Cradle Mountain walk
A guided 4 day Pack Free walk
This walk has been designed for those looking for a Pack Free walking experience of the stunning wilderness region of Cradle Mountain. With rugged mountain peaks, glacial lakes, ancient rainforests and abundant wildlife, this truly is a special place. Enjoy this 4-day Pack-Free walk in beautiful Cradle Mountain National Park, marvelling at 360-degree panoramic views of Tasmania’s highest mountains.
NOTE: This tour includes an arrival day (including accommodation) and 3 days walking.
Alternatively, you can add an extra day and join our 5-day tour with a challenging day walking into the Walls of Jerusalem. (Click here to view this walk).
A Pack Free Walk
Why carry a heavy pack!
This fantastic 4-day walking holiday is for our guests who want to experience hiking in Cradle Mountain National Park without having to undertake an arduous walking experience with packs. You’ll explore magnificent Crater Lake, Lake Lila, Dove Lake and for those who are up to the challenge.. a walk to the summit of Cradle Mountain. This walk has been designed to be Pack Free so that you can concentrate on the walking and avoid struggling with carrying your clothes and a heavy pack. Each day you will just need to carry your water and lunch leaving you free to enjoy your walk not endure it!
Cradle Mountain Helicopter Flight
The wow factor!
Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight taking in the breathtaking sights of Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain and the Bass Strait.
The Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston
1 night stay
Enjoy your first night in Launceston at The Hotel Grand Chancellor overlooking the city. Centrally located near City Park – Launceston’s picturesque public gardens, the Tasmanian Design Centre, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Princess Theatre, Boag’s Brewery and UTAS Stadium, the hotel is the perfect choice for exploring the many splendours of Northern Tasmania.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Indulge in a 2 night stay
For two nights stay at the iconic Cradle Mountain set on the edge of the wilderness with stunning alpine views. Our guests will stay in warm comfortable Pencil Pine Cabins featuring gas fires, queen sized bed and a single bed and contemporary decor and furnishings.
Room Configuration: Please note each cabin contains a queen bed and a single bed.
Local produce and Tasmanian wines
Fabulous meals in the Altitude Restaurant
Our meals will be a special time to gather together as a group and chat and laugh about the day’s adventures. Evenings will be spent in the Highlands Restaurant with forest views where you can dine on modern Tasmania food served with wonderful Tasmanian wine. Dinner will be two courses with entree and main night one and main and dessert night two.
Please see below for a typical menu.
MAINS:
- Line-caught white fish, ginseng rub, softened greens, lemon butter (GF)
- Macquarie harbour Atlantic salmon, roasted asparagus, poached pink eye potato (GF)
- Roasted heirloom vegetable salad, grilled oyster mushroom, bush dust (V, V2, DF, GF, CN)
- Roasted eggplant, Roma tomato, goat cheese, fresh basil, preserved lemon, truffle (V)
- Wallaby Porterhouse scaloppini, tomato, oyster mushroom, brandy cream (GF)
- Nichols Chicken ballotine, poached fig, caper and herb pesto (GF, CN)
- Pressed Scottsdale pork belly, cauliflower purée, chilli caramel (GF)
- Cape Grim Hanger steak, wild mushroom jus, corn salsa, lime (GF)
- Meander Valley Lamb, skordalia, glazed beetroot, charred fennel (GF, DF)
- Venison Striploin, wattleseed essence, wild berry jus, sweet potato (GF)
DESSERTS:
- Burnt orange, blood orange sorbet, toasted orange poppy seed cake (V, GF, DF, CN)
- Chocolate four play, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate (V, CN)
- Wattleseed doughnuts, vanilla cream, berry compote (V)
- Saffron and vanilla crema Catalana, almond biscotti (GF, CN)
Flexible walking options
Choose your level of walking
We understand that many people come on our walks with partners or friends who have different levels of fitness and abilities. With two guides on all our tours above 8 people we can cater for different needs and offer easier or more challenging walking options each day such as the summit walk to the top of Cradle Mountain. Our guests also have the option to sit out any day’s walk to relax and enjoy the facilities at Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Personalised Tours
Maximum of 12 people
We keep our group sizes small and personalised with a maximum of 12 guests per trip, we find this delivers a more personal service, a great social environment and has less impact on the environment.
