How do you get to Cradle Mountain, and can you do it in a day?
Yes, in a day, and it is far cheaper from Launceston — $169 against $260 from Hobart. Launceston is on the same side of the island, so the drive is shorter at both ends and you get longer on the mountain. From Hobart it is a 6am start in an 11-seat bus.
Checked on 6 October 2026.
Cradle Mountain is the one on the postcards — a jagged dolerite ridge above Dove Lake, in the middle of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It sits in the north-west of the island, which is the single fact that decides how you should get there.
Launceston or Hobart?
| Trip | From | Length | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day Cradle Mountain Tour | Launceston / Launceston | 1 day | **The cheapest and shortest run** — Launceston is on the same side of the island | $169 |
| 1 Day Cradle Mountain Tour | Hobart / Hobart | 1 day | A **6am start** in an executive 11-seat bus, maximum 10 people | $260 |
| 2 Day Cradle Mountain & Wineglass Bay Tour | Hobart / Hobart | 2 days, 1 night | Cradle Mountain **and Wineglass Bay** over two days | $399 |
| 2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour | Hobart / Hobart | 2 days, 1 night | Two days with time on the mountain rather than a dash | $435 |
All include pick-up from your accommodation. Prices update on their own.
- From Launceston, $169. Shorter drive, longer on the mountain, and accommodation transfers from 7am.
- From Hobart, $260. It is a long day — a 6am start — but it is done daily and the bus has reclining seats and charging for the drive. Maximum of 10 people, which is one of the smallest groups we sell anywhere.
- If you are moving between the two cities anyway, do Cradle Mountain from Launceston and save both the money and the hours.
What the day covers
- Dove Lake and the boardwalk circuit beneath the mountain — flat, well made, and the view everybody comes for.
- The walking is rated gentle, 2 of 5. The boardwalks do most of the work and you choose how far to go.
- Wildlife — wombats are common around the lake and are entirely unbothered by people.
- Weather changes fast. It is alpine country and it can do all four seasons in an afternoon. Bring a layer whatever the forecast says.
Worth a night?
A day works and most people do it that way. Two days means you are there for early morning, which is when the lake goes still and the mountain reflects in it — and the two-day trip pairs it with Wineglass Bay on the other coast.
Or as part of a loop
The five and seven day Tasmania loops include Cradle Mountain alongside the west coast and Freycinet, with no doubling back.
People also ask
- What are the best day trips from Launceston?
- Tasmania itinerary — 5, 6 or 7 days
- Where should I go in Tasmania?
- When is the best time to visit Tasmania?
Where this comes from. Each operator's own itinerary, pick-up and effort rating, as held on that trip's page here. Prices are the current from price and update on their own.