Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most recognisable natural landmarks, with its jagged dolerite peak rising spectacularly above the waters of Dove Lake. Even after years of guiding guests to Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, it’s a scene we never take for granted!
You might be someone who is content to admire the mountain from the shores of Dove Lake or while completing the Dove Lake Circuit (one of the most popular short walks in the national park). Or, you might be one of those people who’s tempted to scale its summit and soak up the sweeping views it offers across Tasmania’s highlands.
Before you lace up your hiking boots and begin the climb to Cradle Mountain’s summit, it’s important to remember that this is a challenging hike and not for everyone. It’s a long day on the trail and the climb involves steep sections, exposed terrain and a scramble over enormous boulders near the top.
But if you’re an experienced bushwalker and confident hiking in alpine conditions, it’s most definitely worth the adventure!
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know before tackling the Cradle Mountain summit, from what to expect on the trail to tips for a safe ascent.
How Difficult is the Cradle Mountain Summit Walk?
The Cradle Mountain summit walk is classified as Grade 5, the most challenging category in Tasmania’s walking track grading system.
According to Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Grade 5 trails are:
“Only suitable for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.”
In total, the Cradle Mountain summit walk is 12.8 kilometres, involves around 600 metres of elevation gain and (on paper) takes about eight hours to complete. Your actual walking time will depend on your fitness, the weather, track conditions and how long you spend at the summit.
In our experience, the most challenging part of the Cradle Mountain summit walk is not the distance. It’s that much of the route crosses exposed alpine terrain, with steep ascents and uneven rock surfaces. The final approach to the summit requires scrambling over large dolerite boulders, sometimes using your hands to maintain balance and find secure holds.
In short, this is not the kind of trail you should attempt if you’re just starting out in bushwalking or have limited alpine hiking experience. It’s better to have completed a few steep, rocky mountain routes before attempting this one.
If you’re not quite ready for the Cradle Mountain summit but want those elevated views across the park, consider hiking to Marion’s Lookout instead.
Cradle Mountain Summit Walking Route
The Cradle Mountain summit walk can be started from either Ronny Creek or Dove Lake. It can also be completed in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. We’ll detail the latter below!
If you begin at Ronny Creek, you’ll follow part of the Overland Track towards the mountain before branching onto the summit approach. Alternatively, you can start from Dove Lake and follow the relevant connecting tracks from there.
Whichever starting point you choose, remember to register in the logbook before heading off. You should also check the current track information with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and check in with the rangers at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre about the weather suitability that day. Remember, conditions at the summit can be considerably different from those at Dove Lake.
If you’re walking in an anti-clockwise direction, the first major landmark you’ll pass is Wombat Pool, a glassy glacial tarn that looks wonderful in the early morning light. Take a moment to pause here, rehydrate and enjoy the scenery.
Then, continue up to Marion’s Lookout, which offers impressive views across Dove Lake and the surrounding peaks. The climb towards the lookout is steep in places, but there are chains bolted to the rocks to assist during the final scramble.
The next major landmark is Kitchen Hut, a small emergency shelter where you can pause before attempting the final summit. It’s important to note that this should not be used as overnight accommodation, unless you find yourself in an emergency situation.
Rather, it’s a good place to assess the weather, your remaining daylight, your energy levels and the condition of the group. If conditions have deteriorated or you are already struggling, consider turning back here before pushing beyond your limits.
The final ascent to Cradle Mountain summit is the most technically demanding part of the walk. The track crosses a collection of large dolerite boulders and navigating them requires careful foot placement, balance and, in places, the use of your hands. It really is a scramble!
Don’t try and rush this, especially if the rocks are slippery or icy. Take your time, look for secure footholds and avoid climbing onto exposed sections if you are uncomfortable with the terrain. If you feel the conditions are unsafe, turn around. It’s not worth the risk!
If you make it to the summit, prepare yourself for some epic views. The surrounding landscape encompasses rugged peaks, alpine plateaus, glacial lakes and the vast wilderness of Tasmania’s Central Highlands. If the weather is conducive, settle in for lunch here and immerse yourself in the moment.
That said, visibility is never guaranteed. Low cloud, mist and rain can obscure the landscape, and at times, strong winds can make the exposed summit uncomfortable…or even dangerous. Assess how safe the summit is and retreat if you’re at all unsure.
