Launceston to Cradle Mountain: Hiking Day Trip & Wildlife

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1/15

Duration11h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Walk ancient forests and lakes from Launceston to Cradle Mountain with a local guide

You’ll start in Launceston and wind through mural-filled Sheffield before spending hours hiking around Cradle Mountain’s ancient forests and lakes. With a local guide leading flexible walks (from gentle paths to tougher climbs), you might spot wombats or pause for lunch by a stream. End your day with ice cream and raspberries before heading back—muddy boots guaranteed.

11h

Step-by-step itinerary

Cradle Mountain day tour from Launceston

Depart Launceston to Sheffield
Short stop in Sheffield town murals
Arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park
Walk Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls
Choose main hike: Dove Lake Circuit or Marion’s Lookout
Lunch break and visit Weindorfer’s Chalet
Return stop at Van Dieman's Land Ice Creamery
Return to Launceston

The Experience

I still remember how quiet it was when we rolled into Sheffield that morning — you could almost hear the paint drying on those wild murals. Our guide, Dave, pointed out his favorite (a wombat in a bowler hat, no joke) and said something about how the whole town’s become an outdoor gallery. It felt like a weird but perfect little intro before heading up into the real wilderness. The clouds were hanging low over the hills, kind of like they were deciding if they’d let us see Cradle Mountain or not.

Once we got to the park, there was this earthy smell — wet leaves and cold stone. We started off easy, walking through Rainforest City and then Pencil Pine Falls. I kept stopping just to listen; there’s this sound of water trickling under roots that you don’t really notice until you’re right there. Dave shared a story about King Billy Pines being older than most countries, which made me laugh because he said it so matter-of-factly while swatting at a fly.

The main hike started at Dove Lake. Some folks went for the full Dove Lake circuit (I did too — my knees are still mad), while a couple braver souls tackled Marion’s Lookout for those big views. I didn’t expect to see so many colors — mossy greens, burnt orange leaves, silver bark twisting everywhere. We stopped for lunch by a stream where someone spotted a wombat munching away like he owned the place. Honestly, I think he did.

On the way back we swung by Weindorfer’s Chalet — old timber beams and that musty history smell — then finished with ice cream at Van Dieman’s Land and raspberry treats at Christmas Hills. It was one of those days where your boots are muddy but your head feels clear. I keep thinking about that silent moment looking across Dove Lake, clouds moving fast above us…

What’s included

Your day includes central Launceston pickup in a small group vehicle, all entry fees for Cradle Mountain, guided walks led by an experienced local guide who shares stories along the trails, plus stops at Sheffield’s murals and sweet treats at Van Dieman's Land Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm before returning in the evening.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Tours Tasmania