We’ve spent 4 years traversing the Cradle Mountain walking trails in all seasons. In this post I’m spilling the tea on the one Cradle Mountain walk we always tell our Airbnb guests to do for an iconic day on the mountain. If your time is limited, you’re travelling a long way and paying up for your trip you’re going to want to read this post. Because I’ve also compiled 24 Cradle Mountain walks by time and difficulty so you can quickly and easily plan your day at Cradle Mountain. I recommend the most incredible short walks and half day Cradle Mountain walks for an iconic, jaw dropping, photo-worthy experience. And I share two hidden gems to get away from the crowds and off the beaten track.
Planning your walks at Cradle Mountain
You can save a lot of time on the day by planning your walks at Cradle Mountain before getting there. Having a plan allows you to park at the visitor centre, and jump on the shuttle straight to the trail head of your chosen Cradle Mountain walk.
How many walks at Cradle Mountain can you do in a day? The million dollar question. Let’s talk first about the different types of Cradle Mountain walking tracks. From there, I’ll recommend the top short walks and best day walks at Cradle Mountain and wrap up with ideal itineraries to fit them in. For the wild wanderers out there, I’ve also snuck in a couple of hidden gem Cradle Mountain walks to get into the wilds and away from the crowds.
Lets get in to it!
Walks at Cradle Mountain by time & difficulty
Here’s 24 walks at Cradle Mountain categorised by difficult and time, to help you plan your day. If you’re on the Cradle Mountain trails for a full day, think about combining one or two easy walks with a moderate walk, to get the best from your day.
If you’re looking for a hike or a challenge, dedicate your day to a walk in the moderate to hard column.
The Overland Track at Cradle Mountain is for Guided Walks or experienced hikers. The Overland Track forms the backbone route to Lake St Clair, with side tracks to locations like Barn Bluff and Mount Ossa. These walks require full preparation as the conditions at altitude and get ROUGH quickly.
| EASY Cradle Mountain Short Walks (< 1 hr) | EASY TO MODERATE Cradle Mountain half-day Walks (3 to 5 hrs) | MODERATE TO HARD Cradle Mountain Hikes (> 5hrs) | GUIDED OR EXPERIENCED Cradle Mountain multi-day walks (overnight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enchanted Walk (20 mins) | Dove Lake Walk (2 hrs) | Cradle Mountain Summit Hike (8hrs) | Overland track 6 days |
| Pencil Pine Falls & Rainforest Walk (20 mins) | Crater Lake Circuit (2 hrs) | Lake Rodway Track Loop (8hrs) | Barn Bluff (3 hrs – Overland side track) |
| King Billy Walk (30 mins) | Lake Lilla Track (1 hr) | Twisted Lakes Track (6 hrs) | Mt Ossa (4 hrs – Overland side track) |
| Kynvet Falls Walk (40 mins) | Marions Lookout (3-4 hrs) | Face Track (off Lake Rodway) | Ferguson Falls and D’Alton Falls (1.5hrs – Overland side track) |
| Cradle Valley Boardwalk (1 – 1.5 hrs) | Hansons Peak (3.5 hrs) | Lake Wilks Track (off Lake Rodway) | |
| Weindorfers Forest Walk (30 mins) | Dove Canyon Track (3hrs) | ||
| Speeler Track (1.5 hrs) | Horse Track (3 hrs) | ||
| Glacier Rock (20 mins) |
9 Best Cradle Mountain Walks (hand picked)
Best Cradle Mountain Short Walks
The Cradle Mountain short walks are where we’ll start. If you’re after an easy Cradle Mountain walk, stick to these Cradle Mountain walking trails at lower altitudes with no climbing. You’ll still have an incredible experience and see waterfalls, rainforests, wombats, weird fungi, button grass and stunning landscape views.
King Billy Walk Cradle Mountain
Difficulty: Easy
What will you see?
If you want a taste of Cradle Mountain walks without a big trek, the King Billy Walk is a must. One of the best short walks in Cradle Mountain, this 1.5 km return trail takes you deep into a pocket of ancient rainforest, where towering King Billy pines—some over 1,000 years old—stand like sentinels from another time. The biggest tree – King Billy – is a sight to behold. It stretches so far up it disappears through the rainforest canopy.
Starting near Cradle Mountain Lodge, the trail is an easy stroll through a world of moss-draped trees, twisted myrtle beech, and trickling streams. The forest floor is a thick, green carpet of ferns, and the scent of damp earth and pine lingers in the air. It’s the kind of walk that makes you slow down, take a breath, and really soak in the magic of Tasmania’s cool temperate rainforests.
