Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain
4.8
MountainsNational ParksNature & Wildlife AreasForestsWaterfalls
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.8
1,303 reviews
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Rory O
Dublin, Ireland39 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Best to plan your walks / hikes before you visit as there are so many options from 20 mins to 5 days. The 5 day hikes are for the serious people for the rest of us a 4 or 5 hour hike in a day will probably suffice.
If you arrive in the PM and want a 2 hour walk try the cradle valley boardwalk it’s all on a wooden pathway. I recommend getting bus the Ronny creek and walking back to ranger station that way you don’t have the worry of missing the last bus.
For day 2 you could again get bus to Ronny creek and walk up to crater lake ( lots of steps up) and depending on weather either take in Marion’s look out ( seriously steep walk up and back you need to be used to good hikes) or turn left after the lake and go to lake Lilla and then down to Dove lake. If you still have 1.5 to 2 hours walking in you then go around dove lake it’s beautiful or turn left and go back to the bus stop 10 mins away. Regardless of the weather when you leave bring a rain jacket and good strong walking shoes . Don’t forget you have to carry your food and water needs. It’s worth the hassle as the walks / hikes are wonderful
If you arrive in the PM and want a 2 hour walk try the cradle valley boardwalk it’s all on a wooden pathway. I recommend getting bus the Ronny creek and walking back to ranger station that way you don’t have the worry of missing the last bus.
For day 2 you could again get bus to Ronny creek and walk up to crater lake ( lots of steps up) and depending on weather either take in Marion’s look out ( seriously steep walk up and back you need to be used to good hikes) or turn left after the lake and go to lake Lilla and then down to Dove lake. If you still have 1.5 to 2 hours walking in you then go around dove lake it’s beautiful or turn left and go back to the bus stop 10 mins away. Regardless of the weather when you leave bring a rain jacket and good strong walking shoes . Don’t forget you have to carry your food and water needs. It’s worth the hassle as the walks / hikes are wonderful
Written 17 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LA F
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
We were not going to attempt to summit Cradle Mountain due to previous reviews stating how hard it is. However we went today with three kids aged 10, 13 and 16 and had a great time. The boulders at the top are fun, and as long as you take your time it’s really not a problem.
We saw multiple wombats in the initial Ronny Creek part of the overland walk.
The shuttle busses were regular and comfortable and it only cost us $30 for two adults for 72 hours of shuttle use on top of the 2 month holiday parks pass we had. The visitor centre had helpful staff and a nice cafe.
This is an absolutely stunning place and do not be put off trying the more difficult walks. Compared to others we have done it wasn’t too difficult.
We saw multiple wombats in the initial Ronny Creek part of the overland walk.
The shuttle busses were regular and comfortable and it only cost us $30 for two adults for 72 hours of shuttle use on top of the 2 month holiday parks pass we had. The visitor centre had helpful staff and a nice cafe.
This is an absolutely stunning place and do not be put off trying the more difficult walks. Compared to others we have done it wasn’t too difficult.
Written 16 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ozzietourist
Sydney20 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
We were blessed with 2 lovely sunny warm days after a day of heavy rain driving up to Cradle Mountain. Stayed in Cradle Mountain accommodation. We had a Holiday Parks Pass ($93.15) which covers Park entry but needed to buy the $15 per person additional shuttle bus tickets for adults, kids free.
We did 2 main walks, Crater Lake Circuit and Dove Lake Circuit. Of the two, the Crater Lake Circuit (3 hours) going from Ronny's Creek to the Dove Lake Car Park was my favourite although it is steeper with climbing involved and therefore harder. You are rewarded with waterfalls, changing scenery, and the beautiful Crater Lake then Lake Lilla, and Wombat Pool (although someone has scratched off the "l" off all the signs so it reads Wombat Poo - hilarious). You get a lovely view from up high of the latter two lakes. You finish at Dove Lake and so can take the iconic pictures of Cradle Mountain from a single walk.
