Cradle Mountain - Australia

Cradle Mountain of Tasmania is a distinctive mountain in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The mountain is composed of dolerite columns, similar to many of the other mountains in the area. It is a craggy peak that was formed by glaciers and forms a stunning backdrop to the lovely Dove lake that lies below it.

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's most popular holiday destinations, mainly because of its majestic alpine peaks, and beautiful lakes. The mountain is one of the favorite features in the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National park and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech, rainforest, alpine heathlands and buttongrass. The park covers an area of 124 942 ha which is characterized by a rugged, glaciated landscape with over 25 major peaks and a wide range of glacial formations - tarns, glacial lakes, moraine deposits, U-shaped valleys and waterfalls. Lake St Claire is Australia's deepest freshwater lake.

There are several walking options in this area, ranging from a ten minutes walk through the rainforest, to a three hour walk around the shores of lake Dove. There is also an option of a full days hike to the summit of the mountain and back. The most popular walks include Mount Campbell (about 3 hours), Hansons Peak (about 3 hours), Twisted Lakes (3-4 hours), Lake Rodway (5 hours), Lake Lilla (1 hour) and the Ballroom Forest (3 hours). Cradle is the starting point for the world-famous Overland Track, a magnificent 5 day walk that will take you through the heart of some of the finest mountain terrain. This is one of Australia's best known bush trails that draws walkers from all around the world.

There are nine basic huts along the route which takes walkers through some astonishing scenery. There are fields of wildflowers, ancient pine forests, alpine atreams, lakes and waterfalls. A range of guided and unguided walks are available. The best time for hiking is November to April even though tourists come here all year around. Also, you could spend a day rafting on the Franklin river.

Other Attractions:
Lake St. Claire and Mount Ossa.