Where does it go?
The trail starts behind Peppers Lodge, at the end of the Enchanted walk. It loops up behind the lodge and doubles back to finish up amongst the cabin accommodation behind the Lodge.
How do you get there?
Take the shuttle from the Visitors Centre and get off at the Interpretation Centre, then double back about 50m to the Enchanted Walk Trail head. This leads onto the King Billy Walk. Or drive to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and park there. Walk around behind the lodge and past the spa until you find the King Billy Trail Head.
The King Billy Track Cradle Mountain is short, but it feels like stepping into a lost world—Jurassic Park. If you only have time for one short walk in Cradle Mountain, make it this one.
Cradle Valley Boardwalk (Ronny Creek to Snake Hill)
Difficulty – Easy
What will you see?
The Cradle Valley Boardwalk stretches all the way from the Cradle Mountain Interpretation Centre at the gate to the National Park, to Dove Lake – just over 7km long! And if you miss the last shuttle out of the park in the afternoon, this is the track you’ll be walking to get to your car. 😉
Stark and rugged landscapes with abundant water is how I can best describe the scenery on this walk. Expect open moorland covered in button grass dotted with petrified upside-down looking trees. Bridges offering glimpses along the rushing Dove River, which flows between Dove Lake and Pencil Pine reek. A suspension bridge across Fysh creek. And very few people, making for a great photo op.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well here 👆🏼 is a thousand words about the Cradle Valley Boardwalk between Ronny Creek and Snake Hill. It’s stunning. Enough said.
How do you get there?
Take the shuttle from the Visitor Centre and get off at the Ronny Creek stop or the Snake Hill stop.
Where does the walk go?
The walk takes you along Cradle Valley from Ronny Creek to Snake Hill via a single floating boardwalk. There are no twists or turns to other trails, so no risk of wandering off the path. Just amble along and enjoy the serenity.
The Enchanted Walk
Difficulty – Easy
What will you see?
The Enchanted Walk is aptly named. You’ll wander past golden button grass and through faery land-like sub-temperate rainforest like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie.
The Enchanted Walk and the Pencil Pine Falls Walk are also your best chance besides Ronny Creek to see wombats up close, grazing and scuttling between burrows. You’ll definitely see heaps of square wombat poo along the trail. Which I wouldn’t normally mention, but it’s the only cubed poo I’ve seen in my life and kinda fascinating in a wierd way.
How do you get there?
If you take the shuttle bus from the Visitors Centre hop off at the first stop (Interpretation Centre) just inside the National Park gate. Then walk back the way you came towards the gate and this is where you’ll find the Enchanted Walk trail head.
Where does the walk go?
From the gate of the national park this Cradle Mountain short walk winds along Pencil Pine Creek to the back of Peppers Lodge.
Pencil Pine Falls and the Rainforest Walk
Difficulty: Easy
What will you see?
Pencil Pine Creek, Pencil Pine Falls, sublime cold climate rainforest, wombats, wombat burrows, maybe even a Pademelon or two.
Pencil Pine Falls is like a quick dip into the Cradle Mountain beauty pool. It’s an 10 minute in and out affair. But you’re rewarded with a pretty waterfall, framed by the elusive Fagus. Photoworthy for sure!
How do you get there?
The closest shuttle bus stop is the Interpretation Centre / Ranger’s Centre. You can’t miss the Rainforest Walk trail head from the shuttle bus stop.
Pencil Pine falls is accessed from a floating boardwalk across the road from Peppers at Cradle. From the Shuttle stop, walk back out the park gate and along the road to the right until you come to a floating boardwalk. This is the trail head
Where does the walk go?
The Pencil Pine Falls walk heads down towards Pencil Pine Creek to a water fall viewing platform. It’s quick and a pretty walk down and up. The Rainforest Walk loops around the Interpretation Centre past the waterfall and through diverse vegetation and landscapes.
My Favourite Half-Day Cradle Mountain Walks
These walks extend to a few hours and have steps involved, so the views are better. There’s no scrambling or chains like the difficult walks, but you do need moderate fitness.
Crater Lake Circuit (or Dove Lake to Ronny Creek via Crater Lake)
Difficulty – Moderate. All steps, no scrambling. But there is a decent uphill element to this walk.
This is the bees knees of all Cradle Mountain day walks. It’s the first walk we recommend to guest that stay in our Airbnb Tiny House.
What’s special about it? It’s the best combination of iconic landscapes, different landforms, epic views, vegetation and wildlife – all in one walk.
