Cradle Mountain is the jewel of the Cradle Coast, but look beyond and you will also find a region overflowing with gourmet food, stunning coasts and a vibrant arts scene.
Experience all this and more when you include the Cradle Coast in your Tasmanian road trip itinerary!
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For those travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, the Cradle Coast is your first mouth-watering taste of Tasmania. Stretching from Devonport in the east to Stanley in the west it’s the perfect place to slow down, unwind and relax.
The iconic Cradle Mountain is a must for any Tasmanian road trip itinerary, and further afield you’ll find quirky letterbox trails, towns colourfully draped in murals, spectacular volcanic ‘plugs’, and the largest working craft fair in the southern hemisphere.
Oh, and did I mention the food?
All the food! Luxurious chocolate truffles, award-winning cheeses, the smoothest whiskies, the coldest artisanal beers – it’s a foodie paradise!
Nestled high in the alpine reaches of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain has to be seen to be believed!
Getting close to nature is what it’s all about, and there are many walking trails near Cradle Mountain catering to every type of traveller. On your doorstep you’ll find immersive short walks through ancient rainforest – keep your eyes open for the occasional furry wombat! And Dove Lake circuit is one of Tasmania’s most popular walks, providing stunning views of Cradle Mountain.
And when the weather closes in? In the heart of the village is the impressive Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery where film, photography and art installations from both local and international artists showcase the region and its rich history.
Whether you stay a day or a week, Cradle Mountain is a guaranteed highlight of your Tasmanian road trip!
With the wild and woolly Roaring 40s in your hair and feet dangling high above the village of Stanley, you’ll understand why a chairlift is the best way to explore the ‘Nut’.
An ancient volcanic plug, the ‘Nut’ can be seen for miles around with its flat table-top sitting high above the shores of Bass Strait like a giant Lego brick.
Back at sea level, Highfield House is one of Tasmania’s earliest and most beautifully restored European settlements. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover all its secrets before returning to Stanley for a delicious hot meal at one of its quality cafes or restaurants.
If you’ve got the time, extend your road trip to the wild beaches of Arthur River and spend a day exploring the mysterious Tarkine – Australia’s largest remaining expanse of cool temperate rainforest.
Did you know…?Take a deeeep breath, because measurements at Cape Grim show Tasmania’s north west coast has the cleanest air in the world! 💨💨💨
One of Tasmania’s true hidden gems, the Leven River is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers and anyone else who loves to get close to nature.
Just 20 minutes from Devonport, or 25 minutes from Burnie, a tour with Leven River Cruises is the best and most relaxing way of seeing this unique tidal waterway.
Sightings of sea eagles, azure king fishers, goshawks and brown hawks are possible on every tour, and spectacular views are guaranteed from every seat. If you’re lucky you might even spot a Tassie platypus!
Kim and the team receive amazing feedback from their many happy customers, and they are regular winners of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for Tasmanian tourism.
Special Offer - Leven River CruisesUse my LAPOFTAS code online, or mention the Lap of Tasmania on the phone when booking your tour with Leven River Cruises and receive 10% OFF
Click here to see their tours, check prices, and make your booking.
Close to Devonport and at the foot of Mt Roland is the tiny town of Sheffield. It might be small, but it packs creative punch!
You could spend hours walking its streets admiring the colourful artistic masterpieces adorning the walls – they don’t call it the ‘Town of Murals’ for nothing.
Nearby, quaintly named ‘Promised Land’ is home to Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot. The kids will have a ball exploring one of the world’s largest hedge mazes and walking the funny little streets of Lower Crackpot.
Still looking for things to do in Sheffield? Take the drive between Wilmot and Cradle Mountain to see one of Tasmania’s strangest sights – the Wilmot Novelty Letterbox Trail!
Would you like to explore ancient and untouched rainforest wilderness? Are you an adrenaline junkie? Or maybe you want to get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s unique wildlife? The Cradle Coast is the place to be!
