Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The area is one of the most popular natural areas in Tasmania with many things to do and see with most just a short stroll from Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Meander along the banks of the Pencil Pine River, passing through a diverse array of vegetation, from buttongrass plains to teatree thickets, eucalypt woodlands and mossy myrtle forests. At dawn and dusk, an opportunity (if you’re fortunate) to see the elusive platypus as it frolics in the pools, or glimpse a wombat as it feeds. Duration – 20 Minutes (1km) Grade – Easy, Starts – The front of the Lodge (circular track)
Ramble along through this age old temperate rainforest to discover the myrtle, sassafras and ancient King Billy pines up to 1500 years of age. These giants are now fully protected, although once greatly sought after for their timber. The collection seen on-route are some of the oldest known in the local area. Duration – 40 Minutes (2km) Grade – Easy, Starts – To the right of the Lodge (circular track)
The Speeler track, beginning on the same route as the King Billy track, offers scenic vistas ranging from cool temperate rainforests, to the seemingly endless fields of buttongrass known as the ‘Fury Plains’. You may even be able to catch glimpses of Cradle Valley and Cradle Mountain, weather permitting. The walk also offers the perfect opportunity to spot wombats, wallabies and echidnas. Please be aware that this track becomes very muddy after rain. Duration – 1.5 Hours, Grade – Medium, Starts – To the right of the Lodge (circular track)
If you enjoy cascading waterfalls and tranquil rivers then this is the walk for you. Follow the Dove Canyon Track to the Pencil Pine Falls, only 5 minutes walk. This popular swimming spot is likely to provide one of the more invigorating swims of a lifetime! The whole track is boardwalk. From the Pencil Pine falls, continue downstream towards Knyvet Falls. Duration 30-40 minutes (1.5km) Grade – Easy, Starts – Opposite the Lodge Shop
After discovering the beauty of the Knyvet Falls this track continues to follow the path of the Pencil Pine River, before taking you through impressive temperate rainforests. A five minute detour, approximately 500m after crossing the river, will take you to the striking junction of the Pencil Pine River and the Dove River. As you continue, the track climbs to the top of Dove Canyon where you are faced with 60-70m cliffs that form the boundaries of Dove River. You are also treated to spectacular views down Cradle Valley and of Cradle Mountain on a clear day. Please be aware this is a more challenging track with one small part involving scaling up rocks; not recommended after periods of rain. Duration – 3 Hours, Grade – Hard, Starts – Opposite the Lodge Shop (circular track).
A fairly easy grade makes this walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels, focusing on Cradle Mountain, temperate rainforests and sub alpine plant communities. See Cradle Mountain in all its glory and learn about the action of past glaciers on the landscape. Duration – 3 Hours, Grade – Easy
An excellent walk which takes you to the Crater Falls and a magical forest with pandini and sassafras trees. Discover the hidden glacial lake surrounded by 200 meter cliffs covered with fagus. Great views of Marion’s Lookout and Crater Lakes. Duration – 3 Hours, Grade – Medium
This is a moderate grade walk with some steep sections, so a reasonable degree of fitness is desirable. On a clear day, this walk offers spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Duration – 3 Hours, Grade – Medium to Hard
A six day walk, travelling 65 kilometres through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is a true wilderness walk which travels through spectacular dolerite mountains, near beautiful waterfalls, through a variety of fascinating ecosystems and close to Tasmania's highest mountain, before finishing at Australia's deepest lake, Lake St Clair. The stunning scenery and the physical challenges of this mountain walk have ensured that the Overland Track has built a national and international reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks.
A wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and research of the Tasmanian Devil. Only 1 km from the Lodge this is an attraction not to be missed as part of your visit to Cradle Mountain.