Summiting Cradle Mountain was at the top of my Tasmania bucket list.
I was one of the first people to arrive at the park, and I couldn’t wait to get on the trail.
Fast forward 8 hours, and I had pushed my body to its limits. Every part of me was aching!
Was it worth it? Absolutely!
But the Cradle Mountain summit hike is not for the faint-hearted. The trails are rough and steep, and the uphill sections will take their toll on your knees.
Read on as I take you along the hike to the Cradle Mountain Summit, with tips for avoiding the crowds, the best viewpoints, and more!
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Cradle Mountain Summit Hike difficulty
I won’t lie – the hike to Cradle Mountain’s summit is tough!
The final stretch (from Kitchen Hut to the summit and back) is brutal. This part alone involves 2 to 3 hours of intense climbing. You’ll be hauling yourself over massive boulders and scrambling on all fours for most of the way.
I consider myself relatively fit and athletic, and I enjoyed the thrill of the summit section.
But I did find it difficult and demanding on my legs (and arms).
Overall, it’s a challenging 11 km hike that will takes about 8 hours to complete.
Best route for hiking Cradle Mountain
I started at Dove Lake Car Park and went in a clockwise direction to Hansons Peak before reaching the Cradle Mountain Summit.
From there, I headed back down via Marions Lookout and the Dove Lake Boatshed.
This is the best route and I suggest you follow it too.
Here are all the details and exactly what to expect!
Cradle Mountain Hike map
Start | Dove Lake Car Park
The starting point for this Cradle Mountain summit walk is the car park closest to Dove Lake.
Famous for the rustic boatshed nestled alongside the water’s edge, Dove Lake is arguably the most famous place to visit in Cradle Mountain.
Pro tip | There is also a walking trail starting from Ronny Creek car park that leads to Dove Lake. If you’re looking for a longer walk and different landscapes, there is the option to start your hike from there. But this will add an extra hour or two to your total time. And with a tough summit ahead of you, I recommend that you start at Dove Lake instead.
Dove Lake to Hansons Peak
After registering your name in the logbook, you’ll be on your way.
The first stretch (about 300m) is busy, but you’ll soon veer left toward Hansons Peak as most people head right to the Dove Lake Boatshed.
The well-marked trail passes scenic viewpoints like Glacier Rock before reaching a junction — take the left path uphill toward Hansons Peak.
Climbing up to Hanson’s Peak
As you get closer to Hanson’s Peak, the trail becomes steeper, and you’ll need to scramble up a few sections with the help of a chain.
While this part is quite challenging, it’s not nearly as difficult as the lady at the Visitor Centre said it would be!
Twisted Lakes and Hansons Peak
From there, it’s just views, views, and more views as you pass Twisted Lakes.
The sights here were some of the best throughout the walk.
So, take them in, and do not skip this part when you climb Cradle Mountain!
Hansons Peak to Kitchen Hut
After leaving Hansons Peak, you’ll reach Rangers Hut. This is the junction at which the Face Track meets with the Lake Rodway track.
Follow the Face Track toward Kitchen Hut.
This section is rugged and untouched, with loose rocks and a bit of uphill climbing.
You’re still on the uncrowded route, so you’ll have a relatively quiet trail with lots of photo opportunities.
When you get to Kitchen Hut, it will be a different story! This is where all the trails to the summit of Cradle Mountain converge, and so it can get quite busy from here.
Kitchen Hut to Cradle Mountain Summit
Standing at the base of the Cradle Mountain summit, the final stretch may look relatively easy.
But it’s not!
Everything was “easy” up until this point.
Allow for a total of 3 hours to get from Kitchen Hut to the summit and back (which will include about 30 minutes for a break at the top).
Honestly, I thought it would take us quicker, but it didn’t.
While this final section isn’t clearly marked, there are snow poles dotted along the track, so keep an eye out for those.
In bad conditions, it can be quite difficult to navigate over the boulders. If you can’t see far ahead of you, I strongly advise you to turn around.
climbing and scrambling
The climb to Cradle Mountain’s summit starts with a gentle incline but quickly turns steep and technical.
You’ll face constant scrambling over huge boulders and several false peaks — each one revealing another ahead.
If you feel uneasy or unsafe, it’s best to turn back, as the terrain only gets harder.
