Cradle Mountain Lakes Circuit Hike (20.5km)

The Cradle Mountain Lakes Circuit is a 20.5 km hike in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. It’s graded 4 and usually takes around 9 hours to complete. This hike offers a great way to experience the diverse landscapes around Cradle Mountain, taking you through varied terrain and beautiful scenery. Although the distance might seem manageable, the terrain is challenging, with both easy stretches and steep, slow sections. It’s a demanding hike, but well worth the effort if you’re up for the challenge. One of the highlights is the Lake Rodway section, which is less crowded and provides a quieter, more tranquil experience compared to other parts of the trail.

The hike begins at Ronny Creek, where you’ll follow the Overland Track past Crater Lake. From there, the trail leads up to Marions Lookout, which offers stunning views, weather permitting. After taking in the scenery, continue to Kitchen Hut, a good place to rest and have a bite to eat. It’s also a good spot to reassess your plan, as the weather in this area can change rapidly. Although it may be tempting to extend your hike by heading to Cradle Mountain’s summit, it’s not recommended to combine that with the circuit. The summit detour could add 2.5 to 3 hours to your day, making it an extremely long hike—possibly 12 hours or more—requiring high fitness levels and plenty of daylight.

After Kitchen Hut, continue along the Overland Track for a few kilometres until you reach the junction. This section has fantastic views towards Barn Bluff, and the terrain is well-maintained, allowing for faster progress. At the junction, take the left fork onto the Lake Rodway Track. This part of the hike offers excellent views, but it soon descends steeply, and the going can be slow and slippery. The track is muddy in places, and there are tree roots to navigate, so take care. This section is less travelled, and the landscape feels quite different, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

When you reach the Scott Kilvert Memorial Hut, consider taking a short detour to Lake Rodway, which is a great spot for a snack or lunch. The trail markers in this area can be difficult to spot at times, so be sure to stay alert. After returning to the hut, continue on the trail, which presents unique views of Cradle Mountain’s lesser-known side. After passing Flynns Tarn, the trail begins to ascend, eventually leading you to the junction with Face Track. Turn left here and follow Face Track, where the going can be slow due to scrambling over rocks and uneven terrain.

Once you reach the junction with the descent to Dove Lake, take your time as the trail is very steep and rocky. The descent requires careful scrambling and can be slow, but the views along the way are worth it. Once you reach the Dove Lake circuit, the terrain becomes easier and more relaxed, which will likely feel like a relief after the tough sections earlier in the day. Continue left along the circuit, passing the famous boat shed, and take the junction signposted to Lake Lilla. Shortly after the lake’s outlet, take the right fork onto the Cradle Valley Boardwalk, which will lead you to the next junction. From here, follow the Overland Track back to the car park.

Keep an eye out for wombats in the late afternoon as they often graze in the area. By the time you return to the car park, you’ll likely be tired, but you’ll have completed an unforgettable hike through some of Tasmania’s most stunning landscapes.