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
Back

Cradle Mountain Park Explorer Day Tour

from A$225
10 hours

Travel from Launceston via Sheffield, the Town of Murals, through gorges, rainforest and buttongrass plains to Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park on this fully guided McDermott's day tour. Your National Park pass, Launceston pick up and a light picnic lunch are included. Back by about 5:30pm.

  • 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
  • Two people stand by a lake near a wooden hut, surrounded by mountains and bushes under a clear blue sky, embracing the spirit of a true Park Explorer on their Cradle Mountain day tour.
  • 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
  • Two people stand by a lake near a wooden hut, surrounded by mountains and bushes under a clear blue sky, embracing the spirit of a true Park Explorer on their Cradle Mountain day tour.

Quick read before you book.

  • Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, World Heritage listed
  • A stop in Sheffield, the Town of Murals
  • Gorges, rainforest and buttongrass plains on the drive in
  • Local stories about the park's wildlife, plants and geology
  • A full day in the mountains with no driving or parking to sort out

What’s included

  • Fully guided coach tour with commentary
  • Pick up and drop off in Launceston
  • National Park pass
  • Light picnic lunch

Commonly asked questions.

Pick up is from the Hotel Grand Chancellor at 7:30am or Launceston Backpackers at 7:40am. If you're getting to Launceston by bus, our guide to exploring Tasmania without a car can help you plan.

The coach returns to Launceston around 5:30pm. Timing can shift with weather, traffic and the group, so leave some breathing room before evening plans.

Yes. Your Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park pass is included, along with a light picnic lunch and full commentary from your guide.

Yes, but on fewer days. Tours run daily from September to April (except Christmas Day), and on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from May to August. Our guide to when to visit Tasmania explains what each season brings at Cradle.

Bring warm layers, wet weather gear and comfortable walking shoes. Cradle Mountain weather can turn cold and wet quickly in any season.

Yes. The tour travels via Sheffield, known as the Town of Murals, before heading up through gorges, rainforest and buttongrass plains into the national park.

A light picnic lunch is included. If you have dietary requirements, let McDermott's know when you book.

Your guide talks you through the park's native animals during the day. Many of Tasmania's animals are most active after dark, so the Cradle Mountain night spotting tour is a great add on if you're staying nearby.

Read more? Here’s the full description.

Cradle Mountain is a long drive from Launceston on winding mountain roads, and this McDermott's day tour lets you skip the driving and enjoy the view. You leave Launceston from 7:30am and head west via Sheffield, the Town of Murals, then climb into the mountains through gorges, rainforest and buttongrass plains to Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. Inside the World Heritage listed park, your guide shares the stories behind the flora, fauna and geology that make this corner of Tasmania so different from anywhere else in Australia. Your National Park pass and a light picnic lunch are included, so there's nothing to organise on the day. You're back in Launceston around 5:30pm. Want to see the park after dark? The Cradle Mountain night spotting tour heads into the park after dark. If lake time is your priority, the Cradle Mountain Dove Lake day tour is worth a look. Pack warm layers and a rain jacket, then check availability for your dates.

Additional info by the operator.

Pick up times: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston at 7:30am, or Launceston Backpackers at 7:40am. The coach returns to Launceston around 5:30pm, depending on weather, traffic and the group. Departure days: Daily from September to April (except Christmas Day). In winter, from May to August, tours run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. What to bring:
  • Warm clothing in layers
  • Wet weather gear
  • Comfortable walking shoes
Mountain weather changes quickly at Cradle, even in summer, so come prepared for cold and rain.