & non-alcoholic beverages on & off the trail
• All National Park Entry Fees
• Carbon Offset Program in line with our commitment to sustainability

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Cradle Valley Boardwalk, Weindorfers Forest and Waldheim 

Distance: 9kms, 4 hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2, easy

The trip departs out of Launceston at 7:45am from the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Our initial drive takes us into the Mersey River valley, and along the base of the Great Western Tiers – before we stop after an hour or so for a morning tea break. From here it’s only another 1.5 hours before we arrive at Cradle Mountain village.

We will stop at the main visitor centre to pick up our passes, then have lunch on the edge of the park in a lovely location before heading out on our main walk for the day – the Cradle Valley Boardwalk. This easy walk takes us along the course of the Dove River and features a vast assortment of native flora. In early summer the endemic Tasmanian Waratah flowers are particularly magnificent.

Once at Ronny Creek, we go searching for wombats across the buttongrass plains before looping around to the historic Waldheim Chalet – originally built by the parks founding pioneer Gustav Weindorfer, and the site of Cradle Mountains first tourism venture. Here we enjoy a short walk through an ancient forest of myrtle beech and king billy pine, before meeting back up with the bus for afternoon tea. Here your guides will be able to point out some of the parks notable landmarks, and discuss our route options for the next few days.

In the afternoon, if energy and time permits – we will head back to near the entrance of the park and take part in a series of short walks that showcase old-growth rainforest, waterfalls, and more mature stands of king billy pine.

Then it’s off to our accommodation to get ourselves checked in and comfortable before we enjoy a delicious dinner out at a local restaurant.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

DAY 2 – Hansons Peak and Twisted Lakes

Distance: 10kms, 6-7hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3 – 4, hard 

After breakfast and lunch making, we depart for another scenic walk – this time taking in the parks eastern highlights.

Starting from Dove Lake we will take the Lake Rodway track up and over Hansons Peak – which provides us with a completely different view of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding lakes. The climb to the top of the peak is at times steep and uneven underfoot, and a chain is provided on nearing the summit to assist walkers.

Once over the other side, we pick up our return route via the Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson – remnants of glacial scouring from previous ice ages. These pools are very tranquil and are encompassed by endemic pencil pines and fagus. This section is normally very peaceful, a bit of a hidden gem, and we will find ourselves a nice rocky outcrop for lunch whilst we soak up the views.

If energy and time permits, an hour and a half extension can be made to visit the eastern face of Cradle Mountain, and the reflective waters of Artists Pool. We loop back to the Lake Rodway Track completing the circuit and reverse our inward journey – returning to Dove Lake to meet the bus.

Tonight, there is opportunity for you to visit the Devils at Cradle, a world class wildlife conservation facility. Here you can encounter Tasmanian Devils in a sanctuary up close and personal. This is an optional extra at guests own expense.

This is a challenging day with lots of variation in elevation, and at times can be quite rough and wet underfoot. Easier options are available – so please feel free to discuss these options with your guides. Your guides may also choose to alter this walk depending on the weather on the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Inspiring and invigorating views are the norm in Cradle Mountain NP.

DAY 3 – Lake Lilla, Wombat Pool, Marion’s Lookout and Crater Falls

Distance: 7.5kms, 4hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3-4, Moderate to hard

Today’s walk takes in some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in all of Australia. Starting at Dove Lake, we walk past Lake Lilla and Wombat Pools on our way to Marion’s Lookout. The ascent to Marion’s is an exciting steep and rocky section of track where we use chains to assist our climb to the viewing area. In fine weather, the views from Marion’s are magnificent and far reaching – with Cradle Mountain itself dominating the panorama.

From here we descend back towards Wombat Peak and turn onto the world-famous Overland Track towards the glacially formed Crater Lake. This lake features an old boat shed, and during autumn is one of the best locations in the state to see the changing foliage colour of the deciduous Myrtle Beech (or fagus) – Australia’s only seasonally deciduous native.

As we near the end of our days journey, we pass the magnificent Crater Falls, a series of 5-10 meter waterfall drops cascading their way through the beautiful rainforest for approximately 100m of our return to Ronny Creek.
In the afternoon, we return to our accommodation for some time to relax and pre-dinner nibbles.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Good quality warm, layered clothing and wet weather gear for today’s walk in the alpine zone is a must.

Side trip option: If time and safety permit, we may walk further on from Marion’s Lookout along the button grass plains to Kitchen Hut at the base of Cradle Mountain. This will add approx.1.5hrs of walking to your day.

