Cradle Mountain and The Tarkine

Duration: 5 days

Grade: T1 - A reasonably good level of fitness is required for these trips. We typically walk for five or six hours in a day. Walks are generally along well defined paths with plenty of ‘ups’ and ‘downs’.

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Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers a host of walking opportunities against the spectacular backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and pristine alpine lakes. Choose from simple circuit routes to a challenging mountain climb. Heading west we enter the unspoilt Tarkine Wilderness Area. Encounter dramatic coastlines and lush temperate rainforests that offer different, yet equally fascinating terrains for walking, showcasing the richness and diversity of wilderness in the remote north-west.

We return to Launceston via the dramatic Western Explorer route, Arthur River and Stanley. This short adventure captures the essence of what makes Tasmania such a wonderful place to explore.

Itinerary and Tour Description

This is Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences' only lodge-based tour and is run on behalf of Peregrine Adventures.

Day 1: Launceston - Cradle Mountain

Today is an early start from Launceston as we drive for two hours to Cradle Valley. On arrival we check into our accommodation at Cradle Mountain's world famous wilderness lodge. We have the afternoon free to do some walks in the local area and absorb the mystical ambience of the alpine forest. There is a pleasant one kilometre stroll from the front of our lodge that takes us along the banks of Pencil Pine River. The evening is also free. Dinner is not included, but you can treat yourself to a stylish dinner at the lodge's Highland Restaurant (bookings required) or a cheaper meal at the Tavern Bar & Bistro. You can also book on optional night tours (at extra cost) in search of the native wildlife. On these spotlighting excursions it is possible to see nocturnal wallabies and wombats foraging away.

Meals included: 1 lunch

Day 2: Cradle Mountain

Today is a chance to do a full day of walking around Cradle Mountain. There are many options to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. A packed lunch will be supplied for today. A visit to Waldheim Chalet gives us an insight to Gustav and Kate Weindorfer, who pioneered tourism in the area. The two-hour circuit walk around Dove Lake is probably the most popular short walk in the area. It follows the circumference of this alpine lake under the shadows of the magnificently jagged Cradle Mountain itself, as well as cutting in through the tranquil Ballroom Forest. It is recommended to do this walk in a clockwise direction. Those looking for something more challenging can test themselves with a climb up to the summit of Cradle Mountain (1545 m). Please note that you need to be fit and well-prepared for this climb, as the weather can change very suddenly up on the mountain.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 3: Corinna

We leave the alpine world of Cradle Mountain and drive to Corinna on the banks of the Pieman River. This is the southern boundary of the Tarkine Wilderness Area. In the afternoon we embark on a four-hour return walk through the moss covered, myrtle rainforest, on our way toward Philosophers Falls. Unlike an area known as Forest of the Giants, this forest is pure myrtle rainforest as it has no Eucalypt species. Tonight we stay in Corinna's new cabins, set in the wilderness amongst the rainforest. Here we enjoy good standard facilities including a comfortable bed and a warm shower.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 4: Pieman River Cruise - Tarkine Rainforest Walk - Corinna

After waking up, we pack our gear and board the 'Arcadia 2' for a cruise down the See the Pieman River on our Cradle Mountain Walking Tour rainforest-flanked Pieman River. Early morning on the river is very beautiful with a mist that hangs over the surface of the water; the famous Pieman River reflections are just gorgeous. On arriving at the mouth to the sea, we walk north along the Tarkine Coast on the shores of the wild and powerful Southern Ocean. Along the way we explore the many sheltered coves and beaches and learn of the extraordinary aboriginal history of the area. In the afternoon we return to our accommodation in Corinna.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 5: Stanley - Launceston

From Corinna we drive northwards along the Western Explorer Road toward Arthur River before continuing to Stanley, where there is time for a short stop and walk around. Stanley is a lovely small town that is located on an isthmus at the base of a huge volcanic rocky outcrop known as the Nut. The top of the Nut is accessible by chairlift or a steep 20-minute climb. From the top there are sweeping views along the coast and out to Bass Straits. After our stop here we continue by road back to Launceston, where we arrive in the early evening.

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Download printable PDF brochure for this tour

For further information about the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, click here to visit the Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania website.

Discover Tasmania's Cradle Mountain and The Tarkine with us! Book online, download and complete a Multi-day Tour Booking Form or contact us on 1300 882 293.