Explore The Wonders of This Iconic Tasmanian Destination

This amazing part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is made up of 161,000 hectares of spectacular wild beauty. Cradle Mountain marks the northern end of this national park that is famous for awe-inspiring craggy mountains, deep valleys, heathlands, button grass moors and ancient forests.

The park was listed as part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1982 because of its globally significant natural, cultural and historic values and its unique pristine wilderness. Specifically, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is home to:

• Australia’s deepest glacial lake, Lake St Clair, which is fringed by forests, mountains and walking trails
• Australia’s only deciduous tree, the fagus (Nothofagus gunnii) which turns the hillsides to burnished red and gold from late April to May 
• Australia’s deepest gorge, Fury Gorge 
• Tasmania’s tallest mountain (Mt Ossa; 1617m), which rises from the plains at the centre of the park.

Truly spectacular and like nowhere else, this national park always has something new for you to discover.

Please remember that you will require a Tasmanian national parks pass to enter the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park; these are available through reception at Cradle Mountain Hotel or at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.

Whether you are feeling bold and adventurous and want to experience hiking Cradle Mountain, or simply want to slowly take in the attractions of the local wildlife, we can help.

If you prefer to go it alone, there are many walking tracks to explore. Grab a pack and a picnic, or simply take a leisurely walk in the beautiful wilderness before returning to the warmth of an open fire.

Guided activities and tours are also available for the adventure seeker or more casual explorer:

• Devils@Cradle: don’t miss your opportunity for a close encounter with the iconic Tasmanian devil, in our day or night tours.
• Cradle Mountain Canyons: amazing exploration of the upper reach of the Dove River, including quartzite gorges, fields of button-grass and ancient King Billy pines. 
• Helicopter flights with Cradle Mountain Helicopters: experience breathtaking views of Fury Gorge, Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, Crater Lake, Houndslow Heath, Barn Bluff, Mt Emmett, Lake Will, Waterfall Valley, Waldheim the original Weindorfers Chalet and the Overland Track.
• Horse riding and quad biking tours are operated by Cradle Country Adventures. These tours take you through some of the beautiful areas that surround the Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park. As our staff for more information or to make a tour reservation for you.

This is just a sample of Cradle Mountain attractions you can explore this magnificent area.
Please contact us to find out more.

The Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery welcomes you...

• Entry is $5pp or $10 for families. Entry is FREE for hotel guests and those dining at the Hotel or Cradle Mountain Café.
• Open from 9 AM - 5 PM 7 days a week
• Complimentary honey tastings
• Gift shop
• Complimentary WiFi at Cradle Mountain Hotel

The Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery is bursting with original sculptures, drawings, paintings and large installations throughout many of the rooms since it’s recent transformation. Take a remarkable journey to our wild places, seen through the eyes of Tasmanian artists and explore a little of the history and life of the region.

Rooms include the thylacine experience, movie room, creative children room and perhaps even catch a glimpse of an artist in residence.

The rooms surround a landscaped alpine garden – with glacier-polished boulders and planted with Tasmanian native flora. And while you are there, pay a visit to the Cradle Mountain Hotel gift shop for a free taste of delicious Tasmanian honey and browse the arts and crafts by local artisans that we have for sale.

All visitors are welcome to visit the Gallery.

Click here to visit the Gallery website to read about upcoming exhibitions and events.

After an active day out and about exploring the wilderness, take the time to rejuvenate immersed in the natural surroundings at The Retreat day spa.