back to top

OVERVIEW

Walk into Luxury in Tasmania’s Wilderness

Few places in the world offer such pristine scenery and diverse hiking options.  The World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a paradise for photographers, wildlife and outdoors enthusiasts, but, most of all, it’s a haven for walkers. Just as importantly it’s a haven for those who prefer a little bit of luxury so you can put your heavy backpack and tent aside and enjoy staying in comfort, eating chef-prepared meals whilst comprehensively exploring the Tasmanian Wilderness one step at a time.

Filling a valley carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, Lake St Clair is the deepest lake in Australia and the headwaters of the Derwent River. It is ringed by some remarkable mountain peaks which are covered in snow for much of the year. It is also the endpoint for those bushwalkers tackling the Overland Track which runs between Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain. We will walk the northern and southern-most sections of the world-famous Overland Track, plus some of the best of Tasmania’s Great short walks of this region.

Highlights:

  • Stay in 4-star accommodation and walk the iconic Cradle Mountain walks including the Face Track, Dove Lake and Mnt Rufus at Lake St Clair
  • Private transfers to and from Launceston
  • Glacier-sculpted mountain peaks, river gorges, lakes, tarns, ancient rainforests and alpine heaths, pine-fringed glacial lakes and icy streams that cascade down rugged mountains.
  • Boat ride to Narcissus on Lake St Clair and trek back to your accommodation
  • Take in the best walking of the region, including parts of the Overland Track. The walks are also flexible allowing you to shorten them if need be.
  • Excellent 4-star accommodations right in or next to the park and chef-prepared breakfasts and dinners

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 2955

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 895

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6

DAY 1
PRIVATE TRANSFER TO LAKE ST CLAIR: WATERSMEET TRACK AND ABORIGINAL CULTURAL WALK

At 10:00 am Overland Track Transport will transfer you from your Launceston hotel to Lake St Clair Lodge, collecting lunch on the way. In the morning if you have stayed overnight there is an option to walk Cataract Gorge in Launceston, but only if you have time. In the afternoon, we loop together three of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks. We start with the platypus walk, with the hopes of spotting one. We continue on the Aboriginal Cultural Walk and then onto Watersmeet Track. These walks are a fabulous introduction to the region and give you a small taste of what’s to come.

Walking: Easy / 5km / 1.5 hrs

Meals: Lunch and dinner at Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge Cafe

Accommodation: Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge in the upgraded Lakeside ensuite rooms

DAY 2
SHADOWLAKE CIRCUIT OR MOUNT RUFUS VIA SHADOW LAKE

There are two options offered today – the Shadow Lake circuit or the longer walk up to Mount Rufus via Shadow Lake. Pademelons, Antarctic Beech Forest (Myrtle Beech), Alpine moorland, pineapple grass, cushion plants, high alpine moorland, this is just the beginning of what you will see today. Among the highlights here are the magnificent views from the summit at Mount Rufus, a summit dominated by strange and fascinating rain-sculpted sandstone formations. The views extend all the way to Frenchman’s Cap and the head of the Franklin River.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 21km / 7–8 hrs / shorter 13km option available

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch & dinner at Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge Restaurant

Accommodation: Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge in the upgraded Lakeside ensuite rooms

DAY 3
FERRY OUT TO NARCISSUS AND WALK BACK ON THE OVERLAND TRACK TO THE LODGE

Today’s walk is a real adventure because not only do you get to be entertained with enlightened commentary as you are ferried out to Narcissus Bay on Lake St Clair, but you also get to walk the entire day on the south end of the Overland Track. This delightful walk takes us back along the lake to Cynthia Bay and the lodge. The walk starts out in an ancient rainforest, amongst a world of lichens and mosses. As the day progresses, we walk out of the Sassafras and Myrtle Beech and into the more open Sclerophyll forest dominated by black peppermint and other eucalypts.

