Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National ParkAbout Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a protected area in central Tasmania, known for its high mountain scenery, glacial lakes and extensive walking trails. The park forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and contains both alpine and cool temperate rainforest environments.
The park’s best-known features are Cradle Mountain, rising to about 1,545 metres and overlooking Dove Lake, and Lake St Clair, which is the deepest freshwater lake in Australia with a maximum depth around 168 metres. The landscapes include glacially scoured peaks, moraine and deep lakes.
A key attraction is the Overland Track, a marked 65-kilometre route that links Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south and is typically walked over 5-7 days. Visitor hubs and ranger services are provided at the main trailheads and near the lakes to manage access and preserve the area.
The park was established in the early 20th century and has been managed to conserve its unique glacial and ecological features while supporting bushwalking and nature-based tourism.
- World Heritage site: The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and features alpine and temperate rainforest habitats above 800 metres.
- Visitor access and services: Visitor facilities and marked trails are concentrated around the northern Cradle Mountain area and at the southern Lake St Clair access points, with seasonal services for walkers.
What to See#
- Cradle Mountain: Cradle Mountain reaches 1,545 metres and overlooks Dove Lake, with marked walking tracks of varying difficulty radiating from the mountain’s visitor area.
- Lake St Clair: Lake St Clair is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, with a maximum depth of around 168 metres, and forms the southern end of the park and the Overland Track.
- Overland Track: The Overland Track is a 65-kilometre wilderness trail linking Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, typically completed over 5-7 days and managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Nearby Attractions to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Best Time to Visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Summer offers the most predictable conditions and full services; shoulder seasons reward with quieter tracks and striking light.
Weather & Climate near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Heavy rainfall (2300 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 6° - 17° | 12° | 126 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 93 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 5° - 16° | 10° | 123 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 12° | 5° | 180 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 9° | 2° | 229 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 0° - 7° | -1° | 222 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 0° - 6° | -2° | 267 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 0° - 6° | -2° | 258 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 1° - 9° | 0° | 243 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 11° | 3° | 216 mm | - | - | 6.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 13° | 6° | 176 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 5° - 15° | 7° | 167 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
From Launceston (approx. 2.5-3 hours) or Hobart (approx. 4.5 hours) drive on the A10 and B24 to the park access roads; the main visitor centre and car parks are at Cradle Valley and Ronny Creek. Public coaches run from Launceston and Hobart during peak season to the park.
Tips for Visiting Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
- Walk sections of the Overland Track as day-hikes if the full 65 km trek isn't on the itinerary - the Dove Lake circuit is a short, dramatic option.
- Arrive at dawn for mirrored reflections of Cradle Mountain on Dove Lake; late afternoon brings clouds and fewer people.
- If driving, use the Ronny Creek or Dove Lake car parks - Ronny Creek fills fast in summer, so aim for early arrival or use park shuttles.
- Most huts and lodges require advance booking months ahead during peak season (Dec-Feb).