Wombats in Tasmania: Where to See Them at Cradle Mountain
🌐 Website: Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
📍 Location: Ronny Creek, Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania
⏰ Opening Hours: Open 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. during summer (October through March) and 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m in winter.
⏳ Duration: 1-3 hours
🧒 Family Friendly
🎟️ Cradle Mountain Parks Pass required
Wombats in Tasmania: Where to See Them at Cradle Mountain
Wombats in Tasmania: If spotting a wombat in the wild is on your Australia bucket list, Ronny Creek in Cradle Mountain National Park is one of the best places to do it.
Set among the park’s picturesque button grass plains, Ronny Creek is famous for its resident wombat population. These chunky, grass-munching marsupials are often seen grazing near the timber boardwalks that wind through the moorland — making it one of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife encounters in Tasmania.
Why Ronny Creek is a Top Spot for Wombats in Tasmania
Ronny Creek isn’t just scenic — it’s a wombat hotspot. Thanks to its open grassy moorlands, elevated walkways, and calm atmosphere, this area offers one of the best chances to see wombats in their natural habitat.
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Elevated boardwalks for easy, unobtrusive viewing
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Lush grasslands that support a healthy wombat population
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Wombats here are familiar with people, often coming very close
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Framed by Cradle Mountain’s dramatic alpine scenery
Don’t be surprised if you find a wombat casually ambling along the path beside you — they sometimes treat the boardwalks as their own thoroughfare.
What to Expect When Looking for Wombats in Tasmania at Ronny Creek
Your wombat-spotting experience begins at the Ronny Creek carpark, where trails branch off into the heart of the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy:
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Open button grass plains that wombats love to graze
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Wooden walkways ideal for photography and low-impact exploration
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Possible sightings of wallabies, echidnas, and native birdlife too
📸 Photography Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and most active wombats. A telephoto or zoom lens will help you capture close-up details without disturbing them.
Visitor Tips & FAQs for Cradle Mountain
🧭 Planning Your Visit
What is the address of Ronny Creek and how do I get there?
Ronny Creek is located inside Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. To access it:
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Drive to Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, 4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306.
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Park your vehicle and take the shuttle bus (included in park entry fee) to Ronny Creek trailhead.
What are the opening hours of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park?
The park is open year-round, 24/7. The Visitor Centre operates daily from 8:30am–4:30pm, though hours may vary seasonally.
👉 Visit the official Tasmania Parks site for updates.
How much time should I plan to spend at Ronny Creek?
Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed stroll and wombat spotting. Nature lovers and photographers may want to linger longer or extend their walk to nearby Dove Lake.
When is the best time of year to visit Cradle Mountain?
Wombats can be seen year-round, but the cooler months (April–October) are particularly good as wombats are more active during daylight hours. Spring and early summer also bring stunning alpine blooms.
🚗 Getting There & Accessibility
How do I get to Cradle Mountain from Launceston?
Cradle Mountain is approximately 2.5 hours’ drive (150km) from Launceston. The scenic route takes you through Sheffield, the town of murals.
Is there parking available at Ronny Creek?
Parking is available at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, with shuttle buses running frequently to Ronny Creek. The Ronny Creek carpark is shuttle-access only to reduce congestion and protect the environment.
Is the boardwalk accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, the boardwalk at Ronny Creek is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to most visitors. However, some offshoot trails may be uneven or steep.
Are bathroom facilities available?
Public toilets are available at the Visitor Centre and at Ronny Creek shuttle stop. Facilities are clean and include accessible options.
🧳 What to Bring & Know
What should I bring when visiting Cradle Mountain?
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Water bottle and sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
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Camera or binoculars
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Waterproof jacket – weather can change quickly
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Closed walking shoes or sturdy sneakers
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Layers – even in summer, mornings can be chilly
Are food and drinks available at Cradle Mountain?
There’s a café at the Visitor Centre, plus nearby accommodation options often have restaurants or takeaway meals. There are no shops or facilities at Ronny Creek itself, so bring snacks if needed.
👀 What to Expect
What to Expect at Ronny Creek?
Your wombat adventure starts at Ronny Creek carpark, the gateway to the Overland Track and several other scenic walks.
You’ll walk through:
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Open moorlands covered in button grass — perfect habitat for wombats
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Timber boardwalks that provide easy, low-impact access to wildlife hotspots
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A chance to spot wombats, wallabies, and even echidnas along the way
📸 Pro Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best chance to see active wombats grazing or wandering. Bring a zoom lens or long focal-length camera if you’re hoping for great photos.
Where to see Wombats in Tasmania
Where to stay nearby
Budget accommodation at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania:
Mid-range – luxury accommodation at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania:
Cradle Mountain – what to do nearby :
Popular Cradle Mountain Hiking Trails:
– Enchanted Walk Cradle Mountain
– Marions Lookout Cradle Mountain
– Cradle Mountain Summit Walk
– Devils@Cradle – Tasmanian Devil sanctuary with guided night tours
👉 Visit Devils@Cradle
Where to eat nearby :
Altitude restaurant Cradle Mountain
Peppers Cradle Mountain restaurant
Tavern bar and bistro Cradle Mountain
Hellyers restaurant Cradle Mountain
Popular tours nearby
Cradle Mountain World Heritage Day Tour from Launceston
Planning your Tasmanian wildlife adventure? Save this post or share it with someone who’d love to see wombats in the wild at Cradle Mountain!
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