Combining cool rivers and plunging waterfalls with abseiling and natural water slides, Cradle Mountain Canyons offers an exciting range of half-day and full-day tours for all adventure lovers – just minutes from Cradle Mountain Village.
Or perhaps you’d prefer to get your grunt on, exploring Mt Roland’s ‘Devil Country’ by quad-bike? Forests, farmland, rocks, mud and hill climbs – these tours by Quad Bikes Tasmania have got the lot.
Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary is not only where you can say “G’day” to a Tasmanian Devil or spotted quoll, but it’s also one of Tasmania’s leading centres for the conservation of its native flora and fauna. The kids will love it!
Is there anyone else in the world where you can still find fresh produce and an ‘honour box’ by the side of the road?
The scenery is spectacular, but if you’re a foodie you’ll find it impossible to take your eyes off all the delicious food found throughout the Cradle Coast.
Stanley
If you love old-fashioned friendly service combined with Tasmania’s freshest seafood and other seasonal produce then you’ll be in heaven at Touchwood in Stanley (their arts and crafts are also a must-see).
Truffle hunting isn’t something you come across every day. The tasting room at The Truffledore is open to the public for tastings and café style truffle lunches year round (except May and September), but from June to August you can unearth your own piece of ‘black gold’ on one of their famous truffle hunts!
Between Sheffield and Deloraine keep your eyes peeled for Ashgrove Cheese, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Van Diemens Land Creamery. And a little closer to Launceston is the wonderful Hazelbrae Hazelnut Farm and their fun orchard tours. All are conveniently located within 20 minutes of each other – food crawl anyone?
If you enjoy the odd tipple then you must visit Hellyers Road Distillery near Burnie, Western Tiers Distillery in historic Westerway, or Southern Wild Distillery in Devonport. Hellyers has a magnificent range of whiskies, while Southern Wild create truly innovative gins using 100% Tasmanian grown ingredients like saffron and pepperberry. Western Tiers Distillery cover both gin and whisky, offering a real point of difference with their ultra-pure water, sourced direct from the Tasmanian highlands.
Beer lovers will find it hard to leave the hoppy heaven that is Seven Sheds Brewery in Railton, or the cute and quirky Buttons Brew Pub in Ulverstone (great for meals as well!).
For fresh and locally grown fruit and vegetables and a chance to meet the makers, visit the Burnie Farmer’s Market on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month.
Did you know…?In 1886 Waratah was a booming mining town and it was the first place in Australia to receive electric street lights 
Read More: Luxury Cradle Mountain Accommodation – 6 Amazing Places to Stay
Cradle Mountain
Near Cradle Mountain you’ll find Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort to be an amazing base from which to explore the region. Couples will love the romantic spa bath in their Premium Luxury Spa Chalets, while families will have everything they need in the sensibly designed and reasonably priced King Chalets.
My wife and I have stayed here twice now in recent years, because it is not only incredibly beautiful nestled in the forest, but in my opinion it is also the best value option at Cradle Mountain. A lot of visitors also love the fact you can actually see Cradle Mountain (when the weather is good!), which isn’t possible from any other accommodation at Cradle 
Other good accommodation options at Cradle Mountain include Cradle Mountain Hotel where guests receive complimentary access to the inspiring Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery.
Or for something truly unique, book the King Billy Suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and indulge in your own private outdoor hot tub.
Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort is my favourite accommodation at Cradle Mountain, and after reaching out to them I was so happy when Andy and the team became a Partner of the Lap of Tasmania, helping road trippers find the perfect place to stay and keeping your holiday costs as low as possible 😊
Use the LAPOFTAS code and SAVE 10% when you stay at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort!
Stanley
Stanley has a lovely mix of heritage and modern accommodation options. The Ark Stanley would have to be one of Tasmania’s most beautiful B&Bs, nestled at the foot of ‘The Nut’ – perfect for a couple of nights at least!