Walking: Moderate / 17km / 5–6 hrs / shorter 11km option available from Echo Point

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge Restaurant

Accommodation: Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 4
PRIVATE TRANSFER TO CRADLE MOUNTAIN AND CRADLE VALLEY WALK

Today we leave Lake St Clair and travel to Cradle Mountain arriving in time to do some substantial walking. The first Cradle Mountain walk at Dove Lake with fabulous views of the lake and the mountain beyond is one of Australia’s iconic walks. The walk makes its way through a magnificent cool rainforest around the lake and right up close to the mountain. The boardwalk through Cradle Valley is a nice contrast to the first walk as we make our way to Ronnie Creek where you can take the opportunity to dip your feet in the crystal-clear mountain water. It is also undoubtedly one of the best places in Australia to spot wombats.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 11.2km / 4–5 hrs / short version available

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and Dinner at Peppers Cradle Mountain Tavern

Accommodation: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
CRADLE MOUNTAIN FACE TRACK WALK WITH PART OF OVERLAND TRACK

It’s another iconic Cradle Mountain hike today, the Face Track Walk a world-class, somewhat challenging walk, but the payoff is immense as awe-inspiring views dominate virtually the whole journey. The walk begins in a pleasant gully of beech forest and small waterfalls and ascends to the alpine plateau via Crater Lake and a button grass moorland. At Kitchen Hut, beneath the summit is a magic place to take lunch and admire the view over the lake and the magnificent valley below. Here’s your chance to summit Cradle Mountain, however it requires scrambling, a head for heights and a high level of fitness, so it is not recommended unless you are strong and fit. We head home via the Face Track passing Lake Wilks while taking in the alternate magnificent views out towards the Walls of Jerusalem. If you wish, there are further options to continue walking.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 12km / 6–7 hrs / shorter or easier option available

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course a la carte dinner at Peppers Cradle Mountain Restaurant

Accommodation: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
ENCHANTED FOREST OR WALDHEIMS WALK TRANSFER BACK TO LAUNCESTON

The walk through the valley up to Waldheims is a great area to spot wombats, native hens, echidnas and of course an opportunity to explore Waldheim Chalet. The walk at Enchanted Forrest is surreal, as you travel through a beautiful moss-covered rainforest featuring old King Billy Pines. We extend the day a little by taking the King Billy Track back to the hotel. Your transfer back to Launceston is booked at 3pm arriving at approximately 5.30pm.

Walking: Easy / 5km / 2.5 hrs

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 5 nights’ in excellent accommodation in rooms with ensuites
  • Private transfers from Launceston and back, all luggage and vehicle transfers on the trip
  • The best Cradle Mountain hikes and walks at Lake St Clair including sections of the Overland Track
  • Boat trip on Lake St Clair
  • All meals, including chef-cooked breakfasts, Walkers lunches and à la carte two-course dinners
  • National Park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Walk into luxury in Tasmania’s Wilderness

Both Wilderness Lodge accommodations are truly excellent and are in or right on the national park and provide a welcoming and comfortable base to relax and recount the day’s highlights. All rooms have their own ensuite. The rooms we use at the Lake St Clair are the lakeside rooms that are roomier and come with all the modern conveniences that you’d expect. The Pencil Pine rooms at Cradle Mountain are gorgeous.

All the meals are chef-prepared by the in house lodge chefs. The dinners are all 2 course a la carte. The comprehensive cooked breakfasts are the perfect preparation for each day’s walk. There’s an emphasis on local produce and wine from the region.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch and more importantly, you’ll get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walkers lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

 

  • Day 1,2 and 3

  • Day 4 and 5

GENERAL INFO

The holiday starts and finishes in Launceston, we pick you up from the airport or your hotel. While the walking terrain is mostly easy to navigate, there are a couple of days where the walks are long. On one of the Cradle Mountain hikes, there are some rocky sections and involves a very small amount of scrambling over rocks. There are other options this day. The walk is rated as moderate overall as there are options to shorten the walking on each day.

We can recommend that you incorporate an extra day at Cradle Mountain to visit other tourist attractions, enjoy a spa treatment, tackle more of the fabulous walking or simply rest and relax.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

Summer is not the only time of year for hiking in Tasmania. Locals will tell you that November to May is suitable, but it’s Tasmania so you need to have the right clothing. See gear advice.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  See FAQ’s for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about the Cradle Mountain walks or any other of the walks or logistics, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Sep 2021 - 30 Apr 2022
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2955

