Hobart to Cradle Mountain 2025: Essential Guide to Driving, Tours & Scenic Stops

We’ve done the drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain and back plenty of times. Summer, winter, clear skies, foggy mornings—name the conditions, we’ve driven them. Sometimes we take it slow, making a road trip of it with cheese stops and whisky tastings. Or you can do it in a day – there and back. It’s a long haul, so this guide has everything you need to plan it. The best route (yes, there’s more than one), times, distances, 8 tops stop along the way, and how to stay safe on icy roads. I also cover ditching the car and joining a tour or getting a bus transfer instead.

Why trust this guide? Because we live up near Cradle Mountain. We’ve tested every stop along this route. And this version? It’s bang up to date, with our latest recommendations, personal favourites, and all the practical information you’ll actually need. So lets get road tripping!

Last time we did the Hobart to Cradle Mountain drive was July 2025. We stopped in at Oatlands and had lunch at Brunch. It was freezing out but warm and cozy in the cafe and their wood fired pizza really hit the spot.

Hobart to Cradle Mountain – At a Glance

Cradle Mountain is one of our top spots in Tasmania for nature lovers, hikers and a rare Australian alpine lodge experience. There are three main ways to get from Hobart to Cradle Mountain: you can drive yourself, book a tour, or take the (very expensive) shuttle.

And when it comes to the route—this is where most people get stuck. You’ve got two choices:

• Via the Midlands Highway and Sheffield – This is the route we take and most tour buses drive. It’s about 4 hours and 10 minutes if you don’t stop (but you will!). There’s great coffee in Campbelltown, murals in Sheffield, and more than one reason to detour for cheese or waterfalls. This route is sealed, scenic and totally doable as a day trip if you plan carefully. More on that in the next section. If you’re doing a Hobart to Cradle Mountain road trip or even a return day trip in summer, this is your best bet.
• Via Strahan and Queenstown – This one takes you through the West Coast, and while it’s a stunning drive, it’s at least 6 hours and 20 minutes and not something I’d attempt in a single day. It’s slow, wild and absolutely stunning—but it’s a very long drive, and in winter it’s slippery and sodden. Unless you’re working in a Strahan Gordon River Cruise or the Queenstown steam train, skip it. You won’t make it to Cradle and back in one day, and you’ll lose half a day in winding, white-knuckle roads.

How to Get to Cradle Mountain from Hobart (& Why Driving Wins Every Time)

If you’ve got the chance to drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain, take it. This is a gorgeous scenic road trip much of the way, and you’ll miss half the magic if you’re stuck on a tour bus or shuttle. Winding through rolling farmlands, historic towns and misty forest climbs, it’s the kind of drive that turns travel time into part of the trip.

Driving Yourself: What You Need to Know

Self-driving from Hobart to Cradle Mountain gives you total freedom. You can leave when you want, stop for snacks, avoid crowds and decide your own pace. And if you’ve got two or more people in the car, it usually works out cheaper than a tour.

But here’s the catch—winter changes everything. The final stretch up to Cradle from Sheffield or Moina climbs into alpine terrain, and frost, ice or snow can hit overnight or even in the afternoon. If you’re driving in cold weather:

• Don’t hit the road early morning to avoid ice
• Don’t plan to drive back in the dark (same deal)
• Check TasAlerts for frost warnings or road closures
• Read your rental car fine print—some companies won’t cover you above the snow line without add-on insurance

If you’re not sure what “snow line” even means, it’s worth reading our Tasmania Car Rental Guide before you pick up the keys.

What If You Don’t Want to Drive?

You’ve got two decent options if you’d rather someone else take the wheel:

1. Take a Cradle Mountain tour from Hobart
   These are full-day trips that include transport, a local guide, and around 3.5 hours exploring the trails. You don’t have to think about anything—just turn up, sit back, and let someone else handle the roads. Tours start from $250–$275 per person, but you’ll want to budget another $50 for food. They’re great for solo travellers or anyone unsure about alpine driving.

2. Book a shuttle
   Shuttles aren’t cheap—around $200–$220 one way—and they don’t include stops, food or park entry. They do make sense for Overland Track hikers or people flying into Hobart who need direct transport to Cradle. Companies like eGuide, Overland Track Transport and Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences also offer gear hire, PLBs and luggage storage, so if you’re hiking, they’re worth a look. Otherwise? You’re better off in a tour.

