Enchanted Walk, Tasmania - A Magical Forest Stroll at Cradle Mountain

Oct 17, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jan 28

Enchanted Walk, Tasmania - A Magical Forest Stroll at Cradle Mountain

The Enchanted Walk is one of Cradle Mountain’s most charming and accessible short walks, offering a gentle introduction to the park’s ancient alpine rainforest. This easy circuit winds through moss-draped myrtle forests, across bubbling creeks, and past delicate cascades, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that feels especially magical in the soft mountain light.

Perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting to slow down and truly absorb the beauty of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, the Enchanted Walk may be short, but it leaves a lasting impression.

Enchanted Walk Overview

Distance: 1.1-kilometre circuit - Time: Approximately 20 minutes - Grade: 2

The Enchanted Walk is one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania, and this well-formed loop follows a mix of boardwalks and compacted tracks, making it suitable for most fitness levels and ideal in all seasons.

From Button Grass to Myrtle Forest

The walk begins near the bridge crossing Pencil Pine Creek, leading you along a boardwalk through open button grass moorland before gently transitioning into the cool, shaded myrtle forest.

As you wander beneath twisting myrtle-beech trees and towering pencil pines, take time to admire the incredible diversity of mosses and lichens clinging to branches, logs, and forest undergrowth. The forest floor is often dotted with colourful fungi, particularly during the cooler months, adding bursts of colour to the deep greens of the rainforest.

Wildlife and Wonder Along the Way

If you walk quietly and keep your eyes open, you may be lucky enough to spot a wombat, wallaby, or pademelon ambling through the forest or grazing beside the track. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife sightings.

Families will especially enjoy the three interpretive tunnels located along the walk. Designed with children in mind, these playful spaces include informative displays about the plants and animals of the area, encouraging young explorers to look closely and learn as they go.

Pencil Pine Creek and Cascades

One of the highlights of the Enchanted Walk is its close connection to Pencil Pine Creek. After crossing the wooden bridge, you’ll spot a lovely little waterfall before continuing along the boardwalk that follows the creek’s banks.

The walk finishes at a bridge overlooking the beautiful Pencil Pine Cascades, where clear mountain water tumbles gently over rocks in a peaceful and photogenic setting — a perfect spot to pause before heading back.

Getting to Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is centrally located in Tasmania and easily accessible from both Launceston and Hobart.

From Launceston: Travel along the Bass Highway via Deloraine, turn off at Elizabeth Town to Sheffield, then continue on to Cradle Mountain.
From Hobart: Take the Midlands Highway through Campbell Town, turn left at Perth, join the Bass Highway, then turn left at Elizabeth Town to Sheffield and continue to Cradle Mountain.

This is a Great First Walk at Cradle Mountain

The Enchanted Walk is a perfect example of how Cradle Mountain’s beauty can be enjoyed without tackling long or demanding hikes. With its mossy forests, gentle creeks, playful tunnels, and cascading water, this short walk captures the essence of the park in a calm and accessible way.

Whether you’re visiting with family or simply looking for a peaceful forest stroll, the Enchanted Walk is a must-do at Cradle Mountain.