Cradle Mountain Hike Adventure

After breakfast and lunch making, we depart for another scenic walk – this time taking in the parks eastern highlights. Starting from Dove Lake we will take the Lake Rodway track up and over Hansons Peak – which provides us with a completely different view of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding lakes. The climb to the top of the peak is at times steep and uneven underfoot, and a chain is provided on nearing the summit to assist walkers.

Once over the other side, we pick up our return route via the Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson – remnants of glacial scouring from previous ice ages. These pools are very tranquil and are encompassed by endemic pencil pines and fagus. This section is normally very peaceful, a bit of a hidden gem, and we will find ourselves a nice rocky outcrop for lunch whilst we soak up the views.

If time and energy allow, an optional side trip takes us deeper — to the serene Artists Pool, nestled beneath the eastern cliffs of Cradle. Then we return along the Lake Rodway track, completing a full circuit back to our starting point.

Tonight, there is opportunity for you to visit the Devils at Cradle, a world class wildlife conservation facility. Here you can encounter Tasmanian Devils in a sanctuary up close and personal. This is an optional extra at guests own expense.

This is a challenging day with lots of variation in elevation, and at times can be quite rough and wet underfoot. Easier options are available – so please feel free to discuss these options with your guides. Your guides may also choose to alter this walk depending on the weather on the day.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking distance: 10 km (~6–7 hrs)
Difficulty: Hard

Today’s walk takes in some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in all of Australia — a route laced with glacial lakes, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping ridgeline views. Setting off from the shores of Dove Lake, we pass the peaceful waters of Lake Lilla and Wombat Pool before tackling the exhilarating climb to Marion’s Lookout. A short chain-assisted section leads us to the summit — and the reward is immediate: a jaw-dropping view over Cradle Mountain’s jagged silhouette and the wild high country that stretches beyond.

From here we descend back towards Wombat Peak and turn onto the world-famous Overland Track towards the glacially formed Crater Lake. This lake features an old boat shed, and during autumn is one of the best locations in the state to see the changing foliage colour of the deciduous Myrtle Beech (or fagus) – Australia’s only seasonally deciduous native. As we near the end of our days journey, we pass the magnificent Crater Falls, a series of 5-10 meter waterfall drops cascading their way through the beautiful rainforest for approximately 100m of our return to Ronny Creek.

By late afternoon, we return to our lodge — tired, inspired, and ready to relax with nibbles and stories shared over dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking distance: 7.5 km (~4 hrs)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Good quality warm, layered clothing and wet weather gear for today’s walk in the alpine zone is a must.

Side trip option: If time and safety permit, we may walk further on from Marion’s Lookout along the button grass plains to Kitchen Hut at the base of Cradle Mountain. This will add approx.1.5hrs of walking to your day.

On our final morning, we lace up for one last breath of alpine magic — the serene Dove Lake Circuit. Framed by the towering silhouette of Cradle Mountain and cloaked in misty rainforest, this loop track is the perfect wind-down after days of adventure. The trail winds beneath dripping sassafras and native plum, skirting pebbled beaches, mossy gullies, and the glassy lake edge where waterfalls tumble from the heights above.

We visit the much-photographed boatshed on the shores of the lake, and encounter more local species of rainforest plant that only grow in the wettest of conditions – including native plum, sassafras and the aptly named “horizontal.” One section through the “Ballroom Forest” is particularly magical. Part way around, the Honeymoon Islands provide a focal point for visiting kayakers – and for those of us game, a couple of white sandy beaches make top spots for an icy alpine swim! For the saner amongst us, they also provide a nice place for a snack and a rest. We finish our loop atop the impressive formation of Glacier Rock, which provides us with a final vista across the landscapes we have explored for the past four days.

After lunch, we jump back on the bus and start our return journey back to Launceston. En-route we will stop by in the lovely little town of Sheffield – where we should have ample time for a break and a wander around the muralled streets.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking distance: 6 km (~2.5 hrs)
Difficulty: Easy

Please note – some walks are highly weather dependent due to the region’s exposed alpine environment, and your guides may choose to alter the itinerary accordingly where necessary. They will always strive to provide the most scenic walks possible based around the local conditions.

*Walking times and distances may be adapted to the weather and groups needs based on guides discretion.