Cradle Summit

Cradle Mountain (1,545 m) is Tasmania's most famous peak, and its summit walk is one of the country's classic day hikes. Parks and Wildlife Service lists the walk as 12.8 km return with about 600 m of climbing, and allows 8 hours return.

Route. Most walkers head up via Lake Lilla and Wombat Pool or the Lake Wilks track to Marions Lookout. They then follow the Overland Track past Kitchen Hut, the emergency shelter at the base of the summit route. From Kitchen Hut a marked route climbs steeply to the Cradle Mountain saddle. The last section is a scramble over large, broken dolerite boulders using hands and feet. It needs care, a head for heights and good judgment, especially if the rock is wet, icy or in cloud.

Grade. AWTGS Grade 5, set by the summit boulder scramble. Many walkers make Kitchen Hut or Marions Lookout their goal and still get superb views.

Access and fees. The Cradle Mountain visitor centre is about 2 hours' drive from Launceston or Devonport. Private vehicles usually can't go beyond the visitor centre in peak periods, so take the shuttle bus to Dove Lake or Ronny Creek. A Tasmanian parks pass is required. Fill in the walker registration book at the trailhead.

Weather. Conditions on the plateau can turn quickly to snow, hail or whiteout, even in summer. Turn back if cloud closes in on the summit route, because navigation on the boulder field is hard without visibility. Carry waterproof layers, warm clothing, food, water and a map.

Facilities. There are toilets at Dove Lake and Ronny Creek. Kitchen Hut is an emergency shelter only and has no water. Fill up before you start.

Best season. December to April. Start early to beat the afternoon cloud and the crowds.

Before you go

• Check the official park page for alerts, closures, fire danger ratings and planned burns on the day you walk.
• Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the nearest town and the mountain or coastal district.
• Tell someone your plan and expected return time, or register your trip intention where the park offers it.
• Carry the ten essentials: water, food, map, first aid, warm and waterproof layers, sun protection, a torch, phone and power bank, an emergency shelter, and a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote walks.
• Leave no trace: take all rubbish home, stay on the track, and respect Aboriginal cultural sites.

Facts on this page were checked against the official park agency source listed below. Conditions, fees and rules change, so always confirm before you go.

FAQ

• Do I have to go to the top? No. Marions Lookout and Kitchen Hut are rewarding turnaround points.
• How long does the scramble take? Usually 1–1.5 hours return from Kitchen Hut. It can take longer when it's busy or wet.
• Can I drive to Dove Lake? Usually not in peak periods, when access is by shuttle bus from the visitor centre.

Dogs: not permitted. Official source: https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain