Cradle Mountain walk
A guided 3 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 3-day Pack-Free walk in beautiful Cradle Mountain National Park, marvelling at 360-degree panoramic views of Tasmania’s highest mountains.
Alternatively, you can add an extra day and join our 4-day walk with a challenging day walking into the Walls of Jerusalem. (Click here to view this walk).
Explore Cradle Mountain , Tasmania
This fantastic 3-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.
A Pack Free Walk
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!
The extra ‘Wow Factor’ – Helicopter Flight
There’s nothing like experiencing the grandeur of Cradle Mountain from the air. On day three after your walk, you will join an amazing helicopter flight and experience spectacular views as we fly over Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain like no one other walker will see it. Take in views of Central Highlands peaks and on a clear day the Bass Strait.
2 nights at Cradle Mountain Lodge
We know our guests would rather avoid overcrowded walking huts, so we always ensure your accommodation provides all the creature comforts you deserve. We have chosen the best accommodation in the region, with our guests enjoying two wonderful evenings at the iconic Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Set on the edge of Cradle Mountains-Lake St Clair National Park, this mountain lodge enjoys breathtaking scenery, beautiful wilderness surrounds and stylish rooms with cosy fireplaces.
Personalised Tours
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 Guides
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.
Fabulous restaurant meals featuring local produce and Tasmanian wines
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 Highland Restaurant at Cradle Mountain Lodge where you can dine on modern Tasmania food served with wonderful Tasmanian wine.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Why should you choose us?
Cradle Mountain Walk Inclusions
This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden extras:
- 2 nights in Pencil Pine Cabins at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
- Helicopter Flight over Cradle Mountain
- 2 x delicious a la carte dinners in the Highland Restaurant featuring beautiful Tasmanian produce
- Tasmanian wine and non-alcoholic drinks served with dinner
- 2 x breakfasts
- 3 x 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
- Transfers to and from Launceston
- Transfers to our 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.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Tour Itinerary
Launceston - Waldheim to Dove Lake - Hanson's Peak optional
MAIN WALK GRADE: Walk 9.4km circuit. 5 hours walking with breaks. Good level of fitness required. Medium Grade.
WALK ITINERARY: Meet your friendly Tasmanian guides at 7.30am at the Grand Chancellor, Launceston. From here we drive two hours through the rich fertile farmlands and quaint villages to Cradle Mountain where we drop off our bags at the accommodation and then our adventure begins. Today we will start out through button grass plains and follow Ronny Creek then take a detour to see what the original accommodation was like at Waldheim Chalet, including a short walk through beautiful Alpine Pine trees and myrtles. Lake Lilla track takes us to Dove Lake and our first clear view of the mountain at the iconic Boatshed. We then have the option of circumnavigating Dove Lake or walking to Hansons Peak. During our Dove Lake walk our guides bring the place to life, pointing out the unique local flora and fauna which help make this place so special. You can’t come to Cradle mountain and not do Dove Lake. For those who want more of a challenge, Hanson’s Peak provides some fantastic views of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding valleys.
Cradle Mountains Circuit - Option to summit Cradle Mountain.
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 MOUNTAIN SUMMIT GRADE: Optional. Total kilometres for the day for those choosing this option is 12.2km. Hard Grade. Excellent level of fitness and agility required as involves rock climbing, boulder hopping and rock scrambling 50%.
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast at Cradle Mountain Lodge before setting out on the day’s adventure. We follow the traditional start to the 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 Kitchener’s 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): For 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). 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 up to the mountain and requires good agility and fitness. Lunch is at the top to ensure best appreciation of 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 way back to Cradle Mountain Lodge we pass the impressive Lesser Mountains of Weindorfers Tower and little horn finally passing the twisted lakes and Lake Hanson. One of the best and iconic walks in Tasmania.
Tonight enjoy a superb dinner featuring local produce and Tasmanian wine in the delightful Highlands Restaurant at Cradle Mountains Lodge.
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.
WALK GRADE: Walk 5.6km circuit. Walk with inclines total climbing 160m. 2.5 hours walking with breaks. Medium Grade. Moderate to Good level of fitness required.
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 finish our journey with 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. A sensational way to end of walking experience. Afterwards, we return to Launceston arriving at approximately 5.00pm via a transfer service.
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 Accommodation
Cradle Mountain Lodge
2 nights accommodation
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. If you are travelling solo and wishing to share, one person will be allocated to the Queen Bed (the first to book) and the other person occupying the single bed (see photo above) will receive a $100 discount. Singles can pay a single supplement of $320 to have their own room for 2 nights.
