The most incredible walks in Cradle Mountain

Grab your hiking boots and discover why Cradle Mountain is a bush walker’s paradise.

Walking in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a bucket list item for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With bushland burgeoning with botanical life and landscapes jewelled with crystalline lakes, it’s no wonder why the walks in Cradle Mountain have a reputation as some of Australia’s most picturesque. If you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore the unrivalled natural beauty that Tasmania has to offer, check out these iconic Cradle Mountain walks ranging from easy 10-minute strolls to challenging ascents.

Rainforest Walk

Difficulty: easy + access friendly
Distance: 431m
Duration: 10 mins

Starting just outside the Cradle Mountain Visitor’s Centre, this walk meanders through a cool temperate rainforest that showcases the diversity of Cradle Mountain’s botanical life. You’ll walk among fragrant Myrtle and towering Pencil Pines until you reach the lovely lookout point over Pencil Pine Falls. Easy, accessible and short – the rainforest walk is the perfect introduction to the beauty of Cradle Mountain’s bushland surroundings.

Rainforest Cradle Mountain — Get lost in the otherworldly rainforests of Cradle Mountain. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Paul Sinclair)

Enchanted walk

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1km
Duration: 20 mins

This short but majestic walk certainly lives up to its name. Wander along the banks of the slow-flowing Pencil Pine River, through button grass moorlands and mossy forests. The Enchanted Walk is great for spotting wildlife, so keep an eye out for the resident wombats and pademelons that like to hang out along the trail. If you’re in luck, you might glimpse a platypus playing in the river if you head down at dawn or dusk. Although it’s just 1 kilometre, the Enchanted Walk has a reputation as one of Cradle Mountain’s best walks.

The Enchanted Walk Cradle Mountain — The Enchanted Walk is just as beautiful in winter. (Image: Paul Flemming)

Dove Lake Circuit

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6km
Duration: 3 hours

The rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain hanging over the crystal waters of Dove Lake are the postcard-perfect image of Tasmania. The Dove Lake Circuit offers a pleasant stroll that keeps these iconic landmarks in view. The trail is fringed by beautiful forest and plenty of vantage points for incredible vistas of Cradle Mountain over the lake. The Dove Lake circuit is the quintessential Cradle Mountain walk, so it’s certainly not one you want to miss!

Cradle Mountain Tasmania — Witness the craggy face of Cradle Mountain surrounded by the serene waters of Dove Lake. (Image: Cultivate Productions)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Cradle Valley Board Walk

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 12km
Duration: 3 hours

This beautiful boardwalk snakes through golden grasslands and moorlands peppered with luscious tussocks of button grass. You’ll walk through the open countryside, stopping off at waterfalls and crossing over rushing creeks. Stretching from Ronny Creek to the Cradle Mountain Visitor’s Centre, the Cradle Valley Board Walk offers a wonderful introduction to the pristine wilderness contained within Cradle Valley.

A wombat near Rooney Creek Cradle Mountain — A wombat near Ronny Creek along the Cradle Valley Board Walk. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Echo Point Walk

Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 11km
Duration: 3-4 hours

This walk in the southern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park combines a ferry ride from Lake St Clair Visitors Centre to Echo Point, where hikers can walk the lakeside trail back. The trail will take you through a luscious rainforest, offering incredible views across the lake where the towering Mount Ida frames the shores. The walk coincides with the last leg of the Overland Track – offering a picturesque yet not-too-strenuous sample of the iconic hike.

Views of Lake St Clair Cradle Mountain — Echo Point walk runs alongside Lake St Clair. (Image: Stu Gibson)

Marions Lookout

Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 5km
Duration: 2 hours

Watch marvellous views over Dove Lake unfold as you embark on the climb up to Marion’s Lookout from the Dove Lake circuit. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be met with a breathtaking vantage point to admire the rocky peaks of Cradle Mountain. Once you’re done taking it all in, walk back via Wombat pool, which will bring you past sparkling lakes and down into picturesque plains peppered with button grass and Eucalypts.

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Cradle Mountain Summit

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 12.5km
Duration: 8 hours

What better way to experience the iconic peak than an expedition to Cradle Mountain’s summit? You’ll be treated to marvellous views from Hanson’s Peak and Marion’s lookout as you ascend. Keep going toward the historic Kitchen Hut, a charming mountain shelter perfect to rest in and admire the magnificent scenery. After a scramble up Cradle Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with truly epic panoramas. On one side, you’ll see the crystalline Dove Lake and the verdant landscapes that lie beyond. On the other, you’ll gaze into the heart of the Central Highlands, where the renowned Overland Track continues.

Aerial View of Cradle Mountain Summit in winter — A taste of the views from Cradle Mountain Summit. (Image: Luke Tscharke)

The best time to walk in Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is a great destination year-round – each season offers something unique. The most popular time to hike in Cradle Mountain is during the glorious summer months between December and February when the days are warm and rainfall is at a minimum. In autumn, you can experience the forest flushed with warm golden hues – if you’re prepared to dress for cooler and wetter weather. Winter in Cradle Mountain – and anywhere in Tasmania for that matter – is nothing short of show-stopping, with snow-capped peaks that make the mountains appear even more magical. During winter, it’s best to check conditions if you’re planning on a short walk, but serious trekking is not recommendable. Spring has plenty of rainy days, but if you don’t mind the wet weather, you’ll be rewarded with blooming valleys and lots of wildlife sightings.

Views of Cradle Mountain on a walk — Bask in the beauty of Cradle Mountain on one of its many walks. (Image: Cultivate Productions)

Know before you go

The walks in Cradle Mountain have varying degrees of difficulty, so make sure you select a hike that corresponds with your fitness level. It’s important to be adequately prepared with equipment and information before you head out hiking in Cradle Mountain. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Services is a great resource for hiking safety and a packing list to help you prepare. We have also rounded up our top picks of Cradle Mountain accommodation options that put you close to the walking trails – and they have the added bonus of offering great dining options too, so you can refuel after all that walking.

Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.

The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.

The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.

Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.

sitting on the lawn of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door — Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.

Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.

Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.

Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.

Location

roaring fireplace inside Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.

Style & decor

interior of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.

Wine experiences

The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.

Come for a taste, stay for an experience.

PIRIE & Oyster Experience

A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.

As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.

Pinot Noir Blending Experience

For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.

Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.

Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.

Supreme Indulgence

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door — Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.

Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Start planning at tamarridge.com.au and pirietasmania.com.au.