Cradle Mountain’s perhaps the most visually recognisable natural monument in the great state of Tasmania, and it’s a must see for tourists visiting from the mainland.
The world heritage listed mountain is positioned towards the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and it’s well within striking range of a weekend mission from either Hobart or Launceston.
The park is sprawled 175km northeast of the Tasmanian capital and can be reached in around two and a half hours drive via the Lyell Highway. You’re looking at a similar length drive from Launceston via the Bass Highway.
While Cradle Mountain itself ain’t an outright 4WDing destination as such, it’s such a gorgeous spot that a visit should certainly be factored into any Tasmanian itinerary.
STUFF TO DO
HIKING is the chief reason for a visit to Cradle Mountain, visitors come from all over to mount the famous summit. The Overland Track is a 65km trekking route that traverses Cradle Mountain and passes through the guts of St Clair National Park.
You’re looking at somewhere around six days to complete the full Overland Track, so it is no undertaking for the out of shape. For more info on The Overland Track and the much shorter track directly to the mountain’s summit, head online to www.parks.tas.gov.au.
FISHING in Lake St Clair is popular with visitors keen to try their hand at catching a feed of tasty trout. Freshwater fishing licenses are required to fish all lakes and rivers in the area, and are obtainable from the general store. Private boats are not allowed on the lake, but landbased fishing is no problem.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: Cradle Mountain is 175km northeast of Hobart with via the Lyell Highway, it’s less than two hour’s drive from the capital.
CAMPING is allowed within the St Clair National Park at Cynthia Bay, for bookings and details email frontdesk@lakestclairlodge.com.au. Fires are only permitted in existing fireplaces and firewood must be carried in and not collected from within the park.
FUEL is available in Cradle Mountain village centre as well as in Sheffield and Devonport.
MORE INFO is available at www.parks.tas.gov.au
