A hiker with a rucksack stands in tall grass, looking at the majestic peaks of Cradle Mountain under a cloudy sky near Dove Lake.
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

Cradle Mountain Dove Lake Day Tour from Launceston

from A$265
10 hours
Launceston
All Ages (14+)
Available from October 2026 onwards

A full day guided tour from Launceston to Cradle Mountain via Sheffield, the Town of Murals. Choose between walking the 6km Dove Lake Circuit with your guide or the relaxed Park Explorer, visiting Dove Lake, Glacier Rock and Waldheim. National park entry and a packed lunch are included.

  • A hiker with a rucksack stands in tall grass, looking at the majestic peaks of Cradle Mountain under a cloudy sky near Dove Lake.
  • Snow-capped mountains rise behind a deep blue lake, surrounded by green shrubs under a clear blue sky—a perfect scene to experience the beauty of slow travel Tasmania. | Aussie Loop
  • Wooden footbridge and gravel path leading uphill through bushy terrain towards Cradle Mountain, with majestic peaks rising in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A wooden boathouse stands by the edge of the calm Dove Lake, surrounded by bushes, with the rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain and a clear blue sky in the background.
  • A clear lake, known as Dove Lake, with a mountain range—Cradle Mountain—in the background under a blue sky, surrounded by sparse vegetation and rocky hills; an ideal spot for a day trip.
  • A hiker with a rucksack stands in tall grass, looking at the majestic peaks of Cradle Mountain under a cloudy sky near Dove Lake.
  • Snow-capped mountains rise behind a deep blue lake, surrounded by green shrubs under a clear blue sky—a perfect scene to experience the beauty of slow travel Tasmania. | Aussie Loop
  • Wooden footbridge and gravel path leading uphill through bushy terrain towards Cradle Mountain, with majestic peaks rising in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A wooden boathouse stands by the edge of the calm Dove Lake, surrounded by bushes, with the rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain and a clear blue sky in the background.
  • A clear lake, known as Dove Lake, with a mountain range—Cradle Mountain—in the background under a blue sky, surrounded by sparse vegetation and rocky hills; an ideal spot for a day trip.

Quick read before you book.

  • Walk the 6km Dove Lake Circuit beneath Cradle Mountain
  • Or see Dove Lake, Glacier Rock and Waldheim on the Park Explorer
  • Stop in Sheffield, the Town of Murals
  • Rainforest, gorges and button grass plains on the drive in
  • Stories of the park's Aboriginal and European history

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.8 Stars|85 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. A couple of guests found it shorter than expected, so check the timings and plan a relaxed evening back in Launceston.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Return coach transport from Launceston with hotel pick up
  • Entry to Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair National Park
  • Choice of the guided Dove Lake Circuit or Park Explorer
  • Packed picnic lunch
  • Expert local commentary from your driver and guide

Commonly asked questions.

The coach departs at 7:30am, with pick ups from the Hotel Grand Chancellor at 7:30am and Launceston Backpackers at 7:45am. You are back in Launceston around 5:30pm to 6pm.

The Dove Lake Circuit is a guided 6km walk around the lake, best for people with a good level of fitness and some bushwalking experience. The Park Explorer is a relaxed option visiting Dove Lake, the Boat Shed, Glacier Rock, Waldheim and Weindorfer's Rainforest.

Yes, entry to Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair National Park is included.

Yes, a packed picnic lunch is handed out before the walk, so bring a bag to carry it. Dietary requirements can be catered for if you mention them when you book.

Allow around four hours of walking time including stops and free time.

It runs daily from September to April.

Warm clothing, wet weather gear and comfortable walking shoes are essential, as Cradle Mountain weather changes fast.

Cancel more than 24 hours before departure and a 10% fee applies. Within 24 hours the fee is 100%, unless you rebook the tour, in which case there is no fee.

No, McDermott's tours and transfers don't run on Christmas Day.

Add an evening with the wombats on the Cradle Mountain night spotting tour.

More about this tour.

Cradle Mountain is a long way to drive for a day, so this tour gives you a choice once you get there. Walk the full Dove Lake Circuit with your guide, or take the Park Explorer option and see more of the park at an easier pace.The coach leaves Launceston at 7:30am, with pick ups at the Hotel Grand Chancellor and Launceston Backpackers, and heads west through the Meander Valley beneath the Great Western Tiers. Around 9am you stop in Sheffield, the Town of Murals, to stretch your legs, then climb through rainforest, gorges and button grass plains into the Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair National Park.Walkers join the guide for the 6km Dove Lake Circuit, following the shoreline beneath the mountain through ancient rainforest and alpine scenery. A good level of fitness and some bushwalking experience is recommended. The Park Explorer visits Dove Lake, the Boat Shed, Glacier Rock, Waldheim and Weindorfer's Rainforest with time for photos at each stop. Either way, a packed lunch is provided, and your guide shares the area's Aboriginal and European history.You are back in central Launceston around 5:30pm to 6pm. Want to stay longer in the park? Our Cradle Mountain guide has more ideas. Explore the day, then check availability.

Additional info.

Pick up points 7.30am Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston 7.45am Launceston BackpackersWhat to bring Warm clothing, wet weather gear, and comfortable walking shoes are essential for this adventure.Operator:McDermott's Coaches