7 Day Cradle Mountain Walk & Indulge
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.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Four day guided & pack free walking tour of Cradle Mountain
✓ Amazing walks including parts of the Overland Track, Dove Lake, Hanson’s Peak and Twisted Lakes
✓ Full day guide tour of Tasman Valley
✓ Three nights’ accommodation at Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park in two bedroom cottages
✓ Three nights at 4* accommodation in Launceston
✓ 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Small group of 10 or less
✓ 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 organised activities.
Arrival & Check in information
The best way to travel from Launceston airport to your hotel is by Uber or Taxi. A ride will cost you between $35-$45.
Check in time at your hotel is at 3pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and gear up to the start of your walking tour. At 8am you and your fellow travellers will be picked up 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 park's founding pioneer Gustav Weindorfer, and the site of Cradle Mountain's 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
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 track's 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
After breakfast and lunch making, we depart for another scenic walk – this time taking in the park's 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
This morning is our last at Cradle Mountain. After breakfast and lunch making, we pack-up the trailer and 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
Today you will be picked up from your hotel before taking a short drive up the West Tamar River to meet to visit Tamar Valley Truffles. Uncover the mystery behind the all elusive truffle and learn about this highly prized culinary delight. Where do they grow? How are they found? All will be answered on an exclusive private tour of the family run property with Marcus, the dedicated manager of the truffiere.
The next chapter of our itinerary is wine, with the picturesque Tamar Valley having no shortage of stellar vineyards to choose from. The riverbanks are scattered with quality wineries that produce some of Tasmania’s most famed drops. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sparkling wines are just a few varieties that have highlighted the Tamar Valley as one of Australia’s best wine growing regions. Today we will enjoy intimate tastings at family run wineries to uncover the stories of being a winemaker in one of Tasmania’s most stunning regions.
Our first stop is Swinging Gate where Doug, Corrie and their friendly four legged assistant Nellie will share their wonderful range of wines at their gorgeous cellar door.
A special experience is just a short drive away, where we will visit historic Waterton Hall. On a 45 minute progressive history and tasting tour, stroll through the vineyard and grounds of their stunning 1850’s built property on the banks of the Tamar River. While sampling their award winning wines with matched snacks at different picturesque locations, you’ll learn of the captivating convict history of the property and the people that called it home before.
Please note this activity requires a minimum of 4 travellers to operate. In the event that it doesn’t meet minimum numbers you will be refunded the cost of this activity.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out & departure information
Hotel 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 Launceston or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. An Uber or taxi ride to Launceston airport will cost between $35 to $45
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 your accommodation. You only carry your light day pack while walking.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
Pre and Post accommodation is subject to availability and pricing may differ based on your season of travel.
Please note: If your travel dates fall between 1st and 6th of February, 2022, these rates will change to be from $250 per night and will be re-confirmed with you upon confirmation
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
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 tour is 'Active';
Whether it’s an Everest trek or a cycling tour through Europe, these tours are all about the great outdoors. Explore destinations away from the masses. You’ll require a good level of fitness, but they are not technically challenging. At the end of an active day, you can expect to rest in comfort and explore the culinary delicacies of each region. You’ll join an existing tour, not just with Inspiring Vacations guests
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,227 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not Available
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.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Max 10 for the hiking portion of this trip.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is a Fully Escorted style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
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