Best trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania and sits on the lands of the Palawa people. As the name suggests, the park is made of mountains and lakes, including Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, Mount Pelion, Mount Pelion, Mount Oakleigh, Mount Ossa and Lake St Clair. It is also home to a varied range of vegetation from rainforest to moorlands and a wide variety of ancient pine tree varieties. It is home to many Australian marsupials including the Tasmanian Devil which is only found in Tasmania.
It has a variety of hiking options in the park including multi-day hikes and many options for accommodation from campsites to huts. The famous Overland Track, a 5-7 day hike, also crosses the park.
Top picks recommended by trailgoers
1
(1346)
•Easy
•3.6 mi
•Est. 1h 38m
This is a magnificent walk around Dove Lake, a glacially carved landform in the gorgeous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. On this scenic track, you'll pass beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding peaks, undulate alongside Dove Lake, and hike through stretches of lush rainforest vegetation.
Even though the track is boardwalk for the most part and well maintained, snow and ice can make some sections very slippery. There are some challenging sections...
2
(788)
•Moderate
•5.6 mi
This route passes several lookouts with stunning views and has a mix of terrain, flora and fauna. This walk can be lengthened or shortened as it connects with several others in the area, including the trail up to Cradle Mountain or Dove Lake Circuit.
Starting off on the boardwalk of the Overland track near the Visitor Centre, the route follows a nice and easy incline through the forest. The climb starts at Crater Lake.
The route up is well maintained, with plenty of footholds. Even though...
3
(450)
•Hard
•6.9 mi
This is a challenging walk in the heart of beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park. Discover the area's majesty as you navigate a section of the Overland Track, reach the summit of Cradle Mountain, and soak in stunning vistas of Dove Lake.
The trail uses the Dove Lake Circuit and the Overland Track, up to one of the most emblematic peaks in the park. Along the way, it passes by several lookouts with amazing views and has a mix of terrain, flora and fauna.
Approaching the...
4
(339)
•Hard
•7.9 mi
This is a magnificent scenic trail in Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park. This route utilises the Cradle Valley Boardwalk and the Overland Track up to one of the most emblematic peaks in the park.
Along the way, it passes by several lookouts with amazing views and has a mix of terrain, flora and fauna. Approaching the summit of Cradle Mountain requires extensive scrambling - in some parts over snow depending on the time of year.
The conditions of Tasmania's parks can vary...
5
(394)
•Hard
•7.6 mi
This is a spectacular trail in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This hike features outstanding scenery and represents a significant challenge to even the most experienced hiker.
Beginning from Dove Lake Parking Area the route follows many of the park's famous walking trails including Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Valley Boardwalk, Wombat Pool Track, and perhaps the most well-known, Overland Track.
Along the way, visitors can expect to spot wildlife including wombats (or at least...
6
(327)
•Hard
•3.1 mi
This scenic trail uses the Cradle Valley Boardwalk and the Overland Track, up to one of the most emblematic peaks in Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park.
The route passes several lookouts with amazing views and has a mix of terrain, flora and fauna. When you approach the summit to Cradle, it requires extensive scrambling - in some parts over snow, depending on the time of year.
The track is steep and challenging in sections but is well-maintained, and the steeper parts have...
7
(369)
•Hard
•8.2 mi
This is an amazing hike in the Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park in Tasmania. The hike begins from the Overland Track trailhead, where there is information available. This is a great loop up to Cradle Mountain and Crater Peak, taking on some serious elevation in exchange for some incredible views from the top.
Although this is a popular walk, caution should be taken and checking the weather before you head off is a must. Taking cold weather gear, food and water are all things...
8
(435)
•Easy
•0.9 mi
•Est. 22m
This is a terrific family-friendly trail that offers a taste of Cradle Mountain. It begins close to the bridge across Pencil Pine Creek, meanders beside a cascading creek, and traverses a lovely, mossy woodland.
Along the way, visitors may be able to spot Wombats, Bennett’s Wallabies and Potoroos. The gorgeous scenery differs from the alpine landscapes in other parts of the park. During the colder months, keep a look out for colourful fungi.
There is parking and a public toilet near the...
9
(209)
•Moderate
•4.3 mi
•Est. 2h 26m
The Ronny Creek to Marion's Lookout begins by following a boardwalk alongside Ronny Creek. As you walk along the trail, you will cross a bridge. The trail then climbs steadily, passing through a beautiful stand of rainforest. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Crater Lake. Be cautious, as some sections of the trail can be slippery, especially after rain.
10
(310)
•Hard
•7.9 mi
This is a terrific walk with stunning scenery for the entire trail. The route has some challenging technical sections with lots of varied terrain to keep things interesting.
Start the hike at Ronny Creek Car Park. Take the Overland Track in the direction of Crater Falls and Marions Lookout and continue on the same track to the Historic Kitchen Hut. At the top the 360-degree view is amazing. Here you can see the whole national park.
At Kitchen Hut you can choose to continue to the summit of...
Showing results 1–10 of 93
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is Dove Lake Circuit, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,346 reviews. This trail is 3.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 574 ft.
What is the longest trail in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is Overland Track with Side Trips. This trail is estimated to be 90.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
There are 93 trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 11,131 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park has you covered. Overland Track with Side Trips boasts the most elevation gain with 21,318 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Overland Track, which will get you 7,286 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 30 camping trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the most popular is Cradle Summit with an average 4.9 star rating from 394 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 running trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the most popular is Dove Lake via Marions Lookout with an average 4.9 star rating from 226 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 48 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Dove Lake Circuit, Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop, Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain, and Overland Track, Cradle Mountain Summit and Wombat Pool Lookout, and Cradle Summit.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 29 trails with waterfalls in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop, Cradle Mountain via Crater Peak and Marions Lookout, Enchanted Walk, Ronny Creek to Marions Lookout, and Cradle Summit and Hansons Peak via Overland Track and Face Track.
Are there any trails with huts in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 33 trails with huts in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Overland Track: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley, Overland Track: Pelion to Kia Ora, Overland Track: Lake Windermere to Pelion, Overland Track: Kia Ora to Windy Ridge (Bert Nichols Hut), and Cynthia Bay to Echo Point.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 46 trails with scenic viewpoints in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Dove Lake Circuit, Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop, Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain, and Overland Track, Cradle Mountain Summit and Wombat Pool Lookout, and Cradle Summit.
Are there any trails with lakes in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 47 trails with lakes in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Dove Lake Circuit, Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop, Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain, and Overland Track, Cradle Mountain Summit and Wombat Pool Lookout, and Cradle Summit.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with an archaeological site in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Old Pelion Copper Mine Track.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 14 trails with weather shelters in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain, and Overland Track, Cradle Mountain Summit and Wombat Pool Lookout, Cradle Summit, Cradle Mountain via Crater Peak and Marions Lookout, and Cradle Summit and Hansons Peak via Overland Track and Face Track.
Are there any trails with rivers in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 47 trails with rivers in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Dove Lake Circuit, Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop, Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain, and Overland Track, Cradle Mountain Summit and Wombat Pool Lookout, and Cradle Summit.
Are there any trails with lagoons in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with lagoons in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including Frankland Beaches Walk and Saint Clair Lagoon and Pumphouse Point.