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $895

    Please note there is a surcharge for High Season

    BOOK NOW

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

  1. Lucy de F

    11 February, 2021 at 11:45 AM
    5

    We were very happy with our walking experience and are very likely to book another walk in the near future. One thing that impressed us was the high level of attention to detail that had obviously been paid, so that we didn’t have to think of anything ourselves from start to finish but just go with the flow and enjoy ourselves. The level of detail included such things as opening times of every restaurant or information centre etc that we encountered, suggestions where to stop along the trail, detailed maps highlighted by hand with landmarks to look out for and even the name of the driver of the lake transport boat and suggestion to ask him to recite some local poetry! Even more impressive was the swift and caring response received from staff at Auswalk when early in the trip we experienced a small hiccup with food at the first accommodation provider, arising due to us being the first Auswalk group to stay there since the covid shutdown. I received a phone call within minutes of emailing, the issue was fixed the same day and I received another phone call to follow up later that same day. The staff were very obviously sincerely concerned, had a lovely, caring manner and did their very best to help. The drivers from OTT, Steve, Sean and Dan, were also very friendly, polite and helpful and we greatly enjoyed chatting with them and learned a lot about the local area and other places in Tasmania that we might visit. We also felt that they were all very good, extremely safety-conscious drivers with a lot of experience on the local roads as well as the walking routes that we were undertaking. Our whole family really had a great time and we only wished we could have extended the walk by a few more days.

    Reply

  2. Nicola R

    11 February, 2021 at 11:31 AM
    5

    Nicola R
    My Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair trip was the first time I had used Auswalk. Very impressed with their professionalism. Very good communicators. Any questions are answered very promptly. Very easy to navigated booking and payment systems and best of all – all the arrangements they had made for my trip in Tasmania ran like clockwork. A good team using good people to deliver the promised services. Once you are in their care at the agreed starting point, you have no further worries, just enjoy the wonderful scenery of your walk until they deliver you back to an agreed finishing point. very impressed, would certainly use Auswalk again and have no hesitation in highly recommending them.

    Reply

  3. David R

    11 November, 2020 at 3:14 PM
    5

    We recently completed the Lake St Clair/Cradle Mountain walk in Tasmania. All the arrangements by Auswalk went perfectly. The maps/walk notes etc were all detailed and made for trouble free walking and the routes were a good balance of challenging/easier. The scenery is spectacular. All the accommodation was of a high standard, we particularly liked Peppers at Cradle Mountain. We would highly recommend Auswalk and would certainly use them again for walking holidays in the future.

    Reply

  4. Meredith S

    11 November, 2020 at 3:09 PM
    5

    We were a bit apprehensive doing it on our own but the maps and walking notes were great and it proved to be a wonderful alternative which gave us flexibility to do short or long walking days, different walking destinations in the areas we were staying and change our days to suit ourselves. The two accommodation offerings at Lake St Claire Lodge and Peppers Cradle Mountain were both wonderful, the service was great and the food was excellent, including our walkers lunch that was prepared for us in the mornings to take with us in our backpacks. The shuttle transfers worked like clockwork and it turned out to be a fabulous way to see that part of Tasmania. I will have to go back now to see the rest of Tassie!

    Reply

  5. freodoc

    16 March, 2019 at 4:52 AM

    Just completed the Lake St Clair/Cradle Mountain self guided walk with Auswalk. Would highly recommend this walk/company. Beautiful scenery, walks suitable for experienced/novice trekking. All arrangements went like clockwork, excellent documentation and maps. Accommodation all of a high standard

    Reply

SIMILAR TRIPS

Portuguese Camino de Santiago

Self-guided

Blend beaches, countryside and historical towns on an ancient pilgrim walking trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.

 Self-guided 14 Days From $1755 Moderate What's Included

Portuguese Camino de Santiago

BACK What's Included
  • Walk the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
  • 13 night’s accommodation in 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
  • 24/7 support from our people on the ground
  • Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
  • Total walking distance of 230km, a real challenge
  • All transport on and off the track including luggage transfers
  • Take advantage of nearly 30 years experience in organising self-guided walking holidays

Abel Tasman Walk End to End

Self-guided

Abel Tasman Great walk end to end. Stunning views over golden beaches, estuaries, coves & native forest. Unparalleled opportunities to swim.

 Self-guided 6 Days From $2355 Easy to Moderate What's Included

Abel Tasman Walk End to End

BACK What's Included
  • Full access to the Abel Tasman National Park and its beauty
  • 5 nights accommodation in beautiful lodges including 4-star Awaroa lodge
  • Walk the entire track end to end pack free
  • A la carte meals at Awaroa Lodge including 2-course dinners
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 walkers lunches and 3 dinners
  • Comprehensive track notes, map case, insulated lunch bag and container
  • Enjoy the 26 years of our experience in organising self-guided walking holidays

Cape to Cape in Style Highlights

Self-guided

Hike the most beautiful sections of the Cape to Cape Track in the Margaret River region. Walk spectacular coastline, clifftops, rocky coves and idyllic bays.

