A guide to the dreamiest Cradle Mountain accommodation

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Find the best place to base yourself to explore the majestic beauty of Cradle Mountain.

There’s no better way to experience the majesty of the Tasmanian wilderness than a stay in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The various Cradle Mountain accommodation options allow visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings of one of the most special wilderness areas in Australia. With forests burgeoning with button grass, beech trees and pristine bushlands, a stay at Cradle Mountain is a truly magical experience. You’ll be perfectly placed to experience all the hiking trails and activities Cradle Mountain has to offer, followed by a superb meal at any of Cradle Mountain’s best restaurants. From luxury lodges to quirky hotels and cosy cabins, there’s a stay to suit every style of travel. Discover yours below.

Cosy lodges, cabins and cottages

This style of accommodation offers privacy and seclusion surrounded by beautiful Tasmanian bushland. With these options for accommodation in Cradle Mountain, you can stay enveloped by the breathtaking wilderness in maximum comfort. When it comes to alpine stays, it doesn’t get much cosier than this.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Go for: Alpine luxury combined with an immersive wilderness experience

External view of Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is considered one of Tasmania’s finest stays. (Image: Laura Helle)

If you’re after luxury accommodation in Cradle Mountain, Peppers has accrued an international reputation as one of Tasmania’s finest stays. With the renowned Waldheim Alpine Spa onsite, visitors will be a stone’s throw from a luxurious range of spa therapies surrounded by towering King Billy Pines. Or unwind in your own private spa on your cabin, available in select room categories. Each lodge contains a fireplace and stylish modern decor, with walking tracks radiating from each front doorstep.

King Billy Suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Soak in your private hot tub in the King Billy Suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. (Image: Lauren Bath)

Here, you’ll also be in proximity to some of Tasmania’s best dining experiences with Pepper’s onsite Highland Restaurant, as well as more casual eatery and bar options. Located a short walk from the visitor’s centre, Peppers is a great option for those who want to experience alpine luxury at its very best.

Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages

Go for: Rustic self-contained accommodation with a hand-made touch and a classic cottage feel.

These cottages offer accommodation at Cradle Mountain that feels like a home away from home. Individually designed and hand-built from natural Tasmanian timber, each cabin blends seamlessly with the beautiful bushland surrounding. Each cottage is self-contained, so you can truly make the space your own during your stay. With fireplaces, natural timber details and classic cottage decor, Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages combines all things hygge for a quintessentially cosy stay.

The Bushman's Cabin in winter at Cradle Mountain Highlander.
The Bushman’s Cabin in winter at Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages.

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village

Go for: A modern alpine stay in upscale, self-contained accommodation

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village offers private self-contained cabins with a modern flair. The Village offers family-friendly chalet options, as well as luxury adult-only cottages (that come equipped with a spa bath!) Proximity to the onsite Hellyers Lounge and Bar offers alpine dining at its best, with striking views of Cradle Mountain and the serene natural surrounds. The Lounge also comes well-stocked with board games and DVDs, offering the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.  

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Spa Cottage
Bed down in one of the private self-contained cabins at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village offers. (Image: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village)

Discovery Holiday Park Cabins

Go for: Brand new luxury digs located withing the welcoming vicinity of a holiday park

Discovery Holiday Park is primarily the domain of campers and no-frills self-catering accommodation. But thanks to a recent $20 million investment, the holiday park has been updated with 19 new luxury cabins.

Discovery parks cradle mountain
The cabins are outfitted with sleek, modern design elements.

Outfitted with sleek, modern furnishings and expansive full-size windows, these cabins provide a refined and stylish alternative that rivals some of the luxury cabins in the park. The design heroes the surrounding nature, with an expansive balcony and glass panels offering unobstructed vistas.

 

Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain
The cabins have plenty of windows, so you can immerse yourself in nature.

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Hotels

If a hotel getaway is more up your alley, these accommodation options in Cradle Mountain will provide comfortable lodgings with a stylish flair. A hotel stay is perfect if you plan to enter ultimate holiday mode and leave the self-catering at home.

Pumphouse Point (Lake St Clair)

Go for: A boutique hotel experience suspended over Australia’s deepest lake

Pumphouse Point Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair
Pumphouse Point offers upscale accommodation in a converted 1940s pump station. (Image: Stu Gibson)

The quirky yet supremely stylish Pumphouse Point offers upscale accommodation in a converted 1940s pump station suspended over Lake St Clair. (The hotel has two buildings, one on the lake edge and the other at the end of a long pier). Wake up to exquisite views of the deepest lake in the Southern Hemisphere and relax in comfort surrounded by the purity of the Tasmanian wilderness.

External view of The Retreat at Pumphouse Point
The Retreat is Pumphouse Point’s most exclusive suite. (Image: Adam Gibson)
Inside The Retreat at Pumphouse Point
The dreamy view from inside The Retreat at Pumphouse Point. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in each booking, so you can focus on enjoying the remote stay stress-free. With bikes and rowboats available to borrow from the hotel, Pumphouse Point offers plenty of ways to explore Lake St Clair. Ideal for couples, the vibe here is high-end, yet intimate and friendly.

