Fantastic hike up Hansons Peak from Dove Lake. Nice little scramble with a chain to get up with spectacular views overlooking Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain particularly giving a great view of the Little Horn aspect of Cradle Mountain. Great views of Lake Hanson as you assent and also Twisted Lakes. You can stop to check out the little Ranger Hut right before you start on the Face Track and then down a steep scramble towards Lake Wilks. You'll then descend to join Dove Lake where you enter the Ballroom Forest an ancient temperate forest. A spectacular hike!
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
- Recommend you to take lots of water, good sturdy hiking boots and lunch. It's a great hike to head out mid-morning and eat lunch with a fantastic view at Hansons Peak.
- Ensure you know the weather forecast for the day and be prepared for any conditions as the weather is very unpredictable at any time of year.
Description and GPX file courtesy of Michelle Cox.
Main photo: Darren Edwards.
Total distance: 10775 m
Max elevation: 1090 m
Min elevation: 820 m
Total climbing: 777 m
Total descent: -774 m
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Cradle Mountain lies at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is 1 1/2 hours from Devonport via the B19 and B14 south to Sheffield, then C136 and C132 to the park entrance.
From Launceston, it is a 2 1/2 hour drive on the Bass Highway (A1), then the signposted route via B13 and C156 through Sheffield.
From the west, drive 2 hours along the A10 and C132 from Queenstown or 1 1/2 hours from Burnie via B18 through Ridgley, then the A10 and C132 to reach the park.
From the Village either take the Shuttle Bus or drive all the way to the Dove Lake Carpark.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania (Australia), 165 kilometres northwest of Hobart. The park contains many walking trails, and is where hikes along the well-known Overland Track usually begin. Major features are Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff in the northern end, Mount Pelion East, Mount Pelion West, Mount Oakleigh and Mount Ossa in the middle and Lake St Clair in the southern end of the park. The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
