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Day Trips from Cradle Mountain

Day Trips from Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain Tasmania, Australia Travel Guide

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

Sheffield (Town of Murals): Approximately 1 hour drive east. Known for its outdoor murals depicting local history. Offers cafes and services.

Mole Creek Karst National Park: Approximately 1.5 hours drive east. This park features stunning limestone caves, Marakoopa Cave and King Solomon Cave, known for glow-worms.

Devonport: Approximately 1.5 hours drive north. A major port city, home to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, some museums, and shopping opportunities.

Strahan: Approximately 2.5-3 hours drive west. This historic port town on the west coast serves as a gateway to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. It features cruises on Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River.

Transportation Options

  • Rental Car: The most practical option for day trips from Cradle Mountain, offering flexibility for exploration.
  • Organized Tours: Some tour companies operate day trips from Cradle Mountain to Mole Creek Caves or combined with Sheffield. Strahan usually needs an overnight stay.
  • Sheffield & Mole Creek Caves: Plan a full day (6-8 hours, including driving and cave tours).
  • Strahan (West Coast): A very long day trip (10-12+ hours including driving and a Gordon River Cruise). Often suitable for an overnight stay.

Natural Wonders Nearby

The region surrounding Australia hosts an array of natural beauty, from alpine parks to scenic lakes and seasonal displays.

Parks & Reserves

The broader region around Cradle Mountain, known as the Great Western Tiers, features numerous smaller reserves and conservation areas. Walls of Jerusalem National Park, an isolated alpine park, is accessible from the Mole Creek area and suited for experienced bushwalkers (permit required).

Scenic Landscapes

  • Lake Barrington: North of Sheffield, a picturesque rowing course and recreational lake.
  • Mount Roland: This mountain dominates the skyline near Sheffield, offering challenging walks and panoramic views.
  • North West Coast Beaches: Accessible from Devonport or Burnie (approximately A two-hour drive), offering coastal scenery and fresh air.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Tasmania's seasons bring unique natural spectacles to the Cradle Mountain area and beyond.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Fagus (Deciduous Beech) Color: Late April to early May for the stunning golden autumn foliage, a unique Tasmanian spectacle.
  • Winter Snow: June to August transforms A Mountain in the central highlands region of tasmania and surrounding high country into a snowy wonderland.
  • Spring Wildflowers: September to November brings a vibrant presentation of native wildflowers across the park.

Comparison: Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tour

  • Convenience: No driving or navigation stress.
  • Local Guide: Gain insights and knowledge from an expert.
  • Less Flexible: Adherence to a fixed itinerary and schedule.
  • Cost: Can be more expensive per person compared to self-drive.

Independent Travel Rental Car

  • Maximum Flexibility: Set your own pace and travel plan.
  • Cost-Effective: Often more economical for groups or families.
  • Self-Reliance: Requires personal driving plus navigation.
  • Pre-planning: Booking tickets and parking might be necessary.

Time Required & Itinerary Suggestions

  • Sheffield & Mole Creek Caves:Full Day (6-8 hours)
  • Strahan (West Coast):Very Long Day Trip (10-12+ hours)
  • Northern Tasmania Loop:2-3 Days
  • West Coast Adventure:2-3 Days
  • Overland Track:5-6 Days (experienced hikers)
  • Hobart Extension:2+ Days
  • Freycinet National Park:2+ Days
  • Tasmanian Loop:7-14 Days

Tip: Explore and Discover

Consider a combination of self-drive and organized tours for a balanced experience. Explore and discover unique Tasmanian gems on day trips, or extend your journey with multi-day adventures. Browse options for bookable excursions at GetYourGuide day trips.

Local Culture & History

Beyond the wilderness, Tasmania offers glimpses into its rich history and rural life.

Historical Sites

Visit Latrobe, home to Bells Parade and the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame. Discover Stanley, a scenic historic fishing village with "The Nut" (a volcanic plug) and historic buildings, approximately 2.A drive of 5 hours north-west.

Rural Villages

Explore Deloraine, a pretty rural town on the way from Launceston, known for its arts and crafts. Pause at Elizabeth Town, home to Ashgrove Cheese and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe.