Self-Drive vs Tour: What It Costs

Here’s what you’re looking at if you’re comparing a Cradle Mountain tour from Hobart to driving from Hobart to Cradle Mountain:

If you’re travelling light, love a scenic stop and want control of your day, drive it. If you’re a solo traveller or just want someone else to handle the details, a tour is a great call.

Ideal Hobart to Cradle Mountain Day Trip Itinerary

If you’re short on time but still want to see one of Tasmania’s most iconic landscapes, this is the Hobart to Cradle Mountain day trip itinerary I recommend. It’s long, it’s ambitious, but it’s absolutely doable in summer—and we’ve done it ourselves, more than once.

The trick is timing. You’ll spend about 8.5 hours on the Hobart to Cradle Mountain drive return, which gives you around 4 hours on the trails if you’re strategic. There’s no room for lazy breakfasts or last-minute snack runs—plan ahead, pack well, and you’ll get a full day of wild, rugged Tasmania with wombats thrown in.

6:15am – Depart Hobart

If you’re doing this as a return day trip, it’s best to hit the road early. There’s a long day ahead! Aim to leave Hobart by 6:15am. That gives you enough daylight to make the drive, grab some breakfast on the way, hit the trails, stop for dinner on the way home and get back before 9pm. In summer, that’s when the sun goes down…

8:00am – Breakfast stop: Ross or Campbelltown

For the first break on the scenic drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain you’ve got two good options:

1. Ross: All Georgian sandstone and sleepy charm. The Ross Bakery is a classic—wood-fired bread, hot pies, and real old-school Tassie feel. The scallop pies are worth trying and I ALWAYS get a vanilla slice not matter what time of day we’re stopping by.
2. Campbelltown: If good coffee matters more, stop here instead. Sweet Brew Café is our go-to when we want proper cup of joe before the next leg. Banjo’s is good for a massive range of breakfast pastries, sweet or savoury.

Either way, probably best to grab something portable and keep moving. You’ve still got a good stretch of driving to come.

9:45am – Stop in Sheffield

This is the last real town before Cradle. It’s the best place to fuel up (car and snacks), do a toilet stop, and stock up on food for lunch. We usually grab a sandwich and pastry from popular Bossimi’s Bakehouse and a backup coffee from Paper Cup—it’s the best in town.

Take five to wander through the murals in Sheffield, especially if you’re new to the area. This town’s full of charm and sits right on the edge of what I think is some of Tasmania’s most beautiful farmland countryside.

11:15am – Arrive at Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre

You’ll start to feel the cooler temps here. Park your car, grab your shuttle bus ticket from the desk, and flash your parks pass (buy it online beforehand to save time). The bus runs every 10 minutes or so and takes you straight into the world heritage national park to places like Dove Lake.

11:30am to 3:30pm – Trails, views and wombats

You’ve now got around 4 hours to explore Cradle Mountain, which is just enough to experience its best short walks.

We don’t follow the same trail plan every time—it depends on the weather, the trail conditions, and how much energy we’ve got. With four hours, you’ve got time for 2–3 short walks or one medium-length loop. Rather than tell you what to do, I’ll point you to our full list of the best walks at Cradle Mountain. It covers all the trail options with our notes on which are easy, which give you the best views, and which ones are worth the effort.

This is where that takeaway lunch comes in handy. We love to stop at the bench near Wombat Pool on the Crater Lake Circuit and eat with stunning views. There’s some benches around Dove Lake too, if you choose that walk instead. You won’t find shops or cafés here, so whatever you want to eat and drink needs to come with you from Sheffield.

👀 Tip: Bring a rubbish bag so you don’t have to contend with drips and crumbs in your day pack!

3:30pm – Leave Cradle Mountain

After four hours on the trails, it’s time to head back. Aim to leave Cradle no later than 3:30pm so you can drive down the mountain in the day light and make it to Hobart safely without driving tired—especially important if you’re doing the Hobart to Cradle Mountain drive in winter, when roads can ice over after sunset.

5:00pm – Dinner at Bush Inn Brewery, Deloraine

You’re going to want something warm and satisfying, and Bush Inn Brewery in Deloraine is our top pick. We love this spot for a relaxed meal. Local beers, wood-fired pizza, and a cosy fire in winter. There’s plenty of parking and it’s an easy in-and-out before the final stretch home.

