Cradle Mountain

Whilst many make a day trip to Cradle Mountain, when in Tasmania and we have also been included in the many for that. Our experience showed us, one day is not nearly enough and why we put together this 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain. To say Cradle Mountain is one of the most iconic places in Tasmania, and a must to visit is not a stretch. It truly is one of the most unique places to visit in Australia. It is a place many have on their ‘Destination “DO” Lists’ and rightly so.

The majority of people come to the mountain to take in the natural splendour of the surrounding landscape and partake in a walk or two. Included in our 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain, are some of the more popular walks, including the type and level of experience needed.  We have also included some of the other activities we personally did and those that we wished to do but ran out of time and energy…Though it does give us an excuse to return…not that I need much reason for that, it is truly one of the most beautiful areas about.

I hope this 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain gives you inspiration to visit and as much joy as it did us. If you’d like to find out more about planning and our favourite places…

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Preview – 3-day Itinerary for Cradle Mountain

Our preview, briefly highlights, some tips for how to get there, places to stay and what to pack. We also give you some of the things you can discover in a 3-day itinerary for  Cradle Mountain. Giving a brief description of article and internal links to sections that can be of benefit to you…

4. 3 day Itinerary for Cradle Mountain – what can be expected for each day, including our experiences during our 3 day trip.
5. What to Pack – a highlight of some of the essential items to take for your trip
6. Other Places of Interest – a few extra places to visit: before – during – after,   your trip that are in the immediate area.

How to get to Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is in the northwest of Tasmania and whilst for our 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain a car isn’t required. If you want to explore more of the area it is certainly desired. You are able to access the area via tours (one day or more), and there are bus companies that offer transfers, such as Cradle Mountain Coaches. If travelling by coach it is recommended your entry point be Launceston or Devonport. No matter how you choose to come to Tasmania, you can fly or float (catch the ferry), and get a transfer.

Transfers from Hobart can also be arranged through e-Guide Cradle Mountain Transfers. However, like driving this could cut into the time of your 3-day Itinerary for Cradle Mountain.

Driving from the major arrival ports of Tasmania

When coming to Tasmania, you will arrive at one of three major arrive ports of entry.

1. Hobart – Capital of the with the largest airport
2. Launceston – major northern city with second largest airport
3. Devonport – large town with a smaller airport and ferry terminal for those wishing to bring their own vehicle.

Devonport and Launceston are the two closest points to Cradle Mountain. Entering via one of these ports would ensure you get the most from your 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain, in the event time is limited. Travel times from each port are below using Google mymaps, which we regularly use to plan and map out our itineraries.

If you are planning an extended stay in Tasmania, entry from any port would not be an issue to enjoy all the state has to offer. However, we do recommend if flying that you enter via one major airport and leave from the other. This ensures you get to enjoy the 3-day itinerary for Cradle mountain and so much more.

Devonport SOT (Ferry Terminal)

90 kms  (miles) – 1 hour, 35 minutes

Devonport Airport

97 km (miles) – 1 hour, 39 minutes

Launceston Airport

156 km (miles) – 2 hours, 12 minutes

Hobart Airport

318 km (miles) – 4 hours, 8 minutes

Be Prepared

As part of planning any itinerary, but especially a 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain. There are some things that are required to be checked before booking and re-checked as time gets closer to your trip.

Weather

The weather in Tasmania can be precarious in any area, it can be particularly that way up on Cradle Mountain where it can snow at anytime of the year. We have added average weather to our ‘Come Explore Tasmania‘ article. Though to be sure I would double check with the World Weather Service or Australia’s Bureau of Meterology.

Another recommended way to get a peak at the weather is with the weathercam for Cradle Mountain.

Have Travel Insurance

Part of being prepared for a 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain is to having travel insurance. For that matter I am a strong advocate for travel insurance for any itinerary or trip. The fact that it can snow at any time of the year and close you in or out of the park makes it even more important. As an example, we went last November (2021), the week before we arrived there was a massive dump of snow that closed the National Park. No one got in or out… there was still evidence of snow during our walks around the park over a week later…

It was however priceless seeing Greg’s face when I told him it was snowing…his reaction OMG are we going THIS week…Poor Greg

Get a NP Parks Pass

Whether you are coming in for a short trip, staying longer or travelling around Tasmania.  It is a requirement for entry to Cradle Mountain and other National Parks you may want to visit, to have a valid parks pass.

We recommended getting a holiday pass (valid for 2 months). This is on average equivalent to the same cost as 2.5 days in Cradle Mountain or 2 days for other parks. Alternatively, if your trip is longer than two months or you are a frequent visitor to Tasmania, an annual pass is a better option.

