2-Day Cradle Mountain Tour from Hobart: Dove Lake Hikes, Wombats & Wilderness
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Moderate — good aerobic base for hikes of 2–6 hours; ability to manage short steep ascents.
Overview
Two days from Hobart takes you through rainforest, mining history and the alpine drama of Cradle Mountain. Hike the 6 km Dove Lake Circuit or test yourself on Marion’s Lookout, spot wombats at dusk, and sleep beside a lake before the return drive.
2-Day Cradle Mountain Tour from Hobart: Dove Lake Hikes, Wombats & Wilderness
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The bus eases out of Hobart before dawn, headlights cutting a path through eucalyptus shadows. As the city evaporates behind you, the Tasmanian landscape grows more uncompromising — dark rainforest giving way to stunted alpine buttresses and glassy lakes that hold the sky. By mid-morning you’re walking under a green ceiling of myrtle and sassafras in Mount Field National Park, and by day two the jagged silhouette of Cradle Mountain fills the horizon above Dove Lake.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for reflections
Catch the first Cradle Mountain shuttle to Dove Lake for the calmest water and best mountain reflections.
Layer for sudden weather
Temperatures can drop quickly on the plateau — pack a warm midlayer and a waterproof shell.
Respect wildlife distances
Wombats and platypus are wild — observe quietly from a distance and avoid feeding or approaching them.
Footwear matters
Marion's Lookout has steep, rocky sections; wear ankle-supporting hiking boots with good grip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Wombat
- Platypus
History
The Cradle Mountain region has deep Tasmanian Aboriginal history and later 19th-century mining activity in towns like Queenstown that reshaped local landscapes.
Conservation
Stay on boardwalks and defined tracks to protect fragile alpine plants; park fees and shuttle systems are used to limit vehicle pressure and fund conservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hobart
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Provides traction and ankle support on wet boardwalks and rocky ascents.
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against sudden rain, sleet and wind on the alpine plateau.
spring specific
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during cool mornings and windy ridge sections.
fall specific
Daypack with 1.5–2 L water reservoir
Carries water, snacks, camera and extra layers for full-day hikes.
summer specific