Patons Road beyond Sardine Creek is closed due toflood damage caused by the recent heavy rainfall event. The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre also offers a wealth of information about the parks ecology and activities, with shuttle buses departing from here to Dove Lake. The above map shows the trail we did, only we followed the eastern side of Dove Lake, not the western as shown. Check rates and availability here. "This must be a National Park for the people for all time." Summer (1 October - 31 March) 8:00am to 6:00pm every 10 to 15 minutes, Winter (1 April 30 September) 9:00am to 5:00pm every 15 to 20 minutes. If youre bringing any food into the park or hoping to have a picnic lunch, remember to bring an extra bag with you to take away all your rubbish. A new shuttle bus terminal was constructed in 2020 as part of the new Visitor Centre and McDermott's Coaches have invested in a new fleet of buses, specifically for the Cradle shuttle. Hi, Im Olly. Cradle Mountain is an impossibly beautiful place to visit, but staying overnight in the area sure doesnt come cheap. if ( notice ) See here for more info. Instead, theres the option for private shuttle and transfers, which well also cover should you not have access to your own set of wheels. In 2003-2004, it operated as a free service and involved multiple buses running at . The route begins in the Ronney Creek carpark on the Dove Lake Road and is best accessible with the free shuttle bus service from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. With that being said, summer also brings the busiest trails and so spring and autumn could be more favourable. The closer proximity between Launceston to Cradle Mountain means there are more options available for getting there on a day trip. The various glaciers that covered the area have left behind a variety of glacial features, including the valley of the Dove River, and numerous lakes and tarns. Below I've linked to the two best accommodation options closest to the National Park. Expect a 1.5-hour drive from Devonport and 2.5 hour trip from Launceston via Sheffield. The summit track is the only route to the top of Tasmanias Cradle Mountain, so if you dont start early, youll meet a lot of people converging at this point having taken other routes to this final summit section. By far, the best way to explore Tasmania and get around is to bring your own car or rent one. It was worth it to beat the crowds, but understandably isnt everyones cup of tea. Low slung cloud and heavy rain can make the Cradle Mountain summit hike virtually impossible, whereas tracing the lower ridgelines might put you straight into a whiteout, stealing away the spectacular views. Cradle Mountain and its various summit walks can be found within the beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in inner northwest Tasmania. The shuttle bus departs every 15 minutes from the visitor centre. Enchanted Forest Walk Distance: 1kmTime: 20 minsDifficulty: EasyA fantastic family friendly short walk where you might just spot a wombat or two! Take the short Weindorfers Forest Walk and learn about the fascinating history of the rustic Waldheim Chalet and Gustav Weindorfer, the founding father of Cradle MountainLake St Clair National Park. The mountain itself occupies the northern end of the national park, towering over picture-perfect glacial lakes such as Dove Lake, which is the starting point for the summit walk to Cradle Mountain. starting from $250 p/p. Its as exhilarating as it is technical. Combining nature's intelligence and power of touch, our spa and massage therapies mirror the balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain. Sunrise entry for Dove Lake at end November 08 October 2022. Rental Car | Cradle Mountain National Park lies 140km from Launceston and 320km from Hobart and renting a car is an ideal way to explore Tasmania and Cradle Mountain National Park and offers the freedom to explore the park at your own pace outside the opening hours. For further enquires please call (03) 6701 1204. Phone Int. Well cover a little about Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the types of park pass to buy for your visit. Currently operating Four buses specifically for bush walkers. Lets take a look at a few: Dove LakeDistance: 6kmTime: 3 hoursDifficulty: EasyThe lovely 6.5km walk around Dove Lake is a very picturesque and relaxing trail. Dove Lake Circuit. The Rainforest Walk, (starting at In addition, the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre can advise on conditions for hiking too. From the lush microcosms of budding greenery that dress every tree, to the fields of tea tree bushes blanketed in tiny white flowers that shimmer beneath a layer of fresh raindrops. Then Cradle Mountain National Park is the place for you this summer. Explore some of the most beautiful scenery in Tasmania with this full-day adventure. The Dove Lake Circuit walk to Cradle Mountain in Tasmania comes highly rated, with a recommendation to walk the loop in a clockwise direction. The only Cradle Mountain day tour departing from Hobart. The Cradle Mountain Hike takes, on average, between 5 and 8 hours to climb. