Cradle Mountain is a distinctive mountain in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. Rising to 1,545 metres above sea level it is one of the principal tourist sites in Tasmania, owing to its natural beauty. The mountain is composed of dolerite columns, similar to many of the other mountains in the area.
History of Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain was named in 1827 by the explorer Joseph Fossey who decided it bore a remarkable similarity to a cradle. It was first climbed by a European in 1831 when the explorer Henry Hellyer successfully reached the summit. Surveyor General George Franklin passed through the area in 1835 and he was duly followed by prospectors, trappers and settlers.
Adventure Travel & Tours in Cradle Mountain
Adventure Travel represents over 1,000 hostels, hotels, tour companies & attractions across Australia that we can book for you often at a discouted rate. At Adventure Travel we also operate a number of our own tours.
Currency used in Cradle Mountain
In Cradle Mountain the standard currency used is the Australia Dollar. The Australia dollar comes in denominations of 5c ,10c ,20c ,50c ,$1 & 2$ coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100 notes. Most bars, restaurants, backpacker hostels, shops and Adventure Tour desks in Cradle Mountain all take credit card, eftpos and cash. There is several cash machines in Cradle Mountain all which dispense the Australia Dollar currency. To check the Australian dollar exchange rate against a foreign currency then click here.
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in Cradle Mountain
In Cradle Mountain there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.
Discounted Travel Insurance
Adventure Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world.
Security in Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain in Australia is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through Cradle Mountain every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Australia you can click here.
Weather in Cradle Mountain
The weather in Cradle Mountain is seasonal with 4 distinctive seasons. To get more information on the weather in Cradle Mountain, Australia, then click here.
Travel to CradleMountain
There is a parking area at Ronny Creek, the outlet of LakeDove, which is approximately 7km from the national park visitor's centre. A free shuttle bus runs between the two. Apart from private transport, or walking the Overland Track, there are public bus services to the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre. Many tour companies stop here also.
Things to see and do at Cradle Mountain
Walks
The area around the mountain has a large number of day walks. The mountain can be climbed very virtually year round. It is a strenuous 6.5 hour return climb from the DoveLake car park.
The most popular walks include MountCampbell (about 3 hours), HansonsPeak (about 3 hours), TwistedLakes (3-4 hours), LakeRodway (5 hours), LakeLilla (1 hour) and the BallroomForest (3 hours).
Warnings for Walkers Be aware that the weather can turn from a sunny day to rain and sleet in a very short period of time. The dangers of wind chill are such that the mountain has claimed many victims of hypothermia. It is sensible to check the weather conditions with the rangers and to study the 'How is the weather in CradleValley today?' placard which is located at the LakeDove car park.
Tours / Packages Related To: Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain National Park - ex Launceston Departing Launceston at 8:00am, we collect you from your city accommodation and set off on one of the Tasmania’s greatest wilderness journeys.We make stop along the way at Sheffield, Town of Murals, where you have the opportunity to pick up lunch and stroll the streets o...
From $110 AUD
3 Day Hobart to Devonport Adventure Tour Explore the west coast of Tasmania: lush forests, waterfalls, mountain ranges, lakes and national parks including Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair, a World Heritage area. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 – Hobart to StrahanOur journey begins as we traverse the island from east to west. Escaping Hobar...
From $430 AUD
Port Arthur, Freycinet & Cradle Mountain Day 1: Port Arthur Mega Day. Pick-up from your Hobart accommodation. This tour is jam packed with Tasmanian history and natural attractions. Spend quality time at the famous Port Arthur Historic Site, stroll the streets of Australia’s prettiest colonial village at Richmond, ...
From $520 AUD
6 Day Taste of Tasmania Adventure Tour Explore the contrasts of the west and east coasts of Tasmania. You will be surprised and delighted by the wild landscapes, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, beautiful beaches and colonial history. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 – Hobart to StrahanOur journey begins as we traverse the islan...
From $795 AUD
7 Day Top to Tail Adventure Tour Explore the contrasts of the West and East Coasts of Tasmania. You will be surprised and delighted by the wild landscapes, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, beautiful beaches and colonial history. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 – Devonport to BichenoWe make our way to the East Coast and th...
From $835 AUD
Raft Tasmania Adventure Tour - ex Hobart This ten day adventure takes you the full navigable length of the Franklin River, deep in the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area. Our journey includes a walk to the imposing Frenchmans Cap, the monarch of the south west, as well as rafting through one of Tasmanias most spectacula...
