Top Hiking Trails in Cradle Mountain National Park

Home to the famous Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in Tasmania offers some of Australia’s best hiking opportunities. From short day hikes through rain forests and alpine heaths to strenuous treks to the summit of Cradle Mountain, these are a few trails you shouldn’t miss.

Enchanted Nature Walk (easy)

This short 0.7-mile (1.1-kilometer) loop begins near the park entrance and circles through moorland and rain forest, past waterfalls and pools, before returning to the Cradle Mountain Lodge. Interpretive tunnels along the way appeal to kids. The relatively flat trail is suitable for all levels.

Dove Lake Circuit (easy to moderate)

One of the most popular walks in Tasmania, the Dove Lake Circuit circumnavigates Dove Lake beneath the shadow of Cradle Mountain. Much of the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) loop is on a boardwalk, and there’s only one short moderate hill to climb.

Marions Lookout (moderate)

There are a couple of ways to access the spectacular views from the top of Marions Lookout, each suitable for those with some bushwalking experience. The easier route passes Lake Lilla and Wombat Pool, while a more direct (and strenuous) path heads up the rough and steep terrain along the Marions Lookout Link Track. Both trails have some steep areas and take about three to four hours.

Cradle Mountain Summit (difficult)

Views in the park don’t get much better than from the top of Cradle Mountain, accessed via a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) 1-way trail involving nearly 2,000 feet (610 meters) of elevation change. This challenging hike takes around six hours.

Overland Track (multi-day)

Perhaps the park’s most famous hiking trail is the Overland Track, a 6-day, 40-mile (64-kilometer) trek through the national park from Ronny Creek to Cynthia Bay.