Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park wilderness guide
National Park · TAS

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, located in Tasmania, is a stunning wilderness area known for its dramatic landscapes featuring rugged mountains, ancient forests, and glacial lakes.

National Park4120004+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area412000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, located in Tasmania, is a stunning wilderness area known for its dramatic landscapes featuring rugged mountains, ancient forests, and glacial lakes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, Australia, and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The park spans approximately 412,000 acres and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems that include mountain landscapes, alpine heathlands, and temperate rainforests. Cradle Mountain, with its jagged peaks, is one of the most photographed sights in Tasmania. Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest freshwater lake, is located at the southern end of the park. The park is home to several unique species of flora and fauna, including the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tail quoll, and the endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle. Historically, it was inhabited by the Aboriginal peoples before becoming a protected area in the early 20th century. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of recreational activities such as hiking on the Overland Track, which is considered one of the world's great walks, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and rock climbing.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Overland Track✦ Tasmanian Devil sightings✦ Dove Lake Circuit✦ Marions Lookout for panoramic views
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

National Park entry fees apply, with passes available online or at park entry points.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Cradle Mountain Campground

Located near the visitor center, offering powered sites and amenities for a comfortable stay.

Narcissus Hut

A remote hut accessible only by hiking, offering basic facilities for Overland Track hikers.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cradle Mountain Village, Tasmania
⌖ 6.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cradle Mountain Village, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain Village is the prime base for exploring Tasmania’s breathtaking alpine wilderness. Known for the iconic Overland Track, stunning wildlife, and crystal-clear lakes, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and photography adventures.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Tullah, Tasmania
⌖ 18.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tullah, Tasmania

Tullah offers a quiet spot for lake paddling, mountain biking, hiking, and winter skiing against Tasmania’s rugged west coast backdrop. It’s a peaceful base for exploring wilderness trails and historic mining culture.

Summer and Autumn
Explore Town
Nietta, Tasmania
⌖ 22.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nietta, Tasmania

Nietta is a tranquil gateway in Tasmania’s northwest offering hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing in nearby natural reserves. Perfect for outdoor travelers wanting a quiet rural setting close to rugged landscapes.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Rosebery, Tasmania
⌖ 23.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rosebery, Tasmania

Rosebery is a small, rugged town on Tasmania’s west coast offering access to temperate rainforests, river paddling, and mountain biking. It’s a quiet basecamp for travelers seeking authentic wilderness adventure away from crowds.

Summer and Early Autumn
Explore Town
Mole Creek, Tasmania
⌖ 24.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mole Creek, Tasmania

Mole Creek in Tasmania is a small town famed for its incredible limestone caves, scenic hikes, and rich wildlife. It offers adventure travelers dramatic underground scenery and peaceful wilderness trails for hiking, biking, and camping.

Spring to early Autumn
Explore Town
Waratah, Tasmania
⌖ 27.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waratah, Tasmania

Waratah, Tasmania offers quiet access to rugged rainforest trails, historic mining sites, and peaceful camping spots. Ideal for hikers, fishers, and wildlife watchers seeking remote outdoor adventure in Tasmania’s wild west.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

General Entry/Day Keeper Tours
ADVEXPEDITION
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
WildlifeADV Bookable

General Entry/Day Keeper Tours

Step into the world of Tasmanian devils and quolls at Devils @ Cradle near Cradle Mountain. This all-day sanctuary visit features Keeper-led tours that reveal the natural behaviors of these fascinating native animals.

WildlifeAll Ages! • All Day • Journey & Explore!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Day Feeding Tours
ADVEXPEDITION
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
WildlifeADV Bookable

Day Feeding Tours

Join Devils @ Cradle for an engaging guided walk and a thrilling Tasmanian devil feeding session in Cradle Mountain. Discover wild behavior and conservation stories up close.

WildlifeAll Ages! • 1 Hour • Guided Walk & Feeding Session!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
VIP Tours
ADVEXPEDITION
Mole Creek, Tasmania
Guided TourADV Bookable

VIP Tours

Experience Tasmania's native wildlife up close with a private VIP Tour at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. Gain unique insights into conservation in this intimate, animal-focused adventure.

Guided TourAll ages • 1 or 2 hr • Up Close VIP ExperienceCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
The Trowunna Experience
ADVEXPEDITION
Mole Creek, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

The Trowunna Experience

Dive into a hands-on wildlife encounter at Tasmania’s premier conservation sanctuary. The Trowunna Experience offers a customized half-day adventure connecting you with native wildlife in Mole Creek’s scenic wilderness.

ZooAll ages • 4 Hours • Interact With Australian WildlifeCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Double Bed Room
ADVEXPEDITION
Gunns Plains, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

Double Bed Room

Stay steps away from roaming wildlife with Wings Wildlife Park’s Double Bed Room. Enjoy a cozy, unplugged escape featuring farm walks, river activities, and a relaxed onsite café.

ZooFor Everyone! • Save and Book Online!Certified Outfitter
From$74
Book Trip
Camping: Powered Sites
ADVEXPEDITION
Gunns Plains, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

Camping: Powered Sites

Camp at Wings Wildlife Park in Tasmania and enjoy powered sites just steps from exotic animals like buffalo and camels. Combine camping with kayaking, fishing, and biking for an authentic outdoor retreat.

Zoo$12pp per night + $10 power cost per night • Children 0-2 are free • STRICTLY NO DOGS/PETS ALLOWEDCertified Outfitter
From$12
Book Trip
Birthday Blast
ADVEXPEDITION
Gunns Plains, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

Birthday Blast

Celebrate a child’s birthday with hands-on animal encounters, a reserved undercover table, and a Bandicoot Brunch at Wing’s Wildlife Park in Gunns Plains. This 3.5-hour package bundles food, feed, and focused staff-led activities into a stress-free outdoor celebration.

ZooCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Queen Room
ADVEXPEDITION
Gunns Plains, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

Queen Room

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and wildlife adventure at Wings Wildlife Park. Cozy queen rooms paired with trails and animal encounters await—check it out!

ZooFor Everyone! • Save and Book Online!Certified Outfitter
From$190
Book Trip
Meerkat Encounters
ADVEXPEDITION
Gunns Plains, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

Meerkat Encounters

Meet the charismatic meerkats up close at Wings Wildlife Park, where you'll learn about their social lives and conservation efforts. An unforgettable wildlife encounter awaits!

ZooFor Everyone! • Open Daily • Save and Book Online!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Bunk Bed Room
ADVEXPEDITION
Gunns Plains, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

Bunk Bed Room

Experience the camaraderie and simplicity of staying in bunk rooms at Wings Wildlife Park. Perfect for groups, this cozy accommodation offers a chance to connect with nature and support local conservation efforts.

ZooFor Everyone! • Save and Book Online!Certified Outfitter
From$74
Book Trip
Sugar Glider Encounters
ADVEXPEDITION
Gunns Plains, Tasmania
ZooADV Bookable

Sugar Glider Encounters

Meet Percy the sugar glider in an intimate and educational encounter at Wings Wildlife Park. This unique experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at these fascinating animals, perfect for families and animal enthusiasts alike. Keep reading to find out why this is a must-visit wildlife activity.

ZooFor Everyone! • Open Daily • Save and Book Online!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip