Pure mountain magic at Tassie’s Cradle Mountain

By Dr Ram Mohan, Editor

I don't say this lightly, but Cradle Mountain is among the most beautiful locations I've ever visited. Something about it draws you in as soon as you get there. Perhaps it's those untamed, rocky peaks that seem like they belong in a storybook, the open silence, or the crisp alpine air. I was hooked, whatever it was.

I spent a couple of days hiking, wandering around, and just soaking in everything this little gem of Tasmanian wilderness has to offer. And let me tell you — it’s absolutely magical.

One of my favorite trails was the Dove Lake Circuit. It’s a pretty straightforward loop, but the views? Next level. Imagine ancient pines, button-grass plains, and sights so breathtaking you find yourself stopping just to take it all in. Cradle Mountain towers in the distance like a gentle giant, sometimes shrouded in mist, other times glowing in warm light. Every time I looked up, it felt like I was in a living painting.

What really caught me off guard was how serene everything felt. Even with a few other hikers around, there’s this calmness that envelops you. I strolled along for quite a while, only hearing the soft whisper of the wind and the crunch of my boots on the trail. It was the kind of silence that encourages you to put your phone away, slow down, and just be present.

And then there was the wildlife. I stumbled upon a wombat — casually grazing by the path as if he owned the place (which, honestly, he probably does).

Moments like that make Cradle Mountain feel not just wild, but vibrantly alive.

What really lingered in my mind was this feeling of being small — but in the best way. Sitting on a rock that overlooked Dove Lake, the world around me seemed bigger, slower, and softer. I found myself taking deeper breaths, worrying less, and smiling more. There’s something so healing about places like this, where nature reminds you of what truly matters.

I walked away with tired legs, a camera full of snapshots, and a heart that felt a little more open than when I first got there. I know it sounds a bit over the top, but Cradle Mountain has that kind of magic.

If you haven’t been there yet, you need to put it at the top of your list. Go for the hikes, but stay for the peaceful stillness. Seriously, this part of Tasmania is worth every step. And me? I’ll be back for sure.