wulinantikala / Cradle Mountain Hiking Tour - 4 Days
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About This Tour in Launceston
Why Visit Launceston?
Launceston, Australia offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Launceston provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Launceston
You can reach Launceston, Australia by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. From the airport, you can take airport shuttles, taxis, rideshare services, or public transportation to reach the city center. Rental cars are also popular for exploring the surrounding areas.
What's Included
- All national park fees
- Carbon offset
- Trail mix, nibbles, fresh fruit
- 3 nights' accommodation on a twin share basis (single supplement available at additional expense)
- Two Park Trek guides
- All transport on tour including pickup from Launceston and return
What's Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Pre-tour and post-tour transport and accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages (however guests are welcome to bring their own)
- Clothing and other personal items
- Emergency evacuations and medical expenses
- Tips or gratuities
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
Please meet at the hotel entrance on the driveway. Meeting time is 7.45am for a 8.00am departure.
End Point
Please meet at the hotel entrance on the driveway. Meeting time is 7.45am for a 8.00am departure.
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Cradle Valley Boardwalk, Weindorfers Forest + Waldheim
The trip departs out of Launceston at 8am from the Hotel Grand Chancellor 4 hours
The trip departs out of Launceston at 8am from the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Our initial drive takes us into the Mersey River valley, and along the base of the Great Western Tiers, before we stop after an hour or so for a morning tea break. From here it’s only another 1.5 hours before we arrive at Cradle Mountain village. We will stop at the main visitor centre to pick up our park passes, then have lunch on the edge of the park before heading out on our main walk for the day – the Cradle Valley Boardwalk. This easy walk takes us along the course of the Dove River and features a vast assortment of native flora. In early summer the endemic Tasmanian Waratah flowers are particularly magnificent. Once at Ronny Creek, we go searching for wombats across the buttongrass plains before looping around to the historic Waldheim Chalet – originally built by the parks founding pioneers Gustav Weindorfer, and the site of Cradle Mountains first tourism venture.
Hansons Peak & Twisted Lakes
Starting from Dove Lake we will take the... 6 hours
Starting from Dove Lake we will take the Lake Rodway track up and over Hansons Peak – which provides us with a completely different view of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding lakes. The climb to the top of the peak is at times steep and uneven underfoot, and a chain is provided on nearing the summit to assist walkers. Once over the other side, we pick up our return route via the Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson – remnants of glacial scouring from previous ice ages. These pools are very tranquil and are encompassed by endemic pencil pines and fagus. This section is normally very peaceful, a bit of a hidden gem, and we will find ourselves a nice rocky outcrop for lunch whilst we soak up the views. We loop back to the Lake Rodway Track completing the circuit, and reverse our inward journey – returning to Dove Lake to meet the bus.
Lake Lilla, Wombat Pool, Marion’s Lookout & Crater Falls
Today’s walk takes in some of the most... 4 hours
Today’s walk takes in some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in all of Australia. Starting at Dove Lake, we walk past Lake Lilla and Wombat Pools on our way to Marion's Lookout. The ascent to Marion’s is an exciting steep and rocky section of track where we use chains to assist our climb to the viewing area. In fine weather, the views from Marion's are magnificent and far reaching – with Cradle Mountain itself dominating the panorama. From here we descend back towards Wombat Peak and turn onto the world-famous Overland Track towards the glacially formed Crater Lake. This lake features an old boat shed, and during autumn is one of the best locations in the state to see the changing foliage colour of the deciduous Myrtle Beech (or fagus) – Australia’s only seasonally deciduous native.
Dove Lake Circuit
After breakfast and lunch making, we pack-up the... 4 hours
After breakfast and lunch making, we pack-up the trailer and head out for our final walk - the Dove Lake Circuit. This is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks and a must-do for anyone visiting the park. This 6km loop is a lovely way to wind down from your adventure – as it is mostly flat and even underfoot, with only a couple of short hills. It allows you to fully focus on the looming backdrop of Cradle Mountain high above and the numerous waterfalls which cascade down towards the lake from the surrounding slopes. We finish our loop atop the impressive formation of Glacier Rock, which provides us with a final vista across the landscapes we have explored for the past four days. After lunch, we jump back on the bus and start our return journey back to Launceston. En-route we will stop by the lovely little town of Sheffield – where we should have ample time for a break and a wander around the muralled streets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
