Getting there

The walk starts opposite the shop at Cradle Mountain Lodge. You can park at the Cradle Mountain Discovery Centre and walk down the road to the start of the boardwalk. The free shuttlebus can transport you from the Information Centre to the Discovery Centre.

Maps

TasMaps produces a topographic map that covers the walk, but the free tourist maps available from the visitor centre are sufficient.

Route/Trail notes

Start on the boardwalk across the road from the Cradle Mountain Lodge shop. The start of the walk is signposted for Knyvet Falls and the Dove Canyon Circuit. Walk across the buttongrass field keeping an eye open for the wombats that live in the area. The walk soon descends some stairs into an enchanting myrtle rainforest. It's worth visiting this forest at different times during the day to experience different lighting conditions.

The Pencil Pine Falls side track leaves at the bottom of the stairs. It's a short detour that is well worth taking but can be done either at the start or end of your walk.

Continue along the track to Knyvet Falls taking your time to soak in the shapes of the rainforest and enjoy Pencil Pine Creek running alongside the track. The track is boardwalked and easy to follow. The Dove Canyon Circuit continues on past Knyvet Falls but is a moderate level track and requires more fitness and some scrambling, unlike the Knyvet Falls track. After enjoying Knyvet Falls retrace your steps to return.

Permits/Costs

Entry to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair NP requires a National Parks pass. These can be purchased from the Information Centre and provide free us of the shuttle buses.