Trail Trekking Launceston

Discover Tasmania's alpine heart and tick World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain off your bucket list.
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is known for its iconic alpine scenery and diverse range of walking trails, making it a top destination for active travellers. As a World Heritage-listed area, it showcases some of Tasmania’s most stunning natural landscapes. With around four-five hours to explore the park, we keep the walking itinerary flexible to suit our guests and the day’s weather conditions.

After departing Launceston, we make a short stop in Sheffield – the quirky rural town known as the Town of Murals. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, Sheffield is Tasmania’s outdoor art gallery, with over 100 murals depicting the history of the Cradle Mountain region. It’s a colourful introduction to the area before we head deeper into the mountains.
Arriving at Cradle Mountain National Park, we get ready to make the most of the walking opportunities ahead. With around 4–5 hours to explore, we begin with one of the introductory walks — such as the Enchanted Walk or Pencil Pine Falls — offering an easy and scenic introduction to the area. These short trails are a great way to stretch your legs and get a feel for Cradle Mountain’s unique environment before heading out on longer walks.

After that it’s onto our main walk of the day, Dove Lake Circuit, a comfortable 6km circumnavigation of the glassy lake that sits at the bottom of Cradle Mountain. , the track undulates around Dove Lake and traverses beneath Cradle Mountain.  All the magnificent flora can be viewed on this walk, with buttongrass, myrtle, sassafras, fagus and King Billy Pine along the way, and the views are epic.

If you’re looking for a challenge, tackle the hike to Marion’s Lookout. An uphill climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain, Little Horn, Smithies Peak and so many mirrored lakes.

We take a break during the day to enjoy lunch out on the trails.  Relax and enjoy the views of Cradle Mountain, keep a sharp eye out for the famously friendly wombats in their natural habitat. You’ll also learn about the area’s history with a visit to Weindorfer’s Chalet and a walk among the ancient King Billy Pines on the Weindorfer’s Forest Trail.
On our return to Launceston, we make a final stop at Van Diemen’s Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm — the perfect place to enjoy well-earned treats made from Tasmania’s finest dairy and local produce. A sweet end to an unforgettable day.

We return into Launceston around 5.30 - 6.00pm 

“This must be a National Park for the people for all time. It is magnificent, and people must know about it and enjoy it." 
So declared Gustav Weindorfer from the summit of Cradle Mountain in 1910. 

Departs:    Launceston 7.30am
Returns:    Launceston 6.00pm
Days:         Monday, Wednesday, Friday

** extra departure days Tuesday & Thursday as of 01 Nov 2025 – 30 April 2026

Highlights

• Explore Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park (approx. 4–5 hours)
• Stand on the shores of the spectacular Dove Lake
• Enjoy a guided introductory walk and interpretation of the area
• Take on the Dove Lake Circuit (medium grade, 6 km, 2–3 hours)
• Or challenge yourself with the hike to Marion’s Lookout (hard grade, 2–3 hours)
• Visit historic Weindorfer’s Chalet
• Stop in Sheffield – the 'Town of Murals' – an outdoor art gallery with over 100 murals showcasing the region’s history
• Indulge in a sweet stop at Van Diemen’s Land Ice Creamery & Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm to refresh and refuel after a day in the mountains

Inclusions

• National Parks entrance fees

• Friendly and knowledgable tour guides

• Informative tours and guided walks

• Small group limit of 20 people

• Pick up and drop off from selected hotels

Exclusions

•  Food and drinks - you will have an opportunity to stop enroute to the National Park to purchase lunch/snacks to take along with you for your tour day.  This stop is in a regional town at a local Bakery. The selection includes sandwiches, rolls, wraps etc.  If you have special dietary requirements or prefer other choices, you may wish to come prepared with your own food of choice. Lunch will be in a picnic area at Cradle Mountain.

What to bring/wear

• A day pack
• Refillable water bottle
• Closed, sturdy shoes for walking (runners, sneakers, hiking boots)
• Sensible clothes for outdoor conditions (warm layers are a great idea)
• A waterproof jacket, just in case
• A sunhat and beanie
• Sense of adventure!
  

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT CRADLE MOUNTAIN

• Please make sure you bring a large refillable water bottle, closed sturdy shoes for walking.  We recommend runners, sneakers or hiking boots and sensible clothes for outdoor conditions.  Warm layers are a great idea, waterproof rain jackets just in case.   

• The weather at Cradle Mountain is very changeable year-round and you need to be prepared for any weather, regardless of the time of year.  We recommend packing and dressing with layers of clothing. It is not uncommon to experience snow and icy winds in January, followed the following week by warm sunny days.  

• The trails we explore sit at 1000m above sea level, so it is naturally colder at this height and the weather changes rapidly in the mountains.  It is not uncommon to experience snow and icy winds in summer.  Beanies, gloves and spare warm socks are always a good idea.  

• We begin our hiking from Dove Lake with 2 walking options available.  The Dove Lake circuit is a moderate walk of 6 kms with some ups and downs along the way. Marions Lookout is a more challenging option taking you to an elevation of 1200m.  Your guide will discuss the walking options and your preferences on the day.  

Special considerations 

Our tours are active and visit National Parks and wild areas that involve some walking. We focus on the great short walks of Tasmania.  Although most of the walks are classified as easy, a suitable level of general health & fitness and physical abilities is essential.  All tour participants will be participating in outdoor, active activities and therefore subject to the outdoor weather conditions of the day.

We educate all guests on Minimal Impact Bushwalking and the Leave No Trace policy before entering our National Parks. We provide accurate interpretation and keep wildlife disturbance to a minimum by viewing from appropriate distances and informing our guests how to view wildlife with patience and respect. Activities are always confined to tracks and boardwalks to minimise negative impacts.

