CRADLE MOUNTAIN & CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
Cradle Mountain is the heart of Tasmania’s UNESCO Wilderness Area, a land carved by glaciers. It features dramatic dolerite peaks, ancient rainforests, and alpine heaths.
This iconic region offers pristine glacial lakes and world-class hikes like the Overland Track. Look out for endemic wildlife, including wombats and the elusive Tasmanian devil.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Walks & Natural Landmarks
Cradle Mountain: The area’s namesake, a spectacular 1,545m dolerite peak that requires a challenging, but rewarding, scramble to the summit.
Overland Track: Australia’s premier multi-day hike, a challenging 65 km trek that traverses the national park from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair.
Dove Lake: A stunning, glacially carved lake at the foot of the mountain, offering one of Tasmania’s most famous and accessible walks.
Dove Lake Circuit: A popular 6km boardwalk track that skirts the lake shore, providing continuous, quintessential views of the mountain.
Marions Lookout: A viewing platform perched high above Dove Lake, accessible via a steep track, offering panoramic views of the national park.
Ballroom Forest: A beautiful section of cool temperate rainforest on the Dove Lake Circuit, draped in thick moss and ferns.
Enchanted Walk: A short, gentle loop trail that winds through a magical, moss-laden forest beside a pristine creek.
Crater Falls: A small but picturesque waterfall located near Crater Lake, perfect for a short detour on day walks.
Kitchen Hut: A historic and essential emergency shelter located on the high alpine trail toward the Cradle Mountain summit.
Alpine Lakes & Tarns
Lake St Clair: Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, situated at the southern end of the national park and fringed by cool-temperate rainforest.
Walls of Jerusalem National Park: A remote, high-altitude alpine wilderness featuring a spectacular labyrinth of lakes, tarns, and unique rock formations.
Crater Lake: A deep, serene glacial lake set in a hollow, accessible via circuit walks from the Dove Lake area.
Wombat Pool: A small, tranquil tarn often passed on the way to Crater Lake, known for frequent wombat sightings.
Twisted Lakes: A chain of picturesque alpine lakes nestled in a high-country valley beneath Hansons Peak.
Great Lake: One of Australia’s largest freshwater lakes, a popular hub for trout fishing, boating, and scenic photography.
Wildlife & Adventure
Devils @ Cradle: A wildlife conservation sanctuary dedicated to the Tasmanian devil, offering day and night feeding tours.
Cradle Mountain Canyons: An adventurous activity involving abseiling, swimming, and sliding down canyons like the Laundry Chute and Machinery Creek.
Trowunna Wildlife Park: A privately owned sanctuary near Mole Creek that provides close encounters with Tasmanian devils, quolls, and wombats.
Cradle Mountain Helicopters: Offers scenic flights providing elevated, dramatic perspectives over the mountain, Dove Lake, and the wilderness area.
Historic Sites & Central Highlands Towns
The Wall in the Wilderness: A magnificent, large-scale wood sculpture at Derwent Bridge, carved from Huon Pine, depicting the history of the Central Highlands.
Waldheim Chalet: The restored, rustic guest house built by Gustav Weindorfer, whose vision led to the establishment of the national park.
Bothwell: A historic township featuring over 50 heritage-listed buildings and home to the Australasian Golf Museum and Ratho Farm, the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest golf course.
Waddamana Power Station: Tasmania’s first hydroelectric power station, now a heritage museum detailing the history of the state’s power generation.
Steppes Historic Site: A site featuring early settlers’ buildings and bronze sculptures that commemorate Tasmania’s pioneering history.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Iconic Dove Lake Circuit: Complete the 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) circuit walk around Dove Lake, offering the most famous and photographed views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the pristine glacial waters.
Hike to Marions Lookout: For a more strenuous challenge, ascend to Marions Lookout for unparalleled panoramic vistas over Dove Lake, Crater Lake, and the Cradle Mountain peaks. The direct route includes a steep chain section.