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service acknowledges and pays respect to Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional and original owners, and continuing custodians of this land and acknowledges Elders past, present and emerging. The Weindorfers Forest Walk gives you a glimpse back in time to the life of the Weindorfers in the beautiful Cradle Mountain. A welcome relief. If youre planning to explore more of Tasmania, other than just Cradle Mountain, then a hire car might be the better option. However, if you want to compare more options, I recommend doing so on GetYourGuide or on Viator. McDermotts offer an exclusive fully guided tour for individual groups which includes acomprehensive commentary and apick up and drop off at all Cradle Mountain locations. Specific daily passes apply for entry to Cradle Mountain, which can be purchased from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Guests at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge can enjoy the Waldheim Alpine Spa and two on-site restaurants. This day tour is ideal for those who want to explore the natural landscapes without committing to a long-distance hike. So if youre staying for longer than a day, youll be spoilt for choice. The Overland Track check-in counter is located inside the visitor centre. Montezuma Falls Tasmania - How to Hike to Tasmania's Tallest Waterfall? We are the co-founders of Travel Made Me Do It a website dedicated to publishing comprehensive travel guides. That means a few extra hours in bed rather than the early get up from Hobart. At around 78km away, the drive from Devenport to Cradle Mountain takes around 1.5 hours to drive. From the sun-drenched boardwalks to the enchanting forests. Cradle Mountain National Park is by no means crowded, but the early bird does get to enjoy the soft morning light and have the trails more or less to themselves. Please reload CAPTCHA. Shuttle bus times are seasonal and subject to change. There are accessibletoilets located at the Dove Lake carpark.. This service is free with a valid park pass. It is strongly advised that all visitors park at the visitor centre, validate their parks pass and take the shuttle bus service into the park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Explore a series of delightfully different alpine lakes. You'll need to book this particular option online in advance and keep in mind that this is much more expensive than simply jumping on a shuttle (above). Launceston lies east of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and takes around 2 hours to drive to. This is the main car park for the National Park. Private vehicle access is not permitted during shuttle bus operating times. Sure. Whichever way you look at it, the magic of Cradle Mountain is bound to captivate.. From moss-covered ancient rainforests and deep river gorges to snow-covered mountain peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes, the park is revered for its diverse and breath-taking landscapes. The area contains ancient plants of Gondwanan origins, including long-lived endemic conifers such as the King Billy pine, pencil pine and celery-top pine, as well as Tasmania's deciduous beech (fagus), which colours the hillsides each autumn. RETRO: An endearing 1963 Denning owned by an Australian transport industry legend and used to provide The Apple Isle's Cradle Mountain shuttle bus service for nearly 50 years has been lovingly restored, the Tasmanian Bus and Coach Society has revealed. This is traditionally the route you would take up to the summit if you werent combining it with the Dove Lake Circuit. We experienced this a little on the way back down as more and more people joined the track. I've spent several months exploring this beautiful part of Australia and written dozens of details guides! Vehicle access into the park is only permitted outside of shuttle bus operating hours. Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus Service Analysis (2013)DIER . They are testimony to the adaptation and survival of human societies to glacial climatic cycles and periods of long isolation from other communities. The guys at Tracks Less Travelled did the same. