The mountain is a jagged, dolerite peak that dominates the area. Its name, supposedly, is derived from the mountain’s resemblance to a miner’s cradle. This dramatic vista is a highlight of many a tourist, when viewed across Dove Lake, however, the wild weather of the Tasmanian highlands often shrouds the mountain in cloud.

The experience of the wilderness is enhanced by the range of environments to explore including ancient rainforest, alpine heathlands, buttongrass and stands of colourful deciduous beech. There are the icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines reflected in the still waters of glacial lakes and the unique wildlife. This 161,000 ha park also includes Lake St Clair, a 200 m deep glacial lake (Australia’s deepest lake) and Mount Ossa (1,617 m) Tasmania’s tallest mountain located approximately 25 km south of Cradle Mountain. Platypus are also often sighted at Lake St Clair, although visitors have been known to mistake the native water rat that also swims across the lake, for the elusive platypus.

Location: Lake St Clair is only 2½ hours west of Hobart via the Lyell Highway (A10) and about that from Launceston via Longford and Poatina. At Derwent Bridge turn right onto the 5½ km long access road to the lake at Cynthia Bay. From Queenstown the Lyell Highway is a winding and narrow 1½ hour drive. Both the Lyell Highway and the access road from Derwent Bridge may occasionally be closed by snow in winter.