A guide to the dreamiest Cradle Mountain accommodation

Find the best place to base yourself to explore the majestic beauty of Cradle Mountain.

There’s no better way to experience the majesty of the Tasmanian wilderness than a stay in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The various Cradle Mountain accommodation options allow visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings of one of the most special wilderness areas in Australia. With forests burgeoning with button grass, beech trees and pristine bushlands, a stay at Cradle Mountain is a truly magical experience. You’ll be perfectly placed to experience all the hiking trails and activities Cradle Mountain has to offer, followed by a superb meal at any of Cradle Mountain’s best restaurants. From luxury lodges to quirky hotels and cosy cabins, there’s a stay to suit every style of travel. Discover yours below.

Cosy lodges, cabins and cottages

This style of accommodation offers privacy and seclusion surrounded by beautiful Tasmanian bushland. With these options for accommodation in Cradle Mountain, you can stay enveloped by the breathtaking wilderness in maximum comfort. When it comes to alpine stays, it doesn’t get much cosier than this.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Go for: Alpine luxury combined with an immersive wilderness experience

If you’re after luxury accommodation in Cradle Mountain, Peppers has accrued an international reputation as one of Tasmania’s finest stays. With the renowned Waldheim Alpine Spa onsite, visitors will be a stone’s throw from a luxurious range of spa therapies surrounded by towering King Billy Pines. Or unwind in your own private spa on your cabin, available in select room categories. Each lodge contains a fireplace and stylish modern decor, with walking tracks radiating from each front doorstep.

Soak in your private hot tub in the King Billy Suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. (Image: Lauren Bath)

Here, you’ll also be in proximity to some of Tasmania’s best dining experiences with Pepper’s onsite Highland Restaurant, as well as more casual eatery and bar options. Located a short walk from the visitor’s centre, Peppers is a great option for those who want to experience alpine luxury at its very best.

Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages

Go for: Rustic self-contained accommodation with a hand-made touch and a classic cottage feel.

These cottages offer accommodation at Cradle Mountain that feels like a home away from home. Individually designed and hand-built from natural Tasmanian timber, each cabin blends seamlessly with the beautiful bushland surrounding. Each cottage is self-contained, so you can truly make the space your own during your stay. With fireplaces, natural timber details and classic cottage decor, Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages combines all things hygge for a quintessentially cosy stay.

The Bushman's Cabin in winter at Cradle Mountain Highlander. — The Bushman’s Cabin in winter at Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages.

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village

Go for: A modern alpine stay in upscale, self-contained accommodation

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village offers private self-contained cabins with a modern flair. The Village offers family-friendly chalet options, as well as luxury adult-only cottages (that come equipped with a spa bath!) Proximity to the onsite Hellyers Lounge and Bar offers alpine dining at its best, with striking views of Cradle Mountain and the serene natural surrounds. The Lounge also comes well-stocked with board games and DVDs, offering the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Spa Cottage — Bed down in one of the private self-contained cabins at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village offers. (Image: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village )

Discovery Holiday Park Cabins

Go for: Brand new luxury digs located withing the welcoming vicinity of a holiday park

Discovery Holiday Park is primarily the domain of campers and no-frills self-catering accommodation. But thanks to a recent $20 million investment, the holiday park has been updated with 19 new luxury cabins.

Discovery parks cradle mountain — The cabins are outfitted with sleek, modern design elements.

Outfitted with sleek, modern furnishings and expansive full-size windows, these cabins provide a refined and stylish alternative that rivals some of the luxury cabins in the park. The design heroes the surrounding nature, with an expansive balcony and glass panels offering unobstructed vistas.

Hotels

If a hotel getaway is more up your alley, these accommodation options in Cradle Mountain will provide comfortable lodgings with a stylish flair. A hotel stay is perfect if you plan to enter ultimate holiday mode and leave the self-catering at home.

Pumphouse Point (Lake St Clair)

Go for: A boutique hotel experience suspended over Australia’s deepest lake

Pumphouse Point Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair — Pumphouse Point offers upscale accommodation in a converted 1940s pump station. (Image: Stu Gibson)

The quirky yet supremely stylish Pumphouse Point offers upscale accommodation in a converted 1940s pump station suspended over Lake St Clair. (The hotel has two buildings, one on the lake edge and the other at the end of a long pier). Wake up to exquisite views of the deepest lake in the Southern Hemisphere and relax in comfort surrounded by the purity of the Tasmanian wilderness.

External view of The Retreat at Pumphouse Point — The Retreat is Pumphouse Point’s most exclusive suite. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Inside The Retreat at Pumphouse Point — The dreamy view from inside The Retreat at Pumphouse Point. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in each booking, so you can focus on enjoying the remote stay stress-free. With bikes and rowboats available to borrow from the hotel, Pumphouse Point offers plenty of ways to explore Lake St Clair. Ideal for couples, the vibe here is high-end, yet intimate and friendly.