It’s also important to remember that reaching the top is only half the adventure, so leave enough fuel in the tank for the return hike. You can either retrace your steps or follow the Face Track, which branches right (just before you reach Kitchen Hut) toward Ranger’s Hut and continues on to Hanson’s Peak.
Hanson’s Peak enjoys sweeping panoramas across Dove Lake, Lake Lilla and Lake Hanson, as well as a pretty special perspective of Cradle Mountain's jagged dolerite peaks. Just quietly, we think these are some of the best views on the entire walk, so take the time to really soak them in!
It’s quite a steep descent to the shores of Dove Lake and this can be tiring, particularly after so many hours of walking. Make sure you allow sufficient daylight for the return journey and resist the temptation to rush, simply because you are heading downhill and so close to the end.
When is the Best Time to Climb Cradle Mountain?
In theory, the Cradle Mountain summit can be hiked throughout the year, but the conditions can be highly variable. Even during the warmer summer months, this alpine environment can be cold, wet and windy. There are no guarantees!
Summer (December to February) offers the longest daylight hours and usually enjoys the most favourable conditions for hiking. That said, warm, calm weather elsewhere in Tasmania does not guarantee mild conditions at the higher elevations of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Rain, strong winds, low cloud and sudden temperature drops are still possible.
Autumn (March to May) brings cooler temperatures and beautiful seasonal colours to the landscape. The changing foliage, including Tasmania’s deciduous fagus, can make this a wonderful time to visit, although the daylight hours are becoming shorter as the season progresses.
Winter (June to August) can completely transform Cradle Mountain, with snow sometimes blanketing the national park, especially at higher elevations. Due to the hazardous conditions, winter summit attempts are only suitable for people with the appropriate experience, equipment and skills.
Spring (September to November) brings longer days, emerging wildflowers and warming conditions. That said, wintry weather (including strong winds) can persist at higher elevations, and snow or ice may remain on exposed sections.
No matter what season you plan to hike, it’s important to check the forecast and current track conditions before committing to the climb. If you’re not sure, stop in to chat with the rangers at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and seek their opinion – they have the latest information regarding track closures and safety.
Safety Tips for Climbing Cradle Mountain
It’s amazing how quickly conditions can change in Tasmania’s alpine areas and even experienced bushwalkers can encounter difficulties. For a Grade 5 trail like the Cradle Mountain summit, it’s important that you plan your hike carefully to avoid ending up in a situation you don’t want to be in.
Check the forecast and track conditions
Always review the forecast for Cradle Mountain before heading off and consult Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service for alerts, closures and current advice. If staff recommend against the climb, choose another walk.
Start early
An early start gives you more daylight to complete the hike and provides flexibility if the walk takes longer than expected or you encounter any issues.
Pack appropriately
Cradle Mountain’s exposed alpine environment can become uncomfortable or even dangerous if you are caught without suitable clothing or supplies. Rather than detailing everything you should pack for the summit hike here, check out our list of things to bring on any Cradle Mountain hike.
Walk with a buddy (if possible)
Walking with an experienced companion provides an extra layer of support if someone becomes injured, exhausted or disorientated. If you don’t have a hiking buddy, tell a reliable person your intended route (and expected return time) and always register in the hiker’s logbook before setting off.
Stay on the established route
Keep to the marked route and avoid taking shortcuts across delicate alpine vegetation. This is not only for the protection of Cradle Mountain’s natural environment, but also for your safety. In poor visibility, leaving the established route can quickly lead to disorientation.
Know when to turn back
If the weather deteriorates, visibility drops or you are running short of daylight, abandon your attempt to reach Cradle Mountain’s summit. Turning around is never a failure but a sensible part of mountain safety. It can be tempting to continue if you’ve already invested several hours in the climb, but the risks are not worth it.
Alternative Hikes to the Cradle Mountain Summit
While scaling Cradle Mountain’s summit is definitely a feat, there are lots of other trails that allow you to experience the national park’s incredible beauty. All of the following are excellent choices if you don’t have alpine experience or the day’s conditions aren’t suitable for a summit climb.
Dove Lake Circuit: This two-hour walk circles the lake beneath Cradle Mountain, providing classic views of the mountain and its reflection in the water.
Marion’s Lookout: Located en route to the summit of Cradle Mountain, this is one of the area's most impressive viewpoints and is only a three-hour return trek.
Crater Lake: This two-hour scenic walk passes through a magnificent glacial landscape surrounded by forest and steep mountain slopes.