Cradle Mountain & the West
At the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area stands Cradle Mountain — jagged dolerite peaks mirrored in Dove Lake, the gateway to the legendary Overland Track and some of the last true wilderness on Earth. Beyond it, the wild west coast unfurls to the Gordon River and Strahan. Here's how to experience Tasmania at its most elemental.
Dove Lake & the Overland Track
The signature experience is the Dove Lake Circuit — a mostly flat 6 km loop delivering the classic view of Cradle Mountain mirrored in the lake, past boatsheds and ancient pencil pines. Fitter walkers climb to Marions Lookout or summit the peak, and this is the trailhead of the famous Overland Track to Lake St Clair. Wombats graze at dusk, and nearby sanctuaries care for Tasmanian devils. Come prepared for four seasons in a day. See our Cradle Mountain travel guide.
Strahan, the Gordon River & Queenstown
Tasmania's west coast is its wildest edge. From the historic harbour town of Strahan, cruise the vast Macquarie Harbour and up the mirror-black Gordon River into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, past the convict ruins of Sarah Island. Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway through the rainforest, and marvel at the raw, moon-like mining landscapes around Queenstown. It's remote, rugged and unforgettable — allow time for the winding roads.
Getting there & walking
Cradle Mountain is about 2.5 hours from Launceston (4.5 from Hobart); at the park, take the shuttle from the visitor centre to Dove Lake. Give it at least a day, ideally an overnight for the dawn light and wildlife. Walks range from the easy Dove Lake and Enchanted circuits to the summit and the six-day Overland Track. The alpine weather turns fast, so pack warm, waterproof layers year-round. See our hiking guide and best time to visit guides.
Cradle Mountain & the west: your questions
Cradle Mountain, in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, is Tasmania's alpine icon. The must-do is the Dove Lake Circuit — a mostly flat 6 km loop with jaw-dropping views of the jagged peak reflected in the lake. Longer walks climb to Marions Lookout or summit Cradle itself, and it's the start of the famous Overland Track. Spot wombats at dusk and Tasmanian devils at nearby sanctuaries. See our Cradle Mountain travel guide.
The Overland Track is Australia's most famous multi-day walk — a 65 km, six-day trek through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, past alpine plateaus, ancient rainforest, waterfalls and glacial lakes. In the peak season (October–May) walkers travel north–south and must book a permit. Guided options with private huts make it accessible; day walkers can still sample its start from Cradle. See our hiking guide.
Yes — on the wild west coast. From the historic port of Strahan, cruises glide across Macquarie Harbour and up the tannin-dark Gordon River into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, with a stop at Sarah Island's convict ruins. The West Coast Wilderness Railway and the stark, moon-like mining town of Queenstown add more. It's remote and rugged — allow time for the winding drive. See our wilderness tours.
Cradle Mountain is about a 2.5-hour drive (150 km) from Launceston, or around 4.5 hours from Hobart, so it's usually reached from the north or as part of a loop. At the park, a shuttle bus runs from the visitor centre to Dove Lake (private cars are limited in peak times). Give it at least a full day, ideally an overnight, to enjoy the walks and the dawn/dusk wildlife. See our getting around guide.
Not necessarily — there are walks for every level. The Dove Lake Circuit (6 km, mostly flat, 2–3 hours) and the enchanting Enchanted Walk and Rainforest Walk are gentle and hugely rewarding. Fitter walkers can tackle Marions Lookout, the summit climb or the Overland Track. The weather is famously changeable and can turn wintry any time of year, so carry warm, waterproof layers whatever the season.