Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Bus Tours

Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park by bus. Discover Tasmania’s iconic alpine peak, pristine Dove Lake, ancient rainforests, and unique wildlife.

Tours & Experiences

2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour From Hobart
0

(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$445.00
2 Days
Cradle Mountain National Park
4 Day East & West Coasts of Tasmania Bus Tour
0

(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$995.00
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Launceston Including Lunch
0

(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$195.00
10 hours
On Sale
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain Overland Track 6 Day Trek – Departing Hobart
0

(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
$3,230.00From$2,261.00
6 Days
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain- St Clair National Park Tour
0

(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$275.00
7 hours
Cradle Mountain
Launceston To Cradle Mountain Fully Guided Dove Lake Day Tour with Lunch
0

(0 reviews)
Nature Wildlife
From$225.00
10 Hours

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain stands as one of Tasmania's most iconic and photographed landmarks, rising majestically to 1,545 meters above sea level in the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Located in the central highlands of Tasmania, this distinctive dolerite peak forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, showcasing some of Australia's most pristine alpine landscapes. The mountain's rugged, craggy profile and dramatic ridgelines create a striking silhouette against the sky, while ancient rainforests, alpine heathlands, and pristine lakes surround its base. The area experiences a cool temperate climate with unpredictable weather patterns that can shift from sunshine to snow within hours, adding to the mountain's mystique and challenging beauty.

The region around Cradle Mountain offers some of Australia's finest wilderness experiences, with the famous Overland Track beginning at its base and winding through diverse ecosystems toward Lake St Clair. Visitors can encounter unique Tasmanian wildlife including wombats, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, and quolls, while the flora ranges from towering King Billy pines and ancient myrtle trees to delicate alpine wildflowers. Day walks of varying difficulty levels allow explorers to experience everything from peaceful strolls around Dove Lake with its mirror-perfect reflections of the mountain, to challenging summit climbs that reward hikers with breathtaking panoramic views across the Central Highlands. This remarkable landscape represents the raw, untamed essence of Tasmania's wilderness, making Cradle Mountain a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

What to see and do.

Walking and Hiking The Dove Lake Circuit Walk is the most popular and accessible option, offering a gentle 6km loop around the pristine lake with stunning reflections of Cradle Mountain. For more challenging adventures, the Cradle Mountain Summit Walk provides a demanding but rewarding climb to the peak, taking 6-8 hours return with spectacular 360-degree views. The Enchanted Walk leads through ancient rainforest to Pencil Pine Falls, while the Weindorfers Forest Walk showcases towering King Billy pines. The famous Overland Track also begins here, offering multi-day wilderness trekking for experienced hikers.

Wildlife and Nature Viewing Early morning and evening are prime times for spotting wombats grazing around Dove Lake and the visitor areas. Tasmanian devils, echidnas, pademelons, and quolls can often be seen, particularly during guided night walks or spotlight tours. The area is also excellent for birdwatching, with opportunities to see black currawongs, flame robins, and pink robins among the native species.

Seasonal Activities and Experiences Winter brings snow and magical frost-covered landscapes, perfect for photography and experiencing a true alpine environment. The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre provides educational displays about the area’s ecology and history, while ranger-led programs offer deeper insights into the wilderness. Photography enthusiasts flock here for sunrise and sunset shots over Dove Lake, especially during autumn when the deciduous beech trees turn golden. The nearby Cradle Mountain Chateau and various eco-lodges provide comfortable bases for exploring, with some offering spa treatments and fine dining featuring local Tasmanian produce.

Cradle Mt By Bus

Getting TO Cradle Mountain

From Launceston:

Overland Track Transport offers daily services at 6:30am and 12:00pm from Launceston CBD to Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain Coaches provides pre-booked or on-demand door-to-door service from Launceston

From Devonport:

Cradle Mountain Coaches offers service from Devonport to Cradle Mountain

From Hobart:

Overland Track Transport offers connections via Lake St Clair

Other options:

McDermott’s Coach Group offers fully guided tours and private transfers
Private transfer services available from anywhere in Tasmania

Shuttle Bus WITHIN Cradle Mountain

Once you arrive at the Visitor Centre, you’ll need to pay a $15 fee to use the internal shuttle bus (introduced November 2023).

Operating Hours:

Summer (1 October – 31 March): 8:00am to 6:00pm, every 10-15 minutes
Winter (1 April – 30 September): 9:00am to 5:00pm, every 15-20 minutes

Stops: The shuttle runs from the Visitor Centre to:

Interpretation Centre/Ranger Station
Snake Hill
Ronny Creek (Waldheim)
Dove Lake

The $15 shuttle ticket is valid for 72 hours, or you can purchase a Cradle Mountain Icon Daily Pass for $27.95 which includes both park entry and the shuttle.

Private vehicles can’t access Dove Lake during shuttle operating hours, so the shuttle is your main way to get around the park!