Australia’s most recognisable mountain, Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mtn. – Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The familiar jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while abundant wildlife, icy streams, alpine heathlands, colourful deciduous beech and ancient pines reflected in still glacial lakes entice many visitors to stay and explore.
How to get there
By car, drive from Devonport via Sheffield to Cradle Mountain.
By coach, there are numerous coach companies that offer transport to
and from Cradle Mountain. There is a bus/coach service between Cradle
Mountain and Lake St Clair for those who parked their vehicle at either
end and walked The Overland track. Booking transport for the return
journey prior to walking is recommended. It is recommended that walkers
leave their car at Lake St Clair and book the bus/coach service to
Cradle mountain. This will gives a little more flexibility in your
walking time. Tassielink Coaches services all major centres throughout
Tasmania.
The best time to go
The walking season is 1 November to 30 April. Bookings are required for each walking season. During the booking period walkers, will be required to walk the track from North to South (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and pay the Overland Track Fee ($150). Bookings open July each year for the coming season.
About Cradle Mountain
The area is one of the most glaciated in Australia and includes Tasmania’s highest mountain, Mt. Ossa (1617 metres) and Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake, the source of the River Derwent. The Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park shares a “Twin Parks” agreement with the World Heritage Listed PlacesJiuzhaigou Nature Reserve in the People’s Republic of China.
Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mt.
– Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian
Wilderness World Heritage Area. The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain
epitomise the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rainforest and
alpine heathlands, buttongrass and stands of colourful deciduous beech
provide a range of environments to explore. Icy streams cascading out
of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still
waters of glacial lakes and a wealth of wildlife ensure there is always
something to captivate you. The area is one of the most popular natural
areas in Tasmania. A visit will reveal why.
Cradle is the starting point for the world-famous Overland Track, a
magnificent 6 day walk that will take you through the heart of some of
the finest mountain terrain.
Walking The Overland Track
Beginning at Cradle Mountain, The Overland Track is a true wilderness walk which travels through spectacular dolerite mountains, near beautiful waterfalls, through a variety of fascinating ecosystems and close to Tasmania’s highest mountain, before finishing at Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair. The stunning scenery and the physical challenges of this mountain walk have ensured that the Overland Track has built a national and international reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks. Tasmania’s premier long-distance track, it is a six day walk travelling 65 km through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The Overland Track experience commences in the northern part of
Cradle Mountain -Lake St Clair National Park, at Ronny Creek, climbing
out of the Cradle Valley and finishes at Narcissus Bay on Lake St
Clair. Although the track is well-maintained and clearly marked, for
some the journey may not be an easy one. Some people may find the walk
quite steep in sections and six days of continuous walking can be
physically demanding.
Bookings are required for each walking season (1 November to 30 April).
During the booking period walkers will be required to walk the track
from North to South (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and pay the
Overland Track Fee.
Bookings open July each year for the coming season.
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