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Launceston · Tasmania · Australia
6-Day Self-Guided Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair Walk
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From $3,760.77 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
6-Day Self-Guided Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair Walk – Pack-Free Experience by Life’s An Adventure: Embark on an unforgettable 6-day self-guided Pack Free walking adventure through the stunning Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, one of Tasmania’s most celebrated natural landscapes. This park showcases some of the best examples of true alpine and rainforest environments in Australia, featuring purpose-built hiking trails that offer an immersive experience in nature. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tasmania’s wilderness is renowned for its exceptional natural and cultural significance, making it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Over the course of six days, you will explore the immense beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, renowned for its dramatic dolerite peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes that have been sculpted over millions of years through glaciation. Your self-guided walk allows you to experience the park at your own pace, enjoying the freedom of exploring without the burden of a heavy pack. With detailed maps and itineraries provided, you’ll have everything you need to navigate the well-marked trails, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights along the way. Each day of the walk unveils new landscapes, from lush temperate rainforests to rugged mountain terrains. As you traverse the trails, you’ll encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna, including unique wildlife such as wombats, wallabies, and an abundance of bird species. The vibrant plant life, coupled with the breathtaking scenery, creates a truly immersive experience that showcases the park’s rich ecological diversity. The Pack Free experience ensures comfort and convenience, as all accommodations and logistics are pre-arranged. You can relax in handpicked lodgings that provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park offers a wealth of exploration opportunities, from serene lakeside strolls to challenging summit climbs that reward you with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Each step reveals the park’s geological heritage and stunning landscapes, providing ample opportunities for photography and reflection amidst nature’s beauty. The 6-Day Self-Guided Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair Walk by Life’s An Adventure is ideal for those seeking a unique connection with Tasmania’s stunning wilderness. Immerse yourself in the incredible natural beauty and cultural significance of this remarkable region as you embark on a journey that promises lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the environment. Join us for an extraordinary Pack Free adventure in one of Australia’s most breathtaking national parks!
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- PackFree Adventure
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dramatic Landscapes
- Ecological Diversity
- Scenic and Challenging Trails
- Customizable Pace
- Comfortable Accommodations
- Immersive Nature Experience
- Opportunity for Photography and Reflection
- Cultural and Geological Significance
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Launceston
Transportation. Welcome to Australia! Your private transfer will collect you from your Launceston hotel and take you to Lake St Clair Lodge, stopping along the way to stretch the legs.
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Launceston
Hiking at Lake St Clair (Tasmania). Lake St Clair: After you have arrived at Lake St Clair and collected your packed lunch you will set out on your walking adventure for the day, a great introduction to the region and give you a small taste of what’s to come.
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Launceston
After your walk return to the lodge and indulge in a two-course a la carte dinner at Organic Restaurant.
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Launceston
The end of a wonderful first day.
Day 2
Launceston
Eco Tour at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Mount Rufus via Shadow Lake: Enjoy a hot or cold breakfast before collecting your packed lunch and setting out. There are two options offered today as a medium or hard grade walk. Explore landscapes of beautiful Myrtle Beech forest, sub-alpine environments, glistening tarns, lakes and rivers. For those that take the harder challenge, you will be rewarded with magnificent views from the top of Mt Rufus, a summit dominated by strange and fascinating weather-sculpted sandstone formations. The views extend all the way to Frenchman’s Cap and the head of the Franklin River.
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Launceston
Breakfast. Lunch. After your walk, return to your accommodation and let the chefs at Organic Restaurant spoil you with a two-course dinner.
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Launceston
Accommodation.
Day 3
Launceston
Boating at Lake St Clair (Tasmania). Ferry transfer: After breakfast, head down to the jetty to catch the ferry to the start of your walk. Today is a true adventure taking you through the dense and ancient rainforest that skirts the shoreline of Lake St Clair. You will take the ferry across the lake with the option to choose a longer 17kms or shorter 11km walk.
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Launceston
Eco Tour at Lake St Clair (Tasmania). Lake St Clair ancient rainforests: This walk takes you through lichen and moss-covered forest of Sassafras and Myrtle Beech and then into a more open Sclerophyll Forest dominated by black peppermint and other eucalyptus which form the final stage of the Overland Track. After your walk, return to your accommodation to relax.
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Launceston
Breakfast. Lunch. Tonight dine in at the Organic Restaurant for your final evening at Lake St Clair.
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Launceston
Accommodation.
Day 4
Launceston
Leisure at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Cradle Lakes: After your last breakfast your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Cradle Mountain stopping off at the old mining town of Queenstown en route for a break along the way. You will arrive at Cradle in time to do some substantial walking. Our walk today explores the stunning alpine countryside of Cradle Mountain National Park with its pretty lakes, large Myrtle Beech and ancient King Bill forests, alongside sandy beaches and interesting geological formations. Afterwards check-in at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge where your bags will be waiting.
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Launceston
Breakfast. Lunch. Tonight enjoy dinner in the charming Highlands Restaurant, indulging in a two-course a la carte dinner.
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Launceston
Accommodation.
Day 5
Launceston
Eco Tour at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Cradle Alpine Mountains: Enjoy breakfast before lacing up your boots because today’s walk is undoubtedly one of the most incredible hikes in the country. Kicking off your day, hike through button grass moorland passing through Beech Myrtle Forest and ascending up to Crater Lake. Making your way up to the alpine plateau you will admire spectacular views looking down onto Dove Lake and the magnificent valley below. You will have the option to summit Cradle Mountain, a hike for the more adventurous as it requires scrambling and a high level of fitness. Heading back enjoys views from the top of Hansons Peak before descending down to Dove Lake, ending your day looking back onto what can only be described as an epic adventure.
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Launceston
Breakfast. Lunch. A well-deserved two-course dinner will be enjoyed at the Highlands Restaurant before settling in for the night.
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Launceston
Accommodation.
Day 6
Launceston
Hiking at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Cradle Valley - Launceston: Indulge in your last breakfast at the Highlands Restaurant, before heading out for your last day’s adventure Today’s Walk explores the Cradle Valley and is simple and enjoyable. The valley provides great habitat for wombats, native hens, wallabies & Platypus. The boardwalk crosses the river over some high footbridges that are nestled amongst tall Pencil Pines; the track takes you through some vast button grass moorlands, Eucalyptus groves and then finishing in a Myrtle rainforest.
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Launceston
Transportation. AFTERNOON TRANSFERS: Your driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you back to Launceston – 2hrs drive time with a stop in Sheffield along the way for a break. Airport drop-offs are offered depending on flight times. Thanks for travelling with us!
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
A walking APP with GPS coordinates to help you find your way Detailed maps and track notes Transfers to Lake St Clair, Cradle Mountain and back to Launceston Accommodation at Lake St Clair Lodge and Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge Ferry from Cynthia Bay to the beginning of your walk on day three Option for an Airport drop off National Park Pass which includes shuttle bus transport for the Cradle Mountain hikes
Not Included
Tips and gratuities
What to Bring
Hiking shoes Comfortable clothes
Meeting & Pickup
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston at 7:30am
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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