6 Day Cradle Mountain and the West Walks

Combine the beauty and peace of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park with the excitement of the rugged and wild, west coast on this excellent 6 day exploration of one of the largest cool temperate wilderness areas of the world. Between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, we discover a history of mining and railways, visit 100+ metre waterfalls and spend a night at the charming fishing village of Strahan. An indulgent half-day cruise on the Gordon River provides a great mid-journey change of pace.

Carrying only a daypack, your days will be spent exploring. Each night we will stay in simple but comfortable cabins along the way, two nights at Cradle Mountain, one night at Strahan and two nights at Derwent Bridge near the shores of Lake St Clair.

Our experienced and friendly guides look forward to sharing with you these wonderful day walks in the Tasmanian World Heritage areas in the highlands and on the West Coast.

Day 1: Launceston to Cradle Mountain National Park

Distance approx 5km Walking Time approx 3hrs

Today you will be picked up from your accommodation between 8.00am and 8.30am & transferred to a predeparture briefing at The Arthouse Hostel in Launceston beginning at 8.30am. Your guides will present a general overview of the trip, conduct a gear check and provide the opportunity to hire/borrow any equipment/clothing that you may need.

We will aim to depart Launceston at approx 9.30am, transferring to our cabins at Cradle Mountain which will take approximately 3 hours including a mid journey leg stretch in Sheffield – Tassie’s town of murals.

On arrival we will unload the bus and have lunch before setting off on an afternoon walk around the beautiful Dove Lake. During the walk your guides will take the time to introduce this beautiful area to you – the history of the region, its pioneers, the amazing prehistoric plant life and impressive views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake you will witness.

In the evening your guides will prepare a feast for you to enjoy as you relive the excitement of the day & prepare for our full day of walking in the National Park tomorrow.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Cradle Mountain National Park

Distance up to 12km Walking Time up to 8hrs

Today can be as challenging or as leisurely as you wish. Conditions permitting, your guides will offer you the opportunity to trek to the base of Cradle Mountain and to climb to its summit. The breathtaking 360 degree views on offer are a worthy reward for the effort required to reach the summit. En route you will encounter the beautiful Crater Falls and Crater Lake before tackling the steep trail up to Marion’s Lookout.

If weather or other conditions prevent our summit attempt there are numerous alternatives, a popular one is the challenging Face Track which skirts beneath the well known outline of Cradle Mountain. Your guides are passionate about this wonderland and will provide a day full of highlights. Blue skies or rough weather this region provides a very special experience. Your guides will provide a packed lunch and plenty of snacks to keep your energy up whilst wandering throughout the day.

When we return to our cabins you will be able to freshen up and relax while your guides prepare another hearty evening meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Strahan

Walking Time up to 3hrs

This morning we will pack up our belongings, load the bus and enjoy a selection of morning walks including the King Billy Walk. This walk takes in some of the oldest trees in the world including an ancient King Billy that is between 1500 and 2000 years old. Our walking complete, we will share a picnic lunch at the National Park & check out the visitor centre.

After lunch we will board our bus and drive west through Tullah and Rosebery to reach the Montezuma Falls. At 104m, they are one of the highest waterfalls in Tasmania and a relaxing walk to their base will take no more than 3 hours return. We spend our third night of the tour at the coastal town of Strahan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Strahan to Lake St Clair

Walking Time up to 3hrs

This morning we enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Gordon River aboard the “Lady Jane Franklin ll”. Informative and interesting commentary is provided on board about the region’s history and natural heritage and a buffet lunch is served as the World Heritage area slowly drifts by.

In the afternoon we drive from Strahan to our accommodation at Derwent Bridge, a short drive from the shores of Australia’s deepest natural lake, Lake St. Clair. Our next two evenings are spent here in clean, comfortable multi-share cabins.

If time & weather permits we will stop midway for a walk to Donaghy’s Hill which provides spectacular views of the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and Frenchman’s Cap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lake St Clair

Distance up to 17km Walking Time up to 8hrs

Today we enjoy the opportunity of a full day’s walk within the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. The Mt. Rufus Circuit is a popular choice as we are provided with incredible views of the Du Cane Range, Mt. Olympus, Lake St Clair and deep into the ranges of the Southwest National Park.

The circuit is graded moderately difficult, requiring us to walk uphill on a clearly marked track but with plenty of rest breaks & encouragement from our guides it is achievable for anyone with a good level of general fitness. Tonight we return to our cabins for our last evening meal together in the Tasmanian Wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lake St Clair to Launceston

Walking Time up to 3hrs

After loading up the bus for the final time we will drive through the Central Plateau Conservation Area, passing the Great Lake before descending through the dolerite bluffs of the Western Tiers.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch beside the Liffey River before enjoying a 45 min stroll to the cascading Liffey Falls. A short drive returns us to Launceston – arriving back at your accommodation at approx 5pm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Highlights:

Professional guides
5 night’s comfortable cabin accommodation (2-8 share)
All meals as specified
Transport by private minibus
Gordon River Cruise
National Park fees
Waterproof jacket, overpants & gaiters
Pillow, sleeping bag & inner sheet
Emergency communications & group first aid kit

NOTE: The following items are not included in the cost of the tour – travel to Launceston (airfares, Spirit of Tasmania etc), accommodation before and after the trip, items of a personal nature as listed in the gear checklist, car parking in Launceston, alcoholic beverages & travel insurance.