Cradle Mountain Summit
Home | Cradle Mountain , TAS
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Overview
Highlights
Th hike to the summit of Cradle Mountain is a long, steep and sometimes difficult track to hike. Walker must have good quality all-weather gear, food and water, and be prepared for some steep, exposed rock-scrambling. The walk is not suitable when windy, snowy or when rainy weather is forecast. If in doubt, stop by the visitor centre and ask for the advice of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service staff.
On a clear day the rewards for the effort of this climb are considerable, with magnificent views over dozens of surrounding mountains and lakes. The Cradle Summit walk can be started from either the Ronny Creek or Dove Lake car parks at Cradle Mountain, at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Cradle Mountain is located at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is a 1.5 hour drive from Devonport and 2.5 hours drive from Launceston via Sheffield. From Sheffield, take the C136 and C132 to the park entrance. There is no direct road link through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to join the two ends of the park.
The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Transit Terminal is the departure point for the Dove Lake shuttle bus. The shuttle bus service aims to protect the important values of the World Heritage Area and preserve the visitor experience by limiting vehicle numbers in the park. A valid shuttle bus service ticket is required prior to boarding the Dove Lake shuttle bus. To obtain a shuttle bus ticket please present your valid National Parks Pass to Parks and Wildlife staff in the visitor centre. The shuttle service operates seven days a week, free of charge.
Activities
- Hiking
- Sight-seeing
- Photography
Facilities
- Hiking trail - 12.8km return | 600m climb in elevation | 8 hours return | grade 4
- Picnic facilities
- Shuttle service departing from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Information Centre.
- Toilets
Important Information
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information.
- Stay safe and get the most out of your visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and ensure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the elements when outside exploring.
- Supervise children. Tracks are subject to severe weather conditions – weather may change quickly. Tracks are difficult to navigate when covered in snow and may be impassable. No fires allowed – fuel stoves only.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food, fuel and water for your journey.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
- Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
- National park fees may apply for national parks in Australia. Check the parks website for bookings and/ or further details.
- Entry fees may change at anytime at the discretion of Parks and Wildlife Services, check their website for the most up to date information.
Safety Information
The below safety information has been sourced from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website:
Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bush fires can occur between October and March.
When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woolen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).
Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions.
Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.
- For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.
- Remember the safe walking guidelines
- Plan to walk safely
- Be prepared
- Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
- Record your trip intentions in the log books
- Be prepared to turn back
Walker safety - day walks
Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.
If your mobile phone has a signal take it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.
For full safety information please refer to the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Photo credits: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Services, Cam Blake, Tourism Australia
Content credits: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service & Aussie Bucket List®
Location & Supplier
Cradle Mountain Summit
Address: Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, 4057 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306
Email: cradle@parks.tas.gov.au
12 people have added this to their Bucket List