Cradle Mountain Map

Things to Look for in Cradle Mountain

Day Drive from Launceston

If you are staying in Launceston, it takes about 2 hours to drive to Cradle Mountain, each way. You can make a loop of it after Deloraine. Take the B12 road to Mole Creek and then the C136 Cethana Road to join the C132 Cradle Mountain Road to Cradle Valley. Turn right into the National Park.

Walks at Cradle Mountain

There are a number of easy 1-hour walks around the Visitor Centre and the Cradle Mountain Lodge. Longer walks are available inside the National Park. When taking long walks in exposed areas, always be sure to register with the Visitors Centre. The weather can change with amazing speed up on the Cradle Mountain plateau, so be prepared. You are likely to see a great variety of wildlife in the wild, particularly on the walks around Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Climbing Cradle Mountain

If you wish to climb Cradle Mountain, take the left hand side of the Lake as you leave Lake Dove parking area. Take the Lake Rodway track uphill as it follows alongside the lake and up to the mountain. Pass behind Hansons Peak and Twisted Lakes before taking the Face Track, which turns off to the left and climbs steeply towards the summit. Retrace your steps back along the Lake Rodway Track. As an alternative, take the Horse Track and the Overland Track back past Marion’s Lookout and Wombat Peak as it winds its way back towards Wombat Pool. Then walk around and rejoin the Lake Dove circuit track before coming back to the parking lot and toilets.

Day Tour to Cradle Mountain from Launceston

If you are not driving yourself, take a Day Tour to Cradle Mountain from Launceston. Alternatively, choose a multi-day tour and dive deeper into the exploration.

Hotels in Cradle Mountain

Most of the hotels at Cradle Mountain are near the Visitors Centre, not at the foot of the mountain, and some include views. The most popular is Cradle Mountain Lodge, but there are a variety of options that can suit a range of budgets. There is also good accommodation at reasonable prices at Cradle Valley, about 20 minutes drive from the National Park, or Mole Creek.