7 memorable things to do in Cradle Mountain (that aren’t hiking)

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
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You don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy the world-renown beauty of Cradle Mountain.

Cradle Mountain is a bushwalker’s paradise. But if you’re not much of a hiker, there are plenty of other things to do in Cradle Mountain that cater to every activity. From enjoying mountain scenery with a glass of champagne in hand at a wilderness spa to abseiling down waterfalls, here are the top things to do in Cradle Mountain other than hiking.

1. Spot some local wildlife

The bushland surrounding Cradle Mountain is ideal for spotting some of Australia’s most unique and beloved creatures. Wildlife sanctuary Devils @ Cradle offers visitors the chance to get up close with three species of threatened marsupials, the Spotted-tail quoll, the Eastern quoll and the Tasmanian devil.

Tasmanian Devil joey
An adorable Tasmanian Devil joey. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Wander through the alpine sanctuary and learn about these unique animals during either a day or nighttime visit. You can also join a wildlife night-spotting tour, or try your luck staking out a few wildlife hot spots on your own!

Devils @ Cradle alpine sanctuary
Wander through the Devils @ Cradle alpine sanctuary. (Image: Laura Helle)

2. Pamper yourself in a wilderness spa

Give nature’s restorative qualities a little boost with a trip to a day spa sequestered among Cradle Mountain’s serene surrounds. Visitors can access the Waldheim Alpine Spa located in Pepper’s Cradle Mountain Lodge and the Retreat Spa in the Cradle Mountain Hotel, open to both guests and the public.

The view from the outdoor spa at Waldheim Alpine Spa
Soak up the views from the outdoor spa at Waldheim Alpine Spa. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

There are saunas and steam rooms to unwind in, as well as massages and a range of decadent spa treatments on offer. Enjoy calming views of the luscious Tasmanian forest and distant mountains as you venture into a journey of ultimate relaxation. With champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries available as an add-on, an experience at a Wilderness Day Spa is certainly one of the most decadent things to do in Cradle Mountain. 

Waldheim-Alpine-Spa
Spa treatments come with calming views of the luscious Tasmanian forest. (Image: Lauren Bath)

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3. Take a helicopter tour for a birds-eye view

For those that don’t have the time (nor the desire) to hike all 65km of the Overland Track, Cradle Mountain Helicopters offer the opportunity to see it all by air. Go aloft for breathtaking views that afford unparalleled views of Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair and beyond. Flights range from 20-100 minutes and offer a truly unforgettable way to experience the majesty of Tasmania’s Wilderness.

helicopter tour cradle mountain
Get a bird’s eye view of cradle mountain on a helicopter tour. (Image: Luke Tscharke)

4. See the stunning surroundings on horseback

Saddle up and immerse yourself in the bushland with a horseback tour through the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Cradle mountain horse riding company Cradle Country Adventures offers short tours and full-day treks for all difficulty levels. Let your guide and a fabulous team of horses lead you through verdant alpine forests, and watch as beautiful vistas unfold in front of you. Reap some of the most rewarding views in the national park, without having to do any hiking at all! 

horseback cradle mountain
Witness the landscape from horseback with Cradle Country Adventures. (Image: Tourism Australia)

 

5. Try your luck Fishing

Learn fly fishing with a local, or set-out solo for a day by the stream. The fishing in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers some of the most picturesque spots to catch brown and rainbow trout.

Fly fishing in Cradle Mountain
Give fly fishing a go while in Cradle Mountain. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Tour companies like Riverfly can take you off the beaten track, or you can head out to the popular Lake St Clair or Dove Lake for a beautiful day on the water.

Catch trout while fly fishing in Cradle Mountain
See if the fish are biting out on Lake St Clair or Dove Lake. (Image: Adam Gibson)

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6. Take a Canyoning Tour for the ultimate adventure

For the adventurous at heart, a Cradle Mountain canyoning tour ought to get your adrenaline pumping. Tour company Cradle Mountain Canyons can show you waterfall sliding, abseiling and rafting just a stone’s throw from Cradle Mountain. Tour options range from introductory family-friendly day adventures to multi-day rafting trips. If you’re seeking excitement, then a Canyon tour is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in Cradle Mountain.

Cradle Mountain Canyoning Tour
Feeling adventurous? Join a Cradle Mountain canyoning tour. (Image: Off the Path)

7. Take a scenic cruise on Lake St Clair

Enjoy a visit to the deepest lake in the Southern Hemisphere and take the scenic ferry ride that traces the final leg of the famous Overland track along the length of Lake St Clair. The boat doubles as a drop-off and pick-up service for hikers. A great option is to take the ferry up to Echo Point and walk back along the lake. Otherwise, just stay on board and have your breath taken away by the scenery (and not the trail!)

a scenic cruise on Lake St Clair
For a different perspective, take a scenic cruise on Lake St Clair. (Image: Tayla Gentle)

Final tips to help you explore Cradle Mountain

To help you enjoy it all, we’ve also rounded up our pick of the best Cradle Mountain accommodation options here that will put you in the heart of all the action, as well as where to eat while you’re here.

Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

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    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

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    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway . Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro .

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.