Cradle Mountain
If Cradle Mountain – Lake Sinclair National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it will be when you finish reading this.
We live in Cradle Country. 35 minutes from Cradle Mountain – Lake Sinclair National Park. This wild Tasmanian landscape is UNESCO World Heritage Listed for good reason. It’s an extraordinary place. A real vibe. And a ‘must see’ on any Tassie itinerary.
We get up to Cradle Mountain whenever we can. In all seasons. So you won’t find better insights. From epic day trip itineraries, to the best walks, what not to miss, and to when to go.
Our insider’s guide to a captivating Cradle Mountain experience 👇🏽
How to get there, where to stay, what to do, the best hikes on Cradle Mountain & all your questions answered.
Located in North West Tasmania, Cradle Mountain is as wild as it is beautiful. And that is one of it’s major drawcards. It’s still pristine. A rarity among tourist attractions. Not even the boardwalks touch the unique landscapes here. Instead, they float above them. Like magic pathways through even more magical scenery.
Expect glacial lakes, dramatic sparse landscapes, jaw-dropping views, alpine rainforests, crystal cold water and some of the freshest air on the planet.
‘Hiking Cradle Mountain is the number one bucket list experience in North West Tasmania.
Come for the mountain, stay for the feels.’
How to get to Cradle Mountain
How to get to Cradle Mountain from Hobart
How to get from Hobart to Cradle Mountain without a car:
Derwent Experience run a 5⭐️ day trip 👇🏽👇🏽 to get to Cradle Mountain from Hobart. It’s a 15 hour return trip with just under 4 hours hiking Cradle Mountain. You can even arrange Hotel pick-up.
If 15 hours in a single day is too rushed for you then this 2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour from Hobart may just float your boat. No driving hassles and it includes your National Parks Pass, Shuttle Bus Ticket, Accommodation and Breakfast. Bargain!
How to get from Hobart to Cradle Mountain with a car:
Cradle Mountain is a 300km, 4 hour drive from Hobart. It’s highway driving to Deloraine, & then winding rural roads for about an hour. If you’re not in a hurry we’ve mapped out the best places to stop from Hobart to Cradle Mountain:
Oatlands 👉🏽 Georgian sandstone buildings & whiskey
Evandale 👉🏽 Heritage charm & The Clarendon Arms
Deloraine 👉🏽 The Bush Inn Brewhouse
How to get to Cradle Mountain from Launceston
Direct transfers from Cradle Mountain to Launceston:
Cradle Mountain from Launceston without a car:
If you don’t fancy winding and sometimes dangerously icy roads, we suggest these tours to Cradle Mountain from Launceston. Both include a guided walk around Dove Lake:
The Cradle Mountain Day Trip from Launceston👇🏽 includes lunch and a stop at the renowned Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door (their Wasabi cheese is our fave) on the return journey.
The Cradle Mountain Day Trip with Hike 👇🏽 does not include lunch but favours the sweet tooth with a return journey stop at Van Diemens Land Creamery (their fig and pear ice cream is my personal go to) to sample Tasmanian’s best ice cream.
Cradle Mountain from Launceston with a car:
Cradle Mountain is a 140km, 2 hour drive from Launceston. It’s an easy drive until you reach Cethana when the road starts winding up towards Cradle Mt and can get icy and become dangerous in winter. See more about road conditions from Sheffield to Cradle Mountain 👇🏽
If you’re not in a hurry we’ve mapped out where to stop between Cradle Mountain and Launceston to make the journey into a fun road trip
Sheffield to Cradle Mountain
Sheffield is ‘the Gateway to Cradle Mountain’. A service centre for the area north of Cradle Mountain, and a popular spot to base yourself for a Cradle Mountain Trip.
The drive from Sheffield to Cradle Mountain is easy enough, except in winter. Then under the wrong conditions, it can be icy and dangerous. If you are driving to Cradle Mt in winter, check the Cradle Mountain snow cam and check the Bureau of Meteorology for road warnings in the area.
There’s a scenic route and a direct route, so which is the best one to take?
Via Claude Road
Direct Route
Takes you out of Sheffield along Claude Road and through Gowrie Park, before beginning the ascent up to Cradle Mountain at Cethana.
Road Conditions: Mostly straight road & easy driving through to Cethana. Winding road all the way to Cradle Mountain Rd.