6:00pm – Back on the road

Deloraine to Hobart takes just under three hours. Set your navigation and settle in with a full belly and hopefully a content travel buddy to keep you focused on the roads!

9:00pm – Arrive in Hobart

You’ll pull into Hobart around 9pm, depending on traffic and how long you lingered at dinner. That’s about 13.5 hours round trip, and while it’s a huge day, it’s one of our favourite summer missions in Tassie.

What about Hobart to Cradle Mountain in Winter?

We only recommend this Hobart to Cradle Mountain itinerary as a day trip in summer. In winter, there’s not enough daylight, and the roads can become dangerous late in the day.

If you’re doing the Hobart to Cradle Mountain drive between May and September, stay overnight near Cradle Mountain and give yourself time. It’s a heap of fun to experience winter at Cradle Mountain, especially with the chance of snow.

To save you hours of searching and decision making, we’ve listed our favourite places to stay at Cradle Mountain too!.

🚗 Fuel tip: Fill up in Campbelltown or Sheffield—fuel is available at Cradle Mountain in the visitor centre carpark, but you’ll pay extra for the convenience.

8 Best Stops on the Hobart to Cradle Mountain Road Trip

If you’re taking it slow—or just want to stretch the trip into a full Cradle Mountain to Hobart road trip—these are the stops I recommend. If you’ve got the time, don’t rush. The scenic drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain is packed with fun places worth pulling over for.

1. Start with Kempton, especially if you’re travelling with a whisky lover. Old Kempton Distillery is just off the highway and does excellent tastings in a beautiful old coaching inn. You don’t need a full tour—just pop in for a dram and keep moving.

2. Next up is Oatlands, a heritage midlands town that’s very underrated. It’s home to Australia’s largest collection of colonial sandstone buildings, a beautifully restored windmill, and some seriously good food. If you’re taking you’re time and passing through around lunchtime, stop at Bunch for woodfired pizza—it’s one of the best you’ll find outside Hobart. There’s also the Callington Mill distillery here if you didn’t stop at Kempton. They do tastings and fancy lunch affairs.

3. Ross is a local favourite. It’s small, charming, and full of history. The Ross Bridge is worth a look—the carvings are incredible—and the Ross Female Factory offers a confronting but important slice of convict history. This is also where you’ll find the famous Ross Village Bakery. Go for the vanilla slice or a proper sourdough roll.

4. Evandale is a short detour off the main route but definitely worth stopping for. The charming Clarendon Arms, located here, is one of the most popular brew pubs around Launceston and their beer garden a gathering spot for road trippers and locals alike. Evandale’s main street is chock full of heritage buildings and you’ll even find some cool littel boutiques tucked in among them.

5. Further north, Deloraine is a must stop for beer lovers. We usually swing by either Bush Inn Brewery or Little Green Men Brewing, both small, local, and always pouring something interesting. Deloraine’s main street is cute and very walkable, with a peaceful riverside track if you want to stretch your legs.

6. Closer to Cradle, you’ll hit Sheffield. Even if you’ve stopped before, take your time here. The murals are always changing, the countryside is stunning, and the rolling hills around Mount Roland are a sign you’re nearly there. If we need food, we grab a sandwich from Bossimi’s or a coffee from Paper Cup—both solid picks. There’s also excellent sour dough and focaccia options at a lundi Bakeshop and Coffee.

7. If you’re after something more outdoorsy, take the detour to Champagne and Bridal Veil Falls on the winding road up to Cradle Mountain. A hidden gem you won’t find on Tasmania’s 60 great short walks list. This short rainforest hike punches above its weight—twin waterfalls, lush ferny undergrowth, and the kind of quiet that clears your head. If you can squeeze this in, it’s worth it.

8. A couple of foodie stops that detour slightly off the route are two local ice cream and cheese institutions: Van Diemens Land Creamery and Ashgrove Dairy Door. Van Diemens is where we go for the ice cream—local flavours like lavender honey or whisky cream—and Ashgrove is a crowd-pleaser with cheese tastings, viewing windows, and loads of Tassie-made snacks for the road.

