Cradle Mountain National Park Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is in Tasmania, an island state located 149 miles off the south coast of mainland Australia. The easiest way to get there is via Hobart or Launceston. You can fly direct to Hobart and Launceston from most major cities in Australia.

As public transport is limited in Tasmania, you'll then need to drive or join a tour to Cradle Mountain. The drive takes 4.5 hours from Hobart or 2 hours from Launceston.

Cradle Mountain National Park has a free shuttle bus that operates daily throughout the year.

To obtain a shuttle bus ticket, simply show your valid National Parks Pass to Parks and Wildlife Service staff in the visitor center.

Private vehicles aren't permitted between the visitor center and Dove Lake/Ro​nny Creek (along Dove Lake Road) when the shuttle bus operates.

Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons; however, it's not uncommon to experience four seasons on any given day! It has even been known to snow in summer.

Late spring to early fall (November to March) is considered the best time to go hiking as the weather is drier, temperatures are warmer and flora flourishes.

Late spring is a great time to see wildflowers and animals as they become more active, while fall brings stunning orangy-red colors.

Winter is the best time to snuggle up in front of a fire and enjoy cozy Tasmanian nights.

Pretty much everything. Bring clothes you can layer, plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, sunscreen, a hat and a beanie. And don't be surprised if you end up wearing all these things on the same day! If you plan on hiking or doing gentle walking, waterproof attire is essential. Weather conditions can change in an instant and hikers have been tragically caught out in the past.

If you're going hiking, dress for the current conditions and pack additional attire in case the weather turns. If you're hanging out at your hotel or going somewhere to enjoy a meal, dress for comfort rather than fashion. Cradle Mountain is a place for lovers of the great outdoors.

In short, pretty much non-existent when you're exploring the park. Some hotels and guesthouses provide wi-fi access but the signal can be patchy if heavy weather moves in.

There's virtually no cell phone signal at Cradle Mountain aside from a weak Telstra signal here and there. If you're hiking the Overland Track, get ready to fully disconnect.

You'll likely have no signal throughout the trip. You might pick up a few bars if you climb to the summit of Mt Ossa, but even then it's not guaranteed.

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.