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Best trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Best trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

4.6(12,016 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#9 of 637 national parks

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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania and sits on the lands of the Palawa people. As the name suggests, the park is made of mountains and lakes, including Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, Mount Pelion, Mount Pelion, Mount Oakleigh, Mount Ossa and Lake St Clair. It is also home to a varied range of vegetation from rainforest to moorlands and a wide variety of ancient pine tree varieties. It is home to many Australian marsupials including the Tasmanian Devil which is only found in Tasmania.

It has a variety of hiking options in the park including multi-day hikes and many options for accommodation from campsites to huts. The famous Overland Track, a 5-7 day hike, also crosses the park.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Dove Lake Circuit

    4.8(1486)
    ·Easy
    ·3.6 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This is a magnificent walk around Dove Lake, a glacially carved landform in the gorgeous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. On this scenic track, you'll pass beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding peaks, undulate alongside Dove Lake, and hike through stretches of lush rainforest vegetation. Even though the track is boardwalk for the most part and well maintained, snow and ice can make some sections very slippery. There are some challenging sections...

  2. #2 - Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop

    4.9(845)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.6 mi
    This route passes several lookouts with stunning views and has a mix of terrain, flora and fauna. This walk can be lengthened or shortened as it connects with several others in the area, including the trail up to Cradle Mountain or Dove Lake Circuit. Starting off on the boardwalk of the Overland track near the Visitor Centre, the route follows a nice and easy incline through the forest. The climb starts at Crater Lake. The route up is well maintained, with plenty of footholds. Even though...

  3. #3 - Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain, and Overland Track

    4.8(478)
    ·Hard
    ·6.9 mi
    This is a challenging walk in the heart of beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park. Discover the area's majesty as you navigate a section of the Overland Track, reach the summit of Cradle Mountain, and soak in stunning vistas of Dove Lake. The trail uses the Dove Lake Circuit and the Overland Track, up to one of the most emblematic peaks in the park. Along the way, it passes by several lookouts with amazing views and has a mix of terrain, flora and fauna. Approaching the...

  4. #4 - Cradle Summit

    4.9(424)
    ·Strenuous
    ·7.6 mi
    The ascent of Cradle Summit stands as one of Tasmania’s most iconic and demanding day hikes, offering a truly wild and unforgettable experience in the heart of the World Heritage Area. The journey begins with well-established tracks, traversing boardwalks and traditional trails past Wombat Pool and Marions Lookout, but the difficulty increases sharply upon reaching the summit track itself. The final push to the peak is a sustained and brutal climb that transitions into a technical scrambling...

  5. #5 - Cradle Mountain Summit and Wombat Pool Lookout

    4.8(355)
    ·Strenuous
    ·7.9 mi
    The Cradle Mountain Summit track is a truly epic and highly strenuous alpine adventure, strictly recommended for experienced bushwalkers with extensive knowledge of cold weather and survival skills. The difficulty stems not just from the relentless incline, but also from the extreme and rapidly changing weather, as well as the final, difficult, and exposed rock scramble to the 1,545-metre summit. The final section, which is unmarked and requires sustained rock hopping over massive dolerite...

  6. #6 - Marions Lookout Loop via Wombat Pool Lookout

    4.8(362)
    ·Hard
    ·3.1 mi
    This scenic trail uses the Cradle Valley Boardwalk and the Overland Track, up to one of the most emblematic peaks in Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park. The route passes several lookouts with amazing views and has a mix of terrain, flora and fauna. When you approach the summit to Cradle, it requires extensive scrambling - in some parts over snow, depending on the time of year. The track is steep and challenging in sections but is well-maintained, and the steeper parts have...

  7. #7 - Enchanted Walk

    4.7(477)
    ·Easy
    ·0.9 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is a terrific family-friendly trail that offers a taste of Cradle Mountain. It begins close to the bridge across Pencil Pine Creek, meanders beside a cascading creek, and traverses a lovely, mossy woodland. Along the way, visitors may be able to spot Wombats, Bennett’s Wallabies and Potoroos. The gorgeous scenery differs from the alpine landscapes in other parts of the park. During the colder months, keep a look out for colourful fungi. There is parking and a public toilet near the...

  8. #8 - Cradle Mountain via Crater Peak and Marions Lookout

    4.8(387)
    ·Hard
    ·8.2 mi
    This is an amazing hike in the Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park in Tasmania. The hike begins from the Overland Track trailhead, where there is information available. This is a great loop up to Cradle Mountain and Crater Peak, taking on some serious elevation in exchange for some incredible views from the top. Although this is a popular walk, caution should be taken and checking the weather before you head off is a must. Taking cold weather gear, food and water are all things...

  9. #9 - Ronny Creek to Marions Lookout

    4.7(239)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.3 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The Ronny Creek to Marion's Lookout begins by following a boardwalk alongside Ronny Creek. As you walk along the trail, you will cross a bridge. The trail then climbs steadily, passing through a beautiful stand of rainforest. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Crater Lake. Be cautious, as some sections of the trail can be slippery, especially after rain.

  10. #10 - Cradle Summit and Hansons Peak via Overland Track and Face Track

    4.9(325)
    ·Hard
    ·7.9 mi
    This is a terrific walk with stunning scenery for the entire trail. The route has some challenging technical sections with lots of varied terrain to keep things interesting. Start the hike at Ronny Creek Car Park. Take the Overland Track in the direction of Crater Falls and Marions Lookout and continue on the same track to the Historic Kitchen Hut. At the top the 360-degree view is amazing. Here you can see the whole national park. At Kitchen Hut you can choose to continue to the summit of...
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Visitor info

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(03) 6492 1110

A parks pass is required to visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is Dove Lake Circuit, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,486 reviews. This trail is 3.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 574 ft.

What is the longest trail in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is Overland Track with Side Trips. This trail is estimated to be 90.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

There are 93 trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.These trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Overland Track with Side Trips has the most elevation gain with 21,318 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Overland Track, which has 7,286 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 41 camping trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the most popular is Cradle Summit with an average 4.9 star rating from 424 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 running trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the most popular is Dove Lake via Marions Lookout with an average 4.9 star rating from 256 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Yes, there are 48 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Dove Lake Circuit, Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop, Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain, and Overland Track, Cradle Summit, and Cradle Mountain Summit and Wombat Pool Lookout.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with an archaeological site in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Old Pelion Copper Mine Track.

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Are there any trails with lagoons in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with lagoons in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Frankland Beaches Walk and Saint Clair Lagoon and Pumphouse Point.

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