Cradle Mountain
Tour Tassie’s Cradle Mountain
With its striking shape and beauty, Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most famous mountain and a must-see for those seeking a taste of Tassie.
Where is Cradle Mountain located?
Inside the world heritage-listed Cradle Mountain & Lake St Claire National Park. Approximately 4 hours from Hobart, Cradle Mountain boasts an attractive mix of alpine and sub-alpine vegetation.
How high is Cradle Mountain?
1,550 metres above mean sea level.
Why is it called Cradle Mountain?
Explorer Joseph Fossey thought the mountain resembled the shape of a gold mining cradle, used in times of the Gold Rush around the year 1851 within Tasmania and Australia.
What was Cradle Mountain originally called?
It was named Ribbed Rock until it was renamed Cradle Mountain.
Fun Tassie Tours to Cradle Mountain
We include a visit to Cradle Mountain on most of our premium small group tours, so you can easily explore Tasmania's most picturesque locations. To see Cradle Mountain, we recommend joining us on one of our luxury tours:
- 13 Day Tasmania Tour
- 10 Day Tasmania Tour in Circle
- 8 Day Tour in Circle
- 6 Day Scenic Tasmania Tour
- 5 Day West Coast Tour
Walks to Do on Your Cradle Mountain Tour
Our tour of Cradle Mountain never fails to excite photographers, day trekkers, and casual bushwalkers. There are plenty of scenic and unchallenging walks to take in the natural beauty and wildlife of the area. Bring your camera!
Enchanted Walk — 25-minute loop with possible platypus sightings.
Knyvet Falls Walk — 30-minute return walk with possible wombat sightings.
Pencil Pine Falls Walk — 15-minute leisurely loop suitable for wheelchairs.
Glacier Rock Walk — 40-minute return walk to a scenic lookout spot.
And more! See our detailed guide to the top 5 short, scenic, and easy walks around Cradle Mountain. There is also a Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre with more information on nearby walks on-site.
We recommend wearing comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and bringing clothing for all conditions, as the weather can turn. Pack a raincoat and a warm, windproof jacket so you’re fully prepared to tour Cradle Mountain.
The 'Waldheim Chalet' at Cradle Mountain
Photographer’s Paradise
Be ready to take some truly spectacular photos on your Cradle Mountain tour! The boat shed (built in the early 1900s) that sits on the edge of Dove Lake, with Cradle Mountain towering over the background, is the perfect stop-off and photo opportunity. On clear days, you can capture the reflection of Cradle Mountain being mirrored on Dove Lake.
Wildlife to See While Touring Cradle Mountain
While visiting Cradle Mountain, be on the lookout for wallabies, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, pademelons, and potoroos. The friendly local wombats are particularly photogenic! Although they are wild, the wombats are accustomed to company and will happily pose for a photo. Numerous delightful bird species are also found in the area, making your short, scenic walks around Cradle Mountain quite musical.