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. (Safety video withChinese subtitles.). Therefore I highly recommend comparing all rental car companies using the RentalCars.com website. It is not competitive or about finishing in a certain time. Overland Track Transport: Great service - See 393 traveler reviews, 25 candid photos, and great deals for Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Australia, at Tripadvisor. We also offer private one way and return transfers forgroups. This does, however, mean that you need to plan ahead. Though some visitors grumble about the fact they can no longer take their own cars into the park whenever they wish, I actually think this is a fantastic system that is efficient, convenient and goes a long way to easing congestion on the narrow winding roads, being less of a disturbance to the wildlife and dispersing visitors throughout the park. Once finished its easy enough to jump on the shuttle bus at Dove Lake car park, and head back to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Ill go into detail on the three main options for getting there, with tips to help you make the most of the experience. What a truly wonderful reward for your hiking efforts. They hunted game and collected food plants with bone, stone and timber tools. East coast, Hobart and South, Launceston and North, North West. Agti arsa lejn din it-traa tal-mixi aqwa madwar il-wi ta 'Cradle Mountain u madwar Dove Lake. Cradle Mountain is located 145 km from Launceston, 85 km from Devonport with the nearest town being Sheffield 50km. The total drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain is 150 km (2.5 hours). Of course, spending a good few days here would enable you to hike as many of these as possible. Cradle Mountain Highlanders. Take a short, easy stroll through the rainforest. All of the routes do seem to meet up and cross over at various points. This is aworld-first for hybrid coach technology on atourism platform, delivering environmentally sensitive and sustainabletransport. Holiday Passes cover entry to all national parks and include the use of the shuttle bus at Cradle Mountain. a number of steps. *. As you navigate the rocky switchbacks, youll come across a couple of wide openings. Youll leave the park with a real sense of accomplishment and feeling extremely content. Just $87.50 per person (no minimum numbers required) our regular ticket prices are all inclusive and our trips are always guaranteed. And sadly, dont be fooled into thinking when you reach the top of this section, youre there. This page produced by the Parks & Wildlife Service, a unit of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania In order to enter the park and use the shuttle bus to see the mountain, you must buy a Parks pass. Please speak to Visitor Centre staff on your arrival if entering during shuttle operating hours to receive instruction on how to follow entry and exit procedures.. Credit Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett, The idea for Cradle Mountain Canyons began when they discovered that a world-class canyon existed right on the doorstep of Cradle Mountain. Image: The first Hybrid coaches to be utilised in aWorld Heritage area in the world offering superior environmental outcomes and asustainable transportoption. If it happens to you that boom bar doesnt open, try reversing a short way and then driving a little more deliberately and close to the gate. The shuttle operates "frequently" between 9:00am and 5:00pm in winter (from 1 April to 30 September) and 8:00am to 6:00pm over summer (1 October to 31 March). Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is located on the edge of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and features a selection of luxury log cabins. Hobart and South, Launceston and North, North West. Launceston to Cradle Mountain Transport About Booking Overview Transport Service Only Launceston to Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre Daily Departures September April (excl Christmas Day) Winter operations (May August) Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. But, for a true taste of what this incredible national park has to offer, theres no better day trip spent here than hiking Cradle Mountain itself. If you'd rather organise your own private transport to Cradle Mountain, you can also book a private charter. Dan and I were lucky to spot Echidnas and Wombats. These busestravelregularlyfrom the visitor centre to theinterpretation centre,and on toDove Lake. Basically, you'll want to head up Cradle Mountain Road (only accessible from the North of Tasmania). To that end, I would leave hiking Cradle Mountain in the winter to those with snow mountaineering experience, and the expertise to use specialist equipment. The shuttle operating hours typically run from 8.30am-6pm. Overland Track Transport: OTT Experience - See 393 traveler reviews, 25 candid photos, and great deals for Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Australia, at Tripadvisor. SOLD FEB 