If you just have the one day in Cradle Mountain – Lake Sinclair National Park, kick things off with Dove Lake to Ronny Creek via Crater Lake walk. If you do the round trip back to Dove Lake, this walk is also known as the ‘Crater Lake Circuit’.
What will you see?
What won’t you see! Starting out with views of world famous Dove Lake, you’ll skip on by the iconic Dove Lake boat shed. Time to get snap happy for some epic pics with Cradle Mountain sitting pretty in the background!
Next, you’ll wend your way up to Wombat Pool. Stop at the Dove Lake lookout on the way (above) and snap an panoramic shot of Cradle Mt and Dove Lake from above.
Next is insta-worthy Crater Lake with it’s own photogenic boat shed. If water levels are low enough venture in to the shed for a unique photo angle. From there, it’s into magical forests you’ll tread past the stunning waterfall at Crater Falls.
And last but not least, you’ll wind your way down to the moorlands at Ronny Creek, where wombats wander nonchalantly through button grass oblivious to the snap happy tourists that wander by, amazed.
How do you get there?
Once you have your Shuttle Bus ticket, take the shuttle to Dove Lake. Jump off and take the path to right of the viewing building, heading out towards the Dove Lake Circuit and Dove Lake Boatshed, in an anti-clockwise direction. This marks the start of your walk. And don’t worry about getting lost – it’s all well signposted. 👇🏽
Where does the walk go?
Once you’ve stopped to gawk at the awesomeness that is Cradle Moutain with the Dove Lake boat shed in the foreground, keep heading along the Dove Lake Circuit until you come to the Lake Lilla Track. Take this track towards Lake Lilla.
After a short walk, take a left off the Lake Lilla Track onto the Wombat Pool Track. This is where your climb up begins. It’s steep, we’re not gonna lie. But the steps are carved out of rock so it’s not dangerous at all.
Rest on the bench at Wombat Pool and take in the scenery because the steepest part of your climb is in front of you. Also a great spot to grab a snack or a sandwich.
Keep climbing your way up the stone carved steps, along the Wombat Pool Track. This will take you to the highest point on the walk. A great spot to take in the views over Cradle Mountain and out towards the Overland Track. It’s here you’ll join the Overland Track itself, heading towards Crater Lake.
After checking out the boat shed at Crater Lake you’ll start the descent into Ronny Creek. The landscape changes dramatically at this point. As if walking through a magic curtain into a storybook world, you’ll find yourself wandering through fairyland-like temperate forest. Further down is Crater Falls and you’d swear you’ve stumbled upon wonderland, Alice.
Stone steps lead you down to the moorlands and floating boardwalks of Ronny Creek, where the wombats await.
Ronny Creek can be your final destination on this walk. You can head straight to your next trail. If you want to complete the Crater Lake Circuit though, you’ll still have some walking to do. After spotting a wombat or too take the Lake Lilla Track uphill back towards Dove Lake adding around 20 to 30 minutes to this awesome walk.
Lake Lilla Track – An Easy Detour with Big Scenery
Difficulty – Moderate
What will you see?
While Dove Lake Circuit gets all the attention, Lake Lilla Track offers a quieter, just-as-beautiful alternative. It’s one of the easier Cradle Mountain walks, but don’t let that fool you—this short trail delivers some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the park.
How do you get there?
Starting at Dove Lake car park, the track winds gently through low-lying scrub, following a glacial valley that leads to the tranquil waters of Lake Lilla. This small alpine lake is framed by rugged hills, reflecting the ever-changing Tasmanian sky. It’s a peaceful spot that feels miles away from the busier trails.
Where does the walk go?
The best part? It’s a fantastic less busy option for those who want to see Cradle Mountain from a different perspective. It starts off the Dove Lake Circuit in an anti-clockwise direction and heads up the mountain. From here, you can continue towards Wombat Pool and Crater Lake or loop back for a short, scenic stroll. Whether you’re after a relaxed walk or a way to link up with longer hikes, Lake Lilla Track is a perfect escape into the alpine wilderness.
Cradle Mountain Walks to get you ‘off the beaten track’
Speeler Track
Difficulty – Easy
What’s special about it ? Secluded trail, no boardwalks. Just you, nature and a fun trek through squishy moorlands.
For a walk in Cradle Mountain that most visitors never see, Speeler Track is a fantastic choice. This lesser-known trail starts as a side track to the King Billy Walk. Start in the car park of Peppers Lodge and head around the back past the spa. Walk out to the right on the King Billy Trail until you come to a small sign post for the Speeler Track. The trail climbs gently through open heathlands and moss-covered forests before emerging onto an alpine plateau with great views behind you back towards Cradle Mountain.