Witness Wildlife at Ronny Creek: Visit the buttongrass moorlands of Ronny Creek, especially at dawn or dusk, to spot free-roaming wombats and Pademelons grazing on the plains.
Experience an After-Dark Devil Feeding Tour: Visit the Devils @ Cradle sanctuary for a night-time feeding tour to learn about and see the highly unique Tasmanian Devil and the elusive quoll (native carnivorous marsupials).
Walk the Enchanted Walk: Take a short, gentle, 20-minute loop walk through a magical, moss-covered temperate rainforest, perfect for all ages and an intimate look at the forest floor.
Go Canyoning in the Gorges: For the adventurous, join a guided canyoning tour to abseil, jump, swim, and slide through Dove or Machinery Canyons, an exhilarating way to experience the World Heritage Area’s hidden waterways.
Hike the Overland Track (Day Section): Tackle a challenging day hike on the first section of Australia’s premier multi-day walk, perhaps ascending to the serene Crater Lake or on toward Waterfall Valley.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight: See the vast scale of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area from above with a helicopter tour, offering views of Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, and the deepest gorge in Australia, Fury Gorge.
Find the Fagus (Deciduous Beech): If visiting in autumn (typically late April to May), walk the trails to see the stunning deciduous Fagus, Australia’s only native deciduous tree, turn brilliant shades of gold and red.
Indulge at a Wilderness Spa: Visit a local alpine spa, such as the Waldheim Alpine Spa, to relax in a steam room or hot tub while enjoying soothing views of the surrounding rainforest.
Go Fly Fishing or Horse Riding: Engage in seasonal outdoor activities like fly fishing for trout in a local dam (catch and release) or a guided horse riding tour through alpine eucalypt forest and moorland.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential: A rental car is the most practical way to reach the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, as the Central Highlands region is remote and has very limited public transport. Major cities like Hobart (4.5 hours) and Launceston (2.5 hours) are the main starting points.
National Park Shuttle Bus: Private cars are generally not allowed past the boom gate to Ronny Creek and Dove Lake during peak hours (usually 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summer). You must take the efficient shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to access the main trailheads.
Driving Outside Shuttle Hours: You can drive to Dove Lake before or after the shuttle operates (check current park hours), but be prepared to wait and follow a shuttle bus out if you leave during operating hours, as the road is narrow.
Regional Coaches: Limited coach services, such as McDermott’s Coaches, run scheduled services between Launceston and the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, which can be an option if you prefer not to drive.
Be Prepared for Four Seasons in One Day: The weather at Cradle Mountain is notoriously changeable, even in summer. Pack layers of clothing, including a thermal base layer, a warm fleece/puffer jacket, and a durable, waterproof jacket and pants, regardless of the season.
National Park Pass: A valid Tasmanian National Park Pass is required to enter the park. You can purchase this online in advance or at the Visitor Centre upon arrival.
Wombat Etiquette: Wombats are common, especially at Ronny Creek, and are surprisingly nonchalant. Remember that they are wild animals; do not touch, feed, or chase them. Wombats and other wildlife are also a significant road hazard, particularly at dawn and dusk—drive slowly and carefully.
Food and Supplies: Accommodation in the area can be expensive, and dining options are limited. Consider stocking up on groceries in a larger, nearby town like Sheffield or Deloraine before heading to the national park for longer stays.
Respect the Trails (Leave No Trace): The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is a fragile alpine ecosystem. Always stick to the marked trails (many are boardwalks), pack out all your rubbish (including food scraps and tissues), and do not disturb the flora or fauna.
Top Restaurants
Highland Restaurant [$50-$80] – The signature, fine-dining restaurant at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, known for its exquisite seasonal menu that showcases the best of Tasmania’s local ingredients and an extensive, award-winning wine list.
Altitude Restaurant [$40-$70] – The main à la carte dining option at the Cradle Mountain Hotel, offering a relaxed yet innovative experience with a seasonal menu featuring fresh, hearty fare like local meats and seafood, paired with cool-climate wines.