Time: 1h7m
Via Roland
Scenic Route
Head out of Sheffiled on West Kentish Rd and turn left when you hit Staverton Rd at Roland. Take this route if you want to visit Tasmazia or Lake Barrington on the way.
Road conditions: Narrow in sections. Becomes very narrow & winding at Staverton.
Time: 1h9m
The best road trips to Cradle Mountain
‘Devonport to Cradle Mountain – via Wilmot’s ‘Valley of Views‘ – is an epic road trip. Spectacular vistas from the look-out over Lake Barrington towards Mt’s Roland, Claude and Van Dyke are not to be missed’
The wild beauty that North West Tasmania is known for doesn’t start and end at Cradle Mountain – Lake Sinclair National Park We’re also incredibly spoilt when it comes to scenic drives. The epic vistas and bucolic Tasmanian landscapes will have you ‘wowing’ in no time.
For the most unforgettable Cradle Mountain day trip, follow one of our suggested scenic and photo-worthy routes from Devonport, Ulverstone, Wilmot, Sheffield, Deloraine or Strahan.
They’ll wind you through rolling green pastures speckled with Friesian cows and dotted with cute woolly sheep. Past impressive Mountain lookouts and expansive valley views. Before you know it, they’ll lure you deep into Cradle Country, and the foothills of Cradle Mt – Lake Sinclair National Park itself…


Best places to stay at Cradle Mountain - nearby towns
TOWNS NEAR CRADLE MOUNTAIN
Should you stay at the mountain, or somewhere close by? The answer depends on what season you come in, how much time you have, and how much you want to pay.
Staying on the mountain is expensive, but you get special access to the park before and after tourist hours.
Staying nearby is cheaper, you’re less likely to get stranded due to snow or ice and you’ll likely find accommodation with better views.
If you do stay nearby, it’s best to choose a location within an hours drive of the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. The closer you stay, the more time you’ll have on the mountain.
Wilmot, Sheffield, Ulverstone and Devonport are an ideal distance from Cradle Mountain National Park and great base for any Cradle Mountain day trip.
- Wilmot to Cradle Mountain is a 35 minute trip one way. Wilmot is the closest town to Cradle Mountain National Park. There is accommodation in the area including our own Airbnb and free camping and caravan parking at Lake Barrington (Wilmot side).
- Devonport to Cradle Mountain is 1h 15m and the drive along Wilmot Road is nothing short of spectacular. More the best day trip routes to Cradle below…
- Strahan to Cradle Mountain is marginally shorter at 1hr 41m and kind of boring in terms of landscape until you get close to Cradle Mt itself.
👇🏽 Check out our recommendations for the best accommodation near Cradle Mountain next!

Best Cradle Mountain Accommodation
Wilderness lodges. Cozy cabins. Luxury villas with outdoor baths. Crackling fires under starry skies. Big window views. You won’t find more authentic Cradle Mountain accommodation than this list that we’ve hand picked, for you.
We live here, you can take our word for it.
Stay in our Cradle Mountain Tiny House
We live in Wilmot the nearest town to Cradle Mountain and love hosting guests in our Tiny Housse. With over one hundred 5⭐️ reviews on Airbnb, it’s one of the best places to stay near Cradle Mountain
✅ Mount Roland & rolling paddock views
✅ picturesque creek with illusive resident platypus
✅ fire pit under the stars & cute tiny fireplace
✅ 35 minute drive to the Cradle Mountain
✅ Boutique but affordable!
