Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the serene beauty of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park on the 1km, easy-grade Knyvet Falls walk. Starting and ending on Cradle Mountain Road, near Cradle Mountain Village, this 30-minute return walk immerses you in a tranquil myrtle rainforest and offers a picturesque view of Knyvet Falls from a platform. Don't forget to take the short detour to the base of Pencil Pine Falls for an extra touch of nature's charm.

Length:

1km

Duration:

30 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 805m

Min elevation: 793m

Total Ascent: 22m

Start: Cradle Mountain Road

End: Cradle Mountain Road

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Cradle Mountain Village

From state capital: 321km

Latitude: -41.59457611374197

Longitude: 145.92908996974364

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Hike overview

This short, scenic walk near the Cradle Mountain Discovery Centre and Cradle Mountain Lodge takes you through a tranquil myrtle rainforest to a viewing platform overlooking the top of Knyvet Falls. A short side track leads to the base of Pencil Pine Falls, making this a great option for those seeking a brief and accessible nature experience in the Cradle Mountain area. The 1 kilometre, grade 2 return walk typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.

The trail begins on the boardwalk across the road from the Cradle Mountain Lodge shop, clearly signposted for Knyvet Falls and the Dove Canyon Circuit. You’ll first cross an open buttongrass field, a habitat that’s home to wombats, so keep an eye out for these delightful creatures. Soon, the trail descends into an enchanting myrtle rainforest via a set of stairs. Visiting this forest at different times of day reveals unique lighting effects that enhance the atmosphere.

At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll find the side track to Pencil Pine Falls. This short detour is well worth taking, whether at the beginning or end of your walk, offering a different perspective of the surrounding natural beauty.

Continuing along the main trail, you’ll follow a well-maintained boardwalk that winds through the rainforest alongside Pencil Pine Creek. The gentle track makes it easy to take your time, soaking in the lush greenery and the calming sounds of the water. The trail concludes at Knyvet Falls, where you can pause to enjoy the view before retracing your steps. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Dove Canyon Circuit branches off here, but it requires a higher level of fitness and involves some scrambling.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Walk map and GPX file
Knyvet Falls Walk (1km)

Total distance: 1100 m
Max elevation: 805 m
Min elevation: 793 m
Total climbing: 22 m
Total descent: -22 m

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Photography by Craig Doumouras

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Cradle Mountain, located at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, is accessible from various directions. If you’re travelling from Devonport, it’s a 1.5-hour drive south via the B19 and B14 through Sheffield, followed by the C136 and C132 to the park entrance. From Launceston, the journey takes about 2.5 hours via the Bass Highway (A1) before following the signposted route through Sheffield on the B13 and C156.

Visitors arriving from the west can reach the park in 2 hours from Queenstown via the A10 and C132 or in 1.5 hours from Burnie, travelling through Ridgley on the B18 and continuing on the A10 and C132. Once at Cradle Mountain Village, you have the option to either park and take the convenient shuttle bus or drive directly to the Interpretation Centre to start your adventure.

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

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Burnie, Cradle Mountain, Deloraine, Derwent Bridge, Devonport, Dove Lake, Lake St Clair, Launceston, Moina, Mole Creek, Queenstown, Rosebery, Sheffield, Strahan, Tullah, Waratah

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Knyvet Falls Walk (1km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

August 29, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Knyvet Falls Walk (1km)