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Weather in Cradle Mountain
Jagged peaks above mirror-still tarns of Tasmania
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About Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain's jagged peak thrusts skyward like a dragon's tooth, its slopes plunging into mirror-still tarns where water lilies float and wallabies drink at dusk. Tasmania's most iconic summit crowns some of the world's best wilderness trekking.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Cradle Mountain
Trek the Overland Track
Hike Cradle Mountain day trails
Kayak Dove Lake
Spot platypuses in streams
Camp in wilderness huts
Photograph alpine wildflowers
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
February
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
March
13C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
April
10C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
May
7C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
June
5C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
July
5C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
August
5C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
September
7C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
October
10C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
November
12C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
December
14C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
Cradle Mountain's jagged dolerite peaks rise above the still, dark waters of Dove Lake, forming one of Tasmania's most photographed scenes. The Dove Lake Circuit is an easy half-day walk through ancient myrtle forest and buttongrass moorland, while the more committed can join the start of the multi-day Overland Track that runs south into the wilderness.
Best areas to stay in Cradle Mountain
Dove Lake
The iconic lake circuit with views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the water, and the historic Dove Lake Boatshed.
Ronny Creek
A boardwalk through buttongrass plains where wombats are frequently seen grazing, marking the start of the Overland Track.
Waldheim
A reconstructed historic chalet with short forest walks among King Billy pines, near the original settler huts.
Cradle Mountain Village
The small cluster of lodges, a visitor centre and shuttle bus stop just outside the national park boundary.
Getting to Cradle Mountain
✈
Flights
Fly into Launceston Airport, then drive around 1.5-2 hours to Cradle Mountain.
⏱
From London
~26-28 hours from London including connections and the drive.
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Getting around
A hire car is essential to reach the park; once there, a free shuttle bus runs between the visitor centre and Dove Lake.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain?
December to March offers the most stable weather for walking, though conditions can change rapidly at any time of year, so pack for cold and rain.
How long does the Dove Lake Circuit take?
Around 2 hours at an easy pace, on a well-maintained boardwalk and track that's suitable for most fitness levels.
Do I need to book to visit?
Yes — a shuttle bus operates from the visitor centre to Dove Lake for most of the year, and the Overland Track requires a separate seasonal booking.
What wildlife might I see?
Wombats, pademelons and Tasmanian devils are regularly spotted near the visitor centre and along the Dove Lake track, especially around dusk.
Where do people stay near Cradle Mountain?
A handful of lodges and cabins sit just outside the national park entrance, ranging from basic huts to more comfortable wilderness retreats.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Dove Lake Circuit was one of the best short walks I've ever done — the mountain reflections on a calm morning were unreal.
Hannah J. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Saw three wombats within minutes of starting the Ronny Creek boardwalk. Weather changed from sun to sleet and back within an hour, so come prepared.
Marcus D. · December 2023
★★★★★
Stayed two nights and did both the lake circuit and a section of the Overland Track. Wish we'd budgeted more time — this place deserves it.
Freya S. · January 2024
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