Cradle Mountain: Hobart to Cradle Active Day Trip

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park is a jewel in the crown of Tasmanian natural beauty and wonder. 

Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a place of exceptional natural beauty in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). Visit this trusted source published by Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service for further information, and please, get excited! 

A challenge for many however is accessibility, especially from Hobart. It is remote, but not out of reach, and once there you will feel a million miles from modern life.

Yes, it is an early start. We depart at 6am, but you take only what you need for the day - no extra accommodation or packing required. Amazingly, you will spend even more time within the National Park, experiencing the raw beauty and wildness than most other day or multi-day tours departing from much closer.

Our carefully planned and executed small group, fun and rewarding road trip - perfect for solo travelers, couples, families and friends offers:

• up to five hours inside the National Park - plenty of time to complete one of the challenging hikes up to Marions Lookout and out again via Ronny Creek, or to walk the Dove Lake Circuit. 

• Enchanted Forest and drinking pure water straight from the river.

• Park entry and shuttle bus ticket

• Transport in an executive class bus, 11 passenger capacity, multiple phone charging (byo cord) climate control, reclining seats and plenty of luggage space.

• Stops in crafty Deloraine for breakfast at Mamma Buzz café - one of the best in Tasmania, and then Empire Hotel for dinner on the return leg. 

• BYO picnic lunch - muesli bar, fruit, bread and cheese will do the trick

• Depart 6am - Sunrise show heading north through rural Tasmania - stunning.

• Sunset show on the return trip - arriving back in Hobart approximately 9pm.

• Pick up and drop off at your Hotel / Accommodation in Hobart city.

Operating weekly in 2024 on set days, we also welcome requests for other dates and sometimes we can accommodate special requests.

Here is a recent review that gives a good sense of what to expect from a passenger's perspective:

B  H

a month ago

Had our day trip to Cradle Mountain from Hobart with The Derwent Experience recently! It’s incredibly rare to find tours starting from Hobart as most begin from Launceston so we were lucky that Sam’s offering such tours. It was lovely meeting him as well, an incredibly friendly and warm-hearted guy!

Some other reasons why the Derwent Experience is a 10/10:

⭐️ the van is extremely clean and sleek. Comes with reclining chairs plus USB ports to charge your phones. No portable chargers needed!

⭐️ food options are amazing! We stopped at Deloraine for both our brunch and dinner - first at Mumma Buzz Cafe then dinner at Empire Hotel.

⭐️ Sam’s a seasoned and safe driver, so you’re definitely in good hands as he takes you through the winding yet scenic roads towards and back from Cradle Mountain.

Book your Cradle Mountain Day Trip with us now.

So, the bed you wake up from can be the bed you sleep in that night, and you only have to take what you need for the day. Yes, it is a big day, but it is quite simply the best way to experience Cradle Mountain from Hobart.

Why travel and spend the day with us?

Over the past few years, Sam has taken many groups to Cradle Mountain whilst also focusing on other tours and experiences closer to Hobart. It is not an easy place to get to, but here’s the thing...

Sam has lots of energy, loves driving, and believes that a big day to Cradle Mountain is the best way to appreciate Tasmania’s natural beauty and make the most of a single day. 

Many have commented that this day trip and being able to fully experience the beauty of Cradle Mountain at their own pace for 3-4 hours has been the highlight of their time in Tasmania.

Safety.

You will be asked to sign a waiver at the group briefing upon arrival at Cradle Mountain Visitor Information Centre, and prior to boarding the shuttle bus that takes us down to Dove Lake. Weather conditions on the day will be absolutely top of mind, and the fact that conditions can change quickly will be discussed. We are not a walking, hiking or guiding service, and while we carry the necessary public liability insurances, we primarily offer this as a transport service for you to access Cradle Mountain National Park from Hobart. 

The Driver will accompany the "slowest" member/s, or the least confident members of the group and will provide communication backup and basic first aid if required. It is absolutely paramount that individuals who choose their own trails return at the designated time so that group can leave together on time, and we all get back to Hobart at a reasonable hour - typically around 9 pm.

Are you ready for your greatest Tasmanian adventure yet?