Our CEO Guides
Passionate Chief Experience Officers
Our guides are proudly 100% Tasmanian. We call them our CEOs – Chief Experience Officers and it’s their job to ensure your tour exceeds your expectations. Our guides have a wonderful sense of humour and vast knowledge of the Tasmanian wilderness, providing the perfect combination to make your experience unforgettable.
21 Tourism Awards of Excellence
including Australia's Best Adventure Tourism Company
Life’s an Adventure have won 21 Tourism Awards of Excellence including the Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Australia’s Best Adventure Company. But our biggest accolade which we value even more, is that our clients come back and travel with us time and time again.
Genuinely all-inclusive
You won't even need to pay for credit card fees
There’s nothing worse than getting on a tour to find out out you have to keep paying more for extras that aren’t included. With Life’s An Adventure this will never happen our tours have everything included.
In the restaurant you won’t be given a set group menu you can choose from the restaurant’s a la carte menu each night which are accompanied by superb Tasmanian wines.
Your trail mix, fruit, breakfasts, walkers lunches are all included and there’s even no credit card fees to pay when you book. Relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of for you.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Why should you choose us?
Tour Itinerary
This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden extras:
- 1 night at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
- 2 nights at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
- 2 x delicious a la carte dinners in the Highland Restaurant featuring beautiful Tasmanian produce
- Tasmanian wine and non-alcoholic drinks served with dinner
- 1 x breakfast at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
- 2 x hot or cold breakfasts
- 3 x walkers lunches
- Professionally guided. Our CEO’s – Chief Experience Officers are locals who are passionate, well trained and enthusiastic with the ability to bring to life a depth of information
- Fresh fruit and trail mix to enjoy during your walk
- Hot tea, coffee or chocolate served on the trail.
- Helicopter flight over Cradle Mountain
- Transfers to and from Launceston
- Transfers to the trails
Please note: we advise drinking in moderation as walking can be strenuous. Wine is served to enjoy with your dinner only, if you would like to enjoy alcohol pre or post dinner this will be at your own expense.
Today is an arrival day. Book your own flight to arrive any time into Launceston and make your own way to the Hotel Grand Chancellor in the heart of the city. Your accommodation has been booked in a deluxe twin or deluxe king room. Accommodation is based on twin share (note: solo travellers will need to pay a single supplement cost of $75). Tonight enjoy a free evening to explore one of the many restaurants in Launceston, alternatively dine in the hotel’s restaurant. (own expense)
DEPARTURE TIME: 7.30am
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning: 2-hour transfer from Launceston to the trail. Afternoon: 15-minute transfer from the end of the walk to accommodation.
MAIN WALK GRADE: Walk 9.4km circuit. 5 hours walking with breaks. A good level of fitness is required. Medium Grade.
TERRAIN: Formed trails with occasional rocky sections and boardwalk. Some short inclines. For those choosing the Hansons Peak option, there is a steep ascent and descent over rough, rocky terrain.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast in the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston. After meeting your friendly guides in the foyer of the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston at 7.30am, we’ll begin the drive through rich fertile farmlands and quaint villages to arrive in Sheffield, the town famous for its Murals and the incredible backdrop of Mount Rolland. After our coffee stop, we’ll drive another hour to arrive at Cradle Mountain where the real adventure begins. Today we will start walking through button grass plains, following Ronny Creek to the historic Waldheim Chalet, the chalet holds great significance to the Cradle Mountain National Park and sits among ancient King Billy Pines and moss-covered Myrtles. After our visit, we’ll continue our walk past the stunning Lake Lilla, where views of Cradle Mountain start to come into sight. From here the trail joins the Dove Lake circuit track which bypasses the iconic wooden boat shed, The Ballroom Forest, secluded little bays and ancient endemic trees. During the walk our guides bring the place to life, pointing out the unique local flora and fauna which help make this place so special. Afterwards, we make our way to our accommodation at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge where we enjoy fine dining perfectly matched with Tasmanian wines in one of Tasmania’s most beautiful dining rooms – The Highland Restaurant.
