Cradle Mountain Day Trip: Guided Hiking and Alpine Walks

Hike alpine trails and Dove Lake in a single day without packing for overnight

A full-day guided hiking tour from Hobart to Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park, with up to five hours inside the park to walk trails, climb to high lookouts, circle Dove Lake or rest at the lodge. The 15-hour trip leaves at 6am and returns by 9pm, with National Park entry, transport, a live guide and stops in the villages of Ross and Deloraine included. You bring a day pack and choose your own hiking pace once you arrive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Cradle Mountain5h · entry included
2. River Derwentpass by

Full day trip to Cradle Mountain

• Depart Hobart at 6am
• Stop in Ross village for a stroll
• Morning comfort stop at a pretty town
• Breakfast at Mumma Buzz cafe in Deloraine
• Arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park
• Explore Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake
• Hike trails and visit Interpretation Centre
• Spot wombats near hike finish
• Depart Cradle Mountain for return trip
• Dinner at Empire Hotel
• Return to Hobart by 9pm

The experience

You leave Hobart at 6am in an air-conditioned vehicle with a small group and a guide trained in first aid. The drive crosses the Derwent River and winds through farmland, forest and mountain country: a route that shows more of Tasmania in one day than most visitors see in a week. A 15–20 minute comfort stop in Ross, one of the island's prettiest towns, gives you time to stretch and browse the gift shops. The Village Bakery is there if you want coffee or a pie to carry forward.

Breakfast happens at Mumma Buzz cafe in Deloraine around 9am. You order and pay for what you want. After that, the road climbs toward the National Park. Once you arrive at Cradle Mountain, you have up to five hours to move at your own pace. The guide is there if you want commentary or company, but the trails are yours to choose: moderate hikes around Dove Lake, a difficult climb to high lookouts, a visit to the Interpretation Centre, or simply sitting by the fire at Cradle Mountain Lodge and watching the alpine landscape. Wombats often appear near the parking area. The Visitors Centre has a cafe if you want lunch. Cradle Mountain Lodge serves pizzas.

The return drive to Hobart includes dinner at Empire Hotel, a restaurant that has served travelers and locals for over 150 years: again, you order and pay separately. You cross the Derwent River again in the evening, and the vehicle pulls back into Hobart around 9pm. The tour includes sunscreen, multiple phone charging points on the bus (bring your own cable), and a guide with communication backup in case of emergency.

What’s included

• National Park entry.
• air-conditioned transport with multiple phone charging points (bring your own cable).
• a live English-speaking guide trained in first aid with communication backup.
• sunscreen.
• breakfast at Mumma Buzz cafe in Deloraine and dinner at Empire Hotel on the return (you order and pay at both).
• lunch options at the Visitors Centre cafe or Cradle Mountain Lodge, or bring your own.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and SundayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by The Derwent Experience

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full-day drive-and-hike loop from Hobart with an English-speaking guide. The 15-hour commitment and up to five hours of hiking suit moderate fitness levels aiming for alpine trails and Dove Lake in one push.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much hiking is actually involved in this Cradle Mountain day trip?

You spend up to five hours inside the National Park and choose your own trails. Moderate hikes circle Dove Lake. Difficult routes climb to high lookouts. You can also visit the Interpretation Centre or rest at the lodge instead. The pace is entirely yours once you arrive.

What's the drive like from Hobart to Cradle Mountain?

The route is roughly 2 hours each way through Tasmania's farmland, forest and mountains, with stops in the villages of Ross and Deloraine. You see river crossings, charming towns and changing landscape: the operator describes it as showing more of the island in one day than most visitors see in a week.

Do I need to bring my own lunch and water?

You bring a day pack and choose how to eat. Breakfast is at Mumma Buzz cafe in Deloraine (you pay there). Lunch options at Cradle Mountain include the Visitors Centre cafe or pizzas at Cradle Mountain Lodge. You can also bring your own lunch, water bottle and thermos if you prefer.

What time do we leave Hobart and when do we get back?

Departure is 6am and return is around 9pm. A 15-hour day that includes the full drive, five hours in the National Park, and meal stops in Deloraine and on the return leg.

Is there a guide with the group the whole time?

Yes, a live English-speaking guide travels with the small group and is trained in first aid with communication backup. Once inside the National Park, you can hike independently or walk with the guide. The choice is yours.