Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

A jewel of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this park is famous for its rugged mountains, ancient rainforests, and glacial lakes. Visitors...

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park at a Glance

Location
Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-41.867046, 145.960950
IUCN Category
Ia
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season in the north). Year-round in southern parks.

Getting to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Nearest airport: Queenstown Airport (UEE), 43 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hobart Airport (HBA), 167 km away.

Weather & Climate in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

The warmest temperatures in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park occur in January, averaging 12.7°C (up to 18.0°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 3.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 83.8mm. Average humidity: 82.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 12.7°C (rainfall: 123.2mm)
  • February: 11.3°C (rainfall: 83.8mm)
  • March: 9.9°C (rainfall: 125.9mm)
  • April: 7.4°C (rainfall: 166.7mm)
  • May: 5.0°C (rainfall: 199.7mm)
  • June: 3.7°C (rainfall: 171.7mm)
  • July: 3.2°C (rainfall: 174.5mm)
  • August: 3.9°C (rainfall: 255.3mm)
  • September: 4.7°C (rainfall: 224.7mm)
  • October: 6.2°C (rainfall: 196.3mm)
  • November: 8.9°C (rainfall: 128.9mm)
  • December: 10.1°C (rainfall: 139.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

The best months to visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park are February, January, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 12.68°C, rainfall 123.2mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 79.1%
  • February: Good, temperature 11.33°C, rainfall 83.8mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 82%
  • March: Poor, temperature 9.92°C, rainfall 125.9mm, sunshine 7.2 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • April: Poor, temperature 7.39°C, rainfall 166.7mm, sunshine 4.6 hrs, humidity 90.9%
  • May: Poor, temperature 4.96°C, rainfall 199.7mm, sunshine 4.3 hrs, humidity 92.5%
  • June: Poor, temperature 3.71°C, rainfall 171.7mm, sunshine 3.2 hrs, humidity 94%
  • July: Poor, temperature 3.21°C, rainfall 174.5mm, sunshine 3.6 hrs, humidity 92.7%
  • August: Poor, temperature 3.91°C, rainfall 255.3mm, sunshine 4.3 hrs, humidity 92.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 4.65°C, rainfall 224.7mm, sunshine 5.2 hrs, humidity 89%
  • October: Poor, temperature 6.22°C, rainfall 196.3mm, sunshine 6.9 hrs, humidity 84.8%
  • November: Poor, temperature 8.88°C, rainfall 128.9mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 81.7%
  • December: Poor, temperature 10.06°C, rainfall 139mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 80.3%

Wildlife in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Home to 19 recorded species including 4 small mammals, 4 waterbirds, 4 tropical birds, 3 iconic birds, 3 birds of prey, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Based on average temperature of 7.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 87%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 7°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

luxury

Similar Parks in Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands

Visitor Tips - Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

We love Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair for its ancient, untamed beauty and the profound sense of wilderness it evokes. The crisp, clean air and the dramatic, ever-changing light over Dove Lake create a truly immersive experience that feels both timeless and deeply invigorating. We recommend taking the time to simply sit and absorb the silence, watching for the resident wombats and wallabies that add a touch of charm to this rugged landscape.

Gate Times

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is open year-round, but we always recommend checking the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website for current conditions, especially during winter when snow can impact access. A National Parks Pass is mandatory for entry, which you can purchase online or at the visitor centres. For the iconic Dove Lake circuit and other popular trails, a shuttle bus operates from the visitor centre during peak hours, and private vehicle access is restricted. We advise booking your shuttle slot in advance during busy periods. If you are planning to tackle the multi-day Overland Track, permits are highly competitive and must be booked many months ahead.

Tipping

In Australia, tipping is not a customary practice, particularly for park rangers or general staff. However, if you engage a private guide for a bespoke hiking experience and they provide truly exceptional service, a modest gratuity is always a kind gesture, though never expected. We recommend expressing your appreciation verbally first and foremost.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting?

The optimal time for hiking, especially the Overland Track, is during the warmer months from October to May, when conditions are generally milder and daylight hours are longer. For wildlife spotting, dawn and dusk are best year-round, with wombats and wallabies frequently seen grazing in open areas.

Are there specific permits or bookings required for popular trails like the Overland Track, and how far in advance should I plan?

Yes, a booking system operates for the Overland Track during the peak season (October to May), and permits must be secured well in advance, often months ahead, as numbers are strictly limited. For day walks, a valid Tasmanian Parks Pass is required upon entry to the park.

What unique safety precautions should I be aware of when exploring the alpine environment of Cradle Mountain?

Due to the park's alpine nature, weather can change rapidly; always carry warm, waterproof clothing and be prepared for sudden temperature drops or strong winds, even in summer. It's crucial to inform someone of your hiking itinerary and consider carrying an emergency beacon for remote areas.

What are the primary entry fees or costs associated with visiting Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?

Visitors are required to purchase a Tasmanian Parks Pass to enter the park, which can be bought online or at park visitor centres. Costs vary depending on the duration and type of pass (e.g., 24-hour, holiday pass), with separate fees applying for the Overland Track booking.

Beyond the iconic Overland Track, what are some recommended shorter walks or activities for visitors with limited time at Cradle Mountain?

For shorter visits, consider the Dove Lake Circuit, a relatively flat 6km loop offering stunning views of Cradle Mountain, or the shorter Enchanted Walk through ancient rainforest. The Weindorfer's Forest Walk is another excellent option for experiencing the park's unique flora and fauna.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.