Best Accommodation in Cradle Mountain (Village) – Our Top 4
1. Cradle Mountain Highlander – Authentic mountain cabin feels. Timber decor isn’t luxury but it’s more about the ambiance. Wood fires to cosy up. Wildlife around the cabins. Stay for the rustic cabin and immersive nature experience. $$
2. Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village – Stand alone cabins for privacy. Updated decor & design but no wood fires. Walk to the shuttle into Cradle. Stay here for family and group accommodation. $$
3. Cradle Mountain Hotel – Common area fire places are kept stoked.. In-house breakfast & dining are feast-worthy. Walk to the visitor centre & shuttle into the park. Stay here for facilities & fire-side chats with strangers on comfy couches. $$
4. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – Premium location. Stand alone cabins are best. Highlander Restaurant fine dining & a bustling bistro bar scene.. Big stone open fireplaces. Platypus in the pond behind the restaurant. Stay if wilderness lodge digs are your vibe. $$$
Luxury Accommodation Cradle Mountain – Our Top 3
If money is no object, there are a few truly dreamy stays in and around Cradle Mountain. Rated by us, here are the most jaw-dropping luxury digs:
1. Eagles Nest Retreat – Indulgent villas 50 mins from Cradle. Luxe escape with breathtaking views of Mount Roland. Unwind in a hot tub under the stars or cozy up by the fireplace. Stay for the romance & stunning Tasmanian landscape. $$$$$
2. Tiny Escapes Blackjack Chalet – Obvious luxury. Bespoke finishes, stone fireplaces, raked ceilings, vast spaces, unexpected comforts, hidden in the trees. Tranquil, cozy & cool, just 20 minutes to Cradle. Stay here for your insta feed. $$$$$
3. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge King Billy Suite – Just wow! It’s glam lodge meets Swedish spa vibes. 4 poster bed, leather lounges, wood fire, stone bathtub, outdoor timber hot tub suspended off your balcony like a mini infinity pool. Honeymoon here we come. $$$$
Cozy Cradle Mountain Cabins
Rustic cozy cabins are are a Cradle Country vibe. Here’s three magical cabin stays to to decompress & reconnect with nature:
1. Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain ‘Premium Mountain Cabin’ Real hidden gem! Brand new secluded, private cabin with raked ceilings & big picture windows & cabin vibe interiors. Forest views from the bath and king bed. Easy access to Cradle Mountain’s iconic hiking trails & wildlife. $$$$
2. Lemonthyme Lodge Luxury Wilderness Suite – Not technically a lodge, but with sweet mountain lodge feels. Raked ceilings, wood fire, spa bath with tree views & a balcony in the canopy. 25 minutes to Cradle. $$$
3. Tiny Escapes Wilderness Pepperberry – Cozy cabin luxe with swedish design interiors, serene woodland views & outdoor firepit just 20 minutes to Cradle Mountain. $$$$
Best Places to stay near Cradle Mountain
Simply put, our favourite places to stay near Cradle Mountain. Excellent stays with incredible hosts that go above & beyond:
1. Shepherd & Sprout Tiny House – shameless plug for our boutique eco tiny house. Inside wood fire, kitchenette, BBQ, comfy loft bed, daybed with mountain views, fire pit by the creek with illusive platypus. 35 minutes to Cradle. $$
2. Mana Hill Farm – Expect breathtaking, elevated Mount Roland views, fire place, welcome basket, and farm animals. Perfect picturesque rural Tasmania. $$$
3. Tanglewood House – 1906 colonial heritage home. Classy decor, lush soft furnishing, space galore. Picturesque cottage garden. In the heart of Sheffield 50 minutes to Cradle. A great value stay. $$
Things to do at Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain Day Walks
Walking trails Meander their way through Cradle’s iconic landscape. floating boardwalks transport you to another world.
When time is of the essence, picking the best walking trails can elevate your day at Cradle to ‘next level’ status. Here are the highlights and our pick of the bunch.
Enchanted Forest Walk
Dove Lake Walk
Cradle Valley Board Walk
Best Cradle Mountain Short Walks
Top 3 Cradle Mountain short walks for an iconic Cradle experience
Crater Lake Walk
Ronny Creek Walk
Where to find the Fagus
Cradle Mountain Summit & Marions Lookout
Up for a challenge? These are the walks to tackle.
Tasmanian Devils, Quolls & Wombats
Devils@Cradle is one of the best places in Tasmania to see Tasmanian Devils up close and one of the coolest experiences at Cradle Mountain. Here’s a look at the best Tasmanian Devil encounters to choose from:
DEVILS @ CRADLE NIGHT TOURS
The 1 hour Sunset Experience takes your Tasmanian Devil encounter to the next level. You’ll have small-group after-hours access to the sanctuary and get to take a look behind the scenes at the baby Devils nursery! You even get to pat one! These adorable babies are so ute they make your teeth hurt and softer than you think). Wrap up with a wine or beer & snacks around the campfire and take away incredible memories of your day exploring Cradle Mountain.
Time: 7pm
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Available: October to April.
