Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park’s 8 Top Tours & Experiences

Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is a wild playground for nature lovers. With its rugged peaks, ancient forests, and rich animal life, it’s a place that offers more than just beautiful scenery—it’s a hub for immersive tours and wildlife experiences. Whether you’re eager to see the elusive Tasmanian Devil up close or enjoy a peaceful sunset among the trees, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Among the many options, we especially like the After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour for animal enthusiasts and the Wildlife Night Spotting for those who want to discover nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. Both tours offer personal encounters and insider insights that make your visit truly memorable. For a family-friendly, educational experience, the Day Keeper Tour is a relaxed way to learn about Tasmania’s unique animals.

If you’re trying to decide which experience fits your style best, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best Tours & Experiences in the park. Each has its own charm, from private animal feedings to scenic guided walks, helping you get the most out of your visit.

1. After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour at Cradle Mountain

This After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour places you right at the heart of Tasmanian wildlife conservation efforts. For just around $30, you spend about 75 minutes with a knowledgeable zoo keeper who shares fascinating insights about Tasmanian Devils and their behavior. The real highlight is watching these carnivores being fed in a controlled setting, offering a rare, up-close view that most visitors miss. What’s special here is that entrance fees are included, so you won’t waste time waiting in line—plus, you get priority entry to Devils@Cradle. The guided walk outside the enclosure allows for a more intimate observation of these striking animals, along with quolls and other native creatures.

Guests often comment on the depth of knowledge displayed by the guides, who explain everything from the devils’ biology to the threats they face in the wild. This tour is ideal if you want a behind-the-scenes look at Tasmania’s most iconic animal, combined with conservation messaging that makes the experience meaningful. It’s perfect for animal lovers who enjoy learning and want to see Tasmanian Devils in action.

Bottom Line: A compact, cost-effective way to see Tasmanian Devils being fed, with expert insights and a focus on conservation.

2. Wildlife Night Spotting at Cradle Mountain

For those who prefer a night adventure, the Wildlife Night Spotting tour is an excellent choice. Starting at approximately $90, it lasts around two hours and takes you into the park after sunset—a perfect way to encounter nocturnal animals. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, which saves you the hassle of navigating in the dark. Once inside, you’ll walk along scenic boardwalks with a guide using torches and spotlights to find elusive creatures like wombats, possums, and even the rare quoll. The guide’s commentary is engaging and informative, offering insights into animal behaviors and the park’s ecology.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of breathtaking sunset scenery and wildlife viewing. Guests have reported seeing plenty of wombats, wallabies, and quolls — often more active after dusk. The opportunity to observe animals in their natural setting, rather than in a zoo, makes this tour memorable.

Guests praise the guide’s knowledge and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. While it’s a bit pricier, the quality of sightings and the chance to learn about Tasmania’s nocturnal creatures make it a worthwhile investment for wildlife enthusiasts.

Bottom Line: An immersive, scenic night tour perfect for families and nature lovers wanting authentic wildlife encounters under the stars.

3. Day Keeper Tour

The Day Keeper Tour offers an accessible, educational experience for those interested in Tasmanian wildlife. For about $18, you’ll spend 45 minutes exploring the sanctuary with a keeper, observing animals like Tasmanian Devils and quolls in their daylight routines. The tour allows you to see these creatures resting, playing, or feeding, providing a unique perspective that’s hard to find in the wild. It’s a self-paced visit, so you can spend extra time wandering the sanctuary before or after the guided portion.

This tour gets rave reviews for its friendly, informative guides and relaxed format. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to see animals up close in a safe environment, with some even mentioning how much they learned about conservation efforts. It’s an ideal choice for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a gentle, behind-the-scenes look at Tasmania’s most charismatic animals.

Bottom Line: A straightforward, educational tour that offers a close-up view of animals in daylight, great for those with limited time or young children.

4. 1-Hour Tasmanian Devil Feeding Day Tour at Cradle Mountain

This 1-Hour Tasmanian Devil Feeding Day Tour is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the sanctuary’s operations. For just under $30, you join a guided tour that focuses on a feeding session with the devils, conducted by a dedicated keeper. The tour takes place in the largest behind-the-scenes enclosure, where you’ll see the devils in a more natural setting—feeding, playing, and resting.

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized interaction with the animals and the keeper’s detailed explanations about their biology and threats. Visitors often comment on how close they get to the animals — even getting some great photos. It’s a good value for those wanting a deeper understanding of Tasmania’s famous carnivore and an authentic experience beyond a typical zoo visit.

