Cradle Mountain Summit

A hike to the summit of Cradle Mountain. I would recommend staying at the mountain, as most accomodation is quite a distance from the visitors centre. The visitors centre opens at 8am, the first shuttle bus to the starting point leaves at 8:15 and the last return bus leaves at 6pm. No cars can drive to the lake at present inside these hours and if you miss the last bus it is about another 3 hour walk out so keep this in mind. If you do drive down before 8am, you can drive back inside these hours but you need to follow one of the busses as they are in radio contact with each other on the narrow one lane road. Personally I would recommend doing the loop via Hansons Peak and returning via Marrion's Lookout, in my opinion it is much better and less travelled, probably because it is a little longer and also because most walkers doing the Overland Track go via Marrion's. Amazing views the whole way and lots of options if you want to make the walk a little longer. Highly recommended, the best walk I have ever done.

Lookouts

1553m

Maximum Elevation

687m

Total Climb

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Getting there

Dove Lake car park.

Maps

You don't need a map for this walk. However, you can purchase one from the visitor centre.

Route/Trail notes

Starting from the overland track starting point, either at Waldheim car park, Ronny Creek car park or Dove Lake car park.

First check point is Marion's Lookout, following the signs along the way on the eastern side of Dove Lake.

From Marion's Lookout following the track towards Cradle Mountain. Soon you will reach the Cradle Plateau. The track brings you closer to the mountain until you reach Kitchen Hut. It should take around 3-4 hours to reach this point.

From Kitchen Hut it is a three hours return to climb to the summit. This is the most challenging part as it involve steep boudler climbing. Do leave you backpack at the Kitchen Hut as it will limit your mobility. It is highly not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

There are multiple ways back to the car parks. Follow the clearly marked track of your choice.