Page last updated: 02 January 2025
Cradle Mountain, located in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, is a destination renowned for its rugged peaks, serene alpine landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
How many people visit Cradle Mountain each year?
Approximately 265,000 international and domestic tourists visited Cradle Mountain in 2023.
- In 2019, over 279,000 tourists (domestic and international) visited Cradle Mountain. However, due to the pandemic in 2020, the number declined to 152,000 visitors.
- In 2021, approximately 179,000 tourists visited Cradle Mountain. This increased in 2022 to 237,000 visitors.
- The international and domestic figure increased further to 265,000 in 2023, indicating 12% growth from the previous year.
How many tourists visited Cradle Mountain in 2023?
- In 2023, Cradle Mountain welcomed 265,000 visitors, a 12% growth from the previous year but still 5% less than the pre-pandemic figure.
How many tourists visit Cradle Mountain every day?
- Cradle Mountain typically welcomes an average of around 370 visitors each day. In 2023, this number rose to approximately 726 tourists per day.
Note that the figures above are based on annual visitors divided by the number of days in the year.
How much do tourists spend at Cradle Mountain every year?
In 2023, a total of $3.63 billion was spent by international and domestic tourists in Tasmania where Cradle Mountain is located.
- In 2019, total spending reached $2.54 billion.
However, due to the pandemic, 2020 to 2022 visitor spending figures were not published by TourismTasmania.
- In 2022, tourism spending ($3.48 billion) exceeded the pandemic figure. By 2023, total spending peaked at $3.63 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 43%.
How much does it cost to visit Cradle Mountain?
- The average cost of visiting Cradle Mountain is approximately $173 for a day trip.
Which countries visit Cradle Mountain the most?
The majority of international tourists to Tasmania where Cradle Mountain is located came from the USA (40,300 visitors) and the UK (23,300 visitors).
- Visitors from Hong Kong, New Zealand, and China were also among the top tourists visiting Cradle Mountain.
Why do people visit Cradle Mountain?
People visit Tasmania, where Cradle Mountain is located, primarily for leisure and relaxation, with 55% of international visitors coming for holidays.
- 25% visit to see friends and relatives (VFR), highlighting the area’s social and cultural connections.
- Business travel accounts for 4%, while 13% visit for other reasons.
When is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain?
November to April is the best time to visit Cradle Mountain with its lively beach with warm weather.
- Ideal for Hiking: This period features milder temperatures averaging around 19°C, making it perfect for walking and exploring the park. The flora is vibrant, with many native plants in bloom, enhancing the scenic beauty.
- Visitor Activity: Summer is considered the high season, attracting the most tourists due to favourable weather conditions and accessibility.
What should tourists do in Cradle Mountain?
- Hike iconic trails like Dove Lake Circuit, Overland Track, and Crater Lake Circuit.
- Experience adventure activities such as canyoning and horseback riding.
- Enjoy scenic helicopter tours with breathtaking mountain views.
- Visit Devils Cradle for close encounters with Tasmanian devils.
- Relax with spa treatments or enjoy seasonal activities like quad biking and fishing.
Is Cradle Mountain safe for tourists?
- Cradle Mountain is a safe destination for tourists. Precautions regarding driving conditions, wildlife awareness, trail safety, and weather preparedness are essential for an enjoyable visit.
How many deaths have occurred on Cradle Mountain?
Cradle Mountain has experienced several recorded deaths, primarily related to hiking and climbing incidents.
- In April 2023, a climber died after falling near Weindorfers Tower.
- On February 20, 2014, two tourists died in separate incidents at Cradle Mountain. A 21-year-old Chinese man died from suspected hypothermia while hiking the Overland Track, and a 68-year-old man from New South Wales suffered a suspected heart attack near Marion’s Lookout.
- There have been earlier fatalities as well, including a reported death in 1971 due to severe weather conditions while hiking. Such incidents have led to increased awareness and safety measures for hikers.
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