Cradle Mountain Hotel

Go for: luxe hotel accommodation in Cradle Mountain

For stylish hotel accommodation in Cradle Mountain, look no further than Cradle Mountain Hotel. Here, you’ll be in proximity to modern dining experiences at the Altitude restaurant, as well as great cocktails from the Altitude Lounge Bar.

You’ll be met with fireplaces and forest views, and an atmosphere every bit as cosy as it is chic. For those who’d like to add an extra sprinkle of decadence to their stay, there are house-made chocolates to indulge in, and a range of spa services to help you unwind.

Cradle Mountain Hotel - Split Level King Room — A look inside the split-level king room at Cradle Mountain Hotel. (Image: Supplied Courtesy of RACT Destinations)

Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel (Lake St Clair)

Go for: Comfort, casual dining and family-friendly vibes a stone’s throw from Lake St Clair

The Derwent Hotel offers practical accommodation with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves up hearty pub-style meals in the company of a large crackling fire in winter— creating the perfect atmosphere to return to after a day of exploring. The decor is reminiscent of a rustic mountain lodge, adding to the ambience of cosiness inside. The Derwent Bridge Hotel also offers budget accommodation for groups.

Camping and caravan parks

For nature lovers, it doesn’t get much better than camping in a UNESCO-listed Wilderness area among pristine pines and beautiful bushland. Whether you’re in a tent, camper van or bunked-up in a hut, here is the best camping accommodation in Cradle Mountain.

Camping in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park — Find the best camping spots in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. (Image: Sarajayne Lada)

Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain

Go for: Good value, family-friendly accommodation with added luxury

Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain is the go-to destination for campers of all types, whether you have a tent, caravan or camper van. After unveiling a $20 million redevelopment in 2024, it’s soon to be the number one pick for luxe in-ground lodgings, too. Home to 11 all-new premium cabins (bookable now and ready to be enjoyed from December 20), the opulent offerings are fitted with open fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, gas heaters, heated floors and bathtubs overlooking lush wilderness. In a nutshell? It’s a solid slice of hotel life enveloped in the splendour of Mother Nature. Furthermore, the park’s amenities, including the camp kitchen and kiosk, have been upgraded, and there are more powered and unpowered sites than ever before.

Waldheim Cabins

Go for: An authentic wilderness experience in an iconic mountain hut

These basic cabins offer an authentic wilderness experience for the adventurous at heart. These simple yet charming bunk-style huts are nestled deep in the bushland, secluded away from the resorts and hotels. Here, you’ll have access to heating, self-catering and some of the park’s best walking tracks springing right from your front doorstep. Owned and maintained by the parks and wildlife services, Waldheim Cabins represent some of the most unique accommodation options in Cradle Mountain. The cabins are a short but splendid hike away from the famous Dove Lake along the Lake Lila track, meaning you can ditch the shuttle bus in favour of a scenic trail.

Waldheim Cabins are charming, rustic shelters run by the Parks and Wildlife Service. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Lake St Clair Camping

Go for: Simple yet idyllic camping on the shores of Lake St Clair

Embrace nature’s simplicity with lakeside camping at the Southern end of the National Park. Fergy’s Paddock is a very basic but beautiful secluded campsite located just 10 minutes from the Lake St Clair visitor’s centre. With camping platforms to pitch your tent, you’ll get a comfortable night’s rest immersed in the sounds of nature. During the day, the campsite is a prime location to enjoy swimming, bushwalking or simply relaxing by the lake.

Nearby stays

Staying in accommodation near cradle mountain has the advantage of being closer to more dining options and amenities, while still retaining the same beautiful surroundings as the national park. There are lots of wonderful waterfalls and trails to discover in the area just north of the park entrance, so these accommodation options are great for anyone who likes to wander off the beaten track.

Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley

Go for: A boutique experience that combines alternative living with countryside luxury

Discover Tasmanian country living at its very finest. Tiny Escapes offers a network of loft-style Tiny Houses, each with an exquisite view over the Black Bluff Conservation area. Each house is self-sufficient and self-contained, combining modern design with an immersive experience in the wilderness. Dreamy and secluded, Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley offers a truly unforgettable stay.

Escape to one of the loft-style tiny houses at Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley. (Image: Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley )

Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat

Go for: A peaceful stay with amenities and friendly service at arm’s reach

Located against a backdrop of serene rainforest, Lemonthyme Wilderness offers visitors spacious accommodation near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Here, you can choose from decadent spa suites or comfortable self-contained cottages to relax and soak up the beautiful surroundings. The onsite Whispering Woods restaurant offers cuisine made with local Tasmanian produce, served in a down-to-earth and cosy environment.

The cosy interior of Lemonthyme Retreat. (Tourism Tasmania/Gabi Mocatta)

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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