Hellyers Restaurant [$35-$65] – Located at Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain, this stylish restaurant is one of the highest in Tasmania and features a menu of Modern Australian share plates and mains, complemented by local wines and whisky.
Wildside [$40-$60] – The main dinner restaurant at the historic Tarraleah Estate, offering a refined dining experience with a focus on fresh, regional produce from the Central Highlands and surrounding areas.
Teez Café at Tarraleah [$25-$45] – While a café, it transitions to a dinner service with a surprisingly modern menu for the remote location, offering high-quality dishes using local ingredients in a historic village setting.
The Great Lake Hotel Restaurant [$30-$55] – Located in Miena, this is the main restaurant in the heart of the Central Highlands, known for its hearty, well-executed pub-style meals with a strong focus on locally sourced Tasmanian meat and seafood, including their specialty seafood chowder.
Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel Restaurant [$30-$50] – Situated on the Lyell Highway near Lake St Clair, the restaurant offers satisfying pub meals and daily specials, often featuring local game and trout, making it a key stop in the wilderness.
Cradle Chalet Restaurant [$40-$60] – A dining option within the Cradle Mountain Village area, offering a Modern Australian menu with a focus on local Tasmanian flavours in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Tavern Bar & Bistro [$25-$45] – The casual dining alternative at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, offering a warm atmosphere with a roaring log fire and a menu of bistro favourites like pizza, burgers, and pasta, with a selection of Tasmanian beers and ciders.
Altitude Lounge Bar [$20-$40] – The casual bar at the Cradle Mountain Hotel, serving a snack and light meal menu of pub classics and smaller bites, ideal for an afternoon treat or relaxed dinner by the fire.
Elements Cafe [$15-$30] – Located at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, this cafe is a popular spot for quick, casual meals, offering wraps, pies, burgers, and excellent coffee, perfect for pre- or post-hike sustenance.
Hungry Wombat Café [$15-$25] – A well-regarded cafe in Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highway, serving classic comfort food like pies, sandwiches, and substantial breakfast options, a reliable stop for travellers in the Central Highlands.
Cradle Mountain Roadhouse & Shop [$15-$25] – A no-frills spot offering basic, hot, and quick takeaway meals, coffee, and essential supplies—a vital refuel point in the area.
Great Lake Hotel Bar Menu [$15-$30] – The bar area offers a simplified menu of pub classics in a more casual setting than the main restaurant, often featuring local game skewers and hearty soups.
Bronte Park Highland Village Bistro [$20-$35] – A classic high-country stop, the bistro provides simple, honest food like schnitzels, fish and chips, and hearty roasts in a rustic setting near Bronte Lagoon.
Castle Hotel [$20-$35] – Located in Bothwell, on the edge of the Central Highlands, this historic pub offers traditional counter meals like steaks, parmigiana, and burgers, popular with locals and passing travellers.
Gretna Green Hotel [$20-$35] – A charming, old-school pub in Gretna, known for its classic, generous pub fare and a welcoming, local atmosphere.
Hamilton Inn [$20-$35] – This historic inn in Hamilton offers a traditional pub dining experience with country hospitality and a menu of standard Australian pub dishes.
Bothwell Garage Cafe [$15-$25] – A local spot in Bothwell offering casual light meals, coffee, and sweet treats, often frequented by locals for a morning coffee or quick lunch.
Ouse Roadhouse Takeaway [$10-$20] – A classic Tasmanian roadhouse providing essential takeaway foods like hot chips, burgers, and basic sandwiches for those passing through the area.
Wayatinah Tavern [$15-$30] – A remote, community-focused tavern offering simple, no-fuss meals and a cold beer, an authentic high-country watering hole.
Arthurs Lake Roadhouse [$15-$25] – A very remote roadhouse in the angling heartland, serving basic meals and essential supplies, heavily frequented by fishermen and locals.
