Cradle Mountain
Mountain Iconic Tasmanian peak within wilderness national park
Cradle Mountain in Tasmania anchors hiking in Cradle Mountain‑Lake St Clair National Park: alpine trails, Dove Lake viewpoints, and access to sections of the Overland Track for multi‑day treks.
Cradle Mountain is a prominent peak within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The mountain and its surrounding alpine valley are among Tasmania’s most visited natural attractions.
Visitors come for short walks around Dove Lake, alpine scenery, boardwalks and longer hikes. The area is the northern terminus of the Overland Track, a roughly 65-kilometre multi-day route that crosses to Lake St Clair; shorter circuits and lookout walks including Marion’s Lookout provide accessible mountain views.
The region has been occupied by Tasmanian Aboriginal people for millennia and was later mapped and developed for tourism and conservation in the 20th century. The national park protects diverse alpine and highland ecosystems and is managed for both recreation and conservation.
Cradle Mountain sits in the central highlands of northwestern Tasmania; park visitor facilities and walking trailheads are reached via sealed roads and a small visitor village near Dove Lake.
- Overland Track length: The Overland Track between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair is a multi-day hiking route spanning approximately 65 kilometres and is usually walked in Tasmania's summer months.
- Summit elevation and conditions: Cradle Mountain's summit reaches about 1,545 metres above sea level and offers alpine conditions; weather can change quickly and walkers should be prepared.
What to See #
- Cradle Mountain summit: A glacially sculpted mountain rising to about 1,545 metres and the central landmark of the national park.
- Dove Lake: A scenic lake at the mountain's base with boardwalks around its shore and classic views of the mountain reflected in the water.
- Cradle Valley and visitor facilities: The starting area and network of walking tracks including short circuit walks and connections to multi-day routes in the park.
- Overland Track start (Cradle Valley): The start point for the Overland Track, a long-distance trail that links the mountain area to Lake St Clair.
How to Get to Cradle Mountain #
Cradle Mountain is reached by road from northern Tasmanian towns: drive from Launceston roughly 150 km northwest (about 2-2.5 hours) or from Hobart roughly 300 km (about 3.5-4.5 hours). Follow the Bass Highway (A1) west from Launceston and then follow signs inland to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The park Visitor Centre/Dove Lake carpark is a short walk (about 10-15 minutes) from the main Dove Lake boardwalk and trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Cradle Mountain #
- Start the Dove Lake circuit at dawn for the best chance of calm water reflections and wildlife sightings, and to avoid the parking crunch at the main car park later in the morning.
- If you want a viewpoint with fewer people, continue from the Dove Lake loop to Marion's Lookout - the climb is short but rewards you with sweeping views that many visitors skip.
- Visit in shoulder seasons or weekdays where possible; popular walking tracks fill quickly during summer and school holidays, so arriving before 8am or later in the afternoon substantially reduces crowding.
Best Time to Visit Cradle Mountain #
Best in summer for the most reliable walking conditions and longest daylight; expect rapidly changing mountain weather outside summer.
Weather & Climate near Cradle Mountain #
Cradle Mountain's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1998 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (227 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (218 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and breezy conditions.
