The Cradle Mountain summit hike is one of Tasmania’s most iconic hikes. If you’re looking for a hike that’s both challenging and with amazing views, this is it. The challenging scramble to the top of the jagged peaks rewards you with 360 degree views of mountains and glacial lakes stretching into the distance.
The adventure begins before the hike even starts, I completed this hike in December 2025 and it was amazing! The hike is approximately 13km with almost 800m elevation gain and is a circular route, starting and ending at Dove Lake. I used All Trails for navigation which was really easy to follow and took approximately 6 hours to complete it.
Here I’ll share some tips for a successful summit!
1. Getting to Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is located in Tasmania’s rugged north west within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Cradle Mountain is accessible by car and is approximately 4 hours drive (~300km) from Hobart located to the south, and 2.5 hours (~140km) from Launceston to the north. There are also numerous guided tours that visit the National Park if driving isn’t an option!
2. Car Parking and Shuttle Service
As you arrive into Cradle Mountain National Park, you’ll need to display a parks pass and buy a shuttle bus ticket. You can buy daily, two monthly or annual passes.
There are no cars permitted in the National Park, but a free park and ride service via the shuttle bus that departs every 10 minutes or so, driving a loop of the park. The shuttle bus tickets are valid for 3 days if you fancy coming back to do a different hike another day!
The last stop on the bus loop is the stunning Dove Lake where you hop off. At Dove Lake there are toilet facilities and a water fountain to make sure you have sufficient amounts of water. There is also a log book to register which hike you are doing so that park rangers are aware of your whereabouts.
3. Dove Lake to Marion’s Lookout
The main hiking trail starts from Dove Lake, heading up to Marian’s Lookout. The first section of the hike winds along well-formed tracks and boardwalks before beginning a steady climb. One of the early highlights of the trail is Marion’s Lookout, offering sweeping views over Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, and the surrounding valleys.
From this point the terrain becomes more challenging. The weather can change at any moment on Cradle Mountain, even in summer, so it is important to be sufficiently prepared (see packing list below) and evaluate weather conditions as you progress.
4. Marion’s Lookout to the Summit
Beyond Marion’s Lookout and Kitchen Hut, the first stop on the Overland Track, the terrain becomes a lot more challenging. The climb to the summit requires a fair bit of scrambling using both hands and testing footholds. There are painted poles and markers to guide the way, but it still requires significant concentration. Whilst this section is certainly the hardest, it is definitely the coolest, with the iconic jagged rocks of Cradle Mountain right in front of you.
The views from the top of the mountain are incredible and on a clear day you can see across the National Park to Barn Bluff, Mount Ossa, and countless other peaks.
5. The Descent
The descent from the summit can be just as challenging as the ascent, with a need to use both hands to carefully scramble down. At Kitchen Hut you can opt to take a different path back to turn it into a circular hike, rather than an out and back. This route takes you down the mountain, along the lakeside and back to the visitor centre.
The Cradle Mountain summit hike is an iconic Tassie adventure. Its not just about the achievement of reaching the top, but the experience of immersing yourself in one of Tasmania’s most dramatic landscapes.
6. Tips Before you Go:
- Start early so that you’re not rushing, tell someone reliable where you are going, and fill out the hiker’s log book at the start of your hike.
- Wear proper hiking boots or shoes with grip. There is a lot of scrambling involved!
- Pack plenty of warm and waterproof layers for changeable conditions.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Make sure you have a map or other offline navigation like All Trails.
- Continually check the weather conditions and turn back if bad weather is due.
If you’re up for an adventure and don’t mind working for your views, the Cradle Mountain summit hike is a must do in Tassie!
Happy hiking,
The Fit Adventurer
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