The 10 best things to do in Cradle Mountain

What is it? Cradle Mountain is home to some of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, including the Dove Lake Circuit and the Crater Lake Circuit.

Why go? A must-do in order to take in the awesome sights of Cradle Mountain is to go on a hike, and the best bit is you don’t need to be Bear Grylls to do it. Dove Lake is the more well-known of the Short Walks – chances are you’ve seen the rustic boatshed on social media – and the six-kilometre circuit (which takes two to three hours to complete) winds around the lake and gives you incredible views of the mountain itself. Or take the road (slightly) less travelled and opt for Crater Lake (5.7km, two hours) – a slightly steeper walk that will take you past several alpine lakes including Crater Lake and the Wombat Pool. 

What is it? The multi-day Overland Track is one of the most famous walks in the world, and the Cradle Summit is one to tick off for the more adventurous day trippers.

Why go? If your legs and glutes are crying out for a challenge, appease them by tackling one of Cradle Mountain’s more difficult walks. Book ahead and pack your camping gear for the renowned Overland Track, a 65-kilometre, six-day trek from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, which will take you through valleys, meadows, up mountains and past hidden glacial lakes and waterfalls. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of journey and by far one of the best things to do in Cradle Mountain. If you like the idea of a challenge but you’re time-poor, start your day early and tick off the Summit hike. Clocking in at eight hours return, this rough, tough and steep 12.8 kilometre walk comes with some seriously rewarding views of the surrounding lakes and mountains – but only on a clear day.

What is it? A unique way to enjoy the vistas of Cradle Mountain is on a four-hour horse riding tour through Speeler Plain.

Why go? Sure, lots of people explore Cradle Mountain on foot, but how many of them do it on four legs? Saddle up and embark on a horseback tour, which begins at the beautiful, desolate Vale of Belvoir Conservation area (a limestone valley about 15 kilometres north of Cradle Mountain). You’ll ride through alpine forests of eucalyptus and myrtle before emerging onto buttongrass plains, making you feel like an extra on Yellowstone as you take in some of the most breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, Western Bluff, Mount Roland and Black Bluff. 

What is it? Devils at Cradle is an animal sanctuary where you’ll find the feisty Tasmanian devil, as well as spotted-tail and Eastern quolls.

Why go? You always get a kick out of seeing Aussie animals – and the Tasmanian devil is extra-special, given it is native to the Apple Isle. But devils are in danger from human and biological threats, so sanctuaries like this are the best place to get (respectfully) close to them. The centre runs day and night tours, where you’ll learn more about devils and the facial tumour disease decimating their population. You can also see a live feeding and be glad you’re safely behind a fence! Devils at Cradle even offers joey experiences, so you can squeal over baby devils and quolls, which has got to be one of the most wholesome things to do in Cradle Mountain.

What is it? The incredible Pumphouse Point accommodation, situated right on Lake St Clair, the deepest glacial lake in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why go? If you’re looking for serenity and boutique luxury in the Tasmanian wilderness, Pumphouse Point might just fit the bill. This adults-only accommodation is built in an old pumphouse (funnily enough) at the end of a 230-metre-long jetty and the lakeside shore house, which has been repurposed to house 18 rooms – there’s also a private suite called the Retreat if you really want to be away from it all. Pumphouse Point is all about connecting with nature, so go on a bush walk, or borrow an e-bike or rowboat to explore the area. Just make sure you pack a picnic with produce from one of the all-inclusive guest larders and leave room for a pick-me-up from the honesty bar when you return.

What is it? Experience the wilderness of Cradle Mountain at full tilt with a thrilling canyoning tour.

Why go? Chances are daredevils will find a leisurely hike on Cradle Mountain a little dull, so why not throw yourself off a literal waterfall instead? Cradle Mountain Canyons offers some left-field things to do in the region, including canyoning and the less hair-raising option of kayaking. There are several canyoning experiences on offer, but the most popular is the Dove Canyon tour that will see you abseil, jump or slide off six waterfalls (thankfully, helmets are included). If this is slightly too much for your ticker, opt for a kayaking tour of Dove Lake – you’ll spend two hours exploring the lake’s landmarks, like Glacier Rock, Honeymoon Island, the Ballroom Forrest and the boat shed.

What is it? Cradle Mountain Lodge’s Waldheim Spa is one of the best places to relax and rejuvenate after an alpine adventure.

Why go? If you’ve been ticking activities off this list, chances are you’ve got some aching muscles by now. Even if you don’t, we all deserve a little pampering sometimes – and it’s even better when it has a beautiful vista as a bonus. The Waldheim Spa is surrounded by King Billy pine trees and mountain streams, and the floor-to-ceiling windows in its treatment rooms really make the most of it. Opt for the Hikers’ Ritual (a body scrub, mud wrap and massage) if you’re really feeling those walks, or book some private time in The Sanctuary to enjoy the dry heat sauna, steam room, cool plunge pool and outdoor hot tub – one of the most relaxing things to do in Cradle Mountain.

What is it? Jump in a chopper for a bird’s eye view of Cradle Mountain, its surrounding bluffs and tranquil glacial lakes.

Why go? You’ve seen it from the ground, from a horse and from a kayak – all that’s left to do now is see Cradle Mountain from the sky. Cradle Mountain Helicopters runs several heli-tours of the area, from a quick 20-minute jaunt taking in the mountain and the spectacular, untouched Fury Gorge to a 100-minute epic that takes you across the Overland Track and into the Southwest World Heritage Area. No matter what kind of tour you pick, you’re guaranteed to see unforgettable sights: towering peaks, expansive valleys, pristine lakes and secluded waterfalls.

What is it? The closest accommodation to the action are the Waldheim Cabins, perched right at the gateway to the Cradle Mountain National Park.

Why go? While there are a couple of commercial campgrounds in the area surrounding Cradle Mountain, the best budget accommodation are the cabins located within the Park itself. Situated just near the Dove Lake car park, the Waldheim Cabins are quite literally on the doorstep of all the best Cradle Mountain hikes. There are eight cabins equipped with electric heating, single bunk beds, basic cooking utensils, a small fridge, crockery, cutlery and an electric stove. You’ll need to BYO bedding, or you can book some for a small extra fee.

What is it? Wombats. Loads of them. Need we say more?

Why go? If there’s one thing Cradle Mountain is more famous for than jaw-dropping alpine vistas, it’s the furry critters that call this area home. Take it from us, Cradle Mountain is one of the best locations for wombat-spotting in all of Tasmania. You’ll be completely distracted from snapping pics of the mountain as soon as you see one of these adorably portly marsupials lumbering along – and they’re quite unbothered by all the human attention! Follow the Overland Track path from the Dove Lake car park and you’ll likely see heaps, especially if you time it for dusk, as that’s when they come out to munch on grass.