Central Highlands Lodge Bistro [$20-$35] – Located in Miena, this lodge offers a simple, hearty bistro menu to cater to guests and visitors exploring the Great Lake area.
The Tasting Table [$20-$40] – Often set up as a seasonal event or special offering within the major lodges, focused on sampling regional specialties like Tasmanian salmon, leatherwood honey, local cheeses, and cool-climate wines.
Cradle Mountain Lodge Wine & Cheese Tasting [$30-$50] – A specialized experience (often requiring booking) focused on sampling boutique Tasmanian cheeses and a selection of the island’s celebrated wines and sparkling wines, highlighting local dairy and viticulture.
Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel Wallaby Dishes [$30-$50] – This hotel is known to feature local game, particularly wallaby, on its menu in various forms (e.g., salami, steak, or casserole), a quintessential Tasmanian wilderness experience.
Highland Restaurant Game Tasting Plate [$50-$80] – A premium option, often available at Highland Restaurant, showcasing a selection of local game like venison or wallaby, prepared with finesse and seasonal Tasmanian vegetables.
Wild Fennel Café [$15-$25] – A small cafe in Hamilton with a focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the surrounding farms and producers to create simple, flavourful light meals.
Clyde Mill Cafe (Bothwell area) [$15-$25] – Located in a beautifully restored historic building, this spot often uses local produce for its baked goods, light lunches, and artisanal coffee, embodying the rural charm of the region.
Glen Clyde House [$15-$35] – A historic property in Hamilton, which often hosts special luncheons or serves afternoon tea featuring homemade goods and local jams and cream, focusing on traditional Tasmanian comfort.
Jackson’s Emporium Cafe [$15-$25] – A local Hamilton store and cafe that provides a selection of homemade goods, light meals, and often features local honey, baked treats, and coffee.
Bothwell Superstore Cafe/Deli [$10-$20] – A functional but important local spot that often stocks and sells local small-batch jams, chutneys, and baked goods alongside basic cafe fare.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Tavern Bar & Bistro: Situated at the Cradle Mountain Lodge, this is the most popular and social hub in the immediate Cradle Mountain area. It offers a warm, rustic atmosphere with a roaring log fire, a pool table, and a wide selection of Tasmanian beers, ciders, and wines, perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails.
Altitude Lounge Bar: Located at the Cradle Mountain Hotel, this cozy lounge bar is inspired by its alpine surroundings. It features roaring fires, comfortable seating, and a stunning outlook, offering light meals, local Tasmanian craft beers, and a selection of Tasmanian single malt whiskies.
Highland Restaurant Bar: The fine-dining restaurant within the Cradle Mountain Lodge complex often features a small, more refined bar area. It’s the place to look for a more upmarket selection of Tasmanian wines and perhaps a classic cocktail or aperitif before a premier dining experience.
Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel Bar: Found right off the Lyell Highway in Derwent Bridge, near the entrance to Lake St Clair National Park, this essential stop offers a classic pub experience with an open fire, cold beer, and a true sense of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Great Lake Hotel Bar: A historic and essential pitstop in Miena in the heart of the Central Highlands. It is popular with trout fishermen and locals, providing a no-frills, hearty pub environment with a log fire and drinks to warm the soul after a cold day on the Great Lake.
The Highlander Arms: A bar/restaurant within the restored hydroelectric village of Tarraleah. This venue offers a relaxed, country-style lounge with a notable focus on local Tasmanian produce and beverages, providing a cosy spot in a unique historic setting.
The Lounge at Tarraleah: Part of the luxury accommodation in Tarraleah, this exclusive lounge is the closest equivalent to a refined bar in the area, offering a quiet, sophisticated space for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap with a focus on premium local spirits and wines.
Gretna Green Hotel Bar: Located in the small settlement of Gretna on the Lyell Highway, this is a classic, historical Tasmanian country pub. It’s a great spot to stop for a friendly chat with locals and a cold drink on your way to or from the Highlands.
