Hansons Peak via Little Horn and Lake Wilks is a 10km, grade 4 hike located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 4 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
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!
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1090 m
Min elevation: 820 m
Total climbing: 777 m
Total descent: -774 m
Tips
- 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.
Trail location
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Getting there
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.
Gallery
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About the region
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is located 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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Gear to consider

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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.