By the Best Mountain Hotels editorial team ·
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is Tasmania's classic wilderness lodge, a collection of 86 timber cabins in the forest at the entrance to Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, around 800 metres up. With the Waldheim Alpine Spa, a Tasmanian restaurant, wombats and wallabies on the paths and Dove Lake a short drive away, it is the best base for one of Australia's most famous mountains.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is Tasmania's classic wilderness lodge, a collection of 86 timber cabins in the forest at the entrance to Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, around 800 metres up. With the Waldheim Alpine Spa, a Tasmanian restaurant, wombats and wallabies on the paths and Dove Lake a short drive away, it is the best base for one of Australia's most famous mountains.
Location: Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Tasmania's Central Highlands are a wild landscape of jagged dolerite peaks, glacial lakes, button grass plains and ancient pine forests, protected within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Cradle Mountain, reflected in the waters of Dove Lake, is its icon, and the Overland Track, one of the world's great walks, begins here.
The lodge stands at the entrance to the national park, about 800 metres above sea level and around two hours' scenic drive from Launceston.
Cabins at Cradle Mountain Lodge
There are 86 timber cabins in the forest, some with spa baths and balconies, and family cabins that sleep up to five, all in a cosy, rustic style.
Facilities at Cradle Mountain Lodge
The Waldheim Alpine Spa offers treatments, a sauna, a plunge pool and a hot tub, with windows over the Pencil Pine River. The Highland Restaurant serves breakfast and a Tasmanian-focused dinner with local wines, and the Tavern Bar & Bistro is more relaxed. A daily activity programme includes guided walks, and wildlife is often seen on the lodge's boardwalks.
The mountain moment
The defining moment is the walk around Dove Lake, about six kilometres, with the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain reflected in the water.
At dusk, walk the boardwalks around the lodge, where wombats and wallabies come out to graze.
Why Cradle Mountain Lodge is one of the best mountain hotels
Cradle Mountain Lodge earns its place for its setting, its wildlife and its value, the most comfortable way to experience Tasmania's great mountain wilderness.
For Queensland's ranges, see Spicers Peak Lodge, and for the Blue Mountains, Hydro Majestic Hotel.
When to go to Cradle Mountain Lodge
Summer, from December to February, brings the warmest weather and the best conditions for the Overland Track, and autumn brings the turning of the fagus, Tasmania's native deciduous beech, usually from late April to early May. Winter can bring snow, and the weather can change quickly at any time of year, so pack warm, waterproof layers.
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Questions, answered
- Where is Cradle Mountain Lodge?
- It is at the entrance to Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania, about two hours' drive from Launceston.
- How many cabins does Cradle Mountain Lodge have?
- There are 86 timber cabins, some with spa baths, and family cabins sleep up to five.
- Does Cradle Mountain Lodge have a spa?
- Yes. The Waldheim Alpine Spa has treatments, a sauna, a plunge pool and a hot tub.
- Can you see wildlife at Cradle Mountain Lodge?
- Yes. Wombats and wallabies are often seen around the lodge, especially at dusk.
- When is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain?
- December to February for walking; late April to early May for the fagus.
