The Best Day Trip in Tasmania: Hobart to Cradle Mountain

How can I travel from Hobart to Cradle Mountain? Is there a tour from Hobart to Cradle Mountain? And is it possible to visit Cradle Mountain in just one day?

Cradle Mountain towers majestically over Dove Lake - the highlight of a wonderful Active Day Trip

Luckily there is one fantastic solution, one resounding Yes! one great way to visit Cradle Mountain from Hobart and experience its highlights as part of a brilliant day - and that is of course with us!

Our Derwent Experience Hobart to Cradle Mountain Day trip is a really smart and efficient way to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are so happy to be able to offer this, even though it does take us to our limits and is no small investment in our vehicles and health and sleep management to be able to consistently and safely offer this 15-hour day trip, sometimes up to three times a week.

And we love doing it. Love the drive, the elements, and you - the travelers and explorers that we are so fortunate to spend the day with and help to connect with such a majestic place, as part of a great road trip.

Here is a great review we received recently that sums up the day very well:

Rachel G

4 reviews·2 photos

3 weeks ago NEW

Had an amazing cradle mountain tour with the most caring and extremely friendly guide Sam.

As the weather is unpredictable at cradle mountain, Sam is very thoughtful to bring along extra jackets and gloves in case anyone needs it.

To sum up, got to see this amazing brown ox, had an amazing breakfast at Deloraine, plenty of time to explore our preferred route for Cradle Mountain, amazing dinner at Empire Hotel Deloraine and ending the day with looking at the milky way.

Also, had the greatest company of other travellers on this tour from all around the world.

Fantastic job on the tour Sam! Thanks for making the tour a memorable one for me! (Also thanks for the delicious apple!)

Wilderness at its finest - nothing man made here at all.

What should I bring for the biggest Day Trip in Tasmania? Well, that is the best part of joining our fun day to Cradle Mountain - all you really need are good walking shoes, some snacks for out on the trail (protein bar, banana, trail mix) water bottle, hat and depending on the weather a decent jacket.

Experiencing the Wilderness has never been so easy, and after your 3.5 hour hike - choosing a trail that suits your ability, be it moderate or challenging, you will be so happily exhausted that the drive home will be no problem at all. Relax, sleep, be still. The city and modern life is miles away.

Wildlife encounters are very common at Cradle Mountain.

Dip your toes in the cool waters of Dove Lake.

Our trips are always small groups, a maximum of 11 people from all over, with over half of our guests being solo travelers, often hiking together and looking out for each other. A breakfast and dinner together is also part of a wonderful full day.

National Park entry fee is included in the tour price ($30), so it is great value - especially with the cost of fuel these days.

It is a beautiful place to experience for 4 hours - to walk, hike, wander or just sit and enjoy.

In summary:

  • A comfortable journey, shared with other seekers of beauty and nature lovers.

  • See a great deal of Tasmania in one big day.

  • Breakfast and dinner stops are well timed, great menus with something for everyone, family owned regional businesses, with majority of produce sourced locally, supporting local jobs and as good as a breakfast / dinner that you will get anywhere in Tasmania on that day.

  • Four hours up there and fours to return, with well-timed stops for comfort and interest. Bring neck pillow, earphones, camera, snacks - whatever you like to add to your personal enjoyment as you are driven and have time to snooze or just gaze out the window.

  • Check the weather forecast the day before - every day is different at Cradle Mountain and Cradle Valley, but no matter the conditions there are plenty of trail options and it is still beautiful and always worth the effort.

Quiet, cool, green, peaceful - experience the fragile beauty all around us as we float through powerful, “protected” places

We hope to see you on our next Hobart to Cradle Mountain Active Day Trip soon.

Nature at its finest - Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake, the start of a fantastic 3.5-hour wilderness walk.