Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

The crowning jewel in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this national park is home to one of the state’s most impressive hikes.

Australia’s smallest state is home to some of the nation’s most vast and impenetrable wilderness, including the beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. The national park forms a large part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area that dominates the west of the state. Visit the national park to embark on the famous 5-to-6-day Overland Track or to stay in luxury eco-lodges throughout the park.

The national park covers an area of more than 1,600 square kilometres (1,000 square miles) and is a region rich in biodiversity. Terrain varies wildly, with temperate rainforest giving way to alpine flora and fauna. Look for native wildflowers, including waratahs and banksias. In winter, flowering gums provide colour against a snow-coated landscape.

Studding the national park is a series of lakes, including the majestic Lake St. Clair. Visit the lake to watch platypus feeding, to fish for brown trout or to enjoy a leisurely stroll around its banks.

In the southern area of the park you’ll find the Aboriginal Cultural Walk, presenting a fascinating glimpse into the customs and beliefs of Australia’s traditional landowners. Pick up additional information from the two visitor centres in the park, located at Lake St. Clair and Cradle Mountain.

Spend a day summiting Cradle Mountain for some of the best views in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. While the trek is part of the popular Overland Track, it can be completed on its own in a day. Allow 6 to 8 hours for the return journey and be sure to bring ample food and water.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is located in central Tasmania. The park is a couple of hours’ drive from Launceston and about 2.5 from Hobart. Find accommodation around Lake St. Clair and the base of Cradle Mountain. A fee applies to enter the park. While the park is open year-round, some trails can only be completed outside of winter due to adverse conditions.