Check here for more info. Although getting to Cradle Mountain is quite a stretch from Hobart, there is one reputable company that organises transport and day trips (return). The shuttle operates "frequently" between 9:00am and 5:00pm in winter (from 1 April to 30 September) and 8:00am to 6:00pm over summer (1 October to 31 March). The visitor centre is open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm (hours areextended during peak periods) and providesinformation on walks and other activities in the area, as well as sales of parks passes and a range of souvenirs. Required fields are marked *. Cradle Mountain Coaches. While having your own car in Tasmania is definitely the way to go, those on brief visits can still get to Cradle Mountain by booking an organise shuttle tour. Outside of the final summit run to Cradle Mountain, the trails are easy to follow, if just a little strenuous in parts as you climb higher up the mountainside. These include driving yourself, booking a shuttle bus or transport or booking a private charter. Below I've pinned the exact location and any routing app will take you here without trouble. So by that notion, if you can spend longer here, then do. As the capital of Tasmania, it makes sense Hobart is a popular starting point for hiking Cradle Mountain. You might get even luckier and spot some Tassie Devils too! Tasmanias iconic wilderness destination. It makes the whole drive from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre to Dove Lake an integral part of the days hiking. Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. The shuttle bus leaves from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and operates seven days a week. Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know before you go section. Bear in mind, this final section of hiking Cradle Mountain gets quite technical and takes a lot of effort. As mentioned, accessing Cradle Mountain and the wider Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is very easy from a number of major towns in Tasmania. The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre provides an excellent map to showcase the different walking routes to summit Cradle Mountain and the various points at which they meet up along the way. Seriously, it rains about three quarters of the year up here and a summer bout of snow is not all that unusual (yes, snow in Australia in summer, who knew!). This is one of the most affordable options for getting to Cradle Mountain and since it's a small-group offering, itineraries are really flexible. A valid Parks Pass is required to collect your tickets. Theyre super knowledgeable of the area and will slow down or stop when interesting wildlife is spotted. From Sheffield, take the C136 and C132 to the Visitor Centre. Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Explore some of the most beautiful scenery in Tasmania with this full-day adventure. Cabin in Cradle Mountain. The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain frame the icy waters of Dove Lake together forming a dramatic vista that can be enjoyed as you explore the shores of the lake on foot. Yes, this is costly; however, funds are reinvested in the upkeep of the parks and reserves. Be sure to stop here, refuel and take in the lofty views back down over Dove Lake to your right, and a slightly more elevated Lake Wilks to your left. Vale of Belvoir Camp Ground also isnt too far away, although you wont find much in the way of amenities. The Perfect 10-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary, Hiking Mt Amos For The Best Views Over Freycinet National Park, The Absolute Best Walks In Cradle Mountain National Park. Then, you have made it! Additionally, the bus service timetable may not suit a day trip, so you might have to consider an overnight stay if travelling by bus from Launceston to Cradle Mountain. Below are the three ways for how to get to Cradle Mountain. The service is very effective in reducing traffic congestion provides safe, reliable and comfortable travel for visitors from the Visitor Centre to Dove Lake. A minimum of two reasonably fit operators are required to assist the rider on easier graded walks, with more peopleneeded for difficult tracks. . The Shuttle Bus Service operates on aregular schedule from the Cradle Mt Visitors Centre into Dove Lake and returns all year round however operating hours and frequency will vary depending on the time of theyear. So, if youre planning more hiking in Tasmania, other than just the summit walk to Cradle Mountain, this pass is perfect. A walk to suit all age groupsfeaturing a cascading river and magical old-growth rainforest. This includes tissues, food waste (even fruit peels and cores), and of course, any plastics. Just $87.50 per person (no minimum numbers required) our regular ticket prices are all inclusive and our trips are always guaranteed. Either way, please dont do this. Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. The PWS Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus and Visitor Survey indicated most visitors were pretty happy with their entire experience of visiting the Cradle Mountain area and there is scope for increasing the capacity of the shuttle bus service if this is considered desirable. Cradle Mountain is located 145 km from Launceston, 85 km from Devonport with the nearest town being Sheffield 50km. = 1 .hide-if-no-js { I strive to capture images that tell a story and captivate those with a connection to travel and adventure. Your Parks Pass also gives you access to the Cradle Mountain shuttle bus in the park. You can find more information about McDermotts Coaches here. Cradle Mountain Transfers Walls of Jerusalem Transfers Lake St Clair and Derwent Bridge Transfers Burnie Transfers Deloraine Transfers Devonport Transfers . SOLD FEB 10, 2023. From 1 February 2023, limited private vehicle access and parking for Dove Lake is available outside shuttle bus operating hours. During this time, there is no access to drive the road to the lake in private vehicles. But, if you only have a day, like us, then we can wholeheartedly recommend hiking this same route. Lake St Clair and is an unforgettable journey through Tasmanias alpine heart. Dove Lake Circuit: Great adventure for two oldies - See 2,112 traveller reviews, 1,735 candid photos, and great deals for Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Youll follow the Face Track pretty much all the way to Kitchen Hut, where youll find the final signpost to Cradle Mountain summit. COVID-19 Essential Information . Dove Lake Road, Cradle Mountain Large Bus Assessment (2013)JMG Engineers. Clockwise or anti-clockwise. This is a false peak. Ill go into detail on the three main options for getting there, with tips to help you make the most of the experience. Since this is the most popular park in Tasmania, I highly recommend booking activities and guides online in advance to secure a spot. We provide transfers to and from the Overland Track and many of the state's best walking tracks and parks. If you want to hang around at the summit for a while, which you should given how much you put into getting there, then make sure you have some warm clothes to put on. Then, dispose of your rubbish responsibly when youre back at your guesthouse. Particularly good after a walk up Cradle Mountain. Of course, this means your experience will be more rushed than if you arrive independently, but it certainly takes the fuss out of planning and will give you a wonderful introduction to the park. McDermotts Coaches are a private transfer company operating a daily service to the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre. The total drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain is 150 km (2.5 hours). McDermotts offer an exclusive fully guided tour for individual groups which includes acomprehensive commentary and apick up and drop off at all Cradle Mountain locations. For those visiting Tasmania, Im sure that youve already been told Cradle Mountain is a must-visit! Cradle Mountain Highlanders offers secluded cabins on the edge of Cradle Mountain National Park. Cradle Mountain is Tasmanias sixth highest mountain, with the walk to its imposing summit attracting thousands of keen hikers every year. A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.Choose from a range of pass options to best meet your needs. Youll pass incredible viewpoints like Glacier Rock as you make your way all the way to the far side of the lake, a little past Honeymoon Island. If your plans arent fixed and youve got some flexibility in your itinerary, dont hesitate to make a beeline for Cradle Mountain if it looks like youll have a clear window, otherwise, keep an eye on the weather and leave the clearest days for the bigger hikes. Further details https://mcdermotts.com.au/tour. From here the hike becomes quite steep as you ascend this section of the trail to Cradle Mountain. As the summit is somewhat flat, youre surrounded by a sort of rocky plateau thats sitting high in the sky. Check rates and availability here. . Mountain Rd . This beautiful national park was my absolute favourite stop in Tasmania and if you love being out in nature it should be an essential stop on your Tasmania itinerary as well. Otherwise, you can search available tour options here. By far, the best way to explore Tasmania and get around is to bring your own car or rent one. The total drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain is 330 km (4-5 hours). Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area(TWWHA). From moss-covered ancient rainforests and deep river gorges to snow-covered mountain peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes, the park is revered for its diverse and breath-taking landscapes. The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rainforest and alpine heathlands, buttongrass and stands of colourful deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. Ft. 6850 Sharlands Ave Unit AB 1171, Reno, NV 89523-2781. Once you have purchased your Park Pass, you simply have to show this to the bus driver at the Visitor Centre in order to be shuttled back and forth between the locations you wish to visit. For further enquires please call (03) 6701 1204. Dove Lake was serenely still, creating a beautiful mirror reflection of our feat to come Cradle Mountain. Refer to parks.tas.gov.au for further information. price/night: $192. Your email address will not be published. }. To access Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, or any of Tasmanias National Parks, you must obtain a parks pass. Then continue to Cradle Mountain National Park, taking the opportunity to go on walks (from 30 minute returns to 2 hour circuits). The mountainside is steep and exposed, so take care. In fact, if you only have one day in which to discover the delights of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, then hiking Cradle Mountain is by far one of the best ways to enjoy it. It is now one of Australia's most famous national parks, protecting a grand glaciated landscape and the wonderful flora and fauna it contains. Cradle Mountain is an impossibly beautiful place to visit, but staying overnight in the area sure doesnt come cheap. The one I recommend is the highest-rated in Launceston and includes heaps more than just the transport. This page produced by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, a division