Cradle Mountain Summit
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Cradle Mountain Summit
Highlights
The Cradle Mountain Summit hike is an adventure of a lifetime! This challenging 12.8km return hike takes you to one of Tasmania’s most iconic peaks. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking views of alpine lakes, rugged cliffs, and endless mountains. At the summit, the panoramic views are truly unforgettable.
Make sure to pack plenty of water, food, and warm clothing as the weather can change quickly. The climb includes steep rock scrambles, so be prepared for a serious challenge. Are you ready to take on Tasmania’s ultimate hiking adventure?
Adult Supervision RecommendedThe steep and exposed rock sections make this hike suitable for experienced hikers only, with adult supervision recommended for younger participants.
Things to do
- Hiking
- Sight-seeing
- Photography
More info & what's here
- Hiking trail - 12.8km return | 600m climb in elevation | 8 hours return | grade 4
- Picnic facilities
- Shuttle service departing from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Information Centre.
- Toilets
What You Need To know
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information.
- Stay safe and get the most out of your visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and ensure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the elements when outside exploring.
- Supervise children. Tracks are subject to severe weather conditions – weather may change quickly. Tracks are difficult to navigate when covered in snow and may be impassable. No fires allowed – fuel stoves only.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food, fuel and water for your journey.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
- Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
- National park fees may apply for national parks in Australia. Check the parks website for bookings and/ or further details.
- Entry fees may change at anytime at the discretion of Parks and Wildlife Services, check their website for the most up to date information.
Safety Information
The below safety information has been sourced from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website:
Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bush fires can occur between October and March.
When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woolen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).
Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions.
Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.
- For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.
- Remember the safe walking guidelines
- Plan to walk safely
- Be prepared
- Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
- Record your trip intentions in the log books
- Be prepared to turn back
Walker safety - day walks
Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.
If your mobile phone has a signal take it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.
For full safety information please refer to the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Photo credits: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Services, Cam Blake, Tourism Australia
Content credits: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service & Aussie Bucket List®
Location
Getting to Cradle Mountain Summit
Address: Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, 4057 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306
Email: cradle@parks.tas.gov.au
14 people have added this to their Bucket List
FROM $10.00
Adult - $25.00 |
Child (5 to 17) - $10.00 |
Family (2A,3C) - $60.00 |








