Cradle Mountain - Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain, the crowning feature of the vast Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, is probably the most famous feature of the World Heritage listed Tasmanian Wilderness. Yet despite its popularity it offers a real wilderness experience.

The park was formed by glacial forces thousands of years ago and is breath-takingly beautiful, with Jurassic alpine vegetation and some of the world's last remaining cool temperate rainforest. Lying 154 kilometres west of Launceston, it has Tasmania's highest peak and the Overland Track, amid beautiful waterfalls, lakes, rivers and unspoiled greenery. It is cherished for bushwalking, camping, climbing, picnicking, fishing, skiing and swimming for those who like that skin-tingling iciness! The very lucky may spot wildlife on their stay - sleek little Tasmanian devils, or possums.

Bushwalking is the favourite way to absorb the Tasmanian wilderness, and walks vary from easy and short to long and rigorous. The Dove Lake walk is a beautiful 90-minute walk on prepared paths. Popular walks between one hour and five hours long include Mount Campbell, Hanson's Peak, Twisted Lakes, Lake Rodway, Lake Lilla and the Ballroom Forest. A longer walk for the experienced is the six-day 80 kilometre Overland Track to Lake St Clair.

Bushwalking is not the only way to appreciate this unique landscape, you can camp or stay at a mountain lodge.The best time to visit the Park is between October and March.