_edited.png)
Cradle Mountain Day Trip: Walks, Wildlife and Must-See Highlights in Tasmania
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Mar 14, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Cradle Mountain Day Trip: Walks, Wildlife & Must-See Highlights in Tasmania
Cradle Mountain sits in the heart of the stunning Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in Tasmania, a place where ancient rainforests meet snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and sweeping alpine moorlands. No matter the season, it’s a magical spot to explore and a fantastic place to spot native wildlife.
During our self-drive day trip to Cradle Mountain, we wandered down to the Dove Lake Boathouse, discovered the lovely Pencil Pine Falls along the rainforest walk, and even spotted some adorable wombats at Ronny Creek. We also wandered along the Enchanted Walk and wrapped up our adventure with the fun and fascinating Devils at Cradle experience. It’s a day full of natural beauty, wildlife, and a little bit of Tasmanian magic.
Getting to Cradle Mountain is easy from both Launceston and Hobart, making it a perfect day trip or overnight getaway. From Launceston, it’s approximately 145 kilometres, which takes around 2 hours by car.
From Hobart, the drive is longer, at about 330 kilometres, and takes between 4.5 and 5 hours. The journeys are scenic, with rolling countryside, charming towns, and forested landscapes along the way. If you don't have a car or don't want to drive take one of the day tours below.
Dove Lake Boathouse
The Walk: 1 kilometre | 20 minutes | Grade 2
This scenic walk begins at the bus stop at Dove Lake and takes you to the Dove Lake Boathouse. It's perfect for a relaxing stroll with plenty of photo opportunities. Follow the boardwalk through the native bush before taking the track to the right, and winding your way along the lakeshore.
As you reach the water’s edge, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Dove Lake Boathouse, a charming little structure that perfectly frames the view of Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain towering in the background. It’s a wonderful spot to pause, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and watch reflections ripple across the water.
Whether you’re capturing photos, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air, this short walk is a highlight for any visit to Cradle Mountain.
The Walk: 400 metres | 10 minutes | Grade 1
This short, easy walk begins just behind Cradle Mountain’s Ranger Station and Interpretation Centre, making it perfect for a quick wander through the cool, tranquil temperate rainforest. As you stroll among towering pencil pines and lush myrtle trees, the forest feels peaceful and almost magical.
At the end of the path, you’ll reach a viewing deck overlooking Pencil Pine Falls, where the Pencil Pine River tumbles gracefully 10 metres over a rocky outcrop. The gentle rush of water, surrounded by verdant greenery, makes this a serene spot to pause, take photos, and soak in the natural beauty of Cradle Mountain’s rainforest.
Wombats at Cradle Mountain
During our day trip to Cradle Mountain, we were lucky enough to spot some of the area’s famous wombats. One popped up right on the Enchanted Walk, and later in the afternoon, we saw several more lounging near the shuttle bus stop at Ronny Creek. Watching these adorable, slow-moving creatures in their natural habitat was a real highlight of the day.
The Walk: 1.1 kilometres circuit | 20 minutes | Grade 2
Starting near the bridge over Pencil Pine Creek, the Enchanted Walk is a delightful short circuit that winds through some of Cradle Mountain’s most magical scenery. The path begins on a boardwalk through open button grass moorland before entering the lush, mystical myrtle forest.
As you wander along the trail, take time to notice the incredible variety of mosses, lichens, and delicate ferns that cling to branches and carpet the forest floor, creating a truly enchanted atmosphere. This easy walk is perfect for all ages and offers a peaceful glimpse into the unique beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness.
If you move quietly and keep your eyes peeled, you might be lucky enough to spot a wombat, wallaby, or pademelon along the trail. For little explorers, there are three interpretive tunnels along the track, each filled with fun and informative displays about the local plants and wildlife. These tunnels encourage children to learn about the forest and stay curious, making the walk both educational and adventurous for the whole family.
Tasmanian Devils at Cradle Mountain
Devils at Cradle was a highlight of our day at Cradle Mountain. We loved getting up close to the Tasmanian devils and watching their quirky, energetic antics. You can experience it during the day, when they’re exploring and interacting, or in the evening, when they’re at their most lively. The guides were full of interesting stories about the devils’ behaviour and conservation, which made the experience both fun and really memorable.
Comments