Cradle Mountain Guided Hike - Women’s Wilderness Escape

Trips at a Glance

Why Cradle Mountain?

There are so many beautiful places in Australia, Cradle Mountain stands as jewel amongst this lands greatest nature assets.

Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area — one of only a handful of places on earth to hold that designation — Cradle Mountain sits at the centre of a landscape that feels genuinely ancient. Dolerite peaks carved by glaciers over millions of years. Buttongrass moorlands that stretch to the horizon in every direction. Dove Lake, still and mirror-flat in the early morning, reflecting the jagged crown of the mountain perfectly. Alpine tarns. Ancient pencil pines. Wombats that wander across the trail as if you’re the intruder!

It’s also one of Australia’s most demanding and rewarding day hiking destinations. The trails here don’t hold back. The weather can shift from sunshine to sleet in under an hour. When you stand at Marions Lookout with 360-degree views across a wilderness that feels utterly untouched, you will understand exactly why you came.

Potentially none of it would be preserved for us to enjoy without the dedication and beautiful love story of Gustav Waldheim and Kate Scott. The full story, Kindred: A Cradle Mountain Love Story is a worthwhile read prior to arriving on your GirlsTrek. We spend time at Waldheim cottage considering the sacrific and the great love these two nature lovers had for each other and this glorious now National Park.

This is not a gentle walking experience. It’s a proper wilderness adventure, with the safety of well marked trails — and the GirlsTrek version comes with exceptional food, beautiful accommodation, excellent supportive guiding and a group of women who will encourage you along the way.

The Walking

Over five days, your group covers some of the most spectacular terrain in Australia. The days are varied — from the gentler rhythms of the Enchanted Walk at dawn to the full challenge of the 14 km high-mountain circuit with its steep ridgelines and optional summit push — but every single one rewards you.

The big day — Cradle Mountain high circuit

This is the day the trip is built around. Starting from Dove Lake, your group climbs steeply toward Marions Lookout — 390 metres of elevation gain over 5 kilometres — before continuing along the Face Track below the summit of Cradle Mountain, with views over Dove Lake and the surrounding wilderness that stop you mid-stride.

From Kitchen Hut, weather and conditions permitting, the group takes the high trail above the lake for a full circuit of Cradle Mountain. This section requires agility and confidence — the terrain is rocky, the exposure is real, and the weather up here operates by its own rules. If conditions don’t allow the high circuit, your guides have an alternative route that still takes in magnificent scenery. You will finish this day with the particular satisfaction of a body fully used.

Dove Lake and Wombat Pools

Your second big walking day is a different kind of beautiful. Beginning at Waldheim Chalet — where you’ll hear the extraordinary love story of Gustav Weindorfer, the Austrian botanist who fell so in love with this wilderness that he devoted his life to protecting it — the group walks to Dove Lake for the famous circuit along its shores.

From Dove Lake, a smaller track leads to Wombat Pools. Bring your swimmers. The water is glacial, the setting is extraordinary, and yes, it is absolutely worth it. This is one of those GirlsTrek moments women talk about for years.

The Enchanted Walk — dawn meditation

On one of your mornings at Cradle Mountain, the group rises early for a sensory walk through the ancient mossy forest of the Enchanted Walk. Moving through pencil pines and myrtle beech in the quiet of early morning — before the shuttle buses arrive and the park fills up — is a grounding experience that balances the physical challenge of the big days. Your guide leads a short meditation. The forest does the rest.

Fitness and preparation

This is a Level 3–4 trip. We’re honest about this because we want you to arrive ready. The big day involves sustained steep climbing, some boulder scrambling, and alpine conditions that can change rapidly. You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer, but you do need to be genuinely fit and comfortable with challenging terrain.

When you book, we’ll send you a specific training programme and packing list designed for Cradle Mountain conditions. Women who follow the training programme consistently tell us they feel ready. Women who don’t, wish they had.

Beyond the Trail

A GirlsTrek trip is never just about the walking. The Cradle Mountain experience is bookended by two days in Launceston that give the adventure a completely different texture.

Cataract Gorge, Launceston

Your adventure begins in Launceston with a walk through Cataract Gorge — a dramatic natural gorge carved by the South Esk River that sits improbably within minutes of the city centre. First Basin, the peacocks, the cliff face walks and the longest single-span chairlift in the world make this a proper introduction to the Tasmanian landscape before the wilderness gets serious.

