Cradle Mountain is a popular tourist attraction located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in Tasmania. The mountain, which is part of the Central Plateau Conservation Area, is known for its stunning natural beauty.
Cradle Mountain stands at an elevation of 1,545 meters (5,069 feet) and is the highest peak in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. The mountain is named after its distinctive shape, which is said to resemble a baby's cradle. It is located about two hours' drive northwest of Launceston and is accessible by car or by taking a tour from Launceston or Hobart.
There are a number of walking trails in the area that offer a range of difficulty levels and provide access to the mountain and its surrounding beauty. The most popular trail is the Overland Track, a six-day guided walk that takes hikers through the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and ends at Lake St. Clair. There are also shorter trails available for those who don't have as much time or who are not as experienced hikers.
Cradle Mountain is also home to a number of native animals, including Tasmanian devils, wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species. It is a popular destination for wildlife watching, and there are a number of guided tours available that focus on the local flora and fauna.
There are several day tours available from Hobart and Launceston that take visitors to Cradle Mountain.
Day tours to Cradle Mountain include round-trip transportation, as well as a guided tour of the mountain and its surrounding areas.
The tours usually leave in the morning and return in the evening, and may include stops at other attractions along the way.
The tours typically cater to different interests and fitness levels, and may include shorter or longer hikes, wildlife watching, and visits to other attractions in the area.
Cradle Mountain is a popular destination for hiking, and there are a number of trails available that offer a range of difficulty levels and lengths.
Dove Lake Circuit
This moderate walk takes about two hours to complete and takes hikers around Dove Lake, offering stunning views of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding landscape.
Enchanted Walk
This short walk takes about 30 minutes to complete and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It takes hikers through a rainforest and offers views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Lake Lilla Circuit
This moderate walk takes about three hours to complete and takes hikers around Lake Lilla, offering views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Crater Lake Circuit
This moderate walk takes about four hours to complete and takes hikers around Crater Lake, offering views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The Overland Track
This six-day guided walk is the most popular and challenging track in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. It takes hikers through the park and ends at Lake St. Clair, offering a range of landscapes and views.