Cradle mountain camping
Cradle Mountain can be found at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Because of its beautiful mountainous terrain, it is very popular with hikers and visitors. This is also the starting point for the Overland Track, a world-famous hike.
This area is not a must-see, but it’s worth spending a few days to explore the region and take in the beautiful scenery.
The weather was warm and sunny during the summer months. This made it possible to enjoy great views from both the tops of Marion’s Lookout (and Cradle Mountain) of the region. Weather here can be very unpredictable, so you need to be ready for any weather that may come your way. Snow is a common winter experience. Your experiences may be different depending on when you travel.
This area has few camping options.
The National Park does not offer free camping. You have the option to either stay at a campground with a service, which we did, or in other types of accommodation such as lodges, chalets, and self-contained accommodation. You don’t have many options when it comes to camping.
How to get there?
Cradle Mountain was just a short drive from Devonport. It took us about two hours to travel from Devonport in daylight. It would be best if you allowed plenty of time for the roads to be narrow and winding so that you can get there safely.
Travel time from Launceston to Melbourne is approximately 2.5-3 hours.
You can find signs all over the Park, no matter which way you travel. It is a popular tourist attraction.
You can find more detailed information about routes on the Parks & Wildlife Service site.
Camping Ground
You have no other camping options if you want to be close to the National Park. This campsite is located closest to Cradle Mountain. The Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre is located just across the road from this caravan park. This centre is the hub for all information and transport about Cradle Mountain.
We don’t usually like caravan parks, but this is the right place if you want to be close to the National Park without having to travel long distances every day. It is the only place that campers can use.
There are many accommodation options at this campground, including cottages, cabins, backpacker accommodation, and powered and unpowered sites. You will find the right option for you.
Bookings are required (book directly with the caravan site). Cradle Mountain accommodations can be very popular during peak hours. We were grateful that we booked months in advance. It was full at all locations close to the Park in January.
We have seen many ordinary caravan parks on our travels. This is one of the best. Family tent sites were spread out and kept private.
You didn’t have to park large caravans close to the motorhome and caravan sections (those that required power).
Here are some unpowered websites.
These are spacious spaces with plenty of shade and privacy. However, they are not typical of large caravan parks. There aren’t any large playgrounds or jumping pillows.
The unpowered sites were spacious and comfortable. You didn’t feel crowded or out of place. These sites were closer to the National Park campgrounds that we had stayed at.
The entire park is huge and although it was packed when we visited, our campsite gave us a glimpse of the rest.