The Dove Lake Circuit (2-3 hours) is flatter and easier with a lot of boardwalks but gentle steps up and down intermittently. You get pictures of Cradle Mountain from slightly different perspectives but after you get those pictures, the scenery does not change as much.
Did a few shorter walks to finish each day closer to the Ranger Station: Enchanted Stroll and The Waterfalls Walk (Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls) which are easy and along boardwalks.
Saw closeup of an echidna, wallaby and a wombat which were added bonuses.
We did 2 main walks, Crater Lake Circuit and Dove Lake Circuit. Of the two, the Crater Lake Circuit (3 hours) going from Ronny's Creek to the Dove Lake Car Park was my favourite although it is steeper with climbing involved and therefore harder. You are rewarded with waterfalls, changing scenery, and the beautiful Crater Lake then Lake Lilla, and Wombat Pool (although someone has scratched off the "l" off all the signs so it reads Wombat Poo - hilarious). You get a lovely view from up high of the latter two lakes. You finish at Dove Lake and so can take the iconic pictures of Cradle Mountain from a single walk.
The Dove Lake Circuit (2-3 hours) is flatter and easier with a lot of boardwalks but gentle steps up and down intermittently. You get pictures of Cradle Mountain from slightly different perspectives but after you get those pictures, the scenery does not change as much.
Did a few shorter walks to finish each day closer to the Ranger Station: Enchanted Stroll and The Waterfalls Walk (Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls) which are easy and along boardwalks.
Saw closeup of an echidna, wallaby and a wombat which were added bonuses.
Written 19 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liwei82
Singapore, Singapore158 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Drove from Sheffield up to Cradle Mountain, what a scenic journey!
Parked at Visitors' Centre, bought park pass and hopped onto shuttle bus into Cradle Mt-Dove Lake region
pity that that rain came intermittently.
Couldn't admire her full beauty although the rain brought a misty change
a second visit definitely!
Parked at Visitors' Centre, bought park pass and hopped onto shuttle bus into Cradle Mt-Dove Lake region
pity that that rain came intermittently.
Couldn't admire her full beauty although the rain brought a misty change
a second visit definitely!
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
211syazwanir
2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
I recently returned from my incredible six-day tour of Tasmania with your company, and I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation—especially for our outstanding tour guide, Tim.
From start to finish, Tim did an amazing job ensuring that everyone in the group was well taken care of. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the entire experience truly special. He went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and engaged, and his passion for Tasmania was truly inspiring.
Thank you to your team for organizing such a wonderful experience. I will definitely be recommending your tours to friends and family, and I hope to travel with your company again in the future.
From start to finish, Tim did an amazing job ensuring that everyone in the group was well taken care of. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the entire experience truly special. He went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and engaged, and his passion for Tasmania was truly inspiring.
Thank you to your team for organizing such a wonderful experience. I will definitely be recommending your tours to friends and family, and I hope to travel with your company again in the future.
Written 7 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna S
Australind, Australia158 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Cradle mountain is a must do if in Tasmania. We stayed 3 nights, so we could get the walk trails in without rushing.
We arrived at 1pm and told this was our best window for climbing to Marion’s Peak. We parked the car, packed the backpacks and headed up. The gentleman at the visitors centre was not wrong. A grade 3 climb, it was well worth the effort and we were rewarded with stunning views with lots of sunshine. In fact we did the whole walk in our long pants and t-shirts and our wet weather gear got carried around for the ride.
It is spectacular. The next day it rained heavily until 1pm, so we did 4 of the shorter walks around Peppers lodge. All were amazing, lots of different walks through magical green rain forest to waterfalls and the enchanted forest past wombat terrain.
We did dove lake on our last day as it was still a cold and overcast day. So much to see and experience. The views of cradle mountain are spectacular whether in full sun, or partly clouded over.
Wombats crossing the path in front of you, paddymelons and wallabies everywhere.
Ronnie creek was a must do for the wombats as they come right up to the walkway.
