6 Day Cradle Mountain Walking Tour
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
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✓ Three nights 3-star cabin-style accommodation (twin share) in Cradle Mountain village at Discovery Holiday Park in two bedroom cottages
✓ 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Launceston
✓ All transport and guiding from days 2 to days 5
✓ 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Amazing walks including parts of the Overland Track, Dove Lake, Hanson’s Peak and Twisted Lakes
✓ Small group of 10 or less
✓ Guided walks with experienced guides
✓ Return group transfer from Launceston to Cradle Mountain
✓ All national park entry fees
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Launceston!
Make your way to your accommodation. You can arrive at any time as there are no organized activities. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
The trip departs out of Launceston at 8am from the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Our initial drive takes us into the Mersey River valley, and along the base of the Great Western Tiers - before we stop after an hour or so for a morning tea break. From here it’s only another 1.5 hours before we arrive at Cradle Mountain village.
We will stop at the main visitor centre to pick up our passes, then have lunch on the edge of the park before heading out on our main walk for the day – the Cradle Valley Boardwalk. This easy walk takes us along the course of the Dove River and features a vast assortment of native flora. In early summer the endemic Tasmanian Waratah flowers are particularly magnificent.
Once at Ronny Creek, we go searching for wombats across the buttongrass plains before looping around to the historic Waldheim Chalet – originally built by the parks founding pioneer Gustav Weindorfer, and the site of Cradle Mountains first tourism venture. Here we enjoy a short walk through an ancient forest of myrtle beech and king billy pine, before meeting back up with the bus for afternoon tea. Here your guides will be able to point out some of the parks notable landmarks, and discuss our route options for the next few days.
In the afternoon, if energy and time permits – we will head back to near the entrance of the park and take part in a series of short walks that showcase old-growth rainforest, waterfalls, and more mature stands of king billy pine.
Then it’s off to our accommodation to get ourselves checked in and comfortable before pre-dinner antipasto.
Tonight’s dinner is a lovely 2 course meal prepared by your guides.
Walking Distance: 9kms, 4 hours approx
Track grading: 2
Today’s walk takes in some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in all of Australia. It involves a circuit hike to the base of Cradle Mountain – taking in Marions Lookout, Kitchen Hut and returning via the Horse Track.
After breakfast and lunch making, we jump aboard the bus and venture back to Waldheim. From here we follow the world-famous Overland Track across buttongrass plains and forest, steadily climbing to the glacially formed Crater Lake. This lake features an old boat shed, and during autumn is one of the best locations in the state to see the changing foliage colour of the deciduous beech (or fagus) – Australia’s only seasonally deciduous native.
Our ascent becomes steeper, and the views become grander – as Dove Lake comes into view far below. Along the way there is a short section of track where a chain is used to assist walkers progress. In fine weather, the views from Marions Lookout are magnificent and far reaching – with Cradle Mountain itself dominating the panorama.
The tracks gradient eases as we continue across the alpine landscape to Kitchen Hut – our intended lunch and turn around point. This hut provides a welcome relief for walkers caught out in adverse weather – which in Tassie seems to be possible at any given time! Good quality warm, wet weather gear for the alpine zone is a must.
After lunch - we wave goodbye to the towering dolerite cliff lines of Cradle Mountain, and return via the Horse Track. This unique aspect affords us views deep into some of the even more remote areas of the park, and is often less frequented than other tracks. There is an excellent rocky outcrop which gives an elevated view straight down to Crater Lake far below. From here we descend back to Ronny Creek.
This is a long and challenging day - with world class natural scenery, however easier options are available. Please feel free to discuss these options with your guides.
Once back at the bus - it’s back to our accommodation for pre-dinner antipasto.
Tonight’s dinner is a fabulous 2 course meal prepared by your guides.
Walking Distance: 10kms, 6-7 hours approx
Track grading: 4
After breakfast and lunch making, we depart for another scenic walk – this time taking in the parks eastern highlights.
Starting from Dove Lake we will take the Lake Rodway track up and over Hansons Peak – which provides us with a completely different view of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding lakes. The climb to the top of the peak is at times steep and uneven underfoot, and a chain is provided on nearing the summit to assist walkers.
Once over the other side, we pick up our return route via the Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson – remnants of glacial scouring from previous ice ages. These pools are very tranquil and are encompassed by endemic pencil pines and fagus. This section is normally very peaceful, a bit of a hidden gem, and we will find ourselves a nice rocky outcrop for lunch whilst we soak up the views.
If energy and time permits – an hour and a half extension can be made to visit the eastern face of Cradle Mountain, and the reflective waters of Artists Pool.
We loop back to the Lake Rodway Track completing the circuit, and reverse our inward journey – returning to Dove Lake to meet the bus.
Again, this is a challenging day with lots of variation in elevation, and at times can be quite rough and wet underfoot. Easier options are available – so please feel free to discuss these options with your guides.
Tonight, we enjoy a delicious dinner.
Walking Distance: 10kms, 5-6 hours approx
Track grading: 4
This morning is our last at Cradle Mountain. After breakfast and lunch making, we pack-up the trailer head out for our final walk - the Dove Lake Circuit. This is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks and a must-do for anyone visiting the park.
This 6km loop is a lovely way to wind down from your adventure – as it is mostly flat and even underfoot with only a couple of short hills. It allows you to fully focus on the looming backdrop of Cradle Mountain high above and the numerous waterfalls which cascade down towards the lake from the surrounding slopes.
