Cradle Mountain Chateau sits at 3718 Cradle Mountain Road, on the edge of Tasmania's World Heritage Area, in alpine woodland close to the northern boundary of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is one of the options we list for the Tasmanian West Coast, and this page explains where it sits and what the surrounding country is like.
The West Coast is rough, wet and isolated, so the setting matters as much as the room. Below we cover the drive times, the rooms and dining described for the Chateau, and the weather you should plan around.
Where Cradle Mountain Chateau sits
The Chateau is in a serene alpine woodland setting beside the national park. It is promoted as a base for exploring the wilderness: short walks to mountain lakes and ancient forests, climbs to ice-carved peaks, trout fishing, and tours by 4WD or on horseback.
Cradle Mountain is also the name of a neighbouring locality that adjoins the West Coast locality on the map. The gazetted locality called West Coast is largely uninhabited and runs between the Arthur River and Queenstown, and it recorded a population of nil in the 2016 census. Most of the towns sit around it rather than inside it.
Getting there
The Chateau is two hours' drive from Launceston, one hour from Devonport, or 1.5 hours from Strahan. That makes it workable from the north coast as well as from the west.
| From | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Launceston | 2 hours |
| Devonport | 1 hour |
| Strahan | 1.5 hours |
Allow for weather. All transport to the West Coast can be interrupted by severe conditions, and in a hard winter the roads may be blocked for days at a time by ice and snow. Check conditions before you set out.
Why the access is the way it is
Isolation shaped the region. Early on the only way in and out was by sea, and no serviceable roads to the east or north existed until the 1930s (east) and the 1960s (north). Railways were the main land link from the 1920s to the 1960s. The airstrip today is at Strahan. Worth keeping in mind next time a road feels long.
Rooms at the Chateau
The property is described as having 60 rooms and suites. Each has double-sliding doors opening onto a small private deck for wildlife viewing and woodland views, and all accommodation is at ground-floor level. Disabled access is available.
- Standard twin rooms, with two double beds.
- King spa rooms, with king-size beds and bathroom spas.
- Deluxe split-level suites, with a sunken lounge, king-size beds and bathroom spas.
A hot spa after a day of hiking is the obvious appeal of the spa rooms. For other places to stay nearby, see our pages on Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and the Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge, or browse West Coast accommodation more broadly.
Food, drink and facilities
Three venues are described on site. Quolls Casual Dining serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and light meals seven days a week. Brushtails Bar is the place for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, and The Grey Gum is the signature à la carte restaurant.
The menus lean on local produce. Boutique vineyards in the foothills of the Great Western Tiers grow grapes for some of the island's best sparkling wines.
Guest facilities include complimentary parking, reception and a tour desk. Internet access is available at an hourly rate in the foyer. The lounges have open log fires and leather armchairs, and there is a full-size billiard table, two libraries, a gift shop, a masseur and a guest laundry. The Wilderness Gallery holds a well-regarded collection of nature photography.
Conferences
Meeting facilities cater for up to 170 delegates, in the same alpine woodland setting next to the national park.
West Coast weather
We reckon the weather deserves more planning than most people give it. The West Coast is much cooler and wetter than the east. Frequent low pressure systems bring heavy rain, snow and ice, and the West Coast Range blocks them from reaching the east, so some areas receive over 2,000 millimetres of rain a year.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter, at sea level | About 10 °C; morning frost is common when it is not raining |
| Winter, inland | Maximums often fail to pass 0 °C |
| Winter snow line | Typically around 900 metres |
| Summer | Maximums average 17 °C to 21 °C; some days stay under 10 °C |
Snow has been known to fall in the middle of summer, so pack warm layers whatever the month.
Planning the wider trip
Strahan is the natural partner stop, and our page on Strahan Village covers it. For things to do, see West Coast activities and attractions, plus West Coast tours.
For the regional background, there is a Wikipedia entry on West Coast, Tasmania, and Discover Tasmania is the official state tourism site.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cradle Mountain Chateau from Launceston?
It is about two hours' drive. Devonport is one hour away and Strahan is 1.5 hours.
How many rooms does the Chateau have?
There are 60 rooms and suites, all on the ground floor, each with its own small private deck.
Can roads to the West Coast close?
Yes. In severe winter conditions, ice and snow may block roads to the West Coast for days at a time.