 Self-guided 6 Days From $1995 Moderate What's Included

Cape to Cape in Style Highlights

BACK What's Included
  • 5 nights’ accommodation at the Pullman Bunker Bay, Caves House or Seashells and in Gnarabup and Margaret River in rooms with ensuites
  • Minimum of wasted time in vehicles being transferred
  • Private transfers from Margaret River and luggage transport so you can walk pack free
  • Chef-prepared cooked breakfasts, two-course a la carte dinners and substantial Walkers Lunches
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack and national park admission
  • 24/7 support from our driver and representatives on the ground

Blue Mountains Traverse 7 Day

Self-guided

World Heritage Blue Mountains NP. Cliff-top trails, descend into the densely forested Jamison & Waterfall Valleys.

 Self-guided 7 Days From $1995 Moderate to Challenging What's Included

Blue Mountains Traverse 7 Day

BACK What's Included
  • The best of the Blue Mountains walks
  • 6 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Cooked or continental breakfast each morning, walkers lunches each walking day and select ala carte dinners at local restaurants
  • Vehicle transfers and luggage transport
  • We shift along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
  • Scenic world Railway, Skyway & Gondola all-day pass & National Park admission
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground
Overview

OVERVIEW

Walk into Luxury in Tasmania’s Wilderness

Few places in the world offer such pristine scenery and diverse hiking options.  The World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a paradise for photographers, wildlife and outdoors enthusiasts, but, most of all, it’s a haven for walkers. Just as importantly it’s a haven for those who prefer a little bit of luxury so you can put your heavy backpack and tent aside and enjoy staying in comfort, eating chef-prepared meals whilst comprehensively exploring the Tasmanian Wilderness one step at a time.

Filling a valley carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, Lake St Clair is the deepest lake in Australia and the headwaters of the Derwent River. It is ringed by some remarkable mountain peaks which are covered in snow for much of the year. It is also the endpoint for those bushwalkers tackling the Overland Track which runs between Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain. We will walk the northern and southern-most sections of the world-famous Overland Track, plus some of the best of Tasmania’s Great short walks of this region.

Highlights:

  • Stay in 4-star accommodation and walk the iconic Cradle Mountain walks including the Face Track, Dove Lake and Mnt Rufus at Lake St Clair
  • Private transfers to and from Launceston
  • Glacier-sculpted mountain peaks, river gorges, lakes, tarns, ancient rainforests and alpine heaths, pine-fringed glacial lakes and icy streams that cascade down rugged mountains.
  • Boat ride to Narcissus on Lake St Clair and trek back to your accommodation
  • Take in the best walking of the region, including parts of the Overland Track. The walks are also flexible allowing you to shorten them if need be.
  • Excellent 4-star accommodations right in or next to the park and chef-prepared breakfasts and dinners

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 2955

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 895

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6

DAY 1
PRIVATE TRANSFER TO LAKE ST CLAIR: WATERSMEET TRACK AND ABORIGINAL CULTURAL WALK

At 10:00 am Overland Track Transport will transfer you from your Launceston hotel to Lake St Clair Lodge, collecting lunch on the way. In the morning if you have stayed overnight there is an option to walk Cataract Gorge in Launceston, but only if you have time. In the afternoon, we loop together three of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks. We start with the platypus walk, with the hopes of spotting one. We continue on the Aboriginal Cultural Walk and then onto Watersmeet Track. These walks are a fabulous introduction to the region and give you a small taste of what’s to come.