If you’re trying to work out where to stop between Hobart and Cradle Mountain, this is the shortlist of places we come back to time and again. You won’t get to all of them in a single trip, but if you’ve got the luxury of time or an overnight stay planned, build a few into your route.

Cradle Mountain Tours from Hobart

If you don’t want to drive, a Cradle Mountain tour from Hobart is your best bet. It’s a long day—usually 13 to 14 hours—but you’ll get return transport, a local guide, and around 3.5 hours on the trails. It’s a solid option if you’re a solo traveller, don’t want to deal with icy roads, or just prefer to let someone else handle the logistics.

There are three main tours from Hobart to Cradle Mountain, and they’re not all the same. The difference comes down to which walks are included, where they stop, and how active you want the day to be. We’ve compared the three below and ranked them from 1 to 3 so you can pick what suits. It will save you heaps of time.

Cradle Mountain tour No.1 – stopping in Ross & Deloraine

Our first Cradle Mountain tour is for the active walkers and hikers. It makes a quick comfort stop in Ross so you can see the heritage bridge and buildings and makes a longer stop in Deloraine for breakfast and dinner. Once at Cradle, the group does a proper hike up to Marions Lookout, then walks down past Crater Lake and through Ronny Creek. This is where the wombats generally are at all times of day.

You get big views, forest sections, a waterfall, and a decent chance of spotting wombats on the walk out. It’s a great option if you’re fit and up for a climb.

Cost: $250 per person – the most affordable and best value of the three Cradle Mountain tours from Hobart. Food is not included, but the itinerary allows time to grab it on the way. Check availability and book early here 👇🏽. Spots for this tour sell out around 6 weeks in advance.

Cradle Mountain tour from Hobart No. 2 – stopping Campbell Town

The second Cradle Mountain Tour is a bit more relaxed. It makes a quick stop in Campbell Town on the way up and visits Sheffield on the way back. At Cradle, it covers three shorter trails: Dove Lake, Enchanted Walk, and King Billy Walk. You’ll see Pencil Pine Creek, tall rainforest, and have a shot at spotting wombats near the shuttle stops, but there’s no elevation and no big climbs. This one’s good for moderate walkers or anyone who just wants variety without the exertion.

Cost: $275 per person. Food is not included in this tour either.

Tour to Cradle Mountain from Hobart No. 3 – stopping in Deloraine only

This last tour is almost identical our number 1 pick in terms of walks—Marions Lookout down to Ronny Creek—it’s an active trail choice. But this one only stops in Deloraine, so you miss seeing Ross.

Price is $260 per person. Check availability here 👇🏽

Cradle Mountain Tours Compared

If driving sounds stressful or you’re travelling solo, a guided tour is the most efficient way to experience Cradle in a day.

All of these Cradle Mountain tours cover your Parks Pass ($50 per car), Cradle Mountain shuttle bus ticket ($15 p/person), and give you around 3.5 hours on the trails. What’s not included is food, so bring your own or be ready to buy along the way.

If you’re unsure which Hobart to Cradle Mountain tour is right for you, use this rule of thumb:

• Tour No. 1 – Best for active travellers who want to climb and explore – also cheapest.
• Tour No. 2 – Best for variety, stops, and easier trail terrain – most expensive
• Tour No. 3 – Good if you just want to get to the Mountain, with fewer stops en-route – mid priced.

Shuttle and Bus Transfers from Hobart to Cradle Mountain

Public Bus

There is no public bus from Hobart to Cradle Mountain. Hobart to Cradle Mountain bus transfers are all via Launceston. If you are on a hard budget and this is your route, you’ll need to set aside an entire day to get from Hobart to Cradle Mountain. Public buses from Hobart to Launceston run a few times day. From Launceston, you’ll need to book a Cradle Mountain shuttle.

📕 Read more: how to get the Launceston to Cradle Mountain bus transfer.

Travel time will force you to book some accommodation at Cradle Mountain (so you can walk to the shuttle into the park), and spend the next day exploring the trails. All up, the bus to Cradle Mountain option is probably more expensive than just taking a tour.

Hobart to Cradle Mountain bus transfer

If you’re trying to work out how to get to Cradle Mountain from Hobart DIRECT without driving or booking a tour, your only real option is a shuttle or transport provider—and they’re not cheap.

