Hike at a glance

5,615

Quick overview: Experience an epic two-day hiking adventure in Tasmania's stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park with the Acropolis hike. This challenging 27km Grade 5 trail treats bushwalkers to breathtaking scenic views, from the tranquil shores of Lake St Clair to the dramatic peaks of the Acropolis. Prepare for some rock scrambling towards the summit and make the most of the trail's unique features like Cephissus Falls. A must-try trail for seasoned hikers craving a demanding yet rewarding outdoor experience.

Hike length

27km

Average duration

2 days

Trail Difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Hike Type

Return

Technical details

Max elevation: 1447m
Min elevation: 738m
Total Ascent: 1213m

Start: Lake St Clair Visitors Centre

End: Lake St Clair Visitors Centre

Location: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearest town: Derwent Bridge

State capital distance: 180km

Latitude: -42.11598634921037

Longitude: 146.17399960756305

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

The Acropolis hike involves steep, exposed terrain and rock scrambling, requiring solid fitness and experience. Hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear, ensuring they have the time and ability to complete the hike safely.

Hike summary

The Acropolis hike is a 27-kilometre, Grade 5 challenge located in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes two days to complete and offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a more demanding adventure.

The trail to the Acropolis begins at the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre. From there, hikers have two options for reaching Narcissus Hut. They can either walk 17 kilometres along the shores of Lake St Clair, or take the ferry from Cynthia Bay to Narcissus Hut (advance booking required). Most hikers choose the ferry to save time and allow more opportunity to explore around Pine Valley. These trip notes focus on the section from Narcissus Hut to Pine Valley, the Acropolis, and back to Narcissus Hut, with Pine Valley serving as a great base for The Acropolis and The Labyrinth Plateau.

From Narcissus Hut, the trail to Pine Valley follows part of the Overland Track and takes around three hours to complete. The route passes through dry eucalypt forests before reaching the turnoff to Pine Valley. The hut itself can accommodate up to 16 people, offering basic facilities such as two large bunk beds, a rainwater tank, and a long-drop toilet. If the hut is full, hikers can camp on one of the wooden platforms nearby.

The Acropolis (1481 m) is one of the most striking peaks in the park. The trail to the summit begins at Pine Valley Hut, passing by Cephissus Falls before making its way up the south face of the mountain. While the path lacks formal signage, hikers can follow cairns and arrows to stay on track. Upon reaching the 1100-metre mark, the Acropolis becomes more visible, and the trail steepens. This section requires some rock scrambling, where hands and legs are needed to climb over large boulders as hikers approach the summit.

It’s important to note that while the walk into Pine Valley is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) on the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS), the Acropolis hike is rated Grade 5 (Difficult) due to the exposure and challenges involved in reaching the summit. This is a strenuous and technical hike that requires solid physical fitness and experience.

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (difficult) badge

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Remote, unmarked, and high consequence
These are the most challenging walks and are only suited to highly experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Expect very rough, steep, and often unmarked terrain, with limited or no signage. Navigation skills are essential, and you must be self-reliant, including emergency preparedness. Distances may exceed 20km, and conditions can quickly become serious if things go wrong.

Safety note: There is little margin for error. Mistakes in navigation, weather judgement, or preparation can have serious consequences.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

The Acropolis hike involves steep, exposed terrain and rock scrambling, requiring solid fitness and experience.
Hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear, ensuring they have the time and ability to complete the hike safely.

Map and GPX file

The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)

Total distance: 27005 m
Max elevation: 1447 m
Min elevation: 738 m
Total climbing: 1213 m
Total descent: -1213 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes..

Let someone know your plans →

Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Lake St Clair is conveniently located about 2.5 hours from both Hobart and Launceston. From Hobart, take the A10 Lyell Highway, and from Launceston, follow the B11 Marlborough Highway before joining the A10. At Derwent Bridge, turn right onto Lake St Clair Road (C193) and continue to the visitor centre at Cynthia Bay, which serves as the starting point for many walks, including the Shadow Lake Circuit.

