View of Cradle Mountain
If you're looking to take a casual drive out of Launceston, just a two and a half hour car journey will take you across beautiful country landscapes whilst witnessing an abundance of local wildlife (including birds of prey) before arriving at the scenic Cradle Mountain, which can be found in the Saint Clair National Park.
Getting to Cradle Mountain is a straight forward yet scenic route which will take you through the small town of Sheffield, where it could be worth stopping for a break at the same time as viewing their stunning street art that's displayed throughout the town. Once arriving at the Saint Clair National Park, all visitors need to call into the
visitors centre and register where you'll have the option of either using the shuttle bus which will take you all the way through to a spot called Dove Lake in front of Cradle Mountain, or you can take your own car; however numbers are controlled by a boom gate in order to protect the impact that visitors can have on the natural habitat.
Map to Cradle Mountain from Launceston
Below is an example of some of the street art that can be viewed if deciding to stop off in Sheffield on your way from Launceston to Cradle Mountain.
Some of the Sheffield street art
Once you've arrived at the lake in front of Cradle Mountain, you will have a number of walks to choose from that will be well signposted in addition to providing information such as average time taken to complete as well as distance. Of course, you are also able to walk part of the various routes, but if you really want to embrace nature and witness spectacular waterfalls and wildlife, then there's always the option of completing the six day
Overnight Track. This is an intensive 65km walk that requires preparation and bookings are required during the summer months.
View from the carpark at Dove Lake
Given the rugged landscape of Cradle Mountain, disability access and toilet facilities are limited. But whether you're wanting to get amongst the wilderness or watch from the comfort of your car, Cradle Mountain will still provide spectular views from every angle.