The trail is marked by arrows on the trees and there are some sections you need to be paying attention to follow it. Wear waterproof shoes because you’ll be walking carefully through wet moorlands and peaty soil in one section of the walk – the section that makes it most unique!
Speeler Track offers a real sense of solitude. On a clear day, the view stretches beyond Cradle Mountain, with untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. In spring and summer, the trail comes alive with wildflowers, while winter brings a dusting of snow, turning the landscape into something straight out of a postcard. It can get windy at any time of year, so take a wind breaker / rain slick.
This is the kind of trail where you can walk for long stretches without seeing another soul—just you, the wind, and the vast Tasmanian wilderness stretching endlessly before you. If you love finding hidden gems, Speeler Track is one of Cradle Mountain’s coolest.
Horse Track
Difficulty – Moderate
What’s special about it? Fewer Crowds and Big Views
If you’re looking for a walk in Cradle Mountain that takes you beyond the usual trails, Horse Track delivers. Once used as a packhorse route, this lesser-known track rewards walkers with uninterrupted views of Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, and Dove Lake, all without the crowds.
Starting near Ronny Creek, the trail climbs steadily through button grass moorlands, where you might spot wombats grazing lazily in the open. As you gain altitude, the landscape unfolds in layers—rolling alpine plains, rocky ridgelines, and glacial lakes shimmering in the distance. The climb is steep in parts, but every step is worth it.
What sets this trail apart is the solitude. While nearby Marion’s Lookout is bustling with hikers, Horse Track offers a quieter, more immersive wilderness experience. It eventually links back to the Overland Track, making it a fantastic alternative route to some of Cradle Mountain’s best-known highlights. If you love a trail that feels like a hidden secret, this is one to put on your list.
Cradle Mountain day walk itineraries
Here are some great itineraries based on your walking ability, enthusiasm and time at the mountain.
There are some brilliant experiences and activities at Cradle Mountain if you’re not a big walker and prefer just a half day on the trails.
Half day walking, with activities
Easy:
- Head to Dove Lake for the iconic mountain / lake views.
- Shuttle bus back to Ronny Creek to see the Wombats.
- Walk Ronny Creek to Snake Hill.
- Shuttle from Snake Hill to the Interpretation Centre.
- Rainforest Walk and Enchanted Walk.
- Booked activities (see the tours 👆🏼)
Moderate:
- Shuttle to Dove Lake for iconic mountain / lake views
- Head off on Crater Lake Circuit
- Shuttle from Dove Lake to Interpretation Centre
- Enchanted walk + King Billy Walk
- Booked Activities (see the tours 👆🏼)
Hard
- Shuttle to Dove Lake for iconic mountain / lake views
- Head off on Crater Lake Circuit
- Side track up to Marion’s peak
- Continue on Crater Lake Circuit back to Dove Lake (or finish at Ronny Creek)
- Shuttle from Dove Lake to Interpretation Centre
- Enchanted Walk
- Booked activities (see the tours 👆🏼)
| 👀 Pro tip: You cannot complete the Cradle Summit in a half day at the mountain. Marions Peak or Hansons peak are your alternatives for the best views. |
Full day walking, with night activities
Easy
- Shuttle to Dove Lake – walk out to Dove Lake hut and iconic views
- Shuttle to Ronny Creek for Wombats
- Walk from Ronny Creek to Snake Hill
- Shuttle to Interpretation Centre
- Rainforest Walk and Enchanted Walk on to King Billy Walk
- Finish up with Walk to Pencil Pine Falls more Wombats and Kynvet Falls if you have time.
- Nighttime Devils @ Cradle Feeding experience or Wildlife Spotting After Dark experience.
Medium
- Shuttle to Dove Lake
- Dove Lake Loop + Crater Lake to Ronny Creek.
- Ronny Creek to Snake Hill
- Shuttle to the Interpretation Centre
- Enchanted Walk + King Billy Trail
- Dinner at Peppers Lodge
- Nighttime Devils @ Cradle feeding experience or Wildlife Spotting After Dark experience.
Hard
- Shuttle to Dove Lake
- Cradle Summit Hike OR
- Lake Rodway Track to Hansons peak + Face Track + Lake Wilks Track
- Dinner at Peppers Lodge
| 👀 Pro TIp: All walks at altitude are weather dependent. This includes Hansons Peak, Marions Peak The Cradle Mountain Summit and sometimes even the Crater Lake Circuit. I’ve been up at Marion’s Lookout when the steps have turned into slippery ice blocks, making it impossible to continue. Have a backup plan if the weather turns and you have to turn around and come down the Mountain. |
What to know before you go
Maximising your time at Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is located in remote North West Tasmania. If you’re not staying at the Mountain, try and base yourself within an hour of the park to maximise how much daylight you have to explore.
