in Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania's Cradle Mountain
Iconic wilderness area with dramatic peaks, alpine heaths, and ancient rainforests. Walk around Dove Lake with mountain reflections, spot wombats and quolls, and experience pristine wilderness.
Cradle Mountain rises to 1,545 metres in the central highlands of Tasmania within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Its jagged dolerite summit and the calm reflective surface of Dove Lake below create one of Australia's most photographed wilderness vistas, particularly dramatic when dusted with snow in winter or illuminated at sunrise. The park offers a range of walking experiences centred on the Dove Lake Circuit, a 6-kilometre loop circumnavigating the lake with the mountain as a constant backdrop. The walk takes approximately two hours at a moderate pace and features a floating boardwalk section across the lake's edge along with clear mountain views throughout. For more serious hikers, the Overland Track — one of Australia's most celebrated multi-day routes — begins at Cradle Mountain and travels 65 kilometres south to Lake St Clair over five to six days, passing through button grass plains, ancient pencil pine stands, and sub-alpine moorlands. Shorter walks from the visitor precinct include the Enchanted Walk (20 minutes) and the Cradle Valley Boardwalk (45 minutes), both traversing temperate rainforest thick with myrtle beech and King Billy pine. Wildlife is a major drawcard: Tasmanian wombats graze on the lawns around the Dove Lake car park at dawn and dusk with remarkable regularity, quolls and eastern barred bandicoots appear along trails after dark, and Bennett's wallabies roam the valley throughout the day. Access to Dove Lake is via a free Parks shuttle bus from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, which runs every 10 minutes during peak season and eliminates private vehicle congestion on the mountain road. The shuttle operates from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Snow can fall at any time of year, and weather can shift rapidly from sunshine to storms within minutes; visitors should carry waterproof layers regardless of the morning forecast. Entry fees apply per person and are collected at the visitor centre.
Hours: Park open 24 hours; visitor center 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Best for: hikers, photographers, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS 7306
-41.6528, 145.9500 — View on map
Highlights
- Dove Lake Circuit — 6-kilometre walk with Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake's still water
- Tasmanian wombats grazing regularly around the Dove Lake car park at dawn and dusk
- Overland Track starting point — one of Australia's great 65-kilometre multi-day wilderness walks
- Ancient pencil pine and King Billy pine rainforest along the Enchanted Walk boardwalk
- Snow-dusted summit views in winter with far fewer visitors than summer peak season
Tips
- Dove Lake Circuit walk is 6km and takes 2 hours
- Weather changes rapidly - pack warm layers
- Wildlife most active at dawn and dusk
FAQ
How long does the Dove Lake Circuit walk take?
The 6-kilometre loop takes approximately two hours at a steady pace. The route is well-maintained with boardwalk sections and minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Sturdy footwear is recommended as some sections are rocky and can be slippery when wet.
Is there direct road access to Dove Lake?
Private vehicles are restricted on the road to Dove Lake during visitor hours. A free shuttle bus runs from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre to the lake every 10 minutes during operating hours, making access straightforward without driving the mountain road.
Is Cradle Mountain worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter brings dramatic snowfall on the mountain and significantly fewer visitors than summer. The contrast of snow against dark dolerite rock and the reflective lake surface is exceptional for photography. Warm, waterproof clothing and layering are essential, and some higher-altitude tracks may be closed after heavy snowfall.
Accessibility
The Dove Lake Circuit includes a well-maintained boardwalk section and is accessible to most visitors, but the full loop involves uneven rocky terrain not suitable for wheelchairs. The shorter Enchanted Walk and parts of the Cradle Valley Boardwalk are flatter and more accessible. The Parks shuttle bus from the visitor centre accommodates mobility aids; contact Parks Tasmania in advance for specific accessibility information.
When to visit
Late spring (October to November) and autumn (March to April) offer the most stable weather, comfortable walking conditions, and stunning foliage colour. Summer (December to February) is the busiest period with the highest visitor numbers. Winter provides dramatic snow and moody scenery with far smaller crowds, but requires appropriate cold-weather gear and flexibility around weather closures.