Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre

Very modern with amenities. Make sure you arrive prepared for changeable weather conditions. Good walking shoes highly recommend.

The last time I visited Cradle Mountain was 5 years ago, and there was only a little open shack for protection from the elements. This time around, we took our mums with us, and they were very grateful for the new visitor centre and incredible viewing window near Dove Lake. It was like something out of Grand Design.

Very well organised. We took the moderately easy Dove Lake walk, 6.6 km and about 2 hours. Difficult to find the start of the route possibly due to improvement works but once on the route it was easy to follow. The pathways are solidly built of wooden planks covered in chicken wire for safety.Views are of course magnificent and the lake is stunning.

Always such helpful staff at the visitor centre.The new site and buildings are a fantastic asset to arriving visitors, with lots of picnic areas and parking.Shuttle bus frequency is excellent and really let's you sit back and enjoy the view. The buses also mean you can do so many different through walks without worrying about shuffling your own car/s.

The staff at the visitor centre were really friendly and helpful. Depending on which hike you choose, you need to take a shuttle bus (which departs every 15 mins) to the respective stops (about 15 mins to the last stop for the dove lake circuit). Do remember to purchase the bus stickers at the visitor centre before boarding the bus. Dove lake circuit was about 6km and took approximately 2.5 hours (lots of steps). Also did the rainforest walk which will bring you past pencil pine falls (short walk, approx 10 mins). Cradle mountain is a must visit if you’re into hiking!

Cradle Mountain is a 'must stop' on any visit to Tasmania that involves spectacular views and awesome hikes. The nature of the experience is very weather dependent, and the weather can change in minutes, but if you come prepared for every eventuality, you won't be disappointed. To travel on the free shuttle buses beyond the Visitors Centre, you must have a National Parks Pass, but these can be purchased at the centre when you get your bus tickets, if you don't have one. If travelling on holiday in Tassie, buy a two month National Parks visitor's pass, which covers every park, and you'll easily get your money's worth.The easiest walk is the Dove Lake Circuit, which is mostly boardwalk and flat. The most spectacular views come from the Marion's Lookout hike from Ronnys Creek, passing Crater Lake. This is the beginning of the Overland Track, and can take you to the base, or the top, of Cradle Mountain itself, if you have the time and energy. Shuttle buses run from 8.45 to 4.30, so plan your hikes wisely.

The start of your Cradle Mountain journey.Very helpful staff, with information on walking tracks, especially the Overland Track.There's a place to fill up water bottles and bladders here too.

The Visitors Centre is well organized and informative. Convenient restrooms. To get to Cradle Mountain in a tour van you must follow one of the blue shuttle vans. Dove Lake is a beautiful walk, with interesting plants and lots of birds. Another beautiful walk is Serenity Falls.

Beautiful place of course and if you can get a discovery guide, it’s well worth the wealth of knowledge they can provide along the way about the geology and flora around the park. Tyler was awesome. The shuttle bus drivers are great to chat to also. Coffee and toilet all good at the visitors centre too. We took a shuttle bus from here and walked around Dove Lake at a medium - slow pace and did it in around 3-4 hours.