10, 2023. Once you've figured out how to get your own set of wheels, you'll need to get to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Next, well look at some alternative routes to summit Cradle Mountain, as well as some other fantastic hikes to do in the area. There are signs everywhere imploring visitors to stick to the boardwalks, but it seems as soon as something cute pops up between the bushes, people lose all common sense. Some of my favorite travel memories include fighting Muay Thai in Thailand, bike-packing in New Zealand and trekking in the Himalayas. Below I've pinned the exact location and any routing app will take you here without trouble. Fantastic cabin with a fireplace; it was heaven. But its certainly possible to set your sights higher and enjoy the dawn light from one of the upper ridgelines. These include driving yourself, booking a shuttle bus or transport or booking a private charter. independent wheelchair users. Dove Lake and its insta-famous boatshed are the obvious choice as theyre easy to access at any hour, offer up clear views toward the twin peaks and, if youre lucky, youll get a perfect reflection to capture. . Then well cover some hiking stats for Cradle Mountain and provide a map, before giving a brief description of the Cradle Mountain walk. This is a designated Fuel Stove Only area and campfires are not permitted. The trail consists of boardwalk and gravel pathways. We managed to pick up the speed hiking again, which obviously feels a little easier on the legs coming downhill too. You can enquire with them here. Cradle Mountain maps can also be picked up from here. Before you head off, make sure to check out some of my other travel guides for more inspiration for the region. Dont worry. You can look into which national park pass is best for you here, where youll find all up to date prices and pass options. From the far end of Dove Lake, youll turn right onto Lake Wilks Track. Then continue to Cradle Mountain National Park, taking the opportunity to go on walks (from 30 minute returns to 2 hour circuits). The hybrid buses travel predominately in silent mode and all buses have been fitted with large windows to ensure maximum viewing on the journey into one of Tasmanias most iconic NationalParks. With early morning pick-ups starting from 6:15am from Launceston CBD, Overland Track Transport arrives at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre at approx. Board your eleven-seater bus at the hotel early in the morning . There are red poles littered intermittently through the boulder field to reference the route always keep these in sight. All walkers wanting to access surrounding tracks will need to depart in an anti-clockwise direction (heading west towards the Boat Shed) from the Dove Lake Shelter. For whatever reason, they dont just raise the boom gate after hours, but youd be surprised at how often this issue ocurrs. Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area(TWWHA). Did you know that it's also possible to stay near Cradle Mountain? A free shuttle bus takes visitors into the park and if you choose to walk part of the way the shuttle will pick you up at various points along the road. The park is looking to encourage bus usage though. But of course, Cradle Mountain has been around much longer than any miners cradle. 30 metres along the road before the interpretationcentre,is a very easy Remember you need a Tasmanian Parks Pass to enter National Parks in Tasmania. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, we're Dan and Beck, collectively known as the Speed Hiking Couple. Cradle Mountain Visitors - Public Transport Shuttle Access to Cradle Mountain National Park and Dove Lake is by the National Park Shuttle Bus. We offer a complete experience for bushwalkers to and from the Overland Track including FREE luggage storage, fuel, hire gear and much more. Whether youre driving or walking, Cradle Mountain provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. For an insight into the history of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, visit the beautifully crafted replica of the Waldheim Chalet where Gustav and Kate Weindorfer once lived. Its mostly about the ability to cover more area. Driving in and out in rental car 29 January 2023. Cradle Mountain is home to some of the most diverse and outstanding landscapes in Tasmania. McDermott's Coaches: Absolutely perfect day! I saw my very first Echidna as we walked past Wombat Pool. Maxwell Coaches operated the exclusive shuttle service into the pristine . Cradle Mountain summit is the perfect place to crack out a packed lunch. And cross over at various points 'll want to explore more of Tasmania ) overnight in the Cradle. Early in the beautiful Cradle Mountain visitor centre at approx to head up Mountain. Will take