Bronte Park Highland Village Bar: A simple, remote stop located in Bronte Park on the Marlborough Highway. It serves as a crucial social hub and watering hole for guests and locals, offering basic drinks and a convivial atmosphere in a remote location.
Ouse Roadhouse Tavern: While primarily a roadhouse, the attached tavern in Ouse is a typical rural Tasmanian pub, offering a simple bar experience popular with travellers and locals passing through the Central Highlands region.
Bothwell Garage Cafe & General Store (Seasonal/Limited): In the historic town of Bothwell, this local spot is more a cafe/store, but it represents a key gathering point for locals. Check for seasonal evening hours, as it is a central community hub that might offer a drink service.
Castle Hotel Bothwell: A classic pub in the historic town of Bothwell, offering traditional pub hospitality. It’s an excellent example of a well-preserved colonial-era Tasmanian tavern, popular for a relaxed evening beer.
Wayatinah Tavern: Found in the small town of Wayatinah, which was originally built for hydro workers. This is a very remote, authentic, and simple local tavern, providing a basic but welcoming spot for a beer in the Western Wilds area.
Hamilton Inn: Located in Hamilton, this is another traditional country pub on the main highway, offering an old-world charm, hearty meals, and a simple bar for a relaxing evening drink.
Arthurs Lake Roadhouse Bar: A very remote, basic roadhouse with an attached bar in Miena, serving as an essential stopping point and local gathering spot near Arthurs Lake. Known for its strong sense of remote community.
Tavern Bar & Bistro (Late-Night Social): At Cradle Mountain Lodge, this venue extends its hours to late in the evening and is the most vibrant social spot. It is the definitive ‘late-night’ hub, often hosting social gatherings and occasional events like Trivia Night (on select Tuesdays).
Altitude Lounge Bar (Nightcap Venue): The lounge at the Cradle Mountain Hotel is a place for extended evening relaxation. With its cosy fires and comfortable seating, it offers a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere for a nightcap, focusing on conversation rather than dancing.
Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel (Pub Late-Night): This pub in Derwent Bridge is where locals and travellers tend to linger latest, especially on a weekend. The atmosphere is that of a warm, classic Australian country pub, where the cheer and conversation are the entertainment.
Great Lake Hotel Bar (Miena Gathering): Serving a remote community, the bar at this hotel in Miena is the main after-hours gathering place. It’s a quintessential country pub where you’ll find the liveliest crowd for conversation in the Central Highlands.
The Pub in the Paddock: While slightly outside the immediate Central Highlands boundary (in Pyengana, East Coast), it is an iconic Tassie institution and the closest cultural equivalent to a must-visit, unique pub. It’s famous for its convivial atmosphere and its beer-drinking pig, Priscilla—a memorable stop, though not a dance club.
Castle Hotel Bothwell (Local Weekend Spot): As one of the few pubs in the historic area, the Bothwell Castle Hotel is likely to see the latest activity on weekend evenings, functioning as the local community’s social centre.
Tarraleah Village Bar/Lounge (Exclusive Late-Night): The venues within the Tarraleah resort complex offer an exclusive late-night feel for in-house guests, trading a club environment for a luxurious, quiet, and romantic atmosphere.
Wayatinah Tavern (Remote Social Spot): This is the local spot for the very remote community of Wayatinah and is where you’d find the latest social activity in this isolated area.
Gretna Green Hotel (Highway Stop-Over Social): The bar at the Gretna hotel serves as a relaxed evening meeting point for travellers passing through and the handful of local residents.
Bronte Park Highland Village Bar (Remote After-Hours): The small bar here in Bronte Park is the only real after-hours option for guests staying in this isolated part of the Central Highlands.
Ouse Roadhouse Tavern (Community After-Hours): Providing a vital service to its community, this simple tavern in Ouse is the focal point for any evening socialising in the small town.