Walking: Easy / 5km / 1.5 hrs

Meals: Lunch and dinner at Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge Cafe

Accommodation: Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge in the upgraded Lakeside ensuite rooms

DAY 2
SHADOWLAKE CIRCUIT OR MOUNT RUFUS VIA SHADOW LAKE

There are two options offered today – the Shadow Lake circuit or the longer walk up to Mount Rufus via Shadow Lake. Pademelons, Antarctic Beech Forest (Myrtle Beech), Alpine moorland, pineapple grass, cushion plants, high alpine moorland, this is just the beginning of what you will see today. Among the highlights here are the magnificent views from the summit at Mount Rufus, a summit dominated by strange and fascinating rain-sculpted sandstone formations. The views extend all the way to Frenchman’s Cap and the head of the Franklin River.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 21km / 7–8 hrs / shorter 13km option available

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch & dinner at Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge Restaurant

Accommodation: Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge in the upgraded Lakeside ensuite rooms

DAY 3
FERRY OUT TO NARCISSUS AND WALK BACK ON THE OVERLAND TRACK TO THE LODGE

Today’s walk is a real adventure because not only do you get to be entertained with enlightened commentary as you are ferried out to Narcissus Bay on Lake St Clair, but you also get to walk the entire day on the south end of the Overland Track. This delightful walk takes us back along the lake to Cynthia Bay and the lodge. The walk starts out in an ancient rainforest, amongst a world of lichens and mosses. As the day progresses, we walk out of the Sassafras and Myrtle Beech and into the more open Sclerophyll forest dominated by black peppermint and other eucalypts.

Walking: Moderate / 17km / 5–6 hrs / shorter 11km option available from Echo Point

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner at Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge Restaurant

Accommodation: Lake St Clair Wilderness Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 4
PRIVATE TRANSFER TO CRADLE MOUNTAIN AND CRADLE VALLEY WALK

Today we leave Lake St Clair and travel to Cradle Mountain arriving in time to do some substantial walking. The first Cradle Mountain walk at Dove Lake with fabulous views of the lake and the mountain beyond is one of Australia’s iconic walks. The walk makes its way through a magnificent cool rainforest around the lake and right up close to the mountain. The boardwalk through Cradle Valley is a nice contrast to the first walk as we make our way to Ronnie Creek where you can take the opportunity to dip your feet in the crystal-clear mountain water. It is also undoubtedly one of the best places in Australia to spot wombats.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 11.2km / 4–5 hrs / short version available

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and Dinner at Peppers Cradle Mountain Tavern

Accommodation: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
CRADLE MOUNTAIN FACE TRACK WALK WITH PART OF OVERLAND TRACK

It’s another iconic Cradle Mountain hike today, the Face Track Walk a world-class, somewhat challenging walk, but the payoff is immense as awe-inspiring views dominate virtually the whole journey. The walk begins in a pleasant gully of beech forest and small waterfalls and ascends to the alpine plateau via Crater Lake and a button grass moorland. At Kitchen Hut, beneath the summit is a magic place to take lunch and admire the view over the lake and the magnificent valley below. Here’s your chance to summit Cradle Mountain, however it requires scrambling, a head for heights and a high level of fitness, so it is not recommended unless you are strong and fit. We head home via the Face Track passing Lake Wilks while taking in the alternate magnificent views out towards the Walls of Jerusalem. If you wish, there are further options to continue walking.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 12km / 6–7 hrs / shorter or easier option available

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course a la carte dinner at Peppers Cradle Mountain Restaurant

Accommodation: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
ENCHANTED FOREST OR WALDHEIMS WALK TRANSFER BACK TO LAUNCESTON

The walk through the valley up to Waldheims is a great area to spot wombats, native hens, echidnas and of course an opportunity to explore Waldheim Chalet. The walk at Enchanted Forrest is surreal, as you travel through a beautiful moss-covered rainforest featuring old King Billy Pines. We extend the day a little by taking the King Billy Track back to the hotel. Your transfer back to Launceston is booked at 3pm arriving at approximately 5.30pm.

Walking: Easy / 5km / 2.5 hrs

Meals: Chef-cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 5 nights’ in excellent accommodation in rooms with ensuites
  • Private transfers from Launceston and back, all luggage and vehicle transfers on the trip
  • The best Cradle Mountain hikes and walks at Lake St Clair including sections of the Overland Track
  • Boat trip on Lake St Clair
  • All meals, including chef-cooked breakfasts, Walkers lunches and à la carte two-course dinners
  • National Park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Walk into luxury in Tasmania’s Wilderness

Both Wilderness Lodge accommodations are truly excellent and are in or right on the national park and provide a welcoming and comfortable base to relax and recount the day’s highlights. All rooms have their own ensuite. The rooms we use at the Lake St Clair are the lakeside rooms that are roomier and come with all the modern conveniences that you’d expect. The Pencil Pine rooms at Cradle Mountain are gorgeous.

