Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park Reviews

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park picture in Tasmania

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Key Info

Official Website

Details

Hiking, Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

4.8

Overall

Scorecard

Value

4.5
Facilities

4.5
Atmosphere

5.0

Read about how we rank Things to Do.

Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, this national park comprises two regions: Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. In the northern Cradle Mountain section, you'll find the bulk of the attraction's facilities, including a visitor center, a gift shop and multiple cabins. Cradle Mountain is also the starting point for the Overland Track, a 40-mile path that takes at least six days to complete. The southern Lake St Clair area, meanwhile, features Australia's deepest lake, plus hiking trails and picnic areas. Lake St Clair is also the ending point for the Overland Track.

Past visitors said Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park is "a definite must when visiting Tasmania." On top of jaw-dropping forest and mountain scenery, you may see wild critters like wombats, wallabies and platypuses while trekking the park's trails. If you plan on hiking the Overland Track between Oct. 1 and May 31 (peak walking season), remember to make reservations in advance. A trail fee of 160 to 200 Australian dollars (or $126.50 to $158) also applies during these months. The trail fee does not cover park entrance fees.

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park welcomes visitors 24 hours a day, but facilities like the visitor center and the rangers station are not open at night. The daily entrance fee for adults is AU$16.50 ($13), while each child between 5 and 17 is charged AU$8.25 ($6.50) per day. Family passes for two adults and three kids cost AU$41.25 (less than $33); children 4 and younger get in for free. On-site parking and the Cradle Shuttle Bus, which travels between Dove Lake and the visitor center, are both covered by admissions. You'll find the park's Cradle Mountain entrance about 48 miles southwest of Devonport; the Lake St Clair entrance is roughly 105 miles northwest of Hobart. To learn more, visit Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania's Cradle Mountain page and Lake St Clair page.

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#2 Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, this national park comprises two regions: Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. In the northern Cradle Mountain section, you'll find the ... Read more » Posnov / Getty Images

#3 Wellington Park Located approximately 13 miles west of Hobart, Wellington Park should be a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts staying in Hobart. This nature reserve is filled with picnic areas and forested gullies ... Read more » craighind / Getty Images

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#7 Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (Hobart) When you're in need of a low-key activity after spending multiple days trekking through Tasmania's national parks or along the Three Capes Track, spend an hour or two ... Read more » sasimoto / Getty Images

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