You are able to get your parks pass online and sent to you, alternatively you can pick one up at the Visitors Centre at the beginning of your 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain.

Places to Stay

There are plenty of options of accommodation for any intinerary for Cradle Mountain. However, I would strongly recommend you book ahead of time. As ALL Accor members we often choose to stay at their hotels. This allows us to decide whether to use points or pay. The selection below are some options we have chosen and a sample of the accommodation on offer.

We are highlighting four hotels, within close proximity to the National Park so as to complement your itinerary for Cradle Mountains, many of which have inhouse dining.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Nestled on the edge the NP, with an option of lodge accommodation, cottages or suites. At the lodge you have the choice of an exceptional restaurant, focussing on local (Tasmanian) produce source where possible in a 160km radius. Additionally, there is a tavern and bar that serves a great casual dining menu, and a store on the property.

The property also has several of the shorter walking tracks that are all easy access and some of the waterfall tracks. Additionally, it is an easy walk to one of the shuttle buses pick up points, for the longer walks within the park.

Cradle Mountain Hotel

This hotel is the first upon entering the Cradle Mountain area, offering a variety of accommodation including deluxe spa and split level rooms. Set in delightful bushland, you can do as much or as little as you like. Book a massage at the onsite Retreat Spa, explore the wilderness gallery, or a Tasmanian beer or wine tasting may be more to your liking. Of course, you are only a short distance from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre (4min drive 1.8km).

The hotel offers the Altitude Restaurant and Altitude Lounge bar as your dining choices. Whether it’s a casual light meal in the lounge area or a sit down menu of local seasonal food, these dining options have you covered.

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village

On the edge of the National Park, this accommodation offers a range of options to choose from. Including superior and luxury, self-contained cottages for couples or families. additionally, you can meet in the shared lounge area if travelling in a group and there is a guest laundry onsite. The village is only 10 mins walk from the Visitor Centre and main shuttle bus point down into the walks available.

You can dine at Hellyers Restaurant, offering 2 and 3 course menus, of local seasonal produce. The menu compliments the area which is known as the ‘Foraging Region’. You are also able to get a light meal at Hellyers lounge or take away. Additionally, a selection of two hampers are on offer for breakfast.

Cradle Mountain Highlanders

Within easy walking distance of the Visitor Centre (5mins), offering a choice of 16 cabins, surrounded by the bush setting. Each cabin is set apart to offer privacy and equipped with kitchen facilities, wood or gas heating and some having a luxurious spa. There are BBQ facilities on site and a guest laundry. The reception area is separate, where you can purchase a selection of essentials for your stay.

Whilst there is no restaurant onsite, you are only a short distance (1.5km radius) from the other hotel dining options.

Alternatively if you have a mobile home or love to camp, the Cradle Mountain Discovery Park is the place to go. In addition to campsites here you will also find cabins, backpackers (male & female) and dorm style accommodation. Within the park there is a camp kitchen, BBQ area, guest laundry and general store. The general store offers some essential items, local produce and a selection of beverages.

What to Pack

Your itinerary for Cradle Mountain will more than likely include some or a lot of walking. As that is the main reason the majority of people come to Cradle Mountain. So when considering what to include in your packing make sure you have suitable walking/hiking gear. If your itinerary for Cradle Mountain only includes easy walks comfortable shoes are still essentials.

Additionally, no matter the time of year, Cradle Mountain is always a cooler climate than most areas in Tasmania. Which means no matter what other area you are visiting some cold climate essentials are required as inclusions to the itinerary for Cradle Mountain, packing. However, a hat and sunscreen are also essentials no matter what time of year for all of Tasmanian.

Our travel checklists also have packing lists for cold and warm climate destinations.

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. Start building your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have. Perfect for planning a 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain.

Checklists for:

• Your destination DO List
• before you travel
• see and do notes
• carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
• checked in packing list – warm and cold climate

3-Day Itinerary for Cradle Mountain

No matter were you are travelling from to start your 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain there will be a drive required. The Visitor Centre opens at 09:00 and closes at 16:00, we always aim to arrive between 09:00-10:00 to get the most out of our visit. We have done a 3-day itinerary for Cradle Mountain a few times and this is a mix of those varied itineraries.

For us any itinerary for Cradle Mountain is about the landscape, history and a LOT of walking. So please take from this what you want and do as much or as little as you desire…

Day 1

The first day of our itinerary for Cradle Mountain, like any first day is all about familiarisation.