All the meals are chef-prepared by the in house lodge chefs. The dinners are all 2 course a la carte. The comprehensive cooked breakfasts are the perfect preparation for each day’s walk. There’s an emphasis on local produce and wine from the region.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch and more importantly, you’ll get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walkers lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

 

  • Day 1,2 and 3

  • Day 4 and 5

General Info

GENERAL INFO

The holiday starts and finishes in Launceston, we pick you up from the airport or your hotel. While the walking terrain is mostly easy to navigate, there are a couple of days where the walks are long. On one of the Cradle Mountain hikes, there are some rocky sections and involves a very small amount of scrambling over rocks. There are other options this day. The walk is rated as moderate overall as there are options to shorten the walking on each day.

We can recommend that you incorporate an extra day at Cradle Mountain to visit other tourist attractions, enjoy a spa treatment, tackle more of the fabulous walking or simply rest and relax.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

Summer is not the only time of year for hiking in Tasmania. Locals will tell you that November to May is suitable, but it’s Tasmania so you need to have the right clothing. See gear advice.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  See FAQ’s for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about the Cradle Mountain walks or any other of the walks or logistics, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Sep 2020 - 30 Apr 2021
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $895
    BOOK NOW
  • 19 Apr 2021
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $3495

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $0
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Sep 2021 - 30 Apr 2022
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2955

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $895
    BOOK NOW
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

  1. Lucy de F

    11 February, 2021 at 11:45 AM
    5

    We were very happy with our walking experience and are very likely to book another walk in the near future. One thing that impressed us was the high level of attention to detail that had obviously been paid, so that we didn’t have to think of anything ourselves from start to finish but just go with the flow and enjoy ourselves. The level of detail included such things as opening times of every restaurant or information centre etc that we encountered, suggestions where to stop along the trail, detailed maps highlighted by hand with landmarks to look out for and even the name of the driver of the lake transport boat and suggestion to ask him to recite some local poetry! Even more impressive was the swift and caring response received from staff at Auswalk when early in the trip we experienced a small hiccup with food at the first accommodation provider, arising due to us being the first Auswalk group to stay there since the covid shutdown. I received a phone call within minutes of emailing, the issue was fixed the same day and I received another phone call to follow up later that same day. The staff were very obviously sincerely concerned, had a lovely, caring manner and did their very best to help. The drivers from OTT, Steve, Sean and Dan, were also very friendly, polite and helpful and we greatly enjoyed chatting with them and learned a lot about the local area and other places in Tasmania that we might visit. We also felt that they were all very good, extremely safety-conscious drivers with a lot of experience on the local roads as well as the walking routes that we were undertaking. Our whole family really had a great time and we only wished we could have extended the walk by a few more days.

    Reply

  2. Nicola R

    11 February, 2021 at 11:31 AM
    5

    Nicola R
    My Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair trip was the first time I had used Auswalk. Very impressed with their professionalism. Very good communicators. Any questions are answered very promptly. Very easy to navigated booking and payment systems and best of all – all the arrangements they had made for my trip in Tasmania ran like clockwork. A good team using good people to deliver the promised services. Once you are in their care at the agreed starting point, you have no further worries, just enjoy the wonderful scenery of your walk until they deliver you back to an agreed finishing point. very impressed, would certainly use Auswalk again and have no hesitation in highly recommending them.

    Reply

  3. David R

    11 November, 2020 at 3:14 PM
    5

    We recently completed the Lake St Clair/Cradle Mountain walk in Tasmania. All the arrangements by Auswalk went perfectly. The maps/walk notes etc were all detailed and made for trouble free walking and the routes were a good balance of challenging/easier. The scenery is spectacular. All the accommodation was of a high standard, we particularly liked Peppers at Cradle Mountain. We would highly recommend Auswalk and would certainly use them again for walking holidays in the future.

    Reply

  4. Meredith S

    11 November, 2020 at 3:09 PM
    5

    We were a bit apprehensive doing it on our own but the maps and walking notes were great and it proved to be a wonderful alternative which gave us flexibility to do short or long walking days, different walking destinations in the areas we were staying and change our days to suit ourselves. The two accommodation offerings at Lake St Claire Lodge and Peppers Cradle Mountain were both wonderful, the service was great and the food was excellent, including our walkers lunch that was prepared for us in the mornings to take with us in our backpacks. The shuttle transfers worked like clockwork and it turned out to be a fabulous way to see that part of Tasmania. I will have to go back now to see the rest of Tassie!

