Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania’s iconic visitor destinations and is a major visitor drawcard to the state.
It is a place of deep spiritual connection to creation stories, especially as Tasmanian Aboriginal people first lived and cared for and protected this beautiful country for at least 40,000 years. A couple who understood the need to continue this legacy, and to ensure that this area continues to be cared and protected for was Gustav and Kate Weindorfer who built their rustic alpine chalet ‘Waldheim’ in 1912.
THINGS TO DO
Find your kind of adventure. Climb a mountain, chase a waterfall, cruise the waterways, ride the rapids, go fly fishing. Or slow right down. You choose.
Best of the Cradle Mountain walks
Marion’s Lookout
If you’re looking for a Cradle Mountain walk that’ll take your breath away, then look no further than Marion’s Lookout. Less challenging than some of the other Cradle Mountain walks on this list, Marion’s Lookout offers an epic view across the surrounding mountain peaks and the sparkling Dove Lake. While the walk is perfect for any season, trekking the track in summer provides a stunning vista of blooming flowers, making it the most popular time to go.
The Enchanted Walk
We don’t know about you but when we hear the words the ‘Enchanted Walk’, we expect to wander through a densely covered forest wonderland full of moss-covered trees and bubbling creeks and Cradle Mountain’s own Enchanted Walk doesn’t disappoint. Bursting with coloured fungi and woodland creatures (keep your eyes peeled for wombats), this walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and is guaranteed to be utterly captivating.
Dove Lake Walk
One of the more picturesque Cradle Mountain walks, the Dove Lake Walk is perfect for those who want to take in different vistas but don’t want to walk several tracks. Taking you to the scenic Glacier Rock and then down to the water’s edge, get an eyeful of the honeymoon islands as you listen to the sounds of gently lapping water and communicating birds.
Hansons Peak
While you might have to do some steep climbing to reach the top of Hansons Peak, you won’t regret the effort and energy you’ve exerted once you lay your eyes on the spectacular views of Cradle Mountain stretching out below you. You won’t even have to fight off other travellers doing the same thing as you either because this walk is quite underrated and not frequently visited (we have no idea why).
