Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

Iconic dolerite peak, Dove Lake circuit and the start of the Overland Track.

8 tours
2 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 4 photos
View on Google Maps →

Tours in Cradle Mountain

See all 8 tours →
2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour / Hobart return / Inc. Accommodation

2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour / Hobart return / Inc. Accommodation

2 days
From AUD $445
2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay

2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay

2 days
From AUD $405
Cradle Mountain Day Tour: Dove Lake Guided Hike with Lunch

Cradle Mountain Day Tour: Dove Lake Guided Hike with Lunch

10 hours
From AUD $265
Cradle Mountain is a locality and mountain in the Central Highlands region of the Australian state of Tasmania. The mountain is situated in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. At 1,545 metres (5,069 ft) above sea level, it is the sixth-highest mountain in Tasmania. The locality of Cradle Mountain is a rural locality in the local government areas of Meander Valley, Kentish and West Coast in the Launceston and North-west and west local government regions of Tasmania. The locality is about 109 kilometres (68 mi) west of the town of Westbury. The 2016 census has a population of 66 for the state suburb of Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain was gazetted as a locality in 1966. Cradle Mountain (the mountain) occupies a small area in the north-west of the locality, which occupies the northern half of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Route C132 (Cradle Mountain Road / Dove Lake Road) enters from the north and runs south to Dove Lake, where it ends.

Background information about Cradle Mountain adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Cradle Mountain

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Cradle Mountain

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Oct, Nov, Dec — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Jun, Jul if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
33°
2° low
65mm
Feb
31°
1° low
47mm
Mar
31°
-1° low
78mm
Apr
24°
-1° low
81mm
May
20°
-3° low
105mm
Jun
15°
-3° low
114mm
Jul
13°
-3° low
125mm
Aug
14°
-4° low
145mm
Sep
18°
-3° low
119mm
Oct
23°
-2° low
93mm
Nov
26°
-1° low
78mm
Dec
31°
0° low
82mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

What else is around Cradle Mountain

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (29)
🏰 Historic sites (1)
🦁 Family — zoos, aquariums, theme parks (1)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Cradle Mountain

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Launceston
149 km · 2h 5m
To Strahan
148 km · 2h 12m
To East Coast Tasmania
291 km · 4h 0m
To Freycinet Peninsula
308 km · 4h 15m
To Hobart
329 km · 4h 19m
To Bay of Fires
311 km · 4h 42m
To Huon Valley
375 km · 5h 2m
To Tasman Peninsula
378 km · 5h 4m

Photos from around Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
park
Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain
Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain
park
Accommodation
Accommodation
article
Accommodation
Accommodation
article

Frequently asked about Cradle Mountain

Where is Cradle Mountain?
Cradle Mountain is in Cradle Country, Tasmania, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Tasmania destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Cradle Mountain are typically October, November, December — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. July tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Cradle Mountain?
Summer daytime highs average around 33°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about -4°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 1131 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Cradle Mountain?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Launceston it's about 149 km — roughly 2h 5m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Tasmania destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Cradle Mountain?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Cradle Mountain, Smithies Peak, Weindorfers Tower, Little Horn, Benson Peak. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Cradle Mountain?
We list 2 caravan and holiday parks in and around Cradle Mountain above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Cradle Mountain?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at Cradle Mountain to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 8 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Cradle Mountain good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 1 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
What day trips can I do from Cradle Mountain?
Within ~2.5 hours' drive: Launceston, Strahan. The drive-times panel above lists every nearby destination with road distance and travel time — pick one, drive across in the morning, and you're back for dinner.
Is there public transport at Cradle Mountain?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Cradle Mountain accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Cradle Mountain are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Cradle Mountain cost?
Budget travellers can do Cradle Mountain on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Cradle Mountain?
Most named destinations in Tasmania have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