The area around Cradle is our back yard so we know the best places to stay near Cradle Mountain. Here are three of them:
- At Cradle mountain –
- Discovery Resorts Cradle Mountain (Affordable & Family)
- Peppers at Cradle Mountain King Billy Suite (High end)
- Near Cradle Mountain –
- Our Tiny House (Affordable),
- Manna Hill Farm (family),
- Tiny Escapes, (High end)
Getting into the park is straight forward. Shuttle buses ferry visitors from the Visitor Centre into the World Heritage part of the park, where all the trails are. Buses operate from 8am – 6pm (1 Oct to 31 Mar) and 9am – 5pm (1 Apr to 30 Sept). You won’t have access outside of these hours, unless you’re staying in the park itself.Bus hours constrain how much time you’ll get to explore the sights and trails. 10 hours in Summer. 8 hours in Winter.
Once you arrive at Cradle Mountain, park at the Visitor Centre on the left as you drive in. You’ll need to pop in to the Visitor Centre and buy a Park Pass and shuttle bus ticket. Buses come every 10 minutes and the ride into to Dove Lake is another 10 – 15 minutes.
Factor in an hour each way to get to the Mountain from nearby accommodation, and 20 minutes to get into the World Heritage area.
Amenities in the park
There are toilets and water stations at the Visitor Centre before you head into the park and the same amenities at Dove Lake, which is the stepping off point for many trails. Outside of these locations, you’re on your own for water and there are no toilet facilities. Come prepared.
There are no cafes or food stalls in the World Heritage area. It’s best to take what you need with you. There are lunch, dinner or drinks options outside the World Heritage area in Cradle Mountain Village. The cheapest and best place to grab a meal after a long day of walking is the Tavern at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. There’s a bar, open fire, pool table and lodge vibe in the tavern too.
FAQs
How long are the walks at Cradle Mountain?
The walks at Cradle Mountain range from 20 minutes for short walks to 8 hours for the more difficult hikes. The half day walks at Cradle Mountain are between 2 to 5 hours long.
What are the best walks at Cradle Mountain?
The best walks at Cradle Mountain in my many trips there are The Crater Lake Circuit, The King Billy Track and the Enchanted Walk. If you want views, head up to Marion’s Lookout or Hanson’s Peak.
How long is the Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain
The Enchanted Walk is a short 20 minute stroll through beautiful Cradle Mountain sub temperate rainforest, past wombat burrows and along Pencil Pine Creek.
How hard is it to walk Cradle Mountain?
The Cradle Mountain Summit walk is difficult, with steep climbs and rocky outcrops to navigate. The hike up and back takes 8 hours. You need the right gear and shoes to do it, especially because the weather at Cradle Mountain can change in minutes and become very extreme quickly. Every year walkers and hikers are rescued off the Mountain and it’s surrounds.
How long does it take to walk around Cradle Mountain?
There’s no walk around Cradle Mountain per se. There are many tracks that wind beneath it and climb above it (Cradle Mountain Summit Hike). You can pick any length of walk to suit your abilities and timeframes, from 1 hour to 8 hours.
Where to start a Cradle Mountain walk
Many Cradle Mountain walks start at Dove Lake. This is a good stepping off point for a lot of popular half day walks such as the Dove Lake Circuit, Crater Lake Circuit, Marions Peak and Hansons Peak. For short walks, start off at Peppers Lodge or the Interpretation Centre just inside the national park.
Is Cradle Mountain easy to walk?
Cradle Mountain has both easy and very difficult trails. The elevated tracks up the mountain – like the Cradle Mountain Summit Hike – are more difficult requiring property gear, clothing and some hiking experience. Most day trip travellers stick to the short walks and less challenging half day walks around Dove Lake. Check out the table above 👆🏼 to see exactly which walks are easy, moderate and difficult.
How to spend one day in Cradle Mountain
You can spend a day in Cradle Mountain with any one of the itineraries I recommend above 👆🏼 and have an iconic wild Tasmania experience with gob smacking landscapes, waterfalls, rainforests, moorlands, wombats, pademelons and maybe a platypus or echidna too.
What are the best Cradle Mountain short walks?
The best Cradle Mountain short walks are the King Billy Track, the Enchanted walk and the Cradle Valley Boardwalk from Ronny Creek to Snake Hill (check out Ronny Creek first where the Overland Track beings to spot some wombats in the wild.
