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 Tasmania road trip itinerary!

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Travelling to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry?

The Cradle Coast will be your first mouth-watering taste of Tasmania. Stretching from Devonport all the way to Arthur River on the far north west coast, and down to Cradle Mountain on the southern border, 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!

Things to See & Do

Cradle Mountain

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!

Table Cape Tulips

The views from Table Cape lighthouse up and down Tasmania’s north coast are spectacular year-round, but spring (Sep-Oct) is the perfect time to visit Table Cape.

Why? It’s tulip season!

With the bright white lighthouse and steel-blue waters of Bass Strait a fierce backdrop, the sweeping rows of vibrant purple, pink, red and yellow tulips are an Instagrammer’s dream 

Stanley and the ‘Nut’

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.

Leven River Cruises

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.

Sheffield – Tasmania’s Town of Murals

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!

Cradle Coast Wilderness and Adventure

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 tours for all adventure lovers such as the half-day Lost World tour, or the epic full-day Dove Canyon tour – all departing just minutes from Cradle Mountain Village.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to get your grunt on, exploring north west Tassie by quad-bike? Forests, farmland, rocks, mud and hill climbs – these tours by Tarkine Quad & Side by Side Adventures have got the lot.

Keen to see some of Tassie’s unique wildlife? Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary in Mole Creek is easy to access and 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.

Another great option – especially for campers and caravanners – is the sprawling Wing’s Wildlife Park at Gunn’s Plains. Tassie Devils, wombats, swamp rats, and even exotics such as capybaras and ostriches are among the 150+ species to be found here! Powered and unpowered campsites are available on the grounds – click here – making it a great base for a couple of nights or more.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

There are a multitude of accommodation options throughout the Cradle Coast, catering to all budgets and styles of road trip.

Cradle Mountain

Near Cradle Mountain you’ll find Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain Village 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.

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!

Wynyard

Why not use Wynyard’s excellent location for exploring the coast between Devonport and Stanley? I recommend staying at the quirky Coastal Pods Wynyard. These funky transport are surprisingly luxurious on the inside, and they make for some great photos.

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. Waterfront Apartments are very comfortable and conveniently located near the city centre, while Discovery Parks Devonport is perfect for campers and families wanting to keep their costs to a minimum (Lappers receive 20% OFF with the LAPOFTAS code).

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!

Where to Eat & Drink

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. Tours at The Truffledore from June to August are plenty of fun, where 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 one of my favourite gin distilleries Dasher & Fisher in Devonport. Hellyers has a magnificent range of whiskies, while Dasher & Fisher create truly innovative gins using 100% Tasmanian foraged or grown ingredients like wakame, pepperberry and eucalyptus. 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 Communion Brewing in Burnie, Penguin Beer Company in the seaside town of Penguin, 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.

Festivals & Events

Tasmanian Craft Fair

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.

• Where: Deloraine
• When: November
• Find out more: Tasmanian Craft Fair

International Mural Fest

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.

• Where: Sheffield
• When: Easter
• Find out more: International Mural Fest

Chocolate Winter Fest

‘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.

• Where: Latrobe
• When: August
• Find out more: Chocolate Winter Fest

Weindorfer Day

Unearthing new film-making talent while showcasing films that explore the Tasmanian Natural Environment, Cradle Mountain World Heritage Area or the profound influence of Gustav and Kate Weindorfer on the region – Weindorfer Day is a festival like no other. The location is picture perfect, and you’ll walk away full of inspiration for your own Tasmanian road trip adventures!

• Where: Wilmot
• When: May
• Find out more: Weindorfer Day

Cradle Coast Weather

On the Cradle Coast you’ll experience two climates, with coastal cities enjoying cool and mild temperatures year-round, and alpine towns such as Cradle Mountain Village experiencing much colder temperatures, especially during winter.

On the coast, in cities and towns like Devonport, Burnie, and Stanley, you will experience typical summer temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C, while winter sees a drop to between 7°C and 12°C.

Up in the alpine regions of Cradle Mountain Village and surrounds, you can expect summer temps to range between 6°C and 17°C, while winters get very cold, dropping to between -2°C and 6°C.

The Cradle Coast can get windy at times, particularly in the far north west in towns such as Arthur River, Smithton and Stanley, where the ‘Roaring 40s’ often make their presence felt – more noticeable in August, September and October.

The weather patterns up at Cradle Mountain Village are a lot more variable in nature, as can be seen in the high levels of rainfall throughout the year, often presenting itself as snow in the winter months.

Rental vehicles and snow don’t mix, but I’ve got some handy tips and advice in this article to help ensure you have a hassle-free holiday. And if you’re wondering about snow chains, click here for everything you need to know.

Essential Information

Here are some local tips and advice to help with the planning process, and ensure you have a smooth, safe and fun road trip on Tasmania’s Cradle Coast!