Cradle Mountain is the central feature of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of Tasmania's World Heritage area which is characterised by a rugged, glaciated landscape with over 25 major peaks and a wide range of glacial formations.

Cradle Mountain was named in 1827 by the explorer Joseph Fossey who decided it bore a remarkable similarity to a cradle. It was first climbed by a European in 1831 when the explorer Henry Hellyer successfully reached the summit.

1905 was a big year for exploring the Cradle Mountain region of Tasmania and saw the naming of Little Horn (C.F. Spurling), Hansons Peak (after Bert Hanson who died of exposure on a hunting trip), and Lake Lilla by S. Spurling after his sister.

The sheer magnificence of Cradle Mountain inspired Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer to build a chalet of King Billy pine here in 1912 and work tirelessly for a decade to have the area declared a national park "for the people for all time". His dream was realised in 1922, and today a quarter of all visitors to the state travel here to share his vision.

Reservation of land began in 1922 when an area from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair was set aside as a 'scenic reserve and wildlife sanctuary'. In 1927 63 990 ha, including Cradle Mountain, were set aside as a reserve. Known as 'The Reserve' to generations of bushwalkers the area was eventually enlarged to 124 942 ha. It became a National Park in 1971.

In 1978 the National Parks and Wildlife Service built a replica of 'Waldheim' and this, combined with the Cradle Mountain Lodge and the excellent new NPWS Information building, have made Cradle Mountain one of the most accessible and interesting attractions in Tasmania.

You can take one of many short walks in the area to gain a full appreciation of Cradle’s magic. Stroll from cascading rivers to dense, old-growth rainforest in just 20 minutes on the Enchanted Walk, walk the two-hour circuit of Dove Lake, or spend the day tackling Cradle Mountain’s summit.

It is worth remembering that this is an area of great danger to the unwary and the unprepared walker. It is so easy to underestimate the dangers of mountain weather. It is possible, in the space of a few minutes, for the weather to turn from a sunny day to rain and sleet. The dangers of wind chill are such that the mountain has claimed many victims of hypothermia.

The warmest months are January and February and the coldest Months are July and August. Snow can fall at any time of the year but usually in July, August and September where a good fall is between 200mm and 300mm.

The warmest temperature is 30 degrees and the coldest overnight is minus 10 degrees.

Pack warm clothes, raingear, a map and good walking boots for your visit.