Multi-Day Routes

Consider a West Coast Adventure (2-3 days) or a Northern Tasmania Loop (2-3 days) to explore more. The Overland Track (5-6 days) awaits experienced hikers.

Logical Next Destinations

Extend your Tasmanian exciting experience by linking Cradle Mountain with other iconic regions.

Popular Options

  • Lake St Clair: The southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, accessible by car (a long drive).
  • Hobart: Tasmania's capital, offering diverse attractions like MONA, Salamanca Market, and Mount Wellington.
  • Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay: On the east coast, known for stunning beaches and coastal walks.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Touring Tasmania

  • Tasmanian Loop: Start in Hobart, explore the East Coast, Launceston, Cradle Mountain, the West Coast, then return to Hobart.
  • Northern Tasmania: Focus on Launceston, the Tamar Valley, the North West Coast, and Cradle Mountain.
  • Transportation Note: All these extensions are best done with a rental car. Limited coach services connect major towns.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Fagus (Deciduous Beech) Color:Late April to Early In may
Winter Snow:June to August
Spring Wildflowers:September to November
Summer Alpine Blooms:December to February
Autumn Fungi Season:Between march And may
Clear Night Skies for Astronomy:All Year, best in Winter

Environmental Note

  • Always stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
  • Have all rubbish with you and leave no trace of your visit.
  • Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and never feeding animals.
  • Minimize your water use at accommodations.
  • Consider offsetting your travel carbon footprint through organizations like Terrapass.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your Tasmanian exciting experience by linking Cradle Mountain with other iconic regions, creating a comprehensive a travel through the island's highlights.

Recommendations for 1-3 Day Additions

Maximize your period with these suggested short extensions from Cradle Mountain.

Short Trip Ideas

  • West Coast Adventure (2-3 days): Drive to Strahan, take a Gordon River Cruise, explore the historic town, then head south to Queenstown or Lake St Clair.
  • Northern Tasmania Loop (2-3 days): Combine Cradle Mountain including visits to Sheffield, Mole Creek Caves, Launceston (Cataract Gorge, Tamar Valley wineries), and north-west coastal towns.
  • Overland Track (5-6 days): For experienced hikers, consider walking the full track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair (permit required).

Logical Next Destinations

Seamlessly transition from Australia to other iconic Tasmanian locales for a richer journey.

Further Adventures

  • Lake St Clair: The southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a scenic drive or end point for the Overland Track.
  • Hobart: Tasmania's capital, offering diverse attractions like MONA, Salamanca Market, and Mount Wellington.
  • Freycinet National Park & Wineglasthe Cove of: On the east coast, known for stunning beaches and coastal walks.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Plan an extensive exploration with these comprehensive routes, ideal for having diverse Tasmanian regions.

Grand Tasmanian Tours

  • Tasmanian Loop: Begin in Hobart, then explore the East Coast, Launceston, Cradle Mountain, the West Coast, and conclude back in Hobart.
  • Northern Tasmania Focus: Concentrate your journey on Launceston, the Tamar Valley wine region, the North West Coast, and Cradle Mountain itself.
  • Transportation: All these extended journeys are best undertaken with a rental car to maximize flexibility and access. Limited public transport operates between major towns.

Choosing Your Next Adventure

Whether you seek wilderness, city life, or coastal beauty, Tasmania provides many choices for your next stop.

Diverse Experiences Await

  • For hikers, the transition to Lake St Clair offers more trails.
  • Hobart has cultural institutions, markets, and urban exploration.
  • Freycinet provides stunning coastal scenery and iconic beaches.
  • Allow ample time for travel between regions to properly appreciate each destination.

Beyond the Main Paths

Discover the smaller towns and distinctive local experiences that enrich any extended Tasmanian journey.

Artisan Foods

Seek out local producers for cheese, berries, and other delights in towns like Elizabeth Town.

Quaint Villages

Wander through charming rural communities like Deloraine, known for its arts and crafts scene.

Coastal Charms

Experience the rugged beauty of the North West Coast, with its pristine beaches and fresh seafood.

Plan Ahead

For multi-day extensions, booking accommodation and rental cars in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable.
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