The main track to Cradle Mountain summit leaves from Dove Lake and goes via Lake Lilla and Marions Lookout. However, walkers have a choice of several tracks and can choose to walk a different track on their return trip. Time of day, weather conditions and fitness of party should be kept in mind when choosing tracks for the trip. If in doubt, check with staff at the visitor centre. The walk is in Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park.
This hike will take you to the Cradle Mountain Summit via the superb lookouts at Hansons Peak and Marions Lookout. On a good day the views are absolutely breathtaking. But you will need to be well experienced hiker, with good rock scrambling skills plus a head for heights.
Start at Dove Lake Carpark then head left to start the circuit around the lake. Continue along this, take time to check the view from Glacier Point. Then shortly after this you will see the junction to head up to Hansons Peak. Take the left to head uphill. The track then starts a steady climb upwards. There are a few points where you will need to scramble up some very steep sections, so take care. At the junction with the Twisted Lakes track take the right to head up Hansons Peak. Once you have admired the breathtaking view continue along the rack until you arrive at the junction with Face Track and Lake Rodway track. This is at Rangers Hut.
Take the right to continue along Face Track. This section is very rugged with some steep sections requiring good rock scrambling skills. If you do find this section too difficult then reconsider the trip to the summit as that is much tougher going. Continue along Face Track, disregard the turnoff to Lake Wills (unless the weather is turning bad, as this is a good option to get you back down to the Lake if so). Shortly before the junction the trail levels out.
Depending on time a short trip down to Kitchen Hut is a good lunch spot before you head up the Summit. The trip up the summit initially is a well marked and easy trail. But it rapidly turns much more difficult and gets progressively more difficult the further you head up. So if you are finding things too nerve wracking then turn around, as it doesn't get any easier. Also do take time to mentally note where the trail markers are as at places they can be very difficult to see when you get closer to them. Time taken to reach the summit in this section can vary from an hour to two hours depending on your climbing ability.
Once you have marveled at the spectacular views head back down. Take the trail to Kitchen Hut then take the right to follow the Overland. Continue along this to Marions Lookout to admire the stunning view from here. You could take the right down to Dove Lake if you wish to shorten the trip back to the car park. Otherwise continue left to head towards Wombat Peak. Just before the peak head right to the Wombat Pool/Lake Lilla trail.
At Lake Lilla disregard the turnoff on your left to Ronny Creek carpark. Continue to the right along the trail, then at the next junction near the boat shed continue left to go back to the Car park.
Highlights
Once on the Cradle Plateau you will be walking among Tasmania's unique alpine vegetation. The climb up to the summit will take you through a jumble of magnificent dolerite scree and columner towers. Needless to say, the view from the top is superb!
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
- The circuit can be taken either way. This was describes going via Hansons Peak, but you could also go via Lake Lilla and Marions first. Timeframes for either way are roughly similar
- Ensure you know the weather forecast for the day and be prepared for any conditions as the weather is very unpredictable at all times of the year
- It is a long and quite challenging hike, so only attempt if you have a high degree of fitness and experience plus a head for heights
- Hiking poles will be very useful for this
- Park entry fees apply
- Toilets at Dove Lake and visitor centre. Picnic tables at Ronny Creek
- 600m climb; walk includes crossing large rocks. Track starts at 900m and climbs to 1545m
- Supervise children, waters in lake, severe weather conditions all year round, weather may change quickly, tracks are difficult to navigate when covered in snow and may be impassable
- No pets, firearms or bicycles.
Total distance: 12534 m
Max elevation: 1512 m
Min elevation: 932 m
Total climbing: 886 m
Total descent: -885 m
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Cradle Mountain lies at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is 1 1/2 hours from Devonport via the B19 and B14 south to Sheffield, then C136 and C132 to the park entrance.
From Launceston, it is a 2 1/2 hour drive on the Bass Highway (A1), then the signposted route via B13 and C156 through Sheffield.
From the west, drive 2 hours along the A10 and C132 from Queenstown or 1 1/2 hours from Burnie via B18 through Ridgley, then the A10 and C132 to reach the park.
From the Village either take the Shuttle Bus or drive all the way to the Dove Lake Carpark. If taking the shuttle take note of the last departure time as this hike can take a long time.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania (Australia), 165 kilometres northwest of Hobart. The park contains many walking trails, and is where hikes along the well-known Overland Track usually begin. Major features are Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff in the northern end, Mount Pelion East, Mount Pelion West, Mount Oakleigh and Mount Ossa in the middle and Lake St Clair in the southern end of the park. The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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