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

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

412000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse 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 TrackTasmanian Devil sightingsDove Lake CircuitMarions 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.

Face-to-Face with Cradle Mountain’s Young Ambassadors
ADVEXPEDITION
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
OtherADV Bookable

Face-to-Face with Cradle Mountain’s Young Ambassadors

A 45-minute, small-group behind-the-scenes nursery tour at Devils @ Cradle that lets visitors pat and photograph hand-reared young animals while directly supporting species conservation.

OtherPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip