Waterfall Valley Public Camping Platform - Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Waterfall Valley Public Camping Platform is a camp near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Location
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-41.714447, 145.946800
Website
https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=36845
Activities
camp

Best Time to Visit Waterfall Valley Public Camping Platform

The best months to visit Waterfall Valley Public Camping Platform 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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the real deal with booking Waterfall Valley Public Camping Platform? Do we need to reserve months in advance?

We've found that booking for Waterfall Valley is essential, especially during peak seasons like school holidays and summer. While it's a public platform, demand can be high due to its proximity to Cradle Mountain. We recommend checking the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website for availability and booking windows, and securing your spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Beyond camping, what unique experiences does Waterfall Valley offer that we shouldn't miss?

The true magic of Waterfall Valley lies in its raw, untamed setting. We love waking up to the sound of the nearby waterfall and the crisp mountain air. While it's a camping platform, the real draw is the immediate access to incredible hiking trails, including parts of the Overland Track. Pack a good headlamp; the stargazing here, far from city lights, is absolutely sensational.

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see around Waterfall Valley, and are there any safety precautions we should take?

We've often spotted wallabies and wombats grazing peacefully near the platform, and if you're lucky, you might even see a platypus in the nearby streams. Remember, this is their home. We always store food securely in the provided lockers or in our car to deter curious marsupials, and we never approach wildlife, no matter how tame they seem.

What are the facilities like at Waterfall Valley Public Camping Platform? Is it truly 'public' or more like a basic lodge?

Waterfall Valley is a designated camping platform, meaning you'll need to bring all your own camping gear. There are basic amenities like pit toilets and a water source, but don't expect a lodge experience. It's wonderfully rustic and allows for an authentic connection with nature. We find it perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and the great outdoors.

When is the absolute best time of year to visit Waterfall Valley for optimal weather and fewer crowds?

For us, the shoulder seasons of spring (October to November) and autumn (March to April) offer the most rewarding experience at Waterfall Valley. The weather is generally mild, the wildflowers in spring are beautiful, and the autumn colours are spectacular. Summer can be lovely but also busier, while winter brings snow and potentially challenging conditions, though it's undeniably dramatic.

Other Safari Lodges in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Parks in Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia