I Can’t Believe I Waited This Long!
It's kind of funny—this was my very first visit to Cradle Mountain National Park. We live just hours away, so there’s really no excuse for not having gone sooner. I guess it’s like when something incredible is right in your backyard—you just assume it’ll always be there. It wasn’t until some relatives came to visit Tasmania and invited us on a three-day hike that we finally made the trip. The breathtaking views at Cradle Mountain made all the effort worth it.
The Adventure Begins at the Visitor Centre
We kicked off our journey at the Visitor Centre. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity as we grabbed our trail maps and park passes. To get around, you’ll need an Icon Daily Pass, which also covers shuttle buses. As a general rule, private cars aren’t allowed past the Visitor Centre* - Limited parking at Ronny Creek is sometimes available. The shuttles are super convenient, zipping you off to stunning spots like Snake Hill, Ronny Creek, and Dove Lake. It’s great not to worry about navigating those narrow roads. Instead, you just sit back and watch the scenery roll by.
*Now, if you’re staying at Waldheim Cabins like we did, you get to drive right to your cabin. The catch? You have to follow a shuttle bus into the park during shuttle hours. It sounds odd, but when you see the one way, narrow winding road, it totally makes sense.
© Bluey Merino Tasmania
Our cabin was the definition of cosy—heated, with basic cooking gear and even a fridge. The shared toilets and hot showers were just a short stroll away. It wasn’t fancy, but after long days of hiking, it felt like a little slice of luxury. And the location? Right at the start of the Overland Track. You couldn’t ask for better!
Wombats at Ronny Creek
Ronny Creek was a highlight, especially if you’re into wombats (and honestly, who isn’t?). Walking along the boardwalks, we spotted heaps of wombat burrows. Late in the afternoon, just when the golden light made everything magical, we saw them emerge—chunky little legends munching on grasses. They looked like living teddy bears, and it was hard not to squeal with delight.
© Bluey Merino Tasmania
But here’s the thing—I learned something important. As tempting as it was to give them a gentle pat, it’s illegal to interfere with protected wildlife in Tasmania. Plus, wombats may look cuddly, but they’ve got serious claws and a surprisingly fierce bite. Watching them waddle around in the wild, completely undisturbed, was even more special than I’d imagined.
The Shelter that Took My Breath Away
When we reached the Cradle Mountain Dove Lake Shelter, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. But stepping inside felt like walking into a modern art gallery where the art is nature itself. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows framed the rugged beauty outside like priceless masterpieces. The interior was simple, almost cave-like, with dim lighting and narrow corridors leading to windows perfectly placed to catch glimpses of the landscape. Then—bam!—you’d turn a corner, and there it was: Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain, breathtaking and majestic.
© cumulus studio
We were lucky enough to have the shelter to ourselves for a while. Sitting there in complete silence, just absorbing the moment, felt almost sacred. One thing that really moved me was the words engraved on the wall: ‘Always Was… Always Will Be.’ It was a powerful reminder of the deep, ongoing connection the Tasmanian Aboriginal community has with this land. I left feeling genuinely humbled and honoured to have experienced it.
Lessons Learned on the Trail
One thing I quickly realised—Cradle Mountain doesn’t mess around when it comes to terrain. Those tidy boardwalks you see in photos? They’re great, but a lot of the trails are rugged, with loose, slippery shale that can catch you off guard. At one point, I tried to adjust my backpack while walking, and let’s just say it didn’t end well. Lesson learned: stop walking if you need to do anything distracting. Thanks, Julia Patten, for the hiking advice I should’ve followed from the start!
As for footwear—leave the casual sneakers at home. I wore well-fitted hiking shoes with good grip, and even then, there were moments where I had to focus on every step. If you’re heading to Marion’s Lookout or the summit, sturdy boots or at least good hiking shoes are a must. They were literal lifesavers for balance on those tricky descents.
Weather Mood Swings – Cradle Mountain Style
Cradle Mountain’s weather is unpredictable to the extreme. One morning, it felt like summer—I was in a light Merino tee, sun sleeves, and a wide hat, feeling invincible. By afternoon, it was pouring rain with icy winds.
© Bluey Merino Tasmania
Thankfully, I’d packed emergency layers. I remember huddling in the shelter, layering up two extra Merino tops, a puffer vest, and my raincoat. It felt like wrapping myself in a warm hug. But I did forget one thing—everything must be inside your waterproof bag. My beanie got soaked and was useless when I needed it most. Tiny details make a big difference in the wild.
Layering Like a Pro
- Base Layer: Light Merino top to keep your core warm
- Mid-Layer: Thicker Merino top for chillier moments
- Outer Layer: Windproof + waterproof jacket to battle the elements
- Rain Pants: Look for durability and quality
- Micro Layers: Light puffer vest, fleece
- Merino Accessories: gloves, beanie, extra pair of socks and neck warmer
Packing smart doesn’t mean packing heavy. Lightweight essentials kept me warm, dry, and prepared for any surprises Mother Nature had in store!
© Bluey Merino Tasmania
Considering a Trip to Cradle?
Don’t wait. Grab your bag, pack those layers, and come say hello. Cradle Mountain isn’t just a location on a map; it’s an unforgettable experience waiting to be discovered.
Emma X