Experience the thrill of nocturnal wildlife with the After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour. Unlike any other Devils@Cradle tour, this tour lets you observe Tasmanian Devils in their prime, under the cover of darkness, adding an extra layer of excitement and authenticity. It’s a unique nighttime adventure after coming down off the trails to wind down with a drink at Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Time: 5:30pm
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Available: All year.


DEVILS @ CRADLE DAY TOURS
The Day Feeding Tour is the same as the After Dark Feeding Tour but in the day time. Get up close with the enigmatic little Devils and watch in fascination as their powerful jaws munch through Padamelons twice their size . Learn about how Tasmania is trying to protect these iconic marsupials, and then wander about the sancturary Quoll spotting. Ideal if you want to hit the Cradle Mountain Short Walks 👆🏼in the morning, followed by lunch Cradle Mountain Lodge, then start your Devil of an adventure.
Time: 1pm
Duration: 1 hour
Available: All year.
The most ‘hands on‘ of all Devils @ Cradle tours, this cool Day Keepers’s Tour allows you to join the keepers behind the scenes inside the sanctuary., You’ll help feed the devils and learn about the keepers’ conservation efforts firsthand. Dive into the daily routine of Tasmania’s most renowned marsupial and literally become a part of the action.
Time: 10:30am & 3pm
Duration: 45 minutes
Available: All year.
The best time to visit Cradle Mountain
With 171 cloudy days a year, when is the best time to hit the mountain?
Cradle Mountain weather is wild, windswept and unforgiving. The mountain will gift you with four seasons in one day, at any time of year. So it’s best to be prepared for changing weather.
Each season at Cradle Mountain is unique. Summer’s santorini skies of blue. Autumn’s famous fagus fest. The winds and wildlife of Springtime. And majestic alpine winter wonderlands.
Here’s the best time to visit Cradle Mt and what to expect and to pack, for each changing season.
Santorini Summer Skies
December to February
Summer is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain. Except if you’ve come for snow. Expect the most sunny, blue sky days in February. Don’t be fooled though. Daytime temperatures can plummet to single digits within an hour. Take a waterproof jacket.
Autumn colours & Fagus Festival
March to May
Autum is also an incredible time to visit Cradle Mountain. Not least to see the Fagus transform it’s leaves to red and yellow. Autumn weather can be excellent for hiking. Not too cold or wet. And the parks vibrant colours are breathtaking this time of year.
Wombats in the Springtime
September to November
Spring at Cradle Mountain can be windy and wet, making for less than ideal hiking conditions. Often in October you’ll still get snow. Sometimes it seems like springtime gets more snow at Cradle Mountain than winter itself!
Cradle Mountain in Winter
When is the best time to see snow at Cradle Mountain? It might not be when you think…

June is actually a great month to go to Cradle Mountain. It has the lowest wind speed and most clear days. ☀️☀️☀️

What to bring to Cradle Mountain
- Long pants
- Water proof hiking boots
- Warm jacket
- Quality raincoat
- Waterproof daypack
- Water bottle
- 2L water per person
- Snacks or lunch
- Park map (mobile coverage is non-existent)
- Wet Ones or Wipes to clean hands
- Ziplock bags for rubbish, your phone, anything you need to keep dry
- Themal layers – top and bottom
- Beanie or ear muffs
- Sunglasses – the snow glare is next level
- Double layer or thick socks
- Gloves
- Padded or snow jacket
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Additional water per person
- Insect repellant
packing Tips for your Cradle Mountain Day Trip
Take enough water. There are water refill stations, but not everywhere. You’ll find them at the Visitor Centre when you arrive (near the bathrooms) and at Dove Lake.
Walking makes you hungry. But there’s no food for sale inside the park. We always take snack bars, biscuits and fruit in our day pack. Sometimes sandwiches.
The sun in Tasmania is hotter than you think. Even when you feel cool, if you’re in the sun you’re getting sunburnt. Cover up.
The weather will determine what you wear at Cradle Mountain. So check the weather app before you set out. Because conditions at Cradle Mt change on a dime. The wind cuts through you like a knife and drops temperatures well below their forecast in any season. Dress in layers.
Cradle Mountain FAQs
Where is Cradle Mountain?
Cradle Mountain is in Tasmania’s North West. If you look at map, it’s south west of Launceston towards the centre of the island of Tasmania. The closest town to Cradle Mountain is Wilmot, where you can fill up your tank on weekdays. The closest service centre (for supplies, pharmacy, post office and petrol) to Cradle Mountain is Sheffield.
