Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a spectacular wilderness destination in Tasmania, offering a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife experiences. However, planning your visit can be a bit overwhelming given the park’s size and the variety of activities available.

First things first: Make sure to stop by the information center when you arrive. The staff there are incredibly helpful and will provide you with a detailed map and advice tailored to your interests. This is essential for making the most of your visit and ensuring you don’t miss out on any must-see spots.

Vehicle Access: One important detail to keep in mind is that the park is not very accessible for private vehicles throughout the day. You can drive in before 7 am, but no vans are allowed. If you’re keen on capturing the sunrise or sunset, driving in early is a good option. However, if you plan to explore during the day, you'll need to follow the shuttle buses, which is the most convenient option for most visitors. The shuttle service runs every 10 minutes between 7 am and 5 pm and a 3-day pass costs $15.

Park Entry Pass: Don’t forget to purchase a national parks pass before you go. The cost varies based on the duration of your stay, but I opted for a 2-month pass, which covered all of Tasmania’s national parks and cost $94. 

Camping Options: There are several paid campsites near the park entrance. However, these can be quite pricey, so as a budget traveler, I always look for free alternatives. To my delight, I found the Vale of Belvoir Camp Ground, which is 11 km (about 18 minutes) from the park entrance and is free of charge. This campsite is surrounded by wildlife and offers a beautiful, tranquil setting. The road to the campsite is a bit rough with large rocks, but it’s manageable with a 2WD vehicle if you take it slow and steady.

Facilities: Note that Vale of Belvoir Camp Ground has no facilities, so you’ll need to practice leave-no-trace camping. For a hot shower, I visited the Cradle Mountain Holiday Park, where you can pay $5 for a refreshing and much-needed shower after a day of hiking.