8 Things You Should Always Carry on a Cradle Mountain Hike

After running tours and transfers to Cradle Mountain for years, we’ve seen all levels of preparation amongst our guests. Some bring only themselves, while others have invested in all the latest outdoor gear and gadgets. In reality, you probably need to land somewhere in between.

 It’s important to remember that Cradle Mountain is a serious alpine environment - weather can change quickly, temperatures can drop dramatically (even in the summer months) and there’s always the risk of taking a wrong turn along a trail and getting completely lost. So you do need to come prepared, even if you’re only planning a short walk around Dove Lake.

 “But how prepared?” you might ask. Well, that’s what this article is all about. Read on to discover 8 things we’d recommend carrying in your daypack on a Cradle Mountain hike, not only for your comfort, but also your safety.

 1. Plenty of Water

 Water should be at the top of your packing list. Even if you’re only embarking on a 30-minute walk, you should still carry a water bottle with you and take regular breaks to rehydrate. If you’re tackling a more challenging climb, consider a hydration bladder - you can sip on it as you hike.

 Always carry what you think is enough water for the length and difficulty of your walk, plus some extra in case conditions change or the hike takes longer than you expected. There’s a filtered water refilling station inside the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, near the ticket/reception counter.

 While you may find places along the trail to refill your bottle with alpine water, we wouldn’t recommend relying on this.

 And remember, water quality can vary, so don't automatically assume that natural streams around Cradle Mountain are safe to drink from. For longer walks, consider carrying a water-treatment method such as purification tablets or a water bottle with a filter.

 2. Waterproof and Warm Clothing

 If there is one thing to take seriously at Cradle Mountain, it's the weather. Even if the sky is clear and the temperatures are warm when you arrive at Dove Lake, that doesn’t mean they will be the same 30 minutes into your walk.

 As mentioned previously, Cradle Mountain is located in an alpine area that is exposed to the elements and conditions can (and do) change rapidly. You may well find yourself dealing with cloud, rain, strong winds or much colder temperatures later in the day.

 So should you pack a big jacket to stay warm and dry? Not so fast. We’d actually recommend you go with a layering system, with clothing you can take on and off as the conditions change. Consider packing an outer shell that’s waterproof and windproof, a lightweight fleece and a moisture-wicking base layer that won’t stay wet if you start to sweat.

 Waterproof trousers are also a good investment if you’re planning a longer walk, as well as a beanie and lightweight gloves to keep the extremities warm. None of these things are particularly heavy to carry and they could be worth their weight in gold if conditions turn bad.

 3. Sturdy Hiking Shoes or Boots

 The right footwear can make a huge difference on any walk, but especially on the uneven and sometimes rocky trails of Cradle Mountain. Trust us when we say that many of the trails include exposed roots, muddy sections and steep terrain - this is not a destination to do in flip-flops or treadless shoes!

 At the same time, you don’t need to go out and spend big on a new pair of hiking boots if you already have something adequate in your closet. In fact, breaking in a pair of brand-new boots in Cradle Mountain is likely to result in blisters!

 Our recommendation is to choose footwear with good grip, plus adequate ankle support for the hike you're planning. So if you already have a pair of hiking or walking shoes that you’ve “broken in”, they will do the job.

 Waterproof boots can be useful if you’re planning a multi-day trek and don’t want soggy socks most of the way. That said, a pair of comfortable trainers is adequate for a shorter walk, particularly if favourable weather is forecast.

 4. Sun Protection

 Tasmania's cooler climate can make it easy to underestimate the sun. But UV exposure on the island can still be significant, particularly at higher elevations and when you're walking for several hours.

 Always carry sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, even if the forecast looks cloudy. In fact, apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before you head outdoors so it has time to properly absorb into your skin.  

 A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is our recommendation, taking into consideration the high UV conditions. And don’t forget to reapply during longer walks, at least every two hours and especially after sweating or exposure to rain.

 If you don’t want to be lathering sunscreen all over your body, opt for a lightweight long-sleeved shirt instead. That said, don’t forget to apply lotion to any exposed areas, such as your neck, hands and ears.

 5. Food and High-Energy Snacks

 Even if your hike is only supposed to take a few hours, it’s a good idea to take something to eat. We know from experience that walking in cold or windy conditions (both of which are common around Cradle Mountain) can use more energy than you expect. Then there’s the chance of making a wrong turn or encountering unexpected delays.

 When we’re out hiking in Tasmania, we usually carry some trail mix, muesli bars and sandwiches or wraps, as well as dried or fresh fruit. Sometimes, we also throw in a chocolate bar for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up - it’s always nice to have a treat while enjoying those Tassie wilderness views!

 For longer hikes, pack enough food for the planned duration, plus an emergency snack that you keep separate from your main lunch.

 6. First-Aid Kit

 We’re not suggesting you carry a huge medical kit that’s going to weigh you down. But it’s worth having a compact first-aid kit that you can throw in your daypack, complete with all the essentials you might need on a Cradle Mountain hike.

 We’re talking bandages, antiseptic wipes and gauze, as well as pain relief tablets and any personal medication. Blisters are one of the most common problems on longer walks, so having blister pads or tape readily accessible can save the day.

 Just remember that if you use anything in your first-aid kit, don’t forget to replace it when you get home so it’s ready to go on your next hike.

 7. Navigation and a Map

 Most of Cradle Mountain’s walks are well-signposted. But it’s still a good idea to have your own navigation method, particularly if you’re embarking on a longer hike.

 It can be tempting to rely entirely on your phone, especially if you're following a popular Cradle Mountain track. But if you’ve travelled in Tassie before, you’ll know that reception is hit and miss, particularly in remote wilderness environments.

 We’d recommend downloading an offline map of the area before you leave reliable mobile reception. If you prefer to do things old-school, consider bringing a compass and purchasing a physical topographic map of the area at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.

 If you are relying on your phone for navigation or checking weather conditions, ensure it is fully charged before setting out. For longer, multi-day walks, consider packing a small power bank and charging cable. It will add very little weight but can be invaluable.

 8. Headlamp or Torch

 A headlamp might seem excessive if you're planning to finish your hike well before sunset. But it's one of those pieces of hiking equipment you'll be extremely glad to have if something goes wrong.

 A delayed start, a navigation mistake, an unexpected injury or a change in weather can quickly push you beyond your expected return time. And considering how little a headlamp weighs, there’s really nothing to lose by having one in your pack.

 “What about a torch?” you might ask. In our experience, a headlamp is preferable because it leaves both hands free. Don’t forget to carry spare batteries if your light doesn't have a (reliable) rechargeable battery.

 Don’t Forget to Bring a Sense of Awe and Wonder

 You might have noticed that we didn’t include a camera on this list of things to carry on a Cradle Mountain hike…and that was deliberate! We’re not suggesting you shouldn’t bring one. After all, this is one of Tasmania’s most photogenic natural destinations.

 But many people approach Cradle Mountain as a place to tick off their Tasmania bucket list, with photos captured being the ultimate proof. And sometimes, when guests are so busy seeing the national park through their lenses, they miss out on the incredible experience of actually being there.

 So if there’s one final thing we think you should pack, it’s a sense of awe and wonder at just how amazing Tasmania’s natural world is. Be in the moment, listen to the birdcalls and really drink in those magnificent views that make Cradle Mountain like nowhere else in the world.