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning: 15 minute transfer from accommodation to trail. Afternoon: 15 minute transfer from the end of the walk to accommodation.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Option to add an extra 2kms to the walk to Cradle Mountain summit.
MAIN WALK GRADE: Walk 10.2kms. Walk with inclines total climbing 760m. 6-7 hours walking with breaks. Medium Grade. Good level of fitness required. OPTIONAL CRADLE MTN SUMMIT: Total kilometres for the day for those choosing this option is 12.2km. Hard Grade. Excellent level of fitne%.ss and agility required as involves rock climbing, boulder hopping and rock scrambling 50%.
TERRAIN: Today’s main walk follows formed trails with rocky sections, some boardwalk and stairs with a steep, rocky climb to Marion’s Peak. For those choosing the side trip to Cradle Mountain summit expect steep climbing, boulder hopping and rock scrambling with some exposure.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before setting out on the day’s adventure. We follow the traditional start to the famous Overland Track, incorporating Crater Lake and Crater Falls, then up Marion’s Peak where on a clear day you can see the Walls of Jerusalem plateau. A billy break at Kitchen Hut gives a chance to rest and appreciate Cradle Mountain from its base. The mountain is a remarkable sight being made up of high narrow ridge with dolerite cliffs on both sides.
CRADLE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT OPTION (weather permitting): The more active members of our group can choose an additional optional walk to the summit of Cradle Mountain to take in magnificent views across the Tasmanian Highlands (a 3-hour return climb from Kitchen Hut). For those who attempt this please note this additional walk to the summit involves rock climbing, boulder hopping and rock scrambling 50% of the time and requires good agility and fitness. Lunch is at the summit to ensure you have time to appreciate one of the best views in Tasmania. Please note this option is only available when the weather is suitable – the guide will make the call on the day whether this walk proceeds, based on safety.
On our walk back to our hotel we pass the impressive, but equally beautiful, lesser mountains of Weindorfers Tower and Little Horn finally passing the Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson. This is one of the best walks in Tasmania.
Tonight enjoy a superb dinner featuring local produce and Tasmanian wine in the delightful Highland Restaurant.
Note: When there are 8 or more passengers on tour, we have two guides offering a choice of two walking options – our main walk and the Cradle Mountain Summit option. Tours with 7 or fewer people will only have 1 guide and therefore the whole group will need to select the same option. Please feel free to check with our office when booking.
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning: 15 minute transfer from our accommodation to the start of the trail. Afternoon: 2 hour transfer from Lodge to the Grand Chancellor Launceston.
WALK GRADE: Walk 5.6km circuit. 2.5 hours walking with breaks. Medium Grade. Moderate to Good level of fitness required.
TERRAIN: Natural track, which is uneven with some easy rock scrambling, and sections of good boardwalk. Walk includes short steep inclines; total climbing 160m.
WALK ITINERARY: This morning after a delicious breakfast, we head out or the last of our walks to stunning Dove Canyon. This appealing walk meanders through a wide variety of vegetation, including button grass plains, open forest, myrtle rainforest and the deep valley of the canyon. During this walk you will visit the rugged gorges and lovely waterfalls that have been eroded by Pencil Pine Creek and Dove River.
Afterwards we join a sensational helicopter flight over Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain for a stunning view of this alpine region. This will give you a view like no other and allow you to get appreciate the grandeur of Cradle Mountain and the Central Highlands, with up close views of the dramatic peaks. We return to Launceston arriving at approximately 5.00pm via a transfer service.