We only recommend the shuttle if you’re hiking point-to-point or flying in and need a no-fuss connection.

are mostly used by Overland Track hikers, or visitors flying into Hobart who are doing one-way itineraries. They’re not designed for sightseeing or comfort. You won’t get commentary, scenic stops or trail time—they’re direct transfers to get you from point A to point B.

Prices range from $200 to $220 one way, which puts them a bit less expensive than a full-day tour. And unlike a tour, you’ll need to organise your own food, park pass, shuttle tickets, and walking plans once you arrive.

That said, if you’re doing the Overland Track, or meeting up with friends at Cradle who are already driving, these transfers can work well. Some operators also offer side services like:

• Hiking gear hire (fuel canisters, poles, rain gear)
• Luggage storage while you’re on the trail
• PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) rental

If that’s your plan, these are the operators to check:

• eGuide – Offers daily departures and will pick up from Hobart Airport or CBD
• Overland Track Transport – Serves both Cradle and Lake St Clair, with options for gear support
• Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences – Custom transfers and gear support for hikers

If you’re just looking for the easiest way to get from Cradle Mountain to Hobart, or vice versa, and you’re not driving or touring, these shuttles are your only option. But for most travellers, a Cradle Mountain tour from Hobart is far better value.

Travelling from Cradle Mountain to Hobart

If you’re heading on to Hobart from Cradle Mountain without a car, make sure you have your transport organised before your visit. There’s no tour bookers or bus stops up at Cradle, allowing you to just jump on a bus.

If you do have a car, drive the midlands route from Cradle Mountain to Hobart (but in reverse). So Cradle Mountain to Sheffield, and then on to either Deloraine, or Campbell Town / Ross – detouring at your choice of the great stopovers we’ve listed above 👆🏼.

Where to Stay Between Hobart and Cradle Mountain

Doing the full Hobart to Cradle Mountain road trip in one hit can be a lot. It’s a big day. But you’ve got options to break it up. There are a few towns along the way that make decent overnight bases, but for us, Deloraine and the Mole Creek area is the pick of the bunch.

It’s just outside Deloraine, tucked in under the Great Western Tiers, and gives you a peaceful overnight stay close enough to Cradle that you can hit the trails early the next day without driving in from hours away. It’s also a good halfway point if you’re doing Cradle Mountain to Hobart the next day and don’t want to rush it.

There are a tonne of things to do and see in around Mole Creek itself – from King Solomon Caves, to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, to the numerous waterfalls, walks and hikes in the areas (Liffey Falls is the pick of the bunch, but you’ll have further to detour to get there).

The Deloraine area gives you the great balance of charm, plenty of attractions and activities, as well as access to food and fuel. And because it’s not over-touristed, you’ll get that proper Tassie small-town quiet—especially in winter, when things really slow down.

Here are three stays in Mole Creek we rate highly for the uniquely Tasmanian experiences they offer:

The Eco Cabin, Mole Creek

Located on the outskirts of Deloraine, this is a beautiful off-grid cabin with a cedar hot tub looking out over the verdant green farm lands. It’s quiet, private, beautifully-designed, and with a cedar outdoor spa its our top pick for couples. It’s a one bed room place that sleeps 2 and comes with a continental breakfast.

Check availability

Blackwood Park Cottages

Cosy, warm, comfy family cottages (several to choose from with different themes – Heritage Stone Cottage or Pioneer timber cottage), with unbeatable Tasmanian country charm. Generous breakfast supplies are provided by the welcoming hosts. There are animals for the kids to interact with. This place will exceed your expectations and it’s right near Trowunna Wildlife Sancturary just 10 minutes from Deloraine.

Book your cottage here

Arcoona Manor

Exceptional and impressive are the first two words that come to mind about this stately traditional bed and breakfast accommodation. Travellers looking something a bit more polished and historic will find it all here. If staying in a boutique heritage manor that is full of character with expansive mountain views and a formal garden doesn’t impress you, well what will?

View the gorgeous rooms

What’s next

Still planning your ideal Tasmania holiday? Here’s some help!

• Organise your Hobart itinerary.
• Book your Tasmania car rental for pick up at Hobart Airport.
• Save time planning with one of our private Tasmania maps – for wineries, whisky distilleries, breweries and more.
• Read our full Cradle Mountain guide for what to do at the Mountain (other than walking trails!)
• Book your Cradle Mountain accommodation.

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