Superb Restaurant meals served with Tasmania wines
Enjoy hearty dinners in the Highland Restaurant:
STARTERS
Garlic Bread smothered in lashings of garlic butter (V)
Crisp Golden Fries with tomato sauce (V)
Seasoned Spiced Wedges avocado dip, sour cream, sweet chilli
Fried Chicken Wings spicy hot sauce, ranch dipping sauce
SOUPS
Seafood Chowder fresh Tasmanian seafood, potato pearls, seafood velouté (GF)
Soup of the Day served with a warm bread roll (V, V2, DF)
SMALL PLATES
Classic Caesar cos, bacon, croûtes, poached egg, anchovy dressing
Salt and Pepper Calamari Salad crisp fried, mixed greens, chilli mayo (DF)
Pan-fried Halloumi roasted fennel, citrus mushroom, rosemary labneh ((V)
Pepperberry and Gin cured Ocean Trout beetroot foam, citrus crème fraîche (GF)
Wallaby Porterhouse Scaloppini tomato, oyster mushroom, brandy cream (GF)
Roasted Heirloom Vegetable Salad grilled oyster mushroom, bush dust (V, V2, DF, GF, CN)
BURGERS
Cradle Burger beef patty, bacon, cheese, onions, beetroot, lettuce, tomato
Grilled Chicken Burger tasty cheese, crisp cos lettuce, tomato, chilli aioli
Fun-guy Burger field mushroom, blue cheese, beetroot pickle, spinach, walnut pesto (V, CN)
Gluten Free Buns Available
PASTA
Penne Carbonara bacon, cream, fresh herb pesto, parmesan
add chicken
Seafood Marinara Fettuccini seafood medley, rich tomato, spinach, chilli, parmesan
Pumpkin Risotto Persian fetta, young spinach, Grana Padano, truffle (V)
Mediterranean Vegetable Spaghetti olive, sundried tomato, courgettes, spinach, herb oil,
parmesan (V)
LARGER
Fish & Chips beer battered, fries, salad, tartare
Macquarie Harbour Atlantic salmon roasted asparagus, poached pinkeye potato (GF)
Pan-fried Market Fish softened greens, lemon butter (GF)
Meander Valley Lamb Striploin skordalia, glazed beetroot, charred fennel (GF)
Cape Grim Hanger Steak wild mushroom jus, corn salsa, lime (GF)
Roland Range Porterhouse Steak fries, salad, your choice of sauce*
Classic Chicken Schnitzel crumbed, fries, salad, your choice of sauce*
*Sauces: Mushroom Sauce, Pepper Jus or Gravy
DESSERT
Devilish Chocolate Pudding hot chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream (V, CN)
Wattleseed & Baileys Cheesecake vanilla anglaise, berry compote (V)
Wattleseed Doughnuts vanilla cream, berry compote (V)
Saffron and Vanilla Crema Catalana almond biscotti (GF, CN)
Strawberry & Lemon Tart chantilly cream (V)
Cheese Plate for Two Chef’s selection of Tasmanian cheeses (V)
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Tour Availability
We run regularly scheduled tours from October to the end of 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 Spot Specials savings of $150 per person . Conditions apply see pricing page.
| Departure Dates | Availability | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|
| THIS SEASON: | ||
| 26 Apr 2020 | 1 spot available | Not applicable |
| NEXT SEASON: | ||
| 23 October 2020 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now |
| 27 Nov 2020 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now. Staying in Spa Chalets higher price. |
| 7 Dec 2020 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now |
| 11 Dec 2020 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now. Staying in Spa Chalet higher price. |
| 8 Jan 2021 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now |
| 18 Jan 2021 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now |
| 12 Feb 2021 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now. Staying in Spa Chalet higher price. |
| 26 Mar 2021 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now. Staying in Spa Chalet higher price. |
| 29 Mar 2021 | Available | Super Earlybirds Out Now |
_____________________________
PRIVATE GROUPS:
Date of your choice is available for groups of 10 -12 people. Subject to availability. Free Group T’shirts also available – see details.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Tour Prices
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THIS SEASON
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1749
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First time traveller with Life's An Adventure |
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THIS SEASON’S DEPARTURES SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: *Spot Special savings available on specific departures only when you book and pay in full. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. Shoulder season: 1 to 30 October and 1 to 30 April. |
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THIS SEASON - PAST PASSENGER
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1649
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Travelled with Life's An Adventure previously |
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THIS SEASON’S DEPARTURES SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: *Spot Special savings available on specific departures only when you book and pay in full. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. Shoulder season: 1 to 30 October and 1 to 30 April. |
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Private Groups
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1699
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Departure of your choice |
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PRIVATE GROUPS THIS SEASON’S DEPARTURES SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: _______________________________ NEXT SEASON’S DEPARTURES: SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: _______________________________ $100 extra Past Passenger discount available for those in the group that have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously. Shoulder season: 1 to 30 October and 1 to 30 April. *Special Group or Super Earlybird savings available on all 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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BOOK NOW FOR NEXT SEASON
From
$
1599
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Super Earlybirds Out Now |
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NEXT SEASON’S DEPARTURES SHOULDER: PEAK SEASON: $100 extra Past Passenger discount available for those in the group that have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously. Shoulder season: 1 to 30 October and 1 to 30 April. *Super Earlybird savings available on all departures only when you book and pay in full. Normal Price requires $300 deposit only, with final payments due 8 weeks prior. |
Single Supplements
- Singles wanting to share, please see notes on accommodation page about bed configurations in the cabins.