DEPARTURE TIME: We depart Cradle Mountain at 3.00pm arriving into Launceston at around 5 -5.30pm.
OPTIONAL 4 DAY WALK
For those up to the challenge, why not add an additional day’s walking experience to your Cradle Mountain walk as we take you into the remote Walls of Jerusalem. This is a challenging day’s walk, rated as hard. Only accessible by foot you’ll see stunning views of King David’s Peak, Solomon’s Jewels and Herod’s Gate
Tour Availability
We run regularly scheduled tours from October to April every year. Dates are listed below however availability changes by the hour – to see real-time availability click on the monthly calendar at the bottom of the page and select the month you require. We will also consider opening up a new departure date if we have enough demand. Email us at walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
SPECIALS
Check below to see if your preferred departure has a special saving. Conditions apply see pricing page.
Note: Spot Special save $150 per person & Super Earlybirds save $300 per person off “Normal Prices”.
| Departure Dates | Availability | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|
| 2022: | ||
| 24 Feb 2022 | Available | Spot Special saving |
| 7 April 2022 | Available | Spot Special saving |
| 6 October 2022 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 20 October 2022 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 23 November 2022 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 8 December 2022 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 2023: | ||
| 12 January 2023 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 26 January 2023 | Available | |
| 9 February 2023 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 16 February 2023 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 22 February 2023 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 9 March 2023 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 23 March 2023 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
| 14 April 2023 | Available | Earlybird Special saving |
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PRIVATE GROUPS:
Date of your choice is available for groups of 10 -12 people. Subject to availability.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: groups@lifesanadventure.com.au
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Tour Prices
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FIRST TIME TRAVELLER Specials
From
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1999
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DEPARTURES SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: _______________________ Sep 2022 to April 2023 SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: Shoulder season: 1 to 30 October and 1 to 30 April. * Earlybird and Spot Special savings available on specific departures only when you book and pay in full at time of booking. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. |
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PAST PASSENGER Specials
From
$
1899
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DEPARTURES SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: _______________________ Sep 2022 to April 2023 SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: Shoulder season: 1 to 30 October and 1 to 30 April. * Earlybird and Spot Special savings available on specific departures only when you book and pay in full at time of booking. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. These prices are for clients that have travelled with us before. To book these prices online please emails us for your special code. |
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Private Groups Specials
From
$
1899
/p
Departure of your choice |
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DEPARTURES SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: _______________________ Sep 2022 to April 2023 SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: Shoulder season: 1 to 30 October and 1 to 30 April. * Earlybird and Spot Special savings available on specific departures only when you book and pay in full at time of booking. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. These prices are for clients that have travelled with us before. To book these prices online please emails us for your special code. Additional Past Passenger discount not available for groups |
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OPTIONAL
$
Xtras
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The following extras can be purchased with your tour: _________________________ SOLO TRAVELLERS
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COVID Booking Guarantee
For terms and conditions on our special COVID-19 Booking Guarantee click here.
Discount Information:
PAST PASSENGER DISCOUNT: Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. In order to receive this discount please email us for your special “promo code” to use when booking. In your email, you should outline what Life’s An Adventure tour you have done with us in the past so we can cross-check.
EARLYBIRD & SPOT SPECIAL CANCELLATIONS: Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Earlybird Deals or Spot Specials, however, transfers to another date are permitted 8 weeks or more prior to departure. We advise taking out travel insurance, in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking.
Travel Insurance
We strongly advise our clients travelling within Australia to take out Travel Insurance. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them CLICK HERE .
Additional Information
- Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
- A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your booking. (unless taking advantage of Earlybird or Spot Specials in which full payment is required at time of booking).
- Note: If you are booking within 90 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
- Prices are based on twin share of rooms. If you are travelling solo you may be required to share with someone of the same gender. If this is not suitable you can request to pay a single supplement, however, limited single rooms are available per trip so are on a request basis.
- Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
- NO Credit Card fee applies.
- We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to minimum numbers not met, or adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc.
Booking Terms and Conditions
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
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