of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. To use the shuttle bus, you will need a shuttle bus pass - which is just a slip of paper - and you can get this when you show or buy your National Park Pass at the Visitor Centre. if ( notice ) Dove Lake Circuit. This is the main car park for the National Park. However, as these are subject to change, check with the visitor centre or the Parks website before you leave. A free shuttle bus takes visitors into the park and if you choose to walk part of the way the shuttle will pick you up at various points along the road. There is NO public transport to Cradle Mountain, eGuideCradle Mountain transfers are provided at any time from Sheffield, Launceston, Hobart, Devonport, Burnie, Penguin, Deloraine, Queenstown, Strahan and Lake St Clair, After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour at Cradle Mountain, Tasmanian Devil Feeding Day Tour at Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain Park Explorer Guided Tour. Nearby bus routes include Blue, Red, and 89er. This gives you access to all of Tasmanias national parks for 2 months, including Cradle Mountain. The shuttle bus drivers are absolute champions. Every person buying a pass helps towards the future preservation of Tasmania's natural landscape. The shuttle operates "frequently" between 9:00am and 5:00pm in winter (from 1 April to 30 September) and 8:00am to 6:00pm over summer (1 October to 31 March). Aside from hiking up Cradle Mountain itself, there are plenty of other Cradle Mountain hikes and short walks. Food service is available at Cradle Mountain Caf and Hotel, Cradle Mountain Lodge and Wilderness Village. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service acknowledges and pays respect to Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional and original owners, and continuing custodians of this land and acknowledges Elders past, present and emerging. Low slung cloud and heavy rain can make the Cradle Mountain summit hike virtually impossible, whereas tracing the lower ridgelines might put you straight into a whiteout, stealing away the spectacular views. So if youre staying for longer than a day, youll be spoilt for choice. It leaves from the Visitors Centre around every 15 minutes, stopping at all the parks main destinations including the Interpretation Centre, Dove Lake and Ronny's Creek. Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1982. Once you've figured out how to get your own set of wheels, you'll need to get to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. The shuttle operating hours typically run from 8.30am6pm. Private operators that run a shuttle service are: Cradle Coast Tours - https://www.cradlecoasttours.com.au/ *. Speed hiking was easy in this section, for obvious flat reasons. The Cradle Mountain Interpretation Centre and Rangers Station is located just inside the national park entrance and features informative displays and an art gallery. For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions: Dove Lake Shelter Frequently Asked Questions(PDF199Kb). Catch the shuttle bus from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre to the Dove Lake car park. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is an absolute must if youre visiting Tasmania. The Cradle Discoverer operated by McDermott's Coaches consists of a fleet of purpose-built hybrid diesel-electric, low floor, wheelchair accessible buses. timeout Patrick Hines Young couple. 9:15am, having you start your adventure early. These will be easy to spot as theyll always be fellow hikers hovering about them. Due to the technical element of climbing through the boulder field as you near the summit of Cradle Mountian, we would rate the walk to Cradle Mountain as hard. This journey will take you just over 7 hours in total and the distance travelled is 329km. If you don't have your own car, then you'll be in for a shock. This is aworld-first for hybrid coach technology on atourism platform, delivering environmentally sensitive and sustainabletransport. If youre planning on spending the day hiking here, which we hope you are, then here are a few essentials we recommend and you may want to consider. Please observe all track signs they are provided for your safety. A great introductory walk to the park. You can expect to pay roughly AU$115. There are no public transport options to Cradle Mountain. In 1827 the explorer, Joseph Fossey, named Cradle Mountain because he thought it bore a similarity to a miners cradle. Difficulty graded by Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service using the Australian Walking Track Grading System. , The majority of theCradle Mountain shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. This makes the boulder section a little more problematic. Forming part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain is home to endemic King Billy pines and native beech, as well as providing habitat for quolls, platypus and Tasmanian devils. Youll walk along this rim towards Kitchen Hut at the base of the final summit walk to Cradle Mountain. Its located in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The park is looking to encourage bus usage though. Hiking Cradle Mountain and enjoying a day in the beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is easily one of the best things to do in Tasmania. So declared Gustav Weindorfer from the summit of Cradle Mountain in 1910. Do you have a shuttle bus between the hotel and the Visitor Centre? Departing Launceston, stop briefly in the village of Sheffield to appreciate the local murals. Indeed, its a great introduction to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. 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