We arrived at 1pm and told this was our best window for climbing to Marion’s Peak. We parked the car, packed the backpacks and headed up. The gentleman at the visitors centre was not wrong. A grade 3 climb, it was well worth the effort and we were rewarded with stunning views with lots of sunshine. In fact we did the whole walk in our long pants and t-shirts and our wet weather gear got carried around for the ride.
It is spectacular. The next day it rained heavily until 1pm, so we did 4 of the shorter walks around Peppers lodge. All were amazing, lots of different walks through magical green rain forest to waterfalls and the enchanted forest past wombat terrain.
We did dove lake on our last day as it was still a cold and overcast day. So much to see and experience. The views of cradle mountain are spectacular whether in full sun, or partly clouded over.
Wombats crossing the path in front of you, paddymelons and wallabies everywhere.
Ronnie creek was a must do for the wombats as they come right up to the walkway.
Written 13 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva S
Offenburg, Germany209 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Of course, it is a bit more touristy than other places in Tasmania, yet I think it is worth seeing. From the Visitor Center, the buses arrive at some stations, from where you can then start hiking. We were there for 2 days and it was quite enough. Beautiful varied landscape. If you want to see wombats, you should be at Ronny Creek from 4:30 p.m., from there they can be seen by the dozens.
Automatically translated
Written 17 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zanzibar138
Perth, Australia726 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
I've wanted to go to Cradle Mountain for the longest time, so on a recent trip to Launceston we went despite having my partner's elderly grandmother with us. They chose not to pay the entry fee for the national park and went to other attractions in the area instead. Unfortunately I only had time to do 1 walk (I chose the Dove Lake circuit). I just missed a bus on the way there and had quite a wait for the next one, but I was lucky on the way back and arrived just as a bus was pulling up. Some of the other stops looked lovely too - I'll definitely have to go back for a longer trip. My partner's grandmother didn't cope very well with the windy drive up, so on the way back we took the longer route via Murchison Highway which was much easier driving but probably added an extra hour to our travel time.
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronica W
102 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Amazing set up with ample parking for small vehicles and caravan set ups.
The staff at the visitor centre were very knowledgeable and helpful explaining how the park works and how the shuttle buses work.
We have been to alot of national parks but the shuttle bus set up is an excellent idea! You don't have to wait long and they get you to your stops quickly and the drivers provide some great information along the way.
The park itself has excellent signage and walkways with handrails that are easy to manage. There are easy/moderate and difficult walks depending on what you want to see.
Excellent wildlife and cradle mountain itself is breathtaking! A must do when in Tasmania.
The staff at the visitor centre were very knowledgeable and helpful explaining how the park works and how the shuttle buses work.
We have been to alot of national parks but the shuttle bus set up is an excellent idea! You don't have to wait long and they get you to your stops quickly and the drivers provide some great information along the way.
The park itself has excellent signage and walkways with handrails that are easy to manage. There are easy/moderate and difficult walks depending on what you want to see.
Excellent wildlife and cradle mountain itself is breathtaking! A must do when in Tasmania.
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona G
Adelaide, Australia340 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The views at Cradle mountain are good, however I have seen many comparable that don't have the crowds and are a much cheaper experience. If you are a hard core hiker then Cradle mountain has a lot to offer. The summit walk is grade 5 8 hour hike and the overland trail is a 6 day hike that starts from Cradle mountain. We did the dove Lake circuit. Nice but very crowded. They use shuttle buses to get you to the start of trails. We were all packed in like sardines. We only did one walk due to how crowded the buses were. You can stay at onsight accommodation but be prepared to fork out about $500 for the night. It's a good example of how something is lost when it becomes a hyped up commercial enterprise
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi all, thanks for taking time review and replying the answer. I am planning to drive from Travallyn to Cradle Mountain with little kids on first week of March ,just for day trip? Will it be too much for the kids ?Can you please give some advice about stopping over and resting places.
