Launceston: Cradle Mountain Adventure - Active Day Tour

Launceston , Australia

Launceston: Cradle Mountain Adventure - Active Day Tour

Active

(85 reviews)

11h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Cradle Mountain is a not to be missed highlight when visiting Launceston, Tasmania. Discover this amazing wilderness area as you enjoy 5-hours exploring the Cradle Mountain day walking area, with a variety of short and longer walking options. See beautiful Dove Lake, climb to a lofty peak for amazing views, discover the local wombats and the natural history of this World Heritage environment.

Highlights
• Explore Cradle Mountain National Park & World Heritage Area (4-5 hours)
• Stand on the shore of the spectacular setting of Dove Lake
• Enjoy some short introductory walks and interpretation to the area
• Walk along the “Rainforest City” & “Pencil Pine Falls” tracks
• Take on the Dove Lake circuit walk (easy grade 6km’s)
• Or, take on the harder walk to the lofty views of Marion’s Lookout (medium grade 3 hours)
• Explore the historic Weindorfers Chalet

Available options

Launceston: Cradle Mountain Adventure - Active Day Tour

What's included

National Park entrance fees

Flexible hiking opportunities

Professionally guided and interpreted walks

Small group sizes

Detailed itinerary

We depart Launceston and head towards Sheffield, the town of murals and,enjoy a short stop here.

The Town of Murals. Sheffield is a small and quirky rural village, in the foothills of the mountains. Sheffield is Tasmania’s own outdoor art gallery, featuring over 100 paintings on the walls of buildings across the town. The artwork depicts the history of the Cradle Mountain region and is a great taster of what is to come, before we continue onwards into the mountains.

Stop 3

We arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park, an area of iconic scenery with a wide variety of walking trails to choose. Cradle Mountain is a stunning and World Heritage listed area. We leave our walking itinerary flexible to suit our guests and the weather conditions on the day. Arriving at the Cradle Mountain National Park, we prepare for the walking opportunities ahead of us. We aim for around 4 – 5 hours in the National Park, to really make the most of the trails. We begin with a series of short walks to Rainforest City and Pencil Pine Falls, 2 short and easy walks that introduce us to the area.

Our main hike for today's tour, begins from Dove Lake with 2 walking options available. Here you can choose your preferred main walk. There is the iconic Dove Lake Circuit, which is a 6 kilometre track, classified as easy and usually takes 2-3 hours. This is one of the premier walks in Tasmania, the track undulates around Dove Lake and traverses beneath Cradle Mountain. All the magnificent flora can be viewed on this walk, with buttongrass, myrtle, sassafras, fagus and King Billy Pine along the way, along with epic views of Cradle Mountain.

For the more active and avid hiker, we offer the chance to climb to the loftier heights of Marion’s Lookout. This is around 4 kilometers but is classified as a medium grade hike, with some steep sections. Marions Lookout sits at 1200m and provides breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding World Heritage wilderness area.

We stop along the way for a lunch break, enjoy a rest by a quiet stream, watch the famous and friendly Cradle wombats in their natural habitat, or take the time to photograph the landscapes. Learn some of the local history as we visit Weindorfer’s Chalet and see the ancient King Billy Pines on Weindorfer’s Forest Walk.

On our return to Launceston, we stop to refresh and refuel at the delicious Van Dieman's Land Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. We return into Launceston around 6.00 – 6.30pm after a huge yet unforgettable Cradle Mountain day.

What's not included

• Food and drinks (please either pre purchase, or there will be the opportunity to purchase on tour)

No luggage on board, only your day pack

No airport drop offs

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

47 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age to participate in tour is 8 years

This is an active tour with walking involved; a suitable level of general health & fitness and physical abilities is essential

We provide accurate interpretation, and keep wildlife disturbance to a minimum by viewing from appropriate distances and informing our guests how to view wildlife with patience and respect. Activities are always confined to tracks and boardwalks to minimize negative impacts.

Hotel pickup time is between 7 AM and 7:30 AM depending on your location. Hotel pickup is available from central city Hotels and Hostels ( no AirBnB’s). Please arrange pickup from your hotel at least 48 hours prior to departure with the tour operator.