Discover Tasmania's alpine heart and tick World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain off your bucket list.
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is known for its iconic alpine scenery and diverse range of walking trails, making it a top destination for active travellers. As a World Heritage-listed area, it showcases some of Tasmania’s most stunning natural landscapes. With around four-five hours to explore the park, we keep the walking itinerary flexible to suit our guests and the day’s weather conditions.

After departing Launceston, we make a short stop in Sheffield – the quirky rural town known as the Town of Murals. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, Sheffield is Tasmania’s outdoor art gallery, with over 100 murals depicting the history of the Cradle Mountain region. It’s a colourful introduction to the area before we head deeper into the mountains.
Arriving at Cradle Mountain National Park, we get ready to make the most of the walking opportunities ahead. With around 4–5 hours to explore, we begin with one of the introductory walks — such as the Enchanted Walk or Pencil Pine Falls — offering an easy and scenic introduction to the area. These short trails are a great way to stretch your legs and get a feel for Cradle Mountain’s unique environment before heading out on longer walks.

After that it’s onto our main walk of the day, Dove Lake Circuit, a comfortable 6km circumnavigation of the glassy lake that sits at the bottom of Cradle Mountain. , the track undulates around Dove Lake and traverses beneath Cradle Mountain. All the magnificent flora can be viewed on this walk, with buttongrass, myrtle, sassafras, fagus and King Billy Pine along the way, and the views are epic.

If you’re looking for a challenge, tackle the hike to Marion’s Lookout. An uphill climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain, Little Horn, Smithies Peak and so many mirrored lakes.

We take a break during the day to enjoy lunch out on the trails. Relax and enjoy the views of Cradle Mountain, keep a sharp eye out for the famously friendly wombats in their natural habitat. You’ll also learn about the area’s history with a visit to Weindorfer’s Chalet and a walk among the ancient King Billy Pines on the Weindorfer’s Forest Trail.
On our return to Launceston, we make a final stop at Van Diemen’s Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm — the perfect place to enjoy well-earned treats made from Tasmania’s finest dairy and local produce. A sweet end to an unforgettable day.

We return into Launceston around 5.30 - 6.00pm

“ T h is must be a National Park for the people for all time. It is magnificent, and people must know about it and enjoy it ."
So declared Gustav Weindorfer from the summit of Cradle Mountain in 1910.

Departs: Launceston 7.30am
Returns: Launceston 6.00pm
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday


** extra departure days Tuesday & Thursday as of 01 Nov 2025 – 30 April 2026

Highlights

• Explore Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park (approx. 4–5 hours)
• Stand on the shores of the spectacular Dove Lake
• Enjoy a guided introductory walk and interpretation of the area
• Take on the Dove Lake Circuit (medium grade, 6 km, 2–3 hours)
• Or challenge yourself with the hike to Marion’s Lookout (hard grade, 2–3 hours)
• Visit historic Weindorfer’s Chalet
• Stop in Sheffield – the 'Town of Murals' – an outdoor art gallery with over 100 murals showcasing the region’s history
• Indulge in a sweet stop at Van Diemen’s Land Ice Creamery & Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm to refresh and refuel after a day in the mountains


Inclusions
• National Parks entrance fees
• Friendly and knowledgable tour guides
• Informative tours and guided walks

• Small group limit of 20 people

• Pick up and drop off from selected hotels

Exclusions
• Food and drinks - you will have an opportunity to stop enroute to the National Park to purchase lunch/snacks to take along with you for your tour day. This stop is in a regional town at a local Bakery. The selection includes sandwiches, rolls, wraps etc. If you have special dietary requirements or prefer other choices, you may wish to come prepared with your own food of choice. Lunch will be in a picnic area at Cradle Mountain.
What to bring/wear

A day pack Refillable water bottle Closed, sturdy shoes for walking (runners, sneakers, hiking boots) Sensible clothes for outdoor conditions (warm layers are a great idea) A waterproof jacket, just in case A sunhat and beanie Sense of adventure!

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT CRADLE MOUNTAIN
• Please make sure you bring a large refillable water bottle, closed sturdy shoes for walking. We recommend runners, sneakers or hiking boots and sensible clothes for outdoor conditions. Warm layers are a great idea, waterproof rain jackets just in case.

• The weather at Cradle Mountain is very changeable year-round and you need to be prepared for any weather, regardless of the time of year. We recommend packing and dressing with layers of clothing. It is not uncommon to experience snow and icy winds in January, followed the following week by warm sunny days.
• The trails we explore sit at 1000m above sea level, so it is naturally colder at this height and the weather changes rapidly in the mountains. It is not uncommon to experience snow and icy winds in summer. Beanies, gloves and spare warm socks are always a good idea.
• We begin our hiking from Dove Lake with 2 walking options available. The Dove Lake circuit is a moderate walk of 6 kms with some ups and downs along the way. Marions Lookout is a more challenging option taking you to an elevation of 1200m. Your guide will discuss the walking options and your preferences on the day.

Special considerations

Our tours are active and visit National Parks and wild areas that involve some walking. We focus on the great short walks of Tasmania. Although most of the walks are classified as easy, a suitable level of general health & fitness and physical abilities is essential. All tour participants will be participating in outdoor, active activities and therefore subject to the outdoor weather conditions of the day.
We educate all guests on Minimal Impact Bushwalking and the Leave No Trace policy before entering our National Parks. We provide accurate interpretation and keep wildlife disturbance to a minimum by viewing from appropriate distances and informing our guests how to view wildlife with patience and respect. Activities are always confined to tracks and boardwalks to minimise negative impacts.