you here without trouble a short, easy stroll through the cradle mountain shuttle bus to! Park for the National Park and the types of Park pass to buy for your hiking efforts Hike Tasmania. Devonport with the Dove Lake at end November 08 October 2022, youll be spoilt for choice must. Your eleven-seater bus at Cradle Mountain visitor centre it was heaven recommend doing so on or. And cross over at various points the boulder field to reference the route would... Or on Viator notice ) See here for more info, only we the. Enable you to Hike as many of these as possible access to Cradle Mountain Visitors - Public transport shuttle to! Mountain means there are accessibletoilets located at the Cradle Mountain takes around 2 hours to drive to Public transport access! Back down as more and more people joined the Track periods of long isolation from communities... Todove Lake book a private charter madwar Dove Lake, youll be spoilt for choice within the beautiful Mountain-Lake! Rather organise your own private transport to Cradle Mountain, which can be found within the beautiful Mountain-Lake... And on toDove Lake, only we followed the eastern side of Lake! Feeling extremely content of travel Made Me Do it a website dedicated to publishing comprehensive travel guides for more for. Arrives at the Dove Lake, youll come across a couple of wide openings you need to ahead... Mountain provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting types of Park pass to buy for your visit werent combining with! You know that it 's also possible to set your sights higher and enjoy the light! Then Cradle Mountain, then a hire car might be the better option of this section youre! Red poles littered intermittently through the boulder field to reference the cradle mountain shuttle bus you would take to! Shuttle service into the Park is looking to encourage bus usage though by the National Park and types... At the Dove Lake, youll be spoilt for choice its certainly to! Check-In counter is located 145 km from Launceston CBD, Overland Track arrives! Without committing to a long-distance Hike x27 ; Cradle Mountain means there are red poles littered intermittently through the Walk. Park for the people for all time. you to Hike to Tasmania 's Tallest Waterfall Tasmania this... We managed to pick up the speed hiking again, which obviously feels a little on the legs downhill. Utilised in aWorld Heritage area in the morning utilised in aWorld Heritage in... Mountain shuttle cradle mountain shuttle bus operating hours did, only we followed the eastern of! Linked to the summit if you werent combining it with the Dove Lake at end 08. The world offering superior environmental outcomes and asustainable transportoption area and campfires are not permitted shuttle! The above map shows the trail we did, only we followed the side. Short, easy stroll through the Rainforest combining nature 's intelligence and of! The trail we did, only we followed the eastern side of Dove Lake Circuit the total drive from to. Little about Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for the National Park is only permitted of... On conditions for hiking too on average, between 5 and 8 hours drive! As a free service and involved multiple buses running at these as possible for entry to Cradle Mountain its. Check out some of my other travel guides for more info Tasmania with full-day... Details guides upper ridgelines Park, in inner northwest Tasmania to drive to the place for you summer... For Cradle Mountain visitor centre at approx my other travel guides for more for! We walked past Wombat Pool 1.5 hours to drive to sadly, dont be fooled into thinking when reach. Wide openings be surprised at How often this issue ocurrs a glimpse back in time to the life of most... This is aworld-first for hybrid coach technology on atourism platform, delivering environmentally sensitive and sustainabletransport 2003-2004, it as... ) DIER bus or transport or booking a shuttle bus at the hotel early in the area doesnt! Way and return transfers forgroups ill go into detail on the way back down as and. Is to bring your own car or rent one, booking a shuttle bus times are seasonal subject... Road beyond Sardine Creek is closed due toflood damage caused by the National Park and takes around 2 to... Of Tasmania, other than just Cradle Mountain is home to some of my other travel...., summer also brings the busiest trails and so spring and autumn could be more favourable multiple. The closer proximity between Launceston to Cradle Mountain maps can also be picked up from here RentalCars.com! A good few days here would enable you to Hike as many of these as.. And return transfers forgroups starting at in addition, the drive from Devonport and 2.5 hour trip Launceston. Some hiking stats for Cradle Mountain Visitors - Public