3-Day Cradle Mountain Walking Expedition from Launceston

Explore the lakes, rainforests and waterfalls of the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. This three day trek will see you hiking through pine forest and alpine meadows, the highlight being an ascent of Cradle Mountain. This wilderness is one of the most spectacular in Tasmania, come and experience it today.

The beauty, the peace, the exhilaration - all the atmosphere of Cradle Mountain, a magnificent World Heritage area, is available on this excellent three day excursion. Carrying only a day pack, your days will be spent exploring the small lakes, waterfalls and rainforests of Cradle Valley.

Climb Cradle Mountain and wonder at the 360 degree panorama of Tasmania's highest mountains. As the last stage to the summit of Cradle Mountain is over rocky scree, and quite difficult, it is optional and weather dependant. Each night you will return to the simple but comfortable Waldheim Cabins within the National Park.

3-Day Cradle Mountain Trek includes 2 nights accommodation in cabins, Goretex rain jacket and waterproof overpants, sleeping bag with inner sheet, National Park fees, all meals, bus transfers and secure storage for excess luggage.

Day 1: Launceston / Cradle Mountain (L, D)
Meet at 8:30am for gear check and briefing. After a scenic drive to Cradle you spend the afternoon exploring the small lakes, waterfalls and rainforest of Cradle Valley. Visit the magnificent Ballroom Forest, a temperate forest of myrtle and pencil pine and walk beside the cool, silent waters of Lake Dove. The next two nights will be at simple but comfortable mountain cabins.

Walking: Half day

Overnight Accommodation: Black Jack cabins

Day 2: Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)
You walk toward the summit of Cradle Mountain via an ancient glacial cirque, now known as Crater Lake and return over Crater Peak and the Crater Plateau. The summit of Cradle Mountain is above 1500m, so the weather can be changeable as you walk across the button grass plains and alpine herb meadows. As you climb you can view the splendors of the rugged Tasmanian Highlands. The final leg over boulders to the summit is optional and quite challenging before returning to your cabin.

Walking: Full day (6-8 hours)

Overnight Accommodation: Black Jack cabins

Day 3: Cradle Mountain / Launceston (B, L)
After a leisurely morning there is time to inspect the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre and take a stroll on some of the short but very scenic walks near the Centre. Today is your day to relax and absorb the atmosphere of this magnificent World Heritage area. You arrive back in Launceston about 5:00pm.

Walking: Half day

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Meet at 8:30am at The Arthouse Hostel, 20 Lindsay Street, Launceston for a trip briefing and gear check.

Departure Time:

• 8:30am

Return Details:

Tour concludes at approximately 5:00pm in Launceston on Day 3

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Experienced Guide
• 2 nights cabin accommodation, share facilities
• Sleeping Bag
• Amenities-hot showers, toilets
• Use of sleeping bags, wet weather clothing and gaiters
• Meals as indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• National Park fees
• Transfers to and from Launceston
• Wet weather gear-windproof and waterproof rain jacket and overtrousers
• Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Exclusions:

• Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Information:

• Confirmation for this tour will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• The maximum group size is 10 passengers on this hike, with 1 guide for every 5 passengers.
• Trip Grading: Easy to Moderate Easy Walking - carrying only a day pack, 3 to 5 hours per day, some uphill, all on paths. Moderate Walking - carrying a backpack on some uphill terrain.
• Weather: The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. Weather conditions normally remain stable over much of the summer, but it is important to note that weather can change rapidly in Tasmania, particularly in the highlands and as such, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances may cause the content of the trip to be altered or delayed. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount at all times.
• Trip Prerequisites: Although the 3-Day Cradle Walk has easy bush walking and is suitable for first timers, it is suggested that you take regular light exercise in the weeks leading up to your expedition.
• Health and Fitness Requirements: The trip requires you to be in reasonably good health.
• Guides do have the ultimate say in whether or not a person is able to partake in an activity and if they feel that the person or other persons are put at risk, then they have the right to make alternative arrangements.
• Gear List - What to Bring: We suggest that you have certain equipment with you to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Below is a list of clothing and basic equipment, designed as a guide to help you with packing.
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Clothing

• 2 woollen/thermal shirts or pullovers
• 1 pair warm trousers e.g. track pants, not jeans
• 1 set of thermal underwear (thermal top is essential)
• 1 T-shirt or long sleeved cotton shirt
• 2 pair warm woolen socks
• 1 pair knee length gaiters (optional)
• 1 warm (wool or thermal) hat
• Sun hat
• Gloves or mittens (wool or thermal)
• Comfortable warm clothing to wear in the evening around the cabin
• Underwear
• Pyjamas (optional)
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Footwear

• Sturdy boots or joggers are required. Although most of the tracks you'll be walking on are easy, some require footwear with ankle support and a robust sole.
• Sandshoes to wear at night
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Other Equipment

• Daypack
• Sleeping Bag
• Lightweight torch (for animal spotting)
• Camera and film
• Towel and toiletries
• Sunscreen and insect repellant
• Water bottle (at least 750ml)
• Small pillow (optional)
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Top quality sleeping bags, backpacks and goretex jackets are available for hire at the start of your trip.

• Please advise if you have any medical conditions
• Please advise if you have any special dietary requirements
• Children aged 9 years and under are not permitted on this trip
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.