DAY 4 – Dove Lake Circuit

Distance: 6kms, 2.5hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2, easy

This morning is our last at Cradle Mountain. After breakfast and lunch making, we pack-up the trailer head out for our final walk – the Dove Lake Circuit. This is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks and a must-do for anyone visiting the park.

This 6km loop is a lovely way to wind down from your adventure – as it is mostly flat and even underfoot with only a couple of short hills. It allows you to fully focus on the looming backdrop of Cradle Mountain high above and the numerous waterfalls which cascade down towards the lake from the surrounding slopes.

We visit the much-photographed boatshed on the shores of the lake, and encounter more local species of rainforest plant that only grow in the wettest of conditions – including native plum, sassafras and the aptly named “horizontal.” One section through the “Ballroom Forest” is particularly magical. Part way around, the Honeymoon Islands provide a focal point for visiting kayakers – and for those of us game, a couple of white sandy beaches make top spots for an icy alpine swim! For the saner amongst us, they also provide a nice place for a snack and a rest.

We finish our loop atop the impressive formation of Glacier Rock, which provides us with a final vista across the landscapes we have explored for the past four days.

After lunch, we jump back on the bus and start our return journey back to Launceston. En-route we will stop by in the lovely little town of Sheffield – where we should have ample time for a break and a wander around the muralled streets.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Please note – some walks are highly weather dependent due to the region’s exposed alpine environment, and your guides may choose to alter the itinerary accordingly where necessary. They will always strive to provide the most scenic walks possible based around the local conditions.

*Walking times and distances may be adapted to the weather and groups needs based on guides discretion.

Each day we also provide fruit, snacks, tea and coffee and a nibbles platter.

Each evening after our days walking, we return back to our accommodation for some time to refresh and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Cradle Valley. Your guides will curate a beautiful nibbles platter for you, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing evening. During this time, they will also conduct a briefing, offering insights into the days experiences and outlining your upcoming adventures. Using a map of the area, your guides will illustrate the various regions and walks we are set to explore in the days ahead.

Immerse in extraordinary wilderness, connect with others, and walk into wellness.

Accommodation

We spend three nights at Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain in comfortable two-bedroom cabin style accommodation – surrounded by native bush. The Park is set on the edge of world-heritage listed Cradle Mountain Lake St. Claire National Park, so a true wilderness experience is the backdrop of our 4 days of walking together. The cabins contain shared bathroom facilities. There is a small lounge area with kitchenette, cosy gas log heating and an outdoor sitting area.

Communal dining will take place nearby in the guide’s cabin for breakfasts, lunch making and dinners.

Accommodation style: We stay in two-bedroom cottages and cabins with communal dining area, balcony and often bush views.

Rooming: Each cabin has one or two bedrooms with a mix of single, twin and queen beds. If you book a Single Supplement, you will have a room to yourself.

Bathrooms: Each cabin has one bathroom. You will be sharing the bathroom with other guests in your cabin.

Single Supplement: If you book single supplement this means you will have one bedroom in the two-bedroom cabin and could be sharing the cabin with one or two other guests.

Other: All towels and linen are provided. Each cabin also has an outdoor balcony setting, kitchen, lounge, and TV. There is a laundry available on site.

Rooming upgrades for a private cabin is subject to availability with the accommodation provider for an additional surcharge. Please contact our team to discuss your options.

Guest Notes

Getting there – Tours depart and return from Launceston. Direct flights are available through most airline operators.

Pick up location & time – We depart from The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Launceston, meeting at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure.

During the walk – Each day we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner (where applicable) as well as fruit, snacks and beverages to keep us full of energy throughout the walk. At the end of each day, we return to the evening’s accommodation to freshen up, relax, enjoy pre-dinner nibbles, and enjoy the local scenery. Each evening, our guides offer insights into the day’s walk, and talk through our upcoming adventures, using maps to give you greater insights into the journey.

Single stays (solos) – Single stay availability is limited on this tour, and while we can offer you your own room if available, facilities such as bathrooms and living areas may be shared with other guests. If you prefer your own facilities in their entirety, please contact our team to discuss upgrade options.

Drop-off location & time – We return to Launceston at around 5:00 pm on the final day of tour. If you plan to fly out on the last day of the walk, please book your return flight for after 7pm.

When making your accommodation arrangements, please contact Park Trek if you would like discount & other information on our recommended provider Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston.