Hobart to Cradle Mountain: Road Trip Tips, Stops & Itinerary

Is this Tasmania’s ultimate drive? 

Just 4-hours northwest of Hobart, Cradle Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks of Australia. Many come for the mountain but stay for so much more. 

With prehistoric wilderness, misty lakes and foodie trails, there’s no better place to absorb it all from the comfort of a car. The drive is admittedly pretty far. But all the best things come to those who wait. 

It helps to leave plenty of time to take in everything the region has to offer, and be prepared to get out of the car and hike, swim or canoe to experience the best views of craggly ridges that surge from mossy plateaus below. 

Here are our tips on the ultimate Hobart to Cradle Mountain road trip. 

In Summary: 

• The Hobart to Cradle Mountain drive spans 300–330km (around 4–5 hours) and is best experienced with a hire car over three days. 
• Choose between the faster Midlands Highway or the scenic Central Highlands route. 
• Plan key stops like Richmond, Deloraine and Sheffield, allow a full day (or more), and start early for the safest and most flexible journey. 

Distance, Drive Time & Route Options 

The journey from Hobart to Cradle Mountain is a wondrous one. Here’s a quick summary if you’re looking for an answer about the drive: 

• Distance: 304 or 330 km 
• Time: Approximately 4–5 hours (without stops)

Choose between two routes to get from Hobart to Cradle Mountain…  

1. National Highway – fastest and safest

This popular route sees you winding through pretty farms and villages, and offers convenient stops in Launceston or Sheffield. A favourite for families and those who prefer a straightforward drive, it’s also the safest choice in winter or for less confident drivers – and the default recommendation on most navigation apps. 

2. Highlands Route – The scenic A5 route  

This captivating path via the Great Lake is filled with rugged beauty showstoppers. Avid adventurers and photographers will prefer this route with its eerie quiet of lush vegetation and ancient forests. 

Since it’s more remote, we really recommend an SUV for comfort and confidence on those longer stretches.

When to Go & Best Departure Time 

What’s the best time to depart? 

Depart Hobart before 8am to make the most of daylight hours. Overnight travellers can afford a more relaxed 9am start once peak traffic clears. 

When is the best time to do the Hobart to Cradle Mountain road trip? 

Summer: 

With longer daylight hours, it’s easier to tackle Cradle Mountain hikes like the Dove Lake Loop. You’ll need to commit a full day to reach the summit, which curves around myrtle forests and trickling streams. 

Autumn: 

Locals say “the turning of the fagus” is worth planning a trip around. In autumn, Tasmania’s only winter-deciduous native tree sets entire hillsides ablaze in auburn, crimson and gold. 

Winter: 

Snow settles on the peaks, Dove Lake and surrounding trails from July through August. Yes, it’s stunning, but you need to come prepared for the fast-changing weather. 

Spring: 

Wildflowers bloom on Lake St Clair’s banks, and fairy-tale-esque waterfalls tumble over rocks. Temperatures are mild too, making it great for comfortable hikes. 

Some of Our Favourite Stops from Hobart to Cradle Mountain 

1. Richmond (20 min from Hobart)

This historic convict-era town is punctuated with Georgian buildings that have a new lease on life as cafes, restaurants, galleries and accommodation. Don’t leave without a photo at the Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest bridge, built in 1825. 

2. Midlands Towns (Oatlands / Campbell Town)

Find Australia’s answer to the English villages of yore in the pretty little towns dotting the countryside of the Southern Midlands. Why not stop for a whisky tour at Lark Distillery or poke around Oatlands’ historic mill while you’re passing through?  

3. Deloraine

In this artsy riverside town, you’ll find some of the finest butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. Come in November for the Tasmanian Craft Fair, when the country’s best woodcarvers, glassblowers and kitemakers descend on the town. 

4. Mole Creek Caves

The Marakoopa Cave Glow-worm tour leads you through an underground cavern filled with stalactites, flowstone, sparkling crystals and a ceiling full of glow-worms. 

5. Sheffield (“Town of Murals”)

A small dairy farming town that draws thousands of visitors for its colourful outdoor murals. It’s a great spot to pull over and try all manner of cheeses. 

Scenic Route Alternatives:

Great Lake

At over 1,000m above sea level, Miena sits at the heart of the Central Highlands and is surrounded by alpine lakes and excellent fly fishing. As one of the coldest places, winter brings in true magic with snowfall that’s best enjoyed by a log fire.

Liffey Falls

Beneath the Great Western Tiers, water tumbles down through multi-tiered emerald-coloured moss. As one of Tasmania’s most beautiful short walks, it’s easy to reach.  

Pine Lake

Stroll along a level boardwalk through ancient pencil pines and mountain flora on the Central Plateau. 

How long should we stay in Cradle Mountain, and things to do? 

A day trip captures the highlights, but two to three days let you actually breathe it in.

Day 1 — Drive north 

• Leave Hobart early and take your time through Richmond, the Midlands towns and Deloraine. 
• Arrive by late afternoon, check in and catch the last light over Dove Lake.

Day 2 — Go deep

• Dove Lake Circuit — Start early before the crowds arrive. Allow 2–3 hours for the six-kilometre walk filled with signature Cradle Mountain views, ancient pencil pines and rare alpine flora. 
• Marion’s Lookout — A steeper climb with sweeping park views as a reward. Best tackled on a clear morning.
• Wildlife spotting — Wombats are a near-guarantee along the trail edges at dusk.
• Devils @ Cradle — End the day at the sanctuary with an After Dark Feeding Tour or the Joey Encounter Tour, meeting baby quolls and devils.

Day 3 — Head back to Hobart  

• Ease into your morning with a slow drive south through the scenic route back to Hobart. 

Where to stay 

Options range from campgrounds and highland timber cabins to cosy cottages beneath the starry skies. 

For something special, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge offers outdoor spa baths with wilderness views. Sheffield, just 30 minutes away, is a good spot for affordable stays.

Road conditions & driving tips

The Hobart to Cradle Mountain route is fully sealed and manageable in any standard hire car — no 4WD needed. That said, a few things are worth knowing before you leave.

The roads 

Expect winding sections and elevation changes through the highlands. Take your time, especially on unfamiliar stretches.

Wildlife 

Wombats and kangaroos don’t look right and left before crossing. Dawn and dusk are peak hours for animal activity, so slow down and stay alert, particularly on rural roads.

Weather 

Conditions in the highlands change fast. Ice is a real risk in the winter months. Check the forecast before departing and pack warm, waterproof layers regardless of the season.

Just some practical reminders… 

• Australia drives on the left
• Speed limits are generally 50km/h in towns and 100km/h on highways unless signed otherwise
• Make sure to fuel up in Hobart and at major towns along the route. Stations thin out as you head into the highlands. 

Why car hire is the best way to do this trip 

There’s no direct public transport, tours run on someone else’s schedule and the best stops along the way don’t appear on any itinerary. A hire car is simply the best way to travel from Hobart to Cradle Mountain. 

You won’t be doing any off-roading, so it’s less about capability and more about comfort for the drive ahead:

• Couples — compact SUV
• Families — standard SUV
• Groups — 7-seater 

All handle the Hobart to Cradle Mountain route with ease, with enough boot space for hiking equipment and photography gear – just in case you’re lucky enough to see the Southern Lights dance along Lake St Clair’s surface. 

Browse our SUVs or ask our Hobart team about one-way hire options or long-term rentals if you’re continuing north.