We reserve the right to vary any trip in the event of bad weather or road closure and will incur no liability for any such alteration.

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Meeting point

Our General Meet Point is the Hotel Grand Chancellor at 29 Cameron Street. The pickup time is 7:20am, be ready at 7:15am. The tour returns to this same location around 6.00pm. Hotel pick up is available from select Hotels. Contact the Tour Operator directly, via email, to enquire.

Important notes

• Please make sure you bring a large refillable water bottle, closed sturdy shoes for walking. We recommend runners, sneakers, hiking boots and sensible clothes for outdoor conditions. Warm layers are a great idea! A waterproof rain jacket, just in case.
• The weather at Cradle Mountain is changeable, and you need to be prepared for any weather conditions, regardless of the time of year. It is not uncommon to experience snow and icy winds in Summer. Beanies, gloves and spare warm socks are always a good idea!
• We begin our hiking from Dove Lake with 2 walking options available. The Dove Lake circuit is a moderate walk of 6 kilometres. Marions Lookout is a more challenging option taking you to an elevation of 1200 metres.
• You will have an opportunity to stop enroute to the National Park and purchase a Bakery style lunch to grab sandwiches/wraps etc. Lunch will be in a picnic area at Cradle Mountain National Park

About Launceston

Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania, known for its beautiful parks, colonial architecture, and vibrant food and wine scene. Nestled in the Tamar Valley, it offers stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and a relaxed yet culturally rich atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge is a natural gorge located on the South Esk River, just a short walk from the city center. It offers stunning views, walking trails, a chairlift, and a public swimming pool.

Nature 2-4 hours AUD 10 for adults, AUD 5 for children

James Boag's Brewery

James Boag's Brewery is a historic brewery offering tours and tastings. It's one of the oldest breweries in Australia and a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.

Cultural 1-2 hours AUD 25 for tours and tastings

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is the largest regional museum and art gallery in Australia. It features a wide range of exhibits, including natural history, fine art, and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours AUD 15 for adults, AUD 10 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tasmanian Salmon

Freshly caught Tasmanian salmon, often grilled or smoked, is a local delicacy.

Main Course Gluten-free, can be prepared without allergens.

Tamar Valley Wine

The Tamar Valley is known for its excellent cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir and Riesling.

Drink Vegan and vegetarian-friendly options available.

Tasmanian Cheese

Tasmania is famous for its artisanal cheeses, made from local milk and featuring unique flavors.

Snack Vegetarian options available, check for specific dietary needs.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cataract Gorge Kayaking on the Tamar River Mountain biking in Trevallyn Dam Wine tasting in the Tamar Valley Spa treatments at local resorts Picnicking in City Park Visiting the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery Exploring historic sites in Downtown

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor activities. It's ideal for exploring the city's parks, wineries, and natural attractions.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (GMT+10:00) or AEDT (GMT+11:00) during daylight saving time

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Launceston is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Use reputable tour operators and travel agencies

Getting there

By air

Launceston Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

Launceston Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and affordable, with regular services throughout the day.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Tamar Valley Trevallyn

Day trips

Tamar Valley

20 km from Launceston • Half day to full day

The Tamar Valley is a picturesque region known for its stunning landscapes, wineries, and outdoor activities. It's a perfect day trip for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts.

Bay of Fires

200 km from Launceston • Full day or overnight

The Bay of Fires is a stunning coastal region known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and granite boulders. It's a popular destination for hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

150 km from Launceston • Full day or overnight

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Festivals

Festival of Arts • October Tamar Valley Wine Route Festival • February Evandale Village Market • First Sunday of every month

Pro tips

Visit the Cataract Gorge early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
Explore the Tamar Valley on a self-guided wine tour, stopping at local wineries for tastings and lunch.
Take a stroll through City Park to see the Japanese Macaque monkeys and enjoy the beautiful gardens and conservatories.
Visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the region's history and culture, and to see a diverse range of exhibits.
Attend a local festival or event, such as the Festival of Arts or the Tamar Valley Wine Route Festival, to experience the city's vibrant cultural scene.