Expect about an hour of tough climbing to the summit, with an equally challenging descent.
Top tip | If this challenging summit walk isn’t for you, check out these awesome Cradle Mountain walks that aren’t as hectic.
Summiting Cradle Mountain
Standing tall at 1 454 m, the summit of Cradle Mountain offers unspoiled panoramic views of charming lakes, rolling hills, and jagged peaks in the distance.
Give yourself about 30 minutes to enjoy the scenery, have a snack, and then head back down.
Cradle Mountain Summit to Kitchen Hut
Now it’s time to get back down those massive boulders you scaled up to the summit.
This part can be dangerous, so take it slow.
I literally slid down the rocks, trying to find my footing, and my arms were aching by the end of it.
Kitchen Hut to Marions Lookout
Phew – the hard part’s done, and it’s all downhill from here!
You’ll likely encounter more tourists on the return to Dove Lake via Marions Lookout, as it’s a popular route.
Before reaching Marion’s Lookout, you’ll find Crater Lakes to your left. They’re worth a quick visit before continuing to Marions Lookout.
After the spectacular views from Hansons Peak and Cradle Mountain summit, Marions Lookout didn’t quite compare.
After 7 hours of hiking, I was tired and sore and ready to head home for a well-deserved beer!
Take a few moments to enjoy the views – the end is in sight.
Marions Lookout to Dove Lake Boatshed
The final stretch of the Cradle Mountain summit hike depends on how much energy you’ve got left — we had none!
With our eyes on the prize (er, beer, and pizza), we wanted the quickest trail down to Dove Lake.
We opted for the Marions Lookout Link Track to the Dove Lake Boatshed.
While it’s the fastest way down, it’s also extremely tough on your already fragile legs, as it’s super steep.
Alternatively, you can take the longer but gentler Wombat Pools and Lake Lilla Tracks, which also lead back to the Dove Lake Boatshed.
Dove Lake Boatshed | The end of the Cradle Mountain summit hike
You made it!
As you turn the final corner leading to the boatshed, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of a photoshoot.
Tourists line the small sandy patch, snapping away at the iconic boatshed with Cradle Mountain peak as the backdrop.
Take off your shoes and step into the freezing cold water – your feet will love you for this! Or, if you’re like Gary, just take a swim instead.
You may want to pack an extra set of shorts if you plan on swimming.
From here, it’s a short 10-minute walk back to the Dove Lake car park, where you’ll meet the shuttle bus.
Remember to sign out at the register before leaving.
READ MORE: PERFECT BLUE MOUNTAINS ITINERARY
Logistics for Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain Entrance Fees
To enter the Cradle Mountain National Park, you’ll need to purchase a pass from the Visitors Centre.
At the time of writing (October 2025), you’ll need an Icon Daily Pass, which costs $30 AUD and includes the shuttle. Find out more here.
Shuttle Service
Departing from the Visitor Centre to Dove Lake, the Cradle Mountain shuttle also stops at the Rangers Station (close to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge) and Ronny’s Creek (start of the Overland Track).
The 15-minute bus ride is often busy in the mornings, but there are several shuttles, so they do accommodate everyone.
The times for the shuttle vary. But generally, they operate from 08:00 am – 6:00 pm in summer (1 October to 31 March) and 09:00 am – 5:00 pm in winter (1 April – 31 September).
If you miss the last bus, you will need to walk 15 km back to the Visitor Centre.
Driving into the park
There is the option to drive your car into Cradle Mountain National Park. But this is only allowed outside of the shuttle operating hours, meaning you need to arrive before 8 am.
Bear in mind that when you return, you’ll need to follow one of the shuttle buses back to the Visitors Centre.
In my opinion, it’s a lot easier to take the shuttle bus instead.
What to Pack for Cradle Mountain Summit Walk
Don’t underestimate what you’ll need to pack if you’re planning on summiting Cradle Mountain.
The national park is notorious for bad weather, and you need to be prepared.
- Hiking pants: I love hiking in Yoga pants, but you may prefer shorts.
- Hiking boots: Normal trainers are also fine, but hiking boots are preferable.
- Thick socks: Your feet will thank you later.
- Hiking top: As the sun rises, it gets hot up there, so wear a short-sleeved top to hike in.