We visit the much-photographed boatshed on the shores of the lake, and encounter more local species of rainforest plant that only grow in the wettest of conditions – including native plum, sassafras and the aptly named “horizontal.” One section through the “Ballroom Forest” is particularly magical. Part way around, the Honeymoon Islands provide a focal point for visiting kayakers – and for those of us game, a couple of white sandy beaches make top spots for an icy alpine swim! For the saner amongst us, they also provide a nice place for a snack and a rest.
We finish our loop atop the impressive formation of Glacier Rock, which provides us with a final vista across the landscapes we have explored for the past four days.
After lunch, we jump back on the bus and start our return journey back to Launceston. En-route we will stop by in the lovely little town of Sheffield – where we should have ample time for a break and a wander around the muralled streets.
Walking Distance: 6kms, 3 hours approx
Track grading: 2
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Standard check out is by 10.00am. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time.
Contact us if you wish to extend your stay in Launceston as we can assist you arrange additional accommodation and the below optional activities at the time of booking.
Enjoy an intimate day in the heart of the Tamar Valley. With an impressive 234 vineyards across the state, Tasmania's reputation for fine wine is growing with grapes producing the highest value per tonne in Australia - visit up to six Tamar Valley vineyard cellar doors offering an outstanding range of Tasmanian cool climate wines and meet the people passionate about the wines they produce along with a wonderful lunch. This tour departs from 09.30am and returns to Launceston by 05.30pm. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.
A day of contrasts on this Tasmania day tour while visiting the magnificent craggy alpine peaks of Ben Lomond National Park before moving on to the Relbia wineries, visiting Sharmans and Josef Chromy Vineyards
Ben Lomond National Park
The spectacular Ben Lomond plateau is the largest alpine plateau in Tasmania, and is a mountain environment with extensive and dramatic dolerite cliffs and columns. Its scree slopes, swirling mists and frost-stunted forests are reminiscent of a Tolkien landscape. In departing Launceston or Scottsdale, we travel diverse landscapes before arriving at the Base of Ben Lomond. In making the climb we drive up Jacobs Ladder, a series of hairpin bends to marvel at the breathtaking view from the platform at the top. The Ben Lomond plateau has 8 of the 20 highest peaks in Tasmania and it has the highest drivable point in Tasmania where Bennett’s wallaby and wombats may be seen in daylight hours.
Sharmans Wines. Situated in Relbia, and produces a range of luxurious award-winning Tasmanian Wines. At Sharmans Wines, what’s in the soil is in the vine, what’s in the vine is in the grape, what’s in the grape is in the wine….and what’s in the wine is in your heart. Whites, reds & sparkling wine on offer.
Josef Chromy Wines & Lunch. A stunning location to experience superb Tasmanian wines and fine cuisine made with fresh local produce. The Josef Chromy Vineyard Restaurant provides a truly unique location for you to experience sensational views that overlook the picturesque lake and vineyard. Listed as one of the Top 10 Cellar Doors of Australia, Josef Chromy is the perfect venue for a memorable and relaxed Tasmanian food and wine experience.
This tour departs at 09.30am and returns to Launceston by 04.00pm. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.
The Pipers River region in north east Tasmania is the premier wine-producing country in Tasmania, but wine isn’t all that the region has to offer. The diverse landscapes compliment visits to the vineyard cellar doors, perfect for a day out.
The Region
The Pipers River and nearby Pipers Brook rural areas are renowned as one of the best and most famous wine-growing districts and remains an important viticulture region of Tasmania in terms of quality and output. It produces about 30% of Tasmania’s wine. With a climate close to that of Champagne in France, this region is known simply as ‘Sparkling Tasmania’. Many of Tasmania’s premium sparkling wines originate here. It is particularly suited to the aromatic white varieties.
This tour includes wine tasting at each of the following cellar doors: Clover Hill, Jansz Tasmania and Delamere Vineyard. It also includes wine tasting, tasting platter and pizza at Bay of Fires Vineyard. Starting time is at 09.30am and you can expect to return to Launceston by 03.00pm. Hotel pick up & drop offs are included.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
We spend three nights at Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park in comfortable two-bedroom cabin style accommodation - surrounded by native bush. The cabins contain shared bathroom facilities, and each of the bedrooms has its own double bed. There is a small lounge area with kitchenette, cosy gas log heating and an outdoor sitting area. Your guides will stay nearby - and their cabin will be used for breakfasts, lunch making and dinners.
If you pre-book a single supplement, you will have your own room in a two-bedroom cabin. You may be sharing the cabin (and bathroom) with one or two other guests.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is available on this tour at a cost of $150
Triple Share
Not Available
Meals
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Maximum of 10 people.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Most healthy adult can participate in this tour. If you can walk upwards of 15 kilometres or more in a day, carrying a lightweight day pack, you will find our tours totally achievable.
While we typically walk on well forged walking tracks, the quality and degree of difficulty can vary greatly. You may find some tracks rocky and lumpy underfoot, soft and sandy, or muddy and slippery.
Sometimes there is the need to negotiate obstacles such as fallen trees, sections of scree or steep steps.
Ensure you come along with, not only the right footwear, rain gear and clothing, but also the right frame of mind!
What to bring
Please bring your gear in a soft bag rather than hard suitcase to help guides pack the trailer.
Day pack. Here is a list of what you normally wear and need carry in your day pack during walking days. A 20 litre capacity bag is generally sufficient to carry these items:
Main bag. Your main bag stays at Discovery Park for the duration of the trip. You only carry your light day pack while walking.
Each walking day within the itinerary has been graded from 1 to 5. This grading system is intended as a guided only and to help you assess your siutability for that walking day.
Track grading 1: No bush walking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.
Track grading 2: No bush walking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km.
Track grading 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bush walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.
Track grading 4: Bush walking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Track grading 5: Very experienced bush walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.
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