Following breakfast and a chance to prepare your own lunch sandwich and snacks for the day, it’s time to set off to explore the park’s eastern highlights. You’ll begin at Dove Lake, following the Lake Rodway Track up Hansons Peak. Negotiating the rocky gradient demands attention, but the walk is well worth it.
Descending on the other side, continue via the Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson, both shaped by ancient glaciers. These serene pools, surrounded by pencil pines and beech trees, provide a peaceful spot for lunch with stunning views.
If time and energy allow, the remainder of the day will be spent meandering along the eastern face of Cradle Mountain and the reflective waters of Artists Pool, one of Australia’s most spectacular natural sites. Loop back to the Lake Rodway Track, completing the circuit and reversing your journey, returning to Dove Lake to meet the coach.
This evening, enjoy pre-dinner nibbles and time to unwind by the fire before a two-course dinner, prepared by your guides back at the resort.
Travel time: Driving – 30 minutes
Another sublime walking track calls today, with eight kilometres of enchanting forest, bubbling creeks and towering eucalyptus. After breakfast and lunch preparation, transfer to Dove Lake to experience the breathtaking Crater Lake Circuit, where you’ll discover a series of inland tracks that cut across mountainous heathland vegetation.
The trail meanders past tranquil Lake Lilla and the charming Wombat Pools, before tackling the steep climb to Marion’s Lookout. The ascent can be tough, with rocky sections that require the help of chains, but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of Cradle Mountain rising proudly over the surrounding landscape.
From there, the path descends toward Wombat Peak and joins the famous Overland Track, leading to stunning Crater Lake. Carved by glaciers, this lake, with its rustic boat shed, is especially magical in autumn when the Myrtle Beech trees – Australia’s only native deciduous tree – put on their seasonal display of colour. Near the end of the walk, the soothing sound of Crater Falls greets you, as a series of waterfalls cascade through lush rainforest, guiding the way to Ronny Creek.
If time permits, take a leisurely 90-minute stroll to Kitchen Hut at the base of Cradle Mountain, then board your coach and return to Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park for the night. Enjoy another relaxing evening of pre-dinner nibbles followed by a two-course meal prepared by your guides.
Travel time: Driving – 30 minutes
Your final day traversing the spectacular Tasmanian wilderness has arrived. After breakfast this morning, pack your bags and set off on Dove Lake Circuit.
This 6km loop is one of Tasmania’s ’60 Great Short Walks’ according to the state’s Parks & Wildlife Service, and a must-do for hiking enthusiasts. It’s a perfect way to wind down, as the track is mostly flat and easy underfoot, with just a few short hills. The trail offers the chance to fully take in the towering presence of Cradle Mountain and the many waterfalls cascading down the slopes into the lake.
Along the way, visit the iconic boatshed on the lake’s shore and pass through sections of lush rainforest, home to unique plants like native plum, sassafras, and the aptly named ‘horizontal’ (Anodopetalum biglandulosum), an endemic shrub whose slender trunk grows sideways, unable to support its branches’ weight.
The ‘Ballroom Forest’ section of the circuit is particularly enchanting, with moss-covered trees creating a magical atmosphere. Nearby, the Honeymoon Islands attract visiting kayakers, and for the adventurous, there are a couple of white beaches that offer entrance to an alpine cold plunge. For those less daring, the sandy expanses make perfect spots to relax and enjoy a snack.
Finish the loop at Glacier Rock, an impressive natural formation that offers a final sweeping view of the landscapes you’ve explored over the past four days.
After lunch, board your coach and begin the journey back to Launceston, with a stop at the charming town of Sheffield, where you’ll have time to stroll through the muralled streets and take a well-deserved break. From here, return to Hotel Grand Chancellor, arriving around 5pm in the evening.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Departure & Transfers:
Please book your flights to depart from Launceston Airport (LST) after 7pm. Airport transfers are not included. Your tour will end at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston, approximately a 15-minute drive from Launceston Airport (LST).