North West Tasmania: Cradle Mountain, Stanley & Strahan Guide

North West Tasmania runs from Devonport, where the Spirit of Tasmania docks, west along the Cradle Coast through Burnie, Wynyard and Stanley, and on to the wild west coast at Arthur River, Corinna and Strahan. Inland lies Cradle Mountain, the most famous peak in Tasmania, at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

1,545 msummit of Cradle Mountain
~6 kmDove Lake Circuit
143 mheight of The Nut at Stanley
1822Sarah Island penal settlement founded

Flying into Launceston without a car?

Cradle Mountain is roughly two hours’ drive from Launceston and there is no regular public transport to Dove Lake. A guided day trip is the simplest way to see it.

Highlights of the North West

Cradle Mountain. Walk the Dove Lake Circuit beneath the jagged peak, look for wombats at dusk, and stay in the cabins at the park’s edge.

Stanley and The Nut. A heritage fishing village beneath a flat-topped volcanic plug, with a chairlift, fresh crayfish and Highfield Historic Site.

The Tarkine. takayna/Tarkine protects one of the largest tracts of cool temperate rainforest in Australia, plus a dramatic coastline at Arthur River.

Strahan and the Gordon River. Cruise into World Heritage wilderness and walk the convict ruins of Sarah Island.

Panorama of Stanley township and The Nut on Tasmania’s north-west coast — Stanley and The Nut on the north-west coast. Photo: Taspictures / CC0

Planning essentials

Getting there: Spirit of Tasmania to Devonport, or fly to Devonport, Burnie (Wynyard) or Launceston. See getting there.
Getting around: a car is the best way to explore; see without a car for alternatives.
When to go: summer for long days and walking; autumn for colour; winter for snow at Cradle. See best time to visit.
How long: five days covers Cradle, Stanley, the Tarkine and Strahan. See the 5-day road trip.