Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is a prominent dolerite peak in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in north-west Tasmania, within the Kentish local government area. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it rises to 1,545 metres above sea level and overlooks Dove Lake. The mountain is renowned for its glacial landscape, alpine moorlands and as the northern terminus of the Overland Track.

Visitors can expect an alpine national park setting with glacial lakes, button grass moorlands, ancient rainforest and rugged dolerite peaks. The area is centred on Dove Lake at the base of Cradle Mountain, with well-formed walking tracks ranging from short boardwalks to the steep summit climb. Facilities include a visitor centre, shuttle bus service, lookouts and interpretation displays. Wildlife such as wombats, wallabies, echidnas and currawongs are commonly seen.

Cradle Mountain was named in 1827 by surveyor Joseph Fossey after its resemblance to a cradle. Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer and his wife Kate played a key role in its conservation, building Waldheim Chalet in 1912 and advocating for a national park. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park was proclaimed in 1922 and later included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1982.

The area lies within the traditional lands of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area recognised for its natural and cultural values. The landscape reflects long-standing connection to Country and is valued for its wilderness character, conservation significance and as a major destination for nature-based tourism and bushwalking in Tasmania.