- Singles wanting their own room. Add $320. Subject to availability at time of booking.
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: 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 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. We have organised through NIB Insurance for you to purchase travel insurance directly with them – please click here for details.
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.
Cancellation Policy and Conditions of Travel
- Where helicopter flight is altered due to unsuitable weather conditions, our guides will provide the best alternative itinerary possible, no refunds are provided for cancelled activities on tour. However, a $100 credit note will be given for your next tour.
- Click here to view Cancellation Policy and Conditions of Travel.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be to do this walk?
This walk is suitable for those who are looking for a walking / hiking holiday experience. A good level of fitness is needed to complete this walk. You must be capable of walking between 5 – 6 hours a day there is lots of steps and an undulating path see total ascents on itinerary page. We’ll take the pace at a level that suits everyone, with plenty of rest stops and opportunities to take photos during each day. For those wanting to take the option to walk to the Summit of Cradle Mountain, an excellent level of fitness is required.
Please note if you have any medical conditions which may affect your walking we suggest you seek medical advice before booking this tour.
So what will I need to carry?
All our guests will just need to carry a small day pack with water, camera and any small personal items you want access to during the day. Your overnight bags will remain at your accommodation each day.
Do you cater for different dietary requirements?
Yes, we can organise meals to cater for any special dietary requirements. Please indicate this on your booking.
When is the best time of the year to do this walk?
We believe the premier time to do this walk is between October and April when the weather is best for hiking. We therefore only run this guided walk during this period.
How do I check availability?
Click on the availability tab above. Our booking shows real-time availability. Select your dates required and available dates will be highlighted in green. To request a new date please email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
How do I book?
A $250 deposit is required at time of booking to secure your place with final payments due 8 weeks prior to departure. Bookings can be made online by simply clicking on the Book Now button or by calling us. Note if you are taking advantage of Early Bird or Spot Special Savings you will need to book and pay in full at the initial booking stage.
Can you recommend any pre or post accommodation?
As our 8.00am pickup is at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston, for convenience we recommend this hotel of choice for your pre-tour accommodation. A special room rate has been organised for our guests. Call the hotel directly and mention Life’s An Adventure to get your special rate.
Am I able to organise an exclusive group departure?
Exclusive departures may be able to be organised on other dates for groups of 10 people. Please note as accommodation books out early, groups are advised to book their tours at least 6 months in advance to secure the accommodation. Please email us with your requirements.
If I am travelling on my own do I need to pay extra?
Please note if you are travelling solo you will be required to pay a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are prepared to share with another single traveller of the same gender, we will refund this cost once we find you a match.
What time does this adventure start and finish?
We meet in Launceston at 8.00am at the Grand Chancellor Hotel on day 1. On the final day, you will return to the Grand Chancellor Launceston at approximately 6.30pm.
How many people are in each walking group?
We run our tours with a maximum of 10 walkers.
Is my tour guaranteed to go ahead?
All tours are subject to minimum numbers. Before you book, you are welcome to ring our office to check which tour dates are guaranteed to run. If minimum numbers are not met for your booked date we will call you to reschedule to another date. It is advised if you are not booked on a guaranteed departure, that when booking flights you choose tickets which allow you to amend your dates if required.
Do I need travel insurance?
We often get people who injure themselves before their tour or something unexpected happens and they are unable to make it to Tasmania. Travel insurance will cover all your tour, flights and pre-accommodation costs and is therefore extremely valuable if the unforeseen happens. We strongly 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. We have organised through NIB Insurance for you to purchase travel insurance directly with them – please click here for details.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
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