10 short walks for a Cradle Mountain day tour
In the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain has long been a bucket list destination for trekkers. While many come to tackle the 65-kilometre Overland Track over the course of a week, there are plenty of shorter hikes that allow you to experience the natural beauty of this protected area within just a few hours.
Cradle Mountain encompasses jagged peaks (often snowcovered), glistening glacial lakes and wild alpine moors, all of which can be enjoyed on a day hike. From leisurely 10-minute strolls to half-day treks, there really is something for everyone. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best short walks to complete on a Cradle Mountain day tour, whether you’re into steep rock scrambles or gentle ambles with young kids in tow.
Rainforest Walk
Access-friendly and perfect for young kids
Ideal for those visiting Cradle Mountain with young kids, this easy 10-minute stroll leaves from the Interpretation Centre and connects to a viewpoint overlooking Pencil Pine Falls. At just 450 metres, it is one of the shortest walks in the national park, taking in a picturesque tract of cool temperate rainforest dotted with pencil pines and myrtle trees. The Rainforest Walk is also access-friendly and all-terrain wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Centre.
Enchanted Walk
A great introduction to Cradle Mountain’s floral diversity
Following the banks of Pencil Pine Creek, this half-hour walk departs from the Interpretation Centre and offers a taste of Cradle Mountain’s diverse vegetation. Across its 1.2-kilometre length, you’ll pass through button grass plains, myrtle forests and eucalypt woodlands, hopefully with some wildlife sightings along the way.
King Billy Track
A good choice for history buffs
Offering up-close encounters with several huge King Pilly pines, this 40-minute walk is ideal for those who are interested in the area’s human history. It was these impressive trees that first attracted loggers to Cradle Mountain in the 19th century, with some of the specimens seen today believed to be more than 1,500 years old. This two-kilometre-long trail departs from the Interpretation Centre.
Waterfalls Walk
One of Cradle Mountain’s best short walks after heavy rainfall
Taking in two waterfalls (Pencil Pine and Knyvet) along its 1.5-kilometre route, this easy half-hour walk begins and ends near the Interpretation Centre. It follows part of the Dove Canyon Track, a half-day walk that includes some steep sections and rock scrambling. The Waterfalls Walk is a great option after heavy rainfall when the waterfalls are at their most impressive.
Speeler Track
Renowned for its wildlife sightings
Beginning along the same trail as the King Billy Track, this 3.4-kilometre walk (roughly one hour) offers glimpses of Cradle Mountain’s iconic summit. The trail winds through cool temperate rainforest and button grass plains, although it can be muddy after heavy rainfall. The Speeler Track is a great option for spotting native wildlife, such as wombats, wallabies and echidnas.
Waldheim Track and Weindorfers Forest Walk
An insight into Cradle Mountain’s human history
Beginning at the Ronny Creek Carpark, this 45-minute walk (2.4 kilometres) accesses a historic chalet built by Gustav and Kate Weindorfer in 1912. It offers an insight into the early years of Cradle Mountain’s designation as a protected wilderness area. If you continue on from the chalet, you’ll reach an area of King Billy pines and fagus trees on what is known as the Weindorfers Forest Walk.
Dove Lake Circuit Walk
Cradle Mountain’s most popular short walk
Arguably one of the most trafficked walks in Cradle Mountain, this circuit trail follows the shores of Dove Lake over its six-kilometre length. Plan to spend at least two hours as you enjoy incredible views of Cradle Mountain itself and the iconic Boatshed. Fringing the shores are temperature rainforests and sub-alpine vegetation, offering a varied introduction to the area’s native vegetation.
Marion’s Lookout
Unbeatable views across the national park
For elevated views of Cradle Mountain, you can’t go past this 7.5-kilometre-long trail. It leads to Marion’s Lookout, from where you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas across the national park. Allow at least three hours to complete the walk and be aware that it can be incredibly windy at the top. It’s advisable NOT to attempt this walk in poor weather conditions.
Dove Canyon Track
An often overlooked trail with short but steep rock scrambles
This half-day walk (6.3 kilometres) can be completed in as little as three hours, beginning at the Interpretation Centre. It takes in myrtle rainforest, buttongrass plains and cascading falls before arriving at the top of Dove Canyon. From here, you are treated to wonderful views of Cradle Mountain before making the return hike.
Crater Lake Circuit
A vigorous walk for those who want to escape the crowds
While not a crater at all, this glacial-carved lake is flanked by impressive cliffs and is a worthy destination if you want to escape the crowds of Dove Lake. The 5.7-kilometre hike takes roughly three hours, departing the shores of Dove Lake before meandering through pandani and sassafras forests. Crater Lake is an impressive deep blue colour (the result of leaching tannins) and often beautifully reflects the sky above.
Cradle Mountain Day Tours
All of the above walks can be completed on our Cradle Mountain Day Tours, which include self-guided and guided itineraries. All include return transport from Devonport or Launceston in one of our comfortable vehicles, as well as the services of a knowledgeable driver. On our guided Cradle Mountain Day Tours, your guide will stay with you throughout the day and the itinerary includes a visit to Devils@Cradle to see these endangered creatures up close. Overnight Cradle Mountain tours are also available for those with more time up their sleeve.