Cradle Mountain National Park Tour from Launceston | Tasmania
Join the ultimate Cradle Mountain National Park exploration! Enter an area of iconic scenery with a wide variety of walking trails to choose from in this stunning World Heritage-listed park. With around 5 hours to spend in the National Park, we leave our walking itinerary flexible to suit our guests and the weather conditions on the day.
- Stand on the shore of the spectacular setting of Dove Lake
- Take on the Dove Lake circuit walk (easy grade 6 km’s 2-3 hours) or take on the harder walk to the lofty views of Marion’s Lookout (medium grade 3-4 hours)
- Enjoy a delicious break, after a big day out, at Van Diemans Land Ice Creamery & Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe
Package Options
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Join the Cradle Mountain National Park tour with a 5 hour adventure to spend walking a variety of trails in the stunning World Heritage listed area. We will depart from Launceston and make a short stop in Sheffield – The Town of Murals. Enjoy the cultural aura of the village with over 100 paintings on the walls of buildings across the town. Then we will arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park, where we begin with a series of short walks to Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls.
Walking from Dove Walk, you can choose your preferred main walk. There is the iconic Dove Lake Circuit which is 6 kilometres, classified as easy and usually takes 2-3 hours. For the more active and avid hiker, we offer the chance to climb to the loftier heights of Marion’s Lookout. This is around 4 kilometres but is classified as medium, with some steep sections. This walk is well rewarded with amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding World Heritage wilderness area from the top.
We stop along the way for a lunch break, enjoy a rest by a quiet stream, watch the famous and friendly Cradle wombats in their natural habitat, or take the time to photograph the landscapes. Learn some of the local histories as we visit Weindorfer’s Chalet and see the ancient King Billy Pines on Weindorfer’s Forest Walk.
On our return to Launceston, we stop to refuel and refresh at the delicious Van Diemans Land Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, before arriving back at around 6:00 pm.
Cradle Mountain is the backdrop for a truly memorable and not to be missed Tasmanian experience.
— Important Info —
- Duration: 1 Day
- Departs: Launceston at 7:30 am
- Returns: Launceston 6:00 pm
- Days: Wednesday & Friday (01 May – 31 Oct)
- Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday (01 Nov – 30 April)
Immerse yourself in nature as you explore the beautiful Cradle Mountan
Get up-close and personal with wildlife in their natural habitat
Reach new heights and admire the hills from the best seat in the house
Purchase Notice
What to bring/wear
• Sensible shoes for walking
• A variety of warm clothing, beanie/hat/gloves
• Weatherproof jacket if possible
• Hat/Sunscreen
• Water Bottle, Snacks, Lunch (or buy it on the day)
• Camera
• Sense of adventure
Special considerations
- Our tours are active and visit National Parks and wild areas that involve some walking. We focus on the great short walks of Tasmania. Although most of the walks are classified as easy, a suitable level of general health & fitness and physical abilities is essential. All tour participants will be participating in outdoor, active activities and therefore subject to the outdoor weather conditions of the day
- We educate all guests on Minimal Impact Bushwalking and the Leave No Trace policy before entering our National Parks. We provide accurate interpretation and keep wildlife disturbance to a minimum by viewing from appropriate distances and informing our guests how to view wildlife with patience and respect. Activities are always confined to tracks and boardwalks to minimise negative impacts
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Our tours are not suitable for children under 8 years of age. We reserve the right to refuse to carry passengers under this age. Refunds will not be available
Please select your Central Hobart Hotel or Backpacker Hostel pickup location when booking. If your hotel is not on the list, please note it in the 'Requests & Remarks' section
Please refer to the pickup location and time shown on the voucher after purchase
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Cradle Mountain National Park offers distinct beauty year-round. Summer (December to February) provides warmer weather and longer daylight hours, perfect for extensive hiking. Autumn (March to May) features stunning golden fagus foliage. Winter (June to August) transforms the landscape with snow, creating a magical atmosphere for photography and snow activities. Spring (September to November) brings vibrant wildflowers and active wildlife.
Yes, Cradle Mountain National Park is definitely worth visiting for first-time travelers. It is a World Heritage-listed site renowned for its iconic scenery, including the stunning Dove Lake and rugged peaks. The park offers a diverse range of walking trails suitable for various fitness levels, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging climbs, providing a profound connection with Tasmania's pristine wilderness.
To explore the main attractions and enjoy a significant walking experience within Cradle Mountain National Park, visitors typically allocate around 5 hours. This allows sufficient time to complete popular trails like the Dove Lake circuit or venture to viewpoints like Marion's Lookout, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and taking numerous photos.
Cradle Mountain National Park features a variety of walking trails. The Dove Lake Circuit is an easy-grade walk, approximately 6 kilometers, taking 2-3 hours to complete. For a more challenging experience, the trek to Marion’s Lookout is a medium-grade hike, typically lasting 3-4 hours, rewarding hikers with lofty panoramic views of the park. There are also many other trails of varying lengths and difficulties.
Yes, Cradle Mountain National Park can be explored effectively on a day trip from Launceston. Many organized tours depart from Launceston, providing convenient round-trip transportation and allowing approximately 5 hours within the national park. This duration is ample for experiencing key highlights, taking scenic walks, and enjoying the park's natural beauty without needing an overnight stay.
Internal transportation within Cradle Mountain National Park is primarily provided by the Parks and Wildlife Service shuttle bus. This bus runs regularly, stopping at key locations such as Dove Lake, Ronny Creek, and the Visitor Centre, making it easy to access different trailheads and viewpoints. During peak times, private vehicle access past the visitor centre may be restricted, requiring use of the shuttle.
Traveling to Cradle Mountain National Park from Launceston without a private car is best done via organized tours. These tours offer comfortable coach transport directly from Launceston, eliminating the need for personal driving and navigation. They often include commentary from experienced guides and ensure a hassle-free journey to and from the national park, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the scenery.
After a day of exploring Cradle Mountain National Park, visitors can enjoy unique local dining experiences. One popular option includes stops at places like Van Diemans Land Ice Creamery, known for its delicious artisan ice cream made with local produce. Another highly recommended stop is the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe, which offers a delightful menu featuring fresh raspberries in various dishes and desserts.
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