Where should I stay when visiting Cradle Mountain?
Stay with us! In our eco-friendly Tiny House Airbnb. The Tiny House 2 guests, has a woodfire and fire pit, and is just a 35 minute drive to Cradle Mountain. We’ll look after you, I promise! We’ve curated a list of the best lodges, cabins, tiny homes and Cradle Village accommodation 👆🏼. We live here, we know all the best spots to stay. 😉
How many days do you need at Cradle Mountain?
You can see and experience a lot at Cradle Mountain in a day trip. But the secret is to get there early. Short walks like the Dove Lake Circuit, Crater Lake Circuit, Enchanted Forest Walk, Ronny Creek, Waldheim and Cradle Valley Boardwalk are all doable in a day.
Longer hikes like Marions Lookout and the Cradle Mountain Summit can also be done in a day. But you won’t see much else. So if you’re a big hiker, plan 2 days at Cradle Mountain.
Where to see wombats at Cradle Mountain?
We’ve been to Cradle multiple times and there are three places we always see wombats. The first is Ronny Creek, where you’ll find them scuttling the moorlands. The second is the Enchanted Forest Walk near Cradle Mountain Lodge. They also like to hang out around the floating boardwalk down to Pencil Pine Falls.
The best time to see wombats is dawn and dusk. But we’ve seen them throughout the day in these 3 locations.
Can you drive to Cradle Mountain in winter?
It all depends on snowfall. If snow is down to 700 meters that generally means there’s snow on the mountains only and not on the surrounding roads.. If snowfall is down to 600 meters there is likely be snow around the visitor centre too, where you park your car. But they are pretty good at ploughing the roads inside the park.
It’s when snow gets down beyond 600 meters that it begins to impact driving conditions into the park.
We wouldn’t recommend driving in if snow falls as low as 400 meters as large swathes of Cradle Country will be under snow.
Roads into Cradle Mountain are windy, and some can be icy even without snowfall. Be extremely cautious driving early in the morning and from dusk.
Also, if you are driving a hire car you may be required to purchase a ‘snow pass’ or ‘snow cover’ to drive the car above the ‘snow line’. The ‘snow line’ is generally considered to be places that can receive snow all year round, or places where snow chains are required. For some hire car companies in Tasmania (like Avis) this does include Cradle Mountain.
How far is Cradle Mountain from Hobart?
Cradle Mountain is over 4 hours drive from Hobart. The distance by road is 330km. Not all of this is on highways; you’ll be driving on winding rural roads for 90km.
It’s really too far to do Cradle Mountain to Hobart return in a day trip. The better option is to drive into one of the towns around Cradle Mountain, arriving in the afternoon. Stay the night and then drive to Cradle Mountain from there the next morning.
This way, you’ll have the whole day to explore Cradle Mountain.
The closest town to Cradle Mountain is Wilmot, located a gorgeous valley known locally as ‘The Valley of Views’.
How to get to Cradle Mountain from Hobart?
The best way to get to get anywhere in Tasmania is by car and Hobart to Cradle Mountain is no exception.
The drive is not difficult and takes about 4.5 hours.
You’ll take National Highway 1 through Oatlands and Campbell Town and down past Longford, Westbury and Deloraine. You’ll exit National Highway 1 at Elizabeth Town towards Sheffield. From that points, it’s about 1.5 hours on windy rural roads. This is when it can get icy or snow covered and roads become dangerous, so take care on the road.
If you’re on a road trip from Hobart to Cradle Mountain, we recommend stopping in the historic sandstone colonial village of Oatlands for some morning tea or lunch. Or pull into the heritage town of Ross, just off National Highway 1 between Oatlands and Campbell Town.
Sheffield is also a great place to stop between Hobart and Cradle Mountain. It’s the last big town before winding your way through mountain areas to the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. It’s also your last fuel stop on the way. Grab some petrol, a coffee and a bite to eat and then start your final 50 minute leg up to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
If you are worried about driving, we’ve linked to some day tours from Hobart to Cradle Mountain above 👆🏼
How to get to Cradle Mountain from Launceston?
There are three ways to get to Cradle Mountain from Launceston:
– Road trip.
– Day tour
– Bus transfer
This Launceston to Cradle Mountain road trip guide 2024 runs through each option, including best road trip stops, tours and costs compared.