    Reply

  5. freodoc

    16 March, 2019 at 4:52 AM

    Just completed the Lake St Clair/Cradle Mountain self guided walk with Auswalk. Would highly recommend this walk/company. Beautiful scenery, walks suitable for experienced/novice trekking. All arrangements went like clockwork, excellent documentation and maps. Accommodation all of a high standard

    Reply
Similar Trips

SIMILAR TRIPS

Portuguese Camino de Santiago

Self-guided

Blend beaches, countryside and historical towns on an ancient pilgrim walking trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.

 Self-guided 14 Days From $1755 Moderate What's Included

Portuguese Camino de Santiago

BACK What's Included
  • Walk the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (way of St James)from Porto all the way to Santiago de Compostela
  • 13 night’s accommodation in 3 star character filled hotels (an upgrade to 4 star and better accommodation is available.)
  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
  • 24/7 support from our people on the ground
  • Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
  • Total walking distance of 230km, a real challenge
  • All transport on and off the track including luggage transfers
  • Take advantage of nearly 30 years experience in organising self-guided walking holidays

Abel Tasman Walk End to End

Self-guided

Abel Tasman Great walk end to end. Stunning views over golden beaches, estuaries, coves & native forest. Unparalleled opportunities to swim.

 Self-guided 6 Days From $2355 Easy to Moderate What's Included

Abel Tasman Walk End to End

BACK What's Included
  • Full access to the Abel Tasman National Park and its beauty
  • 5 nights accommodation in beautiful lodges including 4-star Awaroa lodge
  • Walk the entire track end to end pack free
  • A la carte meals at Awaroa Lodge including 2-course dinners
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 walkers lunches and 3 dinners
  • Comprehensive track notes, map case, insulated lunch bag and container
  • Enjoy the 26 years of our experience in organising self-guided walking holidays

Cape to Cape in Style Highlights

Self-guided

Hike the most beautiful sections of the Cape to Cape Track in the Margaret River region. Walk spectacular coastline, clifftops, rocky coves and idyllic bays.

 Self-guided 6 Days From $1995 Moderate What's Included

Cape to Cape in Style Highlights

BACK What's Included
  • 5 nights’ accommodation at the Pullman Bunker Bay, Caves House or Seashells and in Gnarabup and Margaret River in rooms with ensuites
  • Minimum of wasted time in vehicles being transferred
  • Private transfers from Margaret River and luggage transport so you can walk pack free
  • Chef-prepared cooked breakfasts, two-course a la carte dinners and substantial Walkers Lunches
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack and national park admission
  • 24/7 support from our driver and representatives on the ground

Blue Mountains Traverse 7 Day

Self-guided

World Heritage Blue Mountains NP. Cliff-top trails, descend into the densely forested Jamison & Waterfall Valleys.

 Self-guided 7 Days From $1995 Moderate to Challenging What's Included

Blue Mountains Traverse 7 Day

BACK What's Included
  • The best of the Blue Mountains walks
  • 6 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Cooked or continental breakfast each morning, walkers lunches each walking day and select ala carte dinners at local restaurants
  • Vehicle transfers and luggage transport
  • We shift along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
  • Scenic world Railway, Skyway & Gondola all-day pass & National Park admission
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground

blog

June 17, 2021

Winter Walks, a Great Excuse for Adventure

Read More
March 26, 2021

Best walks on the Three Capes & the Tasman Peninsula

Read More
February 25, 2021

A whole world on your doorstep, if you only go looking…

Read More
February 25, 2021

DANDENONG RANGES – KALISTA OR BELGRAVE TO SASSAFRAS

Read More
October 5, 2020

10 best iconic day walks in the world

Read More
December 17, 2019

12 OF THE BEST AUSTRALIAN DAY WALKS

Read More
December 17, 2019

The Evolution of Walking Holidays

Read More
November 18, 2019

The Great Ocean Walk & A Great Australian Story

Read More
November 18, 2019

The Tour Du Mont Blanc – Seven valleys, three countries, and a sense of the divine

Read More
October 2, 2019

The Cotswolds | England’s Living History

Read More

ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

Get in touch