Cradle Mountain Day Hike: 4–5 Hour Guided Walks

Four to five hours in a World Heritage wilderness, with the choice between a moderate circuit walk and a harder peak climb

A guided day hike from Launceston into Cradle Mountain National Park with a professional guide, small group of no more than 10 people, and National Park entry included. You choose between the Dove Lake Circuit (6 km, 2–3 hours, easy grade) or Marion's Lookout (4 km, harder grade with steep sections, 360-degree views from 1200 m). The tour includes short introductory walks to Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls, a lunch break by a quiet stream, a visit to Weindorfers Chalet, and stops to watch wombats and photograph the landscape. The day runs 11 hours total, with a stop at Sheffield (the town of murals) on the drive out and a refresh at Van Dieman's Land Ice Creamery on the return to Launceston around 6–6:30 pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cradle Mountain day tour from Launceston

• Depart Launceston to Sheffield
• Short stop in Sheffield town of 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

What’s included

• National Park entrance fees.
• professional guide and guided walks.
• small group of no more than 10 people.
• flexible hiking options to suit fitness and weather.
• lunch break by a quiet stream.
• visit to Weindorfers Chalet and the King Billy Pine forest walk.
• stops to watch wombats and photograph the landscape.
• refreshment stop at Van Dieman's Land Ice Creamery on the return drive.

Times

• Monday to Friday 07:30

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Before you book

Group Up to 10

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 2 with pickup ›

Book up to 8h before

Ages Adult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds No refund if you cancel. 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Tours Tasmania

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

The tour departs Launceston and heads toward the mountains, stopping first in Sheffield, a small rural village known for over 100 outdoor murals painted on buildings across town. These artworks depict the history of the Cradle Mountain region and set the tone for what's ahead. From there, the drive continues into the foothills and into Cradle Mountain National Park, a World Heritage listed area with iconic scenery and a wide choice of walking trails.

Once at the park, you start with two short, easy introductory walks (Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls), that introduce you to the landscape and its flora: buttongrass, myrtle, sassafras, and King Billy Pine. Then comes your main hike. You choose between two options. The Dove Lake Circuit is a 6 km walk, easy grade, usually taking 2–3 hours, that undulates around the lake and passes beneath Cradle Mountain itself: one of Tasmania's premier walks. If you want harder terrain and higher views, Marion's Lookout is a 4 km medium-grade hike with steep sections that climbs to 1200 m and delivers 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness. The guide keeps the itinerary flexible to suit the group and the weather on the day, so the choice can shift if conditions change.

Along the way, you stop for a lunch break by a quiet stream, watch the wombats that live in the area, and visit Weindorfers Chalet and the ancient King Billy Pines on Weindorfers Forest Walk. On the return to Launceston, the group stops to refresh at Van Dieman's Land Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm before arriving back around 6–6:30 pm. The guide provides interpretation throughout, and the tour stays on tracks and boardwalks to minimize impact on the environment.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between the Dove Lake Circuit and Marion's Lookout?

The Dove Lake Circuit is 6 km, easy grade, and takes 2–3 hours as it loops around the lake beneath Cradle Mountain. Marion's Lookout is 4 km, medium grade with steep sections, and climbs to 1200 m for 360-degree views of the World Heritage wilderness. You choose which one suits your fitness and what you want to see.

How long is the drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain?

The tour departs Launceston and stops first in Sheffield, then continues to Cradle Mountain National Park. The total tour runs 11 hours from departure to return around 6–6:30 pm, which includes the drive, the 4–5 hours of walking, and stops along the way.

Will I see wombats on this hike?

Yes, wombats live in the Cradle Mountain area and you'll have the chance to watch them in their natural habitat during the lunch break. The guide keeps viewing distances appropriate and teaches how to observe wildlife with patience and respect.

What's included in the tour price?

National Park entrance fees, guided walks with a professional guide, and small-group hiking with a maximum of 10 people are included. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them on the tour or bring your own.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age to participate is 8 years old. Children and all participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, as this is an active tour with hiking involved and a suitable level of general health and fitness is essential.

What should I bring on the hike?

Bring a day pack with water, snacks or lunch, and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour stays on established tracks and boardwalks, and you'll be walking for 4–5 hours in a mountain environment, so sturdy footwear is important.