• head straight to the Visitor Centre to get our shuttle passes or Parks Pass (if our renewal is needed). We also grab an update on the walks, any activities on whilst visiting.
• check in to Accommodation – leave bags if still early and room isn’t ready.
• get shuttle down to start doing some walks
  • Weindorfers Forest walk and Waldheim Chalet are usually first off or last for the day (40-50mins walk, grade 1 & 2)
  • Dove Lake walk, which is our main walk for the day (2-3 hour walk, grade 3

alternatively we do

• • Crater Lake walk, as our main walk for the day (2 hour walk, 5.7 km, grade 3) as a personal note this was rougher than Dove Lake and took us 2.5-3 hours (I may have got us lost once or twice)
  • we pack out lunch for the first day and stop along the way to eat Dove Lake is especially good for picnics  –  alternatively we head back to the accommodation settle in and have some lunch, which is usually mid afternoon (dependent on when you leave)
• the afternoon is about rest and do some of the shorter trails, the walks around Peppers Lodge also after a great chance to meet up with a wombat or wallaby
  • rainforest walk, (10mins, grade 1)
  • the enchanted walk, (20 mins, grade 2)
  • the waterfalls walk, (30-40 mins, easy)
  • King Billy track, (40 mins, easy)
  • speeler track, (1.5 hours, medium)
• relax and have dinner at the accommodation, maybe a couple of drinks, then often fall exhausted into bed

Day 2

Day two of our itinerary for Cradle Mountain, after breakfast we spend the morning exploring.

• Dove Canyon Track, (3hrs return, hard track), this meets up from Knyvet falls on the waterfall track where you can continue on, going the full length or return

alternatively

• we take it a bit slower with more of the shorter walks.
• rainforest walk, (10mins, grade 1)
• the enchanted walk, (20 mins, grade 2)
• the waterfalls walk, (30-40 mins, easy)
• King Billy track, (40 mins, easy)
• speeler track, (1.5 hours, medium)
• lunch at one of the restaurants
• visit the Wilderness Gallery, to see what some of the local artists have
• visit Devils @ Cradle, for an ‘After Dark Experience’, to learn about the devils and the conservation programs at the sanctuary
• the evening is an encore of the night before, dinner, drinks and often a hot soak in a bath/spa then fall into bed exhausted

Day 3

Day three of our itinerary for Cradle Mountain… you guessed it we do some more walking.

• breakfast, pack bags
• check out to accommodation – leave bags often in our car or at reception
• get shuttle down to do whichever of the longer walks we didn’t do on Day 1
  • Dove Lake walk, which is our main walk for the day (2-3 hour walk, grade 3

alternatively

• • Crater Lake walk, as our main walk for the day (2 hour walk, 5.7 km, grade 3) as a personal note this was rougher than Dove Lake and took us 2.5-3 hours (I may have got us lost once or twice)
• have some lunch at one of the lounge/bars
• bid a fond farewell as our itinerary for Cradle Mountain is finished

Extra Notes and Days:

If you would like to include a spa retreat package into your itinerary for Cradle Mountain.  I strongly recommend booking this, the same time you book your accommodation, to avoid disappointment.  

If you would like to extend your stay to do all the walks on offer or use as a base, be sure to add extra days to your accommodations.

Up for a bit more of an adventure, Cradle Mountain Canyons can help…go canyoning with some of the best…

If you would like to do some of the longer walks you have a choice of the Cradle Summit Walk (8 hours return, 12.8km, grade 5) or the popular Overland Track walk. However, be advised the latter is a 65km one-way multi-day, grade 4 walk, that takes on average 6 days to complete. The Parks and Wildlife service offers information for this and a checklist to be completed. Alternatively, you can organise a tour can be arranged through with one of the walking companies in Tasmania (overnight camping is required).

Extra Places of Interest

Other places in close proximity that you may want to include before or after your itinerary for Cradle Mountain are:

Mole Creek Caves – Explore, Marakoopa and King Solomons Caves

Sheffield – The town of murals

Alternatively, extend your itinerary for Cradle Mountain and go West exploring:

West Coast Towns – extend your trip to West Coast Tasmania

• Queenstown – Iron Blow Lookout
• Strahan – Gordon River Cruises
• Zeehan – West Coast Heritage Centre
• Corrina – takayna/Tarkine-Pieman River

Other articles that may help you.

13 Best Luxury Hotels to Stay in Hobart

13 Must Do One Day Itineraries around Hobart

13 Delicious Restaurants Around Hobart CBD

6 steps to Create YOUR Perfect itinerary

9 Tips for YOUR Perfect Travel Plan and Budget

6 Luxury Accommodation Styles Pros and Cons

I am always happy to reply to any comments, suggestions for next articles or a hello. You can contact me through our Social Media or at jeanine@letsgoawandering.com with any questions or comments.