Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Cradle Mountain, a World Heritage-listed gem nestled in the heart of Tasmania. This full-day exploration promises to be a feast for the senses, combining stunning natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and an immersive cultural experience.
Your adventure begins in the charming city of Launceston, where you will be greeted by your knowledgeable guide and whisked away on a comfortable coach. As you travel towards Cradle Mountain, prepare to be captivated by the ever-changing scenery, from rolling hills and lush forests to cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
Upon arrival at Cradle Mountain, you will be greeted by the iconic sight of Dove Lake, a pristine body of water surrounded by rugged peaks and ancient forests. This is where your real adventure begins. Strap on your hiking boots and embark on a guided walk around the lake, immersing yourself in the untouched wilderness and breathing in the crisp mountain air. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the flora, fauna, and rich indigenous heritage of the area.
For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. Test your limits with a challenging hike up to Marion's Lookout, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Or, if you prefer a more leisurely pace, take a peaceful stroll through the enchanting Ballroom Forest, a magical grove of ancient trees that seems straight out of a fairytale.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings. Savor the flavors of Tasmania as you indulge in a selection of local produce, including artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread, and succulent meats. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and soak in the serenity of your surroundings.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the awe-inspiring beauty of Cradle Mountain. Capture the perfect snapshot of the iconic boatshed on Dove Lake, a symbol of tranquility and serenity. Before bidding farewell to this magical place, make a stop at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, where you can browse through a range of informative exhibits and learn more about the conservation efforts in the area.
With memories to last a lifetime, you will be transported back to Launceston, filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the incredible experience you've had. The Cradle Mountain World Heritage Explorer Day Trip from Launceston is a must-do for any traveler seeking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Tasmania. Book your adventure today and let the magic of Cradle Mountain unfold before your eyes.
Cradle Mountain National Park is an area of iconic scenery with a wide variety of walking trails to choose. Cradle Mountain is a stunning and World Heritage listed area. With around 5 hours to spend in the National Park we leave our walking itinerary flexible to suit our guests and the weather conditions on the day.
After departing Launceston we enjoy a short stop in Sheffield – The Town of Murals. Sheffield is a small and quirky rural village, in the foothills of the mountains. Sheffield is Tasmania’s own outdoor art gallery, featuring over 100 paintings on the walls of buildings across the town. The artwork depicts the history of the Cradle Mountain region, and is a great taster of what is to come, before we continue onwards into the mountains.
Arriving into the Cradle Mountain National Park, we prepare for the walking opportunities ahead of us. We aim for around 4 – 5 hours in the National Park, to really make the most of the trails. We begin our adventures with one of Tasmania's Great Short Walks, which gives us the perfect introduction to the area the Enchanted Walk trail. An easy 20 minute circuit following Pencil Pine Creek.
Our main hike for today's tour, begins from Dove Lake with 2 walking options available. Here you can choose your preferred main walk. There is the iconic Dove Lake Circuit which is a 6 kilometer track, classified as easy and usually takes 2-3 hours. This is one of the premier walks in Tasmania, the track undulates around Dove Lake and traverses beneath Cradle Mountain. All the magnificent flora can be viewed on this walk, with buttongrass, myrtle, sassafras, fagus and King Billy Pine along the way, along with epic views of Cradle Mountain.
For the more active and avid hiker, we offer the chance to climb to the loftier heights of Marion’s Lookout. This is around 4 kilometers but is classified as a medium grade hike, with some steep sections. Marions Lookout sits at 1200m, and provides breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding World Heritage wilderness area.
We stop along the way for a lunch break, enjoy a rest by a quiet stream, watch the famous and friendly Cradle wombats in their natural habitat, or take the time to photograph the landscapes. Learn some of the local history as we visit Weindorfer’s Chalet and see the ancient King Billy Pines on Weindorfer’s Forest Walk.
On our return to Launceston, we stop to refresh and refuel at the delicious Van Dieman's Land Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.
We return into Launceston around 6.00pm after a huge yet unforgettable Cradle Mountain Day.
Explore Cradle Mountain National Park & World Heritage Area (4-5 hours)
Stand on the shore of the spectacular setting of Dove Lake
Enjoy a guided introductory walk and interpretation to the area
Take on the Dove Lake Circuit walk (easy grade 6km’s 2-3 hours)
Or, take on the harder walk to the lofty views of Marion’s Lookout (medium grade 3 hours)
Explore the historic Weindorfers Chalet
Visit Sheffield the ‘Town of Murals’ an outdoor art gallery with murals painted across the town showing the history of the area
Enjoy a delicious stop at Van Dieman’s Land Ice Creamery & Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm to refresh & refuel after a full day out in the mountains
Cradle Mountain World Heritage Explorer Day Trip from Launceston