Written 25 February 2024
There are short walks through beautiful landscapes which you should also see some native animals. Get the park map on arrival so you know where to go. Enjoy.
Written 25 February 2024
Is it possible to rent a wagon or a stroller from the Tourist Visitor Center at Cradle Mountain?
Written 2 December 2022
Hi sorry about the late reply.
No rentals at the CM Visitor Centre or in the immediate area.
As per previous member reply a carrier backpack would be the best option for a little one that cannot walk the trails.
Written 22 December 2022
Is there any shuttle bus stop near Peppers Mountain Lodge? How far is it?
I am considering to stay there, but I am not sure if it is convenient for us to drive to entrance of the park to get the ticket for the shuttle bus at the visitor centre and drive back to the hotel to park the car. It seems inefficient time-management if I need to go back and forth.
Written 29 November 2019
he shuttle stops near the lodge. It's about a 5-10 minute walk from the shuttle stop. Luckily the walk is nice.
Written 4 December 2019
Would anyone know if we can drive a car to Dove Lake car park or Ronny Creek car park. I saw many reviews talking about the shuttle bus, so I am not sure if we have to take a shuttle bus from the visitor centre to start the hike to Cradle Summit and Marions Lookout?
Written 31 October 2019
you cannot drive up to dove lake anymore you must use the shuttle bus.
Written 10 January 2020
Any cafe or restaurant near Cradle Mount Visitor Centre? I have tried to find it in the map but no pin is marked at all. I think my group will walk along many circuits for the whole day and hope we can find somerhing to recharge our energy. If there is a cafe, could anyone tell me what operating hours of that cafe is?
Written 30 October 2019
There is a cafe at the visitors center but it closed at 5pm when we were there in Feb, surprising really since there are many people in the park after this time.
Written 4 February 2020
what are the two waterfalls names please at cradle mountain you mentioned are just a short walk
wendy
Written 5 September 2019
I did not mention waterfalls here maybe someone else's review, I did review russell falls .Sorry
Written 5 September 2019
mylee
Hong Kong, China
I will go in the end of July. Is the car need change the snow tire when drive to the mountain, will it be snowing?
Written 6 April 2019
Hi, is it difficult for driving in the snowing day?
Written 14 January 2019
Hi all , thanks for your time and advice . I will be staying one night in peppers cradle mountain on 6 July . May I ask when is the best time to drive up to the mountain as I will arrived lauceston airport at 7.40am , pick up the car and visit Josef Chromy winery , Truffle hunting then cradle mountain which i estimated should reach the mountain by 4pm? Is 4pm too late or dark to reach the mountain ?
Written 26 June 2018
I wouldn’t consider driving from Launceston to Cradles late afternoon or evening, especially during winter for the reasons already mentioned by other users. Poor visibility, animals, slippery road are just some of the risks associated. The road to cradles is quite narrow and windy. The GPS might not work so well in the rural if you were lost. I would avoid travelling at dawn or dusk at all cost.
Written 1 July 2018
Hi , my family intend to drive to cradle mountain in first week of July from lauceston airport, need advice whether is it safe to drive in winter and any recommendation to stay overnight in the mountain and how far from lauceston airport to cradle mountain .
Thank you
Written 14 June 2018
It’s an easy ride, but beware that Sat nag may not work and drive to a reasonable speed and there’s only one hard to see turn to Cradle. Keep going to the actual entrance to the park as Peppers is on the rest. It’s a beautiful drive on a sunny day, even cold. The car rental team are pretty good. We flew to Devonport and it’s an easier drive and the locals there know the area well and advise you on conditions as they are watching the weather. Peppers is terrific with great dinner and breakfast but be aware no mobile phone coverage unless your carrier links with Telstra (Optus does not work) and very little Wi-Fi even in hotels. You should not need chains but check your tires are in good tread. In my opinion you should take full insurance coverage as many young Tasmanians are not insured and there are wallabies and wildlife along the road which could ‘ding’ your car.
Written 26 June 2018
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