If travelling in the evening, please exercise extra caution. Tasmania's reserves are home to abundant native wildlife, and animals are often active near roads at night. Slow down, stay alert, and help protect the unique fauna of the area.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Burnie, Cradle Mountain, Deloraine, Derwent Bridge, Devonport, Dove Lake, Lake St Clair, Launceston, Moina, Mole Creek, Queenstown, Rosebery, Sheffield, Strahan, Tullah, Waratah

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About the region

Exploring Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, located in the heart of Tasmania, is an extraordinary destination within the Tasmanian World Heritage Area. Just over two hours’ drive (150 km) from Launceston and around four hours (250 km) from Hobart, this park is celebrated for its striking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy the serenity of nature, this park has something to offer.

The park is a showcase of nature's diversity, from glacial lakes and alpine moorlands to dense rainforests and dramatic peaks. Its seasonal transformations are equally captivating. Winter blankets the terrain with snow, while autumn brings vibrant hues as the deciduous fagus turns shades of yellow, orange, and red. In spring, the bushland comes alive with joeys and echidnas, while summer invites visitors to wade into crystal-clear lakes framed by blooming wildflowers.

Cradle Mountain itself is an icon of the park, offering a network of walking tracks for all levels. Easy strolls take you through lush forests and past tranquil streams, while more challenging hikes, such as the renowned Overland Track, traverse rugged terrain. Spanning 80 kilometres and typically completed in 5-6 days, the Overland Track is a must for experienced bushwalkers, offering a journey through breathtaking alpine scenery. For those who prefer shorter walks, the park’s well-maintained trails make exploring its wonders accessible to everyone.

Lake St Clair, situated at the southern end of the park, is equally enchanting. Known as leeawuleena—‘sleeping water’—by the Aboriginal people, the lake exudes tranquillity, particularly on calm days when its glassy surface reflects the surrounding landscape. Lake St Clair is the endpoint of the Overland Track, making it a rewarding finish line for hikers who’ve traversed the park’s diverse terrain.

Beyond the iconic multi-day hike, Lake St Clair offers an array of bushwalks and trails. Short tracks wind through ancient rainforests, while longer paths lead to stunning mountain summits and secluded alpine lakes. Each trail promises an immersive experience, with the chance to encounter wildlife like wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and the distinctive black currawong along the way.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park combines natural beauty, adventure, and opportunities for reflection, ensuring every visit is unforgettable. Whether you're seeking an adventurous hike, a casual walk, or a family-friendly outing, this park provides it all.

Want to find the best trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

5 Reviews on “The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards

I still remember reaching the summit and being awestruck by the most incredible view. Such an incredible place.

24/02/2026, 08:08

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1. Oscar Widjaya
  
  Darren Edwards been there and it’s awesome. Its feel like in a different world
  
  25/02/2026, 00:48
  
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  1. Darren Edwards
    
    Oscar Widjaya it really does. my wife and I sat there for hours soaking it all in.
    
    25/02/2026, 01:42
    
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Darren Edwards Trail Author

The summit of the Acropolis has to be one of the best views in Australia. Absolutely incredible and well worth the challenging and technical scramble to the top. If you aren’t comfortable with exposure, rock scrambling, heights and sheer cliffs, the Labyrinth might be a better option in this same area. There were just too many amazing craggy mountains to take in, the most impressive of them being Mount Geryon and the Du Cane Range to our north west. The sheep vertical cliffs rose dramatically from the plains below. This was like no other mountain in Australia and had us smiling from ear to ear. This is a view that everyone should see.

18/11/2024, 16:33

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Acknowledgement of Country

The acropolis summit hike (27km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 26, 2026

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

The Labyrinth Plateau & Geryon North (37km)

Pine Valley Hike (52km)

Du Cane Range Traverse (40km)

Shadow Lake Circuit Hike (13km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

5 Reviews on “The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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