THINGS TO DO NEAR CRADLE MOUNTAIN
Listed below are some of the most beautiful sites that can be found near Cradle Highlander.
Dove lake
A picturesque glacial lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake is the centrepiece of the famous Dove Lake Circuit walk. Magnificent views across the lake towards Cradle Mountain can be had from the car park, or a number of different points along the walk including Glacier Rock or the boat shed. For more information on the Dove Lake Circuit walk, visit our Walking and Hiking Trails page.
marion’s lookout
Marions’ Lookout is perched high above Dove Lake on the edge of a glacier-carved plateau and offers panoramic views over surrounding lakes and mountains. The lookout can be accessed from a number of tracks starting at Ronny Creek or Dove Lake. For more information on those tracks, visit our Walking and Hiking Trails page.
crater lake
A beautiful glacial lake with dark waters and steep walls, Crater Lake can be accessed from the Overland Track starting at Ronny Creek, or as part of a circuit starting at the Dove Lake car park. For more information on these walks, visit our Walking and Hiking Trails page.
hansons peak & twisted lakes
For a different view of Dove Lake and the wilderness to the east of Cradle Mountain, climb up Hansons Peak via Hansons Lake and the beautiful Twisted Lakes and back down to Dove Lake. Hansons Lake and the Twisted Lakes can also be done as part of a longer circuit including Lake Rodway and Kitchen Hut. For more information on these walks, visit our Walking and Hiking Trails page.
cradle mountain
On a clear day, the 1,545 metre high summit of Cradle Mountain offers commanding views in all directions. The walk takes between 6 to 8 hours return. The last part of the ascent is steep and challenging, and involves scrambling over huge boulders. The easiest access route is by following the Overland Track from Ronny Creek past Crater Lake to Marions Lookout and on to Kitchen Hut with great views of Barn Bluff. There are several return routes to Dove Lake and Ronny Creek. There is also a magnificent but very long day walk around the back of Cradle Mountain via the Overland Track and returning via the Lake Rodway Track and Hansons Peak. Allow 7-9 hours for this walk. For more information on these walks, visit our Walking and Hiking Trails page.
Pencil pine falls
A short, wheelchair-friendly circuit takes you through pencil pine and myrtle rainforests to a lovely view of Pencil Pine Falls.
mole creek caves
Guided, interpretive tours that last 45 minutes are operated every day of the year, except for Christmas Day. There are two public caves at Mole Creek: Marakoopa and King Solomon.
Marakoopa is a wet cave 15 km from Mole Creek featuring two underground streams and an incredible glow worm display. You can choose from two different tours, both allowing time to view the spectacular glow worm display.
King Solomon is a dry cave with light reflecting calcite crystals.
Both caves are on the C138 before you get to Mole Creek, about one hour from Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages.
trowunna wildlife park
Trowunna Wildlife Park is a privately owned wildlife park where native Tasmanian fauna and flora thrive. Trowunna has daily interactive tours with group and private bookings welcome. Facilities include the Devil Education and Research Centre, a gift shop, parking, toilets, picnic tables, and disabled accessibility.
You can see hand feeding of Tasmanian Devils, pet a koala, and hold a baby wombat.
wilmot hills distillery
It is a 45 minute drive to Wilmot west of Lake Barrington. Wilmot Hills Distillery is 300 metres above sea level with spectacular views towards Mount Roland. It is owned and operated by John and Ruth Cole who have a long-held passion for creating wine and spirits.
In recent years, the Coles have chosen to concentrate on a range of spirits which includes gin, Pomadoras (apple brandy), Grappa, Basilico, and Absinthe.
John started making green absinthe in 2010 after he bought a bottle and set about researching how it was made. He has now expanded his range to include a red absinthe, which he believes is the only one like it in the country.
lake barrington vineyard
Lake Barrington Estate was established in 1986 and is set on the banks of picturesque Lake Barrington with Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. Lake Barrington Estate is located just outside of Sheffield; a one hour drive from Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages.
seven sheds craft brewery
Seven Sheds Brewery, Meadery and Hop Garden are owned and operated by Willie Simpson and Catherine Stark. Seven Sheds produces its flagship Kentish Ale and seasonal beers, as well as honey wines and melomels. It is located about a one hour drive away from Cradle Mountain Highlanders.
tasmazia & the village of lower crackpot
Tasmazia is a 40 minute drive from Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages. It is a crazy complex located in the wonderfully named Promised Land in the heart of Tasmania's beautiful Cradle Mountain and Lakes District.
Tasmazia includes eight mazes featuring The Great Maze - at the time of planting the world's largest - as well as The Village of Lower Crackpot which is a whimsical model village built to a one fifth scale. The village features Embassy Gardens, a self-serve cafeteria, gift shop, lavender farm, and ever present views of majestic Mount Roland.
Stephens Honey Factory
Stephens Honey Factory at Mole Creek offers different types of honey, specialising in leatherwood and clover honey. Mole Creek is a one hour drive from Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages on the C138 Pioneer Drive Mole Creek Tasmania.
Melita Honey Farm
Melita Honey Farm at Chudleigh, half way between Mole Creek and Deloraine, has over 30 varieties of honey. They offer gourmet ice-cream and free honey tasting.