Special Offer - Stanley
Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your relaxing stay at The Ark Stanley and receive:
Wynyard
Why not use Wynyard’s excellent location for exploring the coast between Devonport and Stanley? We recommend staying at the quirky Coastal Pods Wynyard – transport containers with a difference!
Devonport
Too many travellers disembark from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry in Devonport and then promptly head off into the sunset.
Big mistake!
Surrounded by water on three sides, Devonport is a sensational little city with plenty to see and do, and I love the heritage B&B experience on offer at The Grand on Macfie.
Use my LAPOFTAS10 code online, or mention the Lap of Tasmania on the phone when booking your sumptuous king or queen suite at The Grand on Macfie and receive:
Sheffield
In Sheffield you’ll be delighted by the charms of either The Station House or Grace Cottage. Both receive exceptional feedback from fellow road trippers and offer very reasonable rates.
Caravan Parks
Campervanners and caravanners are spoiled for choice on the Cradle Coast. Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain would have to be one of Australia’s most beautiful holiday parks, offering cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
At the foot of the ‘Nut’ in Stanley you’ll find the award-winning BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park.
In Devonport the best place to base yourself is at Discovery Parks Devonport – perfect for your first night in Tasmania after arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry!
Discovery Parks are a proud supporter of the Lap of Tasmania and they are offering Lappers a whopping 20% OFF accommodation at all five holiday parks in Tasmania PLUS Geelong 🤩
Discount Code: LAPOFTAS
* Promo code valid until 15 March 2025, for stays until 10 April 2025 (blackout dates may apply).
Held every year in the heritage town of Deloraine, the Tasmanian Craft Fair is the largest working craft fair in the southern hemisphere. Held over 4 days, this festival celebrates artisans from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
The tiny town of Sheffield is covered in more than 60 murals year-round, but it really comes alive at Easter when it hosts the International Mural Fest. A competition for aspiring artists, and a festival for the public, Mural Fest showcases the very best in Australian artistic ‘street’ talent.
‘Wickedly delicious’ is the perfect way to describe this paradise for sweet-tooths. Tastings are plentiful, but best of all is the opportunity to join in one of the many chocolate-themed events. The ‘Chocolate Mousse Mayhem’ is a riot – think blindfolds and fast-feeding – and you’ll be intrigued by the ‘Wearable Chocolate’ competition.
Unearthing new film-making talent while celebrating the breadth and quality of Tasmanian adventure travel options, the Cradle Mountain Film Festival is a festival like no other. The films are short and plentiful, the location is picture perfect, and you’ll walk away full of inspiration for your own Tasmanian road trip adventures!
Petrol Stations
Numerous petrol stations are located along the coast in Devonport (24hrs), Ulverstone , Penguin, Burnie (24hrs), Somerset (24hrs) and Stanley.
Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre has petrol, as do the inland towns of Sheffield, Westbury (24hrs) and Deloraine.
EV Battery Charging Stations
See PlugShare for all your EV charging options.
A list of Tasmania’s national parks can be found here: Parks and Wildlife
A valid permit is needed before you can drive into these parks. For more information on the which pass you should buy, click here.
Permits can be purchased online here, from National Park Visitor Centres, Accredited Tasmanian Travel Information Centres, the Spirit of Tasmania, Service Tasmania shops, or by mail/email following these instructions.
Discounts are available for Seniors.
For Tasmania Police emergency road closure alerts click here.
Snow is rare along the Cradle Coast, but may occur at high altitudes near Cradle Mountain Village. Check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast here for the latest updates.
Watch out for ice on the roads in the early morning.
Campervanners, beware very strong winds at times. Slow down or defer your travel if necessary under these circumstances.
If you’re travelling clockwise, your next destination is Launceston and the Tamar Valley – we hope you love your wine!
Travelling anti-clockwise, your next destination is the beauty and fury of the West Coast wilds.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional owners and continuing custodians of this island lutruwita (Tasmania).
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© Lap of Tasmania – 2024
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