Cradle Mountain Hotel

Go for: luxe hotel accommodation in Cradle Mountain

For stylish hotel accommodation in Cradle Mountain, look no further than Cradle Mountain Hotel. Here, you’ll be in proximity to modern dining experiences at the Altitude restaurant, as well as great cocktails from the Altitude Lounge Bar.

Cradle Mountain Hotel
Cradle Mountain Hotel is sequestered in nature. (Image: RACT Destinations)

You’ll be met with fireplaces and forest views, and an atmosphere every bit as cosy as it is chic. For those who’d like to add an extra sprinkle of decadence to their stay, there are house-made chocolates to indulge in, and a range of spa services to help you unwind.

Cradle Mountain Hotel - Split Level King Room
A look inside the split-level king room at Cradle Mountain Hotel. (Image: Supplied Courtesy of RACT Destinations)

Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel (Lake St Clair)

Go for: Comfort, casual dining and family-friendly vibes a stone’s throw from Lake St Clair

The Derwent Hotel offers practical accommodation with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves up hearty pub-style meals in the company of a large crackling fire in winter— creating the perfect atmosphere to return to after a day of exploring. The decor is reminiscent of a rustic mountain lodge, adding to the ambience of cosiness inside. The Derwent Bridge Hotel also offers budget accommodation for groups.

Camping and caravan parks

For nature lovers, it doesn’t get much better than camping in a UNESCO-listed Wilderness area among pristine pines and beautiful bushland. Whether you’re in a tent, camper van or bunked-up in a hut, here is the best camping accommodation in Cradle Mountain.

Camping in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Find the best camping spots in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. (Image: Sarajayne Lada)

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Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain

Go for: Good value, family-friendly accommodation with added luxury

Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain is the go-to destination for campers of all types, whether you have a tent, caravan or camper van. After unveiling a $20 million redevelopment in 2024, it’s soon to be the number one pick for luxe in-ground lodgings, too. Home to 11 all-new premium cabins (bookable now and ready to be enjoyed from December 20), the opulent offerings are fitted with open fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, gas heaters, heated floors and bathtubs overlooking lush wilderness. In a nutshell? It’s a solid slice of hotel life enveloped in the splendour of Mother Nature. Furthermore, the park’s amenities, including the camp kitchen and kiosk, have been upgraded, and there are more powered and unpowered sites than ever before.

Waldheim Cabins

Go for: An authentic wilderness experience in an iconic mountain hut

These basic cabins offer an authentic wilderness experience for the adventurous at heart. These simple yet charming bunk-style huts are nestled deep in the bushland, secluded away from the resorts and hotels. Here, you’ll have access to heating, self-catering and some of the park’s best walking tracks springing right from your front doorstep. Owned and maintained by the parks and wildlife services, Waldheim Cabins represent some of the most unique accommodation options in Cradle Mountain. The cabins are a short but splendid hike away from the famous Dove Lake along the Lake Lila track, meaning you can ditch the shuttle bus in favour of a scenic trail.

Waldheim Cabins
Waldheim Cabins are charming, rustic shelters run by the Parks and Wildlife Service. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Lake St Clair Camping

Go for: Simple yet idyllic camping on the shores of Lake St Clair

Embrace nature’s simplicity with lakeside camping at the Southern end of the National Park. Fergy’s Paddock is a very basic but beautiful secluded campsite located just 10 minutes from the Lake St Clair visitor’s centre. With camping platforms to pitch your tent, you’ll get a comfortable night’s rest immersed in the sounds of nature. During the day, the campsite is a prime location to enjoy swimming, bushwalking or simply relaxing by the lake.

Nearby stays

Staying in accommodation near cradle mountain has the advantage of being closer to more dining options and amenities, while still retaining the same beautiful surroundings as the national park. There are lots of wonderful waterfalls and trails to discover in the area just north of the park entrance, so these accommodation options are great for anyone who likes to wander off the beaten track.

Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley

Go for: A boutique experience that combines alternative living with countryside luxury

Discover Tasmanian country living at its very finest. Tiny Escapes offers a network of loft-style Tiny Houses, each with an exquisite view over the Black Bluff Conservation area. Each house is self-sufficient and self-contained, combining modern design with an immersive experience in the wilderness. Dreamy and secluded, Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley offers a truly unforgettable stay.

Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley
Escape to one of the loft-style tiny houses at Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley. (Image: Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley)

Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat

Go for: A peaceful stay with amenities and friendly service at arm’s reach

Located against a backdrop of serene rainforest, Lemonthyme Wilderness offers visitors spacious accommodation near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Here, you can choose from decadent spa suites or comfortable self-contained cottages to relax and soak up the beautiful surroundings. The onsite Whispering Woods restaurant offers cuisine made with local Tasmanian produce, served in a down-to-earth and cosy environment.

Lemonthyme Retreat
The cosy interior of Lemonthyme Retreat. (Tourism Tasmania/Gabi Mocatta)
Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro.

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.