How far is Devonport to Cradle Mountain?

It is about 145 km and roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of driving via Sheffield and Wilmot. The last section is a winding mountain road, so allow extra time and drive to the conditions in a campervan.

Can I take a campervan on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Yes — the Spirit of Tasmania carries campervans and motorhomes between Geelong (near Melbourne) and Devonport. Vehicle length affects the fare, and you must book vehicle space well ahead, especially over summer. Many travellers instead pick up a campervan in Devonport after arriving as foot passengers.

Can I drive into Cradle Mountain in a campervan?

You drive to the Cradle Mountain visitor centre and park there. From October to the main season, private vehicles are restricted beyond the visitor centre and you take the regular shuttle bus into Dove Lake — this keeps the park uncrowded and is included with your park pass.

Do I need a Tasmania national parks pass?

Yes. A Parks Pass is required for Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. A holiday pass covering all Tasmanian parks is the best value if you plan to visit more than one or two — buy it online or at the visitor centre.

Devonport to Cradle Mountain Campervan Guide 2026

For most campervan travellers, Devonport is where Tasmania begins — the Spirit of Tasmania docks here, and within a couple of hours you can be standing beneath the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain. This guide covers the drive from the ferry terminal into the wilderness, the best stops, and where to camp.

Arriving in Devonport

The Spirit of Tasmania carries vehicles and passengers overnight or by day from Geelong (near Melbourne) to Devonport on the state's north coast. You can bring a campervan across on the ferry, or arrive as a foot passenger and collect a campervan from Devonport — the town is a common pickup point precisely because of the ferry. Stock up on groceries and fuel before heading inland; the mountain has limited services.

The route to Cradle Mountain

The classic run heads inland via some of Tasmania's prettiest farmland:

Devonport → Sheffield (35 km): The "Town of Murals", worth a wander, with Mount Roland looming behind.
Sheffield → Wilmot & Lake Barrington (40 km): Rolling green hills and lake views.
Wilmot → Cradle Mountain (70 km): The road climbs into highland moorland; the final stretch is winding and can be cold and misty even in summer. Take it slowly.

At Cradle Mountain

Park at the visitor centre and take the shuttle bus (included with your park pass) to Dove Lake for the famous circuit walk beneath the mountain — an easy 6 km loop on boardwalk and track. Wildlife is everywhere at dusk: wombats, pademelons and echidnas. Weather changes fast, so carry layers and rain gear whatever the forecast.

Where to camp

The Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain is the main powered campground near the park entrance, with cabins, sites and a tavern. Book ahead year-round — it is popular. Back toward the coast there are holiday parks in Devonport and Sheffield if you want a base with more services.

Where to go next

Cradle Mountain is the north-western anchor of a full-island loop. From here most travellers continue to Launceston, the east coast and Hobart — see our Tasmania road trip guide for the complete circuit, and our Melbourne to Tasmania guide for planning the ferry crossing.

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