- Long-sleeve hiking top: I always pack this in for an extra layer of warmth.
- Waterproof jacket. I didn’t use this on my Cradle Mountain summit walk, but I packed it in just in case.
- Beanie and gloves: If you’re hiking in winter, make sure you have these.
- Head torch: Starting before sunrise? You’ll need a light.
- Backpack: Bring a day pack that’s big enough to fit your water bottles, personal items, and snacks.
- Food: Snacks and lunch.
- Water: 2-3 liters of water.
- Suncare: Sunglasses, hat, suncream.
Best time to summit Cradle Mountain
You’re lucky if you have perfect weather conditions when climbing Cradle Mountain.
Yes, I consider myself incredibly lucky!
We hiked over the Easter weekend in April and couldn’t have asked for better weather.
The week after, however, was a different story. Temperatures were nearing zero degrees, and snow was forecast in Tasmania!
From May to September, it can be freezing cold, and snow is common during this time.
March is the driest month, so if you plan your trip for then, you’ll have the highest chance of clear skies.
How to get to Cradle Mountain
The Cradle Mountain summit is found northwest of Tasmania, in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Launceston is only 2 hours away, and Hobart is 4 hours.
If you’re driving from Hobart, be sure to take the A5 scenic route to Cradle Mountain.
Where to stay
I stayed at a gorgeous cabin in the woods near Cradle Mountain. Unfortunately, the property has since closed down.
Cradle Mountain Highlanders was also on my radar when I was looking for accommodation. Their cute cabins are surrounded by nature, and each one comes fitted with a cozy indoor fireplace. You can check the reviews here.
If you want to be close to all the action, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge offers superb luxury cabins just a stone’s throw away from the Cradle Mountain summit. It’s pricey, but so worth it if you have the budget. You can read reviews here.
Top tip: Looking for the best places to stay in Cradle Mountain? Take a look at these amazing hotels and cabins just a short drive from Cradle Mountain National Park.
READ MORE: 27+ BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS
Cradle Mountain Summit Review
Summiting Cradle Mountain was the highlight of my trip to Tasmania.
It’s a tough and grueling climb, but 100% worth it if you’re looking for a challenge. While there are various walks to the top, I highly recommend the circuit track that I’ve detailed in this post.
Are you planning on conquering the Cradle Mountain summit? Do you have any questions about the walk or visiting Tasmania? Let me know in the comment section below!
Looking for your next adventure? Check out my other posts!
Hi Carryn, I am just after some info on walking the summit of cradle Mt. My hubby & I are in our 60’s but are reasonably fit however unfortunately not quite as flexible as we used to be. Which track would you suggest we take, we are up for a challenge but will be walking in mid April so hopefully daylight hours won’t be against us. The hardest trek we have done was Kokoda Track in 2019, (that was pretty tough). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Kerie, I recommend going for the summit climb, starting at 8am. The route (which I’ve detailed below) passes some of the best trails and viewpoints so I rate you go for it. If the summit climb gets too intense, you can always turn back and continue along the track around Dove Lake.
Start at the Dove Lake car park then go left to Hansons Peak. From there you’ll go right to get to the path leading to the summit. If you choose to skip it (because of time or difficulty), you continue right to Marions Lookout and then down to Dove Lake.
Enjoy!
Hi CARRYN,
My wife and I are in the early 60s, we consider ourselves fit and enjoy hikes and walks in other countries. After reading your article…I feel my wife will not find the summit climb enjoyable although I would like to some day give it a go. I we minus that from the route you did…how long should we allocate time for it.? We are going in Jan 9th , is that busy busy with crowds…can we enter the park at 6pm and rush for that limited car park?…if we do this will we miss the BOATSHED and the lake dip?
Hi RJ,
Thanks for your comment. To confirm, you mean to start your hike at 6 am (not 6 pm). If so, I recommend you follow this route if you’d prefer to skip the Cradle Mountain summit section: Dove Lake Car Park – Hansons Peak – Marions Lookout – Dove Lake Boatshed. This is a beautiful walk and should take you about 5 hours to complete.
It shouldn’t be too busy on the 9th as it’s a weekday. Dove Lake Boatshed is always a popular spot but the other sections of the walk are a lot quieter and peaceful.
Have fun!
Carryn