Cradle Mountain’s jagged peaks are one of the most recognisable images of Tasmania’s wilderness. Cradle Mountain is at the northern end of the 161,000-hectare (397,840-acre) Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair national park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Park is 2.5 hours’ west of Launceston (144 kilometres/90 miles) and 90 minutes from Devonport (83 kilometres/52 miles).

The sheer magnificence of Cradle Mountain inspired Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer to build a chalet of King Billy pine here in 1912 and work tirelessly to have the area declared a national park "for the people for all time". His dream was realised in 1922, and today a quarter of all visitors to the state travel here to share his vision.

You can take one of many short walks in the area to gain a full appreciation of Cradle’s magic. Stroll from cascading rivers to dense, old-growth rainforest in just 20 minutes on the Enchanted Walk, walk the two-hour circuit of Dove Lake, or spend the day tackling Cradle Mountain’s summit. Cradle Mountain is the starting point of the 65-kilometre (40-mile) Overland Track—a six-day walk finishing at the northern end of Lake St Clair. Guided walks are available, some staying in catered huts along the way.

Cradle Mountain is surrounded by smooth glacial lakes, ancient rainforest, and distinctive alpine vegetation. Australia's only deciduous tree abounds here. Fagus, also known as deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), is endemic to Tasmania and has a magnificent autumn display, ranging through gold to deep red from late April to May.

The history of the Weindorfers' devotion to Cradle Mountain and their successful efforts to ensure its preservation as a national park is told in Weindorfer's Chalet, just off the road to Dove Lake. The natural history of the park is detailed in displays and interpretation at the Visitor Centre, which you pass as you travel towards Dove Lake. A shuttle bus to Dove Lake departs from here each day throughout the year.

Cradle Mountain’s alpine location means the weather can be extremely changeable. Pack warm clothes, raingear, a map and good walking boots for your visit.

Wildlife and mountain air
A Tasmanian masterpiece, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park was placed on the World Heritage list in 1982. The 82 kilometre trek from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south is Australia's most famous bushwalk.

The mountain's jagged, truncated contours evoke a primeval feel unlike anything on the Australian mainland. Landscapes include ancient rainforest and alpine heath lands, interspersed with button grass and stands of colourful, deciduous beech. Cradle Mountain itself is reflected in the still waters of the lakes that ring it.

Trails winding through forests of King Billy pines around the mountain offer superb day treks and some travellers rate the two hour walk around Dove Lake as the best in the world. If you're lucky, you may come across a wombat. These hefty, shy animals are mainly nocturnal but in cold periods graze during the day.

Cradle Mountain Huts offers private accommodation and a six-day guided trek. Each night, groups arrive at a warm, cosy hut with hot showers, comfortable beds and delicious meals.
At Cradle Mountain Lodge, guests stay in unobtrusive log cabins (without television or telephones to shatter the peace). Travel writers rate this area alongside Italy's Lake Como and Canada's Niagara Falls. Cradle Mountain Lodge surpasses all rivals in quality of surroundings, food and accommodation, and its tranquillity is second to none. The only passers-by are wallabies and inquisitive possums hopping or strolling by your balcony.