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

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.

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!

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)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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!)

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.

Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.

The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.

The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.

Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.

sitting on the lawn of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door — Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.

Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.

Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.

Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.

Location

roaring fireplace inside Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.

Style & decor

interior of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.

Wine experiences

The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.

Come for a taste, stay for an experience.

PIRIE & Oyster Experience

A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.

As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.

Pinot Noir Blending Experience

For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.

Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.

Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.

Supreme Indulgence

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door — Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.

Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Start planning at tamarridge.com.au and pirietasmania.com.au.