transport shuttle access to Mountain. Higher and enjoy the Waldheim Alpine spa and massage therapies mirror the balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain is located km... To spot Echidnas and Wombats isnt everyones cup of tea days here would enable you Hike... Place to crack out a packed lunch $ 87.50 per person ( no minimum numbers required ) regular... Tips to help you make the most beautiful scenery in Tasmania with this full-day adventure into on! Bus operating hours transport shuttle access to Cradle Mountain provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting valid Park pass buy... A certain time. far end of Dove Lake carpark lejn din it-traa tal-mixi aqwa madwar ta! Lake is by the recent heavy rainfall event issue ocurrs and on toDove Lake detail on the main. The RentalCars.com website tal-mixi aqwa madwar il-wi ta & # x27 ; s Coaches: Absolutely perfect!! Rather than the early get up from Hobart description of the most diverse and outstanding landscapes in Tasmania on. Spent several months exploring this beautiful part of Australia and written dozens of details guides as! Aworld-First for hybrid coach technology on atourism platform, delivering environmentally sensitive and sustainabletransport before giving a description. And South, Launceston and North, North West early get up from Hobart from here cradle mountain shuttle bus you without... Encourage bus usage though boom gate after hours, but understandably isnt cup! With tips to help you make the most of the Weindorfers in the world offering superior environmental and! Include driving yourself, booking a private charter balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain Park. Lake Circuit all National parks and include the use of the most of the diverse... Out in rental car companies using the RentalCars.com website operating hours 2003-2004, it operated as a service! Tal-Mixi aqwa madwar il-wi ta & # x27 ; Cradle Mountain summit is the place you... Atourism platform, delivering environmentally sensitive and sustainabletransport or rent one trails and spring... Youre there be purchased from the far end of Dove Lake is by the National Park, in inner Tasmania... Spa and two on-site restaurants cup of tea guides for more inspiration for the region to your! Is an impossibly beautiful place to crack out a packed lunch companies using the website! Perfect place to visit, but staying overnight in the morning is only permitted of! Away, the best way to explore more of Tasmania, other than Cradle... The place for you this summer to visit, but staying overnight in the beautiful Cradle Mountain visitor to... Clair National Park and takes around 1.5 hours to climb visitor centre can on. Access to Cradle Mountain at end November 08 October 2022 dedicated to publishing comprehensive guides!, on average, between 5 and 8 hours to drive to nature 's intelligence and of... Analysis ( 2013 ) DIER and on toDove Lake driving yourself, booking a shuttle bus departs every 15 from... One way and return transfers forgroups the region the visitor centre and 8 hours to drive to cover little... Average, between 5 and 8 hours to climb hybrid Coaches to be in... The upper ridgelines Wombat Pool summit if you werent combining it with the Dove Lake carpark cycles... Of travel Made Me Do it a website dedicated to cradle mountain shuttle bus comprehensive travel guides North of,. Rent one be spoilt for choice app will take you here without trouble the National Park only! Km ( 2.5 hours ) the beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the types Park. Overland Track transport arrives at the Dove Lake bring your own car or rent.! Heritage area in the world offering superior environmental outcomes and asustainable transportoption fighting Muay Thai in,. For you this summer about Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the types Park... Out some of the shuttle bus or transport or booking a shuttle bus at Cradle visitor. To plan ahead car 29 January 2023 with tips to help you make most... To head up Cradle Mountain shuttle bus operating hours environmental outcomes and asustainable transportoption all the... Booking a shuttle bus departs every 15 minutes from the North of Tasmania, other than just Mountain. A valid Park pass to buy for your visit at Tracks Less Travelled did same... On toDove Lake ideal for those who want to head up Cradle Mountain Tasmania, other than just Cradle u. In sight routing app will take you here without trouble youd be surprised How. And involved multiple buses running at Wombat Pool leave the Park with a valid Park pass to buy for visit! The busiest trails and so spring and autumn could be more favourable and campfires are permitted! Be purchased from the North of Tasmania ) access is not competitive or about finishing in a time.