How Many Days Do You Need at Cradle Mountain?
How Many Days Do You Need at Cradle Mountain?
This is a question we’re asked again and again…and it’s not easy to answer! Even after years of guiding visitors to Cradle Mountain, there are always new experiences to have - you could spend weeks here and still find trails to explore!
But the reality is, most visitors only have a limited amount of time in Tasmania, which means a limited number of days in their itinerary to dedicate to Cradle Mountain. This article is all about helping you decide how many days you should allocate, depending on your interests and how much of the park you want to explore.
While you can see the famous Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain in a single day, there are lots of reasons to stay a bit longer. Of course, the longer you stay, the more of the park you can experience and the more immersed in Tasmania’s wilderness you’ll be.
For most travellers, two nights and two full days is the sweet spot. But we’d recommend stretching that to three if you’re a keen hiker. That way, you’ll get to discover the national park’s diverse habitats and experience it at different times of the day.
Is One Day Enough at Cradle Mountain?
“Enough” might not be the right word. But yes, you can definitely visit Cradle Mountain in one day if you’re travelling around Tasmania and don’t have time for a longer stay. In fact, we offer Cradle Mountain day tours from Devonport and Launceston that include a stop in Sheffield along the way.
If you’re visiting Cradle Mountain in one day, try to arrive at the national park as early as possible and have your walks planned in advance. That way, you won’t waste precious time figuring out where you want to go and what you want to see once you’ve arrived.
Begin at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, where you’ll find interpretive displays, park information and up-to-date weather reports. Always check the forecasted conditions before heading off on any walking trails. You can also purchase a Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass here, which includes transport on the park’s shuttle buses.
Then, ride the shuttle bus to Dove Lake, which boasts incredible views of Cradle Mountain. A circuit trail hugs the lake shores and this is popular with many people who only have one day in Cradle Mountain.
The 6-kilometre circuit takes around 2 to 3 hours and provides some of the best views of Cradle Mountain in the park. The track passes through rainforest and alpine vegetation and circles the lake directly beneath the mountain - it really is superb!
The shuttle journey from the Visitor Centre to Dove Lake takes approximately 20 minutes each way, so remember to allow extra time for transport! It also stops at Ronny Creek, the starting point of the Weindorfers Forest Walk. We’d recommend this short hike if time allows as it takes in the historic Waldheim Chalet.
Two Days at Cradle Mountain: The Sweet Spot for Most Travellers
Staying at least one night at Cradle Mountain means you will be far less rushed - you don't need to squeeze everything into one packed day! You can dedicate your first day to the Dove Lake area and the next to exploring some of the park's other short walks or even embark on a longer hike.
Spending a night at Cradle Mountain also gives you the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Many native species (including the park’s iconic wombats) are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. If you’re rushing in and out on a day trip, you might miss them altogether.
There’s also something special about ending a day of trekking with a night in a wood cabin or a chalet suite, surrounded by wilderness. Cradle Mountain has some fantastic accommodation options with log fires, including self-catering cabins and a luxury alpine retreat.
What a lot of visitors to Cradle Mountain don’t factor into their planning is the weather. Many come expecting those crystal clear views they’ve seen in photos online and reflections on the waters of Dove Lake. But the truth is, Tasmania’s alpine weather can be unpredictable and low cloud (plus rain and strong winds) could ruin your first day’s views.
With an extra day, you’ll have another opportunity to return when conditions improve and experience the Cradle Mountain you envisioned. That said, there are no guarantees. But two days gives you a better chance than one!
Three Days at Cradle Mountain: Recommended for Serious Hikers
Three days is ideal if you enjoy hiking and want to tackle a couple of longer walks, but aren’t signing up to do the full Overland Track. It’s enough time to feel like a proper wilderness getaway and will give you the opportunity to venture to areas of the national park that aren’t so well-trodden.
We’d still recommend doing the Dove Lake Circuit and the Weindorfers Forest Walk to gain insight into the national park’s history. Weather permitting, you could attempt a longer walk to Marion’s Lookout or Hanson’s Peak, both of which offer incredible views.
Many serious trekkers want to attempt the summit of Cradle Mountain itself, which is reached via a 12.8-kilometre return trail. If this is you, we would recommend staying at least two nights, because you’ll need to allow a full day (around 8 hours) to complete the ascent. Remember, this is a challening walk and be ready for exposed scrambling over dolerite boulders near the peak.
As mentioned above, Cradle Mountain’s weather can be unpredictable and every extra day you add to your itinerary gives you flexibility for bad weather.
For example, if you wake up and the summit is covered in cloud or strong winds and heavy rain are forecast, you don't have to force yourself to go. In fact, you shouldn’t go! Instead, you can spend the day doing a lower-level walk and try the summit the following day (if conditions improve).
Please note: Hikers are rescued from Tasmania’s national parks every year, often because they attempt walks when conditions are unsuitable. Don’t become a statistic and always observe weather warnings at the Visitor Centre. If you’re not sure whether it’s suitable to walk, ask one of the rangers.
What About the Overland Track?
If your reason for visiting Cradle Mountain is the Overland Track, you're looking at a much longer timeframe. The full Overland Track usually takes six days, although you can add rest days and side trips, extending the adventure to 8, 9 or 10 days if you want!
The Overland Track traverses the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and passes through alpine landscapes, buttongrass plains and glacial valleys. It’s one of Australia’s most iconic long-distance walks and not something you do on the spur of the moment.
If you want to hike the Overland Track during the main season (October 1 to May 31), you’ll need to secure a permit. These are released online on July 1 each year and they usually sell out in the first couple of days. Advance planning is required!
And yes, you need a permit even if you’re not planning on staying in the huts along the Overland Track. Tent campers also need a permit to keep numbers sustainable.
Outside of the main Overland Track season, you don’t need a permit, but you do need to be a highly experienced trekker and ready for challenging conditions (rain, snow, strong winds). A valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass is also required.
For more information about hiking the Overland Track, check out our guide and transfers info here.
Can You See Cradle Mountain Without Hiking?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Cradle Mountain is that you don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the incredible scenery. The shuttle system makes it easy to get to Dove Lake (even with mobility issues), and simply relaxing on one of the benches here and enjoying the views is a great experience.