All tours in Cradle Mountain

2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour / Hobart return / Inc. Accommodation
2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour / Hobart return / Inc. Accommodation
★ 5.0 · from AUD $445
2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay
2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay
★ 5.0 · from AUD $405
Cradle Mountain Day Tour: Dove Lake Guided Hike with Lunch
Cradle Mountain Day Tour: Dove Lake Guided Hike with Lunch
★ 5.0 · from AUD $265
Devonport Cradle Mt Sightseeing tour
Devonport Cradle Mt Sightseeing tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $270
wulinantikala / Cradle Mountain Hiking Tour - 4 Days
wulinantikala / Cradle Mountain Hiking Tour - 4 Days
★ 5.0 · from AUD $2650
6 Day Island Icons Tassie Day Tour Bundle
6 Day Island Icons Tassie Day Tour Bundle
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1050
Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion
Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion
★ 5.0 · from AUD $250
Cradle Mountain Day Trip from Hobart with Scenic Stops
Cradle Mountain Day Trip from Hobart with Scenic Stops
★ 5.0 · from AUD $250

Caravan parks nearby

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
★ 4.8
Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain
Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain · Kentish Council
★ 4.2

Nearby destinations

Strahan
Strahan
West Coast
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston Region
Huon Valley
Huon Valley
Hobart Region
Hobart
Hobart
Hobart Region
Bruny Island
Bruny Island
Hobart Region
Tasman Peninsula
Tasman Peninsula
Tasman Peninsula

Cradle Mountain travel articles

Accommodation
Accommodation
Comfort Inn Gold Rush Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge Cradle Mountain Chateau [managed by RACT] Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge Strahan Village [managed by RACT] Along with Queenstown, which is the largest city along the west coast of Tasmania, there are many other different locations that you can also take a look at when searching for the […]
Tasmania Accommodation
Tasmania Accommodation
Are you planning a holiday in Tasmania? Look no further for the ideal accommodation – right through the island. Cities like Hobart and Launceston offer numerous hotel and apartment options; while in stunning natural areas like Frecinet Peninsula or Cradle Mountain there are resorts galore. Additionally, midlands and coastal fringes boast motels and Bed […]
Tasmania Destinations
Tasmania Destinations
Tasmania is the state where the number of must see travel destinations is exceptional. Some of the worlds most important wilderness regions and heritage listed areas can be found here. This is a place where you are continuously reminded of the convict history and the states early days. Must see destinations include Cradle Mountain National […]
Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge
Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge
Property Information: 1422 Cradle Mountain Road, Moina Cradle Chalet Luxury Boutique Lodge is set on 18 acres of private wilderness near Moina in northwest Tasmania and is the ideal getaway or romantic retreat for anyone visiting the nearby Cradle Mountain National Park or any of the other local attractions. Cradle Chalet features 4.5-star accommodation and dining on the […]
📍
7 Day Western Icons
Discover the Tasmania with the Western Icons tour from AAT Kings, and marvel in wonder at Huon Valley, spectacular Russell Falls and the majestic Gordon River. Explore Cradle Mountain National Park and tempt your tastebuds at the Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory. INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS Explore Hobart & Launceston Mt. Field National Park Three-tiered Russell Falls Sensational Lake St. Clair […]
Accommodation
Accommodation
Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge Cradle Mountain Chateau [managed by RACT] Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge The accommodation around Cradle Mountain is just the beginning of many things to look forward to on your next holiday to this number one holiday escape! Boasting many different kinds of accommodation you choose to suit you and your budget […]
Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge
Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge
Property Information: 1422 Cradle Mountain Road, Moina Cradle Chalet Luxury Boutique Lodge is set on 18 acres of private wilderness near Moina in northwest Tasmania and is the ideal getaway or romantic retreat for anyone visiting the nearby Cradle Mountain National Park or any of the other local attractions. Cradle Chalet features 4.5-star accommodation and dining on the […]
📍
3 Day West Coast Explorer
Three days exploring the west coast of Tasmania: lush forests, waterfalls, mountain ranges, lakes and national parks including Cradle Mountain - Lake St