The sanctuary welcomes those interested in conservation, as the tour highlights efforts to protect the species. While it’s a short experience, the quality of interaction and the behind-the-scenes access make it a top pick.

Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife lovers seeking an intimate, insightful encounter with Tasmanian Devils.

5. Sunset Experience

For a more personal and relaxed experience, the Sunset Experience offers a twilight visit to Devils@Cradle, with a focus on enjoying the park’s spectacular sunset scenery. For about $71, it lasts just over an hour and includes snacks, drinks, and Tasmanian treats around a campfire. The small-group setting makes for intimate conversations and close animal encounters.

During this experience, you’ll observe some of the sanctuary’s residents—quolls and devils—during their most active hours at sunset. The highlight is the combination of wildlife observation, stunning scenery, and socializing over light refreshments. Guests often mention how the guide’s personal stories and knowledge add richness to the experience.

This experience is best suited for adults or older children interested in a relaxed, scenic evening with wildlife and a touch of Tasmanian hospitality. It’s a unique way to see the animals in a quieter, more reflective setting.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for couples or groups wanting a peaceful, scenic close-up with Tasmania’s wildlife at sunset.

6. Cradle Mountain Half Day Dove Lake Guided Tour with Lunch

This Half-Day Guided Tour with Lunch is perfect if you want a quick yet comprehensive taste of Cradle Mountain’s highlights. For around $130, you spend four hours exploring the park in an air-conditioned vehicle, with stops at Dove Lake, the Walter King Billy Pine Forest, and the historic Waldheim Chalet.

The tour includes a guided walk around Dove Lake, where you’ll see the iconic mountain views and learn about the park’s flora and fauna. The walk is about 6 km and features a mix of scenic vistas and forest scenery. The guide’s commentary is engaging, and the small group size enhances the experience.

Guests love the convenience—especially the included lunch and the chance to see key sights without strenuous hiking. It’s suitable for travelers wanting a quick, guided overview, especially if they’re short on time or prefer comfort.

Bottom Line: Great for those wanting an introduction to Cradle Mountain’s scenery with minimal fuss and a tasty lunch.

7. Cradle Mountain Half Day Park Explorer Tour with Lunch

This Park Explorer Tour focuses on the natural and cultural history of Cradle Mountain. At around $108, it’s a well-rounded, four-hour guided walk through key sites like Waldheim Chalet, Dove Lake, and the ancient King Billy Pines. The tour emphasizes interpretive insights about the park’s geology, plant life, and early European settlement, making it ideal for those interested in more than just scenery.

The itinerary includes a visit to the historic chalet and short walks through the forest, with the chance to see the beautifully preserved flora and learn about the park’s significance. Reviewers appreciate the informative narration and the relaxed pace, perfect for soaking up details.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a blend of nature and history in their tour and don’t mind a bit of walking. The included lunch adds a nice touch of convenience.

Bottom Line: A good choice for history buffs and those interested in Tasmania’s cultural heritage alongside stunning views.

8. Transfer from Cradle Mountain to Launceston

Finally, if your focus is simply on getting from Cradle Mountain to Launceston, this transfer service is a reliable, comfortable option. Priced at around $93, it offers a licensed, friendly service with drivers who love sharing their knowledge of Tasmania. The two-hour ride makes for a smooth, stress-free transition, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation or self-driving.

This service is ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer to relax during the journey. It’s not a sightseeing tour but a practical solution for efficient travel. The drivers are well-informed and happy to share local tips, making the transfer part of your overall experience.

Bottom Line: A convenient, no-fuss way to move between Cradle Mountain and Launceston, especially if you want to maximize your time in the park.

How to Choose Your Perfect Tour

Picking the right tour or experience depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, the Tasmanian Devil feeding tours and night spotting are top choices. For those who prefer a mix of scenic views and gentle walks, the Dove Lake Guided Tour or Park Explorer offer great value. Families and curious kids will enjoy the Day Keeper Tour, while couples seeking a romantic experience might love the Sunset Experience.

Remember to consider booking early, especially during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about your fitness level and interests—more active hikers should opt for the longer guided walks, while those seeking relaxation might prefer the scenic, less strenuous options.

Final Thoughts

Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park offers a diverse set of tours and experiences that cater to wildlife lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you want a quick wildlife encounter, an evening of nocturnal animal spotting, or a scenic guided walk, this list has something to match your style. The After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour and the Wildlife Night Spotting stand out for their personal touches and authentic animal encounters.

Be sure to plan ahead, book early, and choose experiences that align with your interests and energy level. Tasmania’s wild heart is waiting—step in and discover the natural beauty and fascinating creatures of this remarkable park.