Cradle Valley - TAS

Cradle Valley is the accommodation centre for visitors to Cradle Mountain National Park. There is no direct road link through the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park to join the two ends of the park. Visitors may most easily reach Lake St Clair via the Cradle Link Road (C132) and the Murchison and Lyell Highways (A10). McDermotts Coaches operates a shuttle bus service on behalf of the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. The shuttle bus service operates between the Cradle Mountain Information Centre at the former airstrip to Dove Lake. The service is aimed at protecting the important values of the World Heritage Area while also preserving the visitor experience. During summer the shuttle service operates seven days a week, however during winter the service does not run. Visitors are encouraged to leave cars at the Cradle Information Centre and take the bus to Lake Dove. Visitors to Cradle Mountain are advised that a fee for the use of the shuttle service at Cradle Mountain will come into effect from the 1st November 2007. In addition to the Daily Park Pass fee, a charge for the use of the shuttle bus service will apply. Holiday and Annual Park Pass holders will be entitled to continued free shuttle bus service use. The fees will apply subject to the following arrangements:Park entry fees still apply; Shuttle fees apply to “daily per vehicle” and “daily per person” passes only; Private vehicles can access the park within the current maximum vehicle limits that apply for the Dove Lake car park; Vehicle numbers accessing the park will be controlled by boom gates; Vehicle weight and size limits will apply within the national park; Vehicle limits apply to all vehicles and campervans over 5.0 metres in length; and coaches will need to transfer passengers at the Transit Terminal. Fees for entering the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park are covered if you have a park pass. For visitors to the State, the "Holiday Pass" provides entry to all Tasmanian National Parks for up to two months.There is no camping within the National Park itself but the Cradle Mountain Tourist Park & Camp Ground caters to tourists that are self-sufficient with camp gear or numerous lodges and cottages for those that prefer more upmarket accommodation. Being one of the most popular tourist regions in the state, advance bookings are necessary to avoid disappointment. It is not uncommon for campers to be turned away from the camp ground due to no vacancies.