Cradle Mountain Day Trip from Launceston with Lunch & Sheffield

Summary

Launceston to Cradle Mountain day trip with lake walk, forest trails and art stop in Sheffield

You’ll start your day breathing in crisp Tasmanian air at Cradle Mountain—walk along Dove Lake’s edge, wander through ancient rainforest on Weindorfer’s trail, and share laughs with your local guide. Enjoy a fresh picnic lunch before exploring Sheffield’s colorful murals on your return to Launceston. The moments linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the minibus and the air just smells different? That’s how it started for us at Cradle Mountain—cold, sharp, kind of earthy. Our guide, Mark (he’s from Devonport), handed out bottled water and pointed toward Dove Lake. He said we’d have a couple hours here but honestly, time felt weird with that low cloud hanging over the peaks. I kept stopping to touch the moss on the rocks—so soft it almost didn’t feel real. There was this old boatshed by the water where we all took photos, but I liked just listening to the wind and watching a black currawong hop around looking for crumbs.

We did Weindorfer’s Rainforest Walk next. It’s short but I swear it feels like stepping into another world—everything green and dripping, roots twisting everywhere underfoot. Mark told us Gustav Weindorfer built Waldheim Chalet nearby because he wanted people to fall in love with this place too. Someone in our group tried reading out one of the German signs and totally mangled it; everyone laughed, including Mark. Lunch was a picnic pack—mine had chicken salad wrap and banana bread, which tasted better than expected after all that walking. If you’re gluten free or veggie they sort you out (I checked for my partner back home).

On the way back to Launceston we stopped in Sheffield. The murals are everywhere—on shops, walls, even an old phone booth. I got distracted by a painting of a platypus and almost lost track of our group (again). There was this faint smell of coffee drifting from a café but we didn’t have time to stop for one—not sure why I still remember that detail. Anyway, by the time we rolled back into town my boots were muddy and my head was full of mountain air. Still think about that view over Dove Lake sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cradle Mountain and Sheffield Murals Tour

• Depart from Launceston
• Brief comfort stop en route
• Explore Dove Lake area
• Visit Waldheim Chalet
• Walk Weindorfer's Rainforest Trail
• Explore Sheffield murals and township
• Return to Launceston

Top questions

How long is the Cradle Mountain day trip from Launceston?

The tour lasts approximately one full day, departing from Launceston in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this Cradle Mountain tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch pack is included with options for dietary requirements such as vegetarian or gluten free.

What sights do you see on this day trip?

You’ll visit Dove Lake (including Glacier Rock and Boatshed), Weindorfer's Rainforest Walk, Waldheim Chalet, and stop to see Sheffield’s murals.

Are there bathroom stops during the tour?

Yes, there is a brief comfort stop on the way to Cradle Mountain.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; guests are advised to dress appropriately with warm clothes and suitable footwear.

Are national park entry fees included?

Yes, national park fees are included in your booking.

Do I need to specify dietary requirements before booking?

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking so your lunch can be prepared accordingly.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Launceston by air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly local guide at the wheel; national park entry fees are covered; bottled water is provided throughout; plus a fresh picnic lunch pack tailored to your dietary needs before returning via Sheffield’s mural-lined streets.