Joseph Chromy Winery — long lunch

Set on the shores of a private lake just outside Launceston, Joseph Chromy is one of Tasmania’s most celebrated wineries. Your group settles in for a long lunch with matched wines and the kind of unhurried afternoon that feels like a gift after big days on the trail. Sparkling wine, pinot noir, chardonnay — Tasmania’s cool climate produces wines of genuine elegance, and Joseph Chromy is among the best.

Accommodation

Staying at the only accommodation at Cradle Mountain Peppers that is actually in the park GirlsTrek could not get you closer to the wildlife action. Be prepared of cosy cabins with luxury touches and a wonderful main lodge with a roaring open fire place, an international standard restaurant and a fun pub.

What to Expect Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive Launceston / Cataract Gorge 6-8kms

Meet GirlsTrek at the airport. Depending on flight arrival times, we aim to head out to explore Cataract Gorge on foot before the sun sets. 

Check in at our accom on the river and enjoy dinner together after a big day of travel.

Day 2:Dove Lake, Wombat Pools, Waldheim Chalet 8-10km, 3-4 hours

After breakfast at our hotel, we set off on the scenic drive to the beautiful cradle Mountain National Park, for a wonderous afternoon immersing ourselves in the Scenic lake walk with the chance for a swim, visit to Waldheim Chalet and learning of the parks history. We will of course be on the lookout for wombats!
Late afternoon we check in to our cosy lodge cabins and take a hot shower before dinner at the bistro/pub.

Day 3: Cradle Mountain High Circuit 10-12km 6-8 hours
We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off for a big day in the mountains. Our trek has some challenging elements today including steep climbs and windswept ridges. The inspiring environment provides a canvas for physical exploration and mental space. Late afternoon we return to our lodge, and depending on time, you might like to book a spa treatment or just enjoy a sundowner at the cosy pub! Dinner tonight is in the restaurant. 

Day 4: Enchanted Walk/ Launceston

An early morning wander and sensory meditation on the Enchanted walk, to see king Billy Pines, before a late breakfast and casual departure mid morning to make our way back to Launceston. We stop at Sheffield, the Town of Murals to admire the artwork around the town, and grab a coffee, before continuing our journey. Back in Launceston you have some free time to explore the town, rest or relax. Dinner tonight is a favourite local restaurant.  

Day 5: Winery Lunch and depart

An easy morning to sleep in, go for a walk to explore some of Launceston's historic buildings, before we check out and set off for a gorgeous Winery lunch at Joseph Chromy. We transfer you to the airport for your afternoon flights. Is This Trip Right for You?

The GirlsTrek Cradle Mountain trek is for women who:

•        Want to push their physical limits on genuinely challenging terrain

•        Are ready to experience one of Australia’s great wilderness areas properly — not just from a viewpoint

•        Have been training and are prepared for sustained steep climbing and rocky trails

•        Love the combination of serious adventure with exceptional food and beautiful accommodation

•        Are drawn to experiences that feel genuinely transformational rather than comfortable

•        Want to contribute to something beyond themselves — the SevenWomen connection matters to them

This is not GirlsTrek’s most beginner-friendly trip. If you’re new to hiking or prefer a more relaxed pace, we’d suggest starting with Mornington Peninsula or Noosa Eco Adventure and building toward Cradle Mountain. If you’re ready to be challenged — truly challenged — this is your trip.

“Frith and Britt were amazing hosts & guides. Our Cradle Mountain adventure was so much fun - as a group of old friends on our annual trip, we hiked through the incredible landscape, we laughed til we couldn’t, we ate gourmet meals, and we drank at the stunning wineries. Thanks for a fab time girls, we had a ball!” - Annabelle (Trip Advisor)

Getting there

Fly into Launceston Airport (LST). Virgin Australia and Jetstar operate direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Private transfers are included throughout the trip — from airport to accommodation, Launceston to Cradle Mountain, and Cradle Mountain back to Launceston for your departure.

What to bring

Cradle Mountain demands proper preparation. Waterproof jacket and pants are non-negotiable — the weather here changes without warning and snow is possible year-round above the treeline. Warm layers, a quality daypack (24–32L with rain cover), sturdy trekking shoes or boots and trekking poles (highly recommended for steep descents). Swimmers are a good idea if you wish to swim at Wombat Pools. A full trip-specific packing list is provided with your booking confirmation.

Weather

Cradle Mountain has a reputation and it is deserved. Four seasons in one day is not a cliché here — it’s a forecast. Snow can fall at any time of year above the treeline. The mountain generates its own weather systems. This is part of what makes it extraordinary, and part of why you need to be prepared. Your GirlsTrek guides are experienced in alpine conditions and carry emergency equipment. Always follow their guidance on when to push on and when to turn back.