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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

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Overview

Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is located in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania (Australia), 165 kilometres (103 mi) Northwest of Hobart. The park contains many walking trails, and is where hikes along the well-known Overland Track usually begin. Major features are Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff in the Northern end, Mount Pelion East, Mount Pelion West, Mount Oakleigh and Mount Ossa in the middle and Lake St Clair in the Southern end of the park. The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Wikivoyage guide · 29 sections

▸Introduction222 chars

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a Tasmanian national park located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, the island state of Australia. The park is one of the many parks that make up the Tasmanian Wilderness.

▸Understand118 chars

This park has two main attractions - Cradle Mountain making up the north of the park, with Lake St Clair in the south.

▸History250 chars

Gustav Weindorfer first visited Cradle Mountain in 1910 and really liked it. He purchased some land and built by 1912 a chalet for guests. In 1935 the Overland 80 km track was created and rangers guided tours along it. The track was improved by 1937.

▸Landscape349 chars

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park has many mountains and spectacular lakes. Mountains which have made this national park famous include Cradle Mountain. Dove Lake and Lake St Clair are truly breathtaking.

Facts

Rank

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia1,490 words

WBP editorial3

Seasonal rhythm for the long‑distance hiker

While most guidebooks flag the Overland Track as a summer trek, the park’s climate offers nuanced seasonal palettes. In late autumn, the alpine meadows turn a muted ochre and the crowds thin, giving way to solitary evenings beside Dove Lake where the sun lingers on the water’s glassy surface. Winter brings snowdrifts that transform Cradle’s granite peaks into a stark, monochrome tableau; a well‑equipped wanderer can trace the track’s lower sections on snowshoes, a rarity in Australian trekking. Spring ushers in a surge of endemic orchids and the orchestral chorus of magpie‑larks, but also a higher risk of wet‑track conditions. Matching your itinerary to these micro‑seasonal shifts can turn a routine walk into a distinct sensorial experience.

Beyond the trail: local stewardship and food culture

The park’s remote heart is supported by a network of small-scale farms and community lodges around the township of Derwent Bridge. Visitors who book a night at locally run eco‑cabins often find breakfast on the menu featuring Tasmanian leather‑back oysters and smoked trout, sourced from nearby rivers. Engaging with the park rangers during a ranger‑led talk reveals how fire‑management practices intertwine with traditional Aboriginal burning techniques, helping maintain the open heathland that supports the iconic pink‑eyed devil. Purchasing a handcrafted tea towel from a Derwent Bridge craft shop not only provides a tangible reminder but also funds conservation projects, creating a subtle loop between tourism, livelihood, and ecological stewardship.

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▸Climate793 chars

The climate here in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is very unpredictable and can change extremely rapidly. In this part of Tasmania, it rains 9 out of 10 days a year, so fully equip yourself with gear for wet weather.

The temperature is always colder than other parts of Tasmania, although it is not far south. Precipitation here is high because of the large number of trees. It could be raining for 5 minutes, and then it is suddenly sunny. Rain here is very light, like little "flakes" of water. Bring a raincoat instead of an umbrella, because it is extremely windy and you do not want to risk spoiling your brolly.

Be ready for freak weather, including snow during the summer – something that's very unusual for Australia. A lot can also change within the span of a few hours.

▸Visitor information865 chars

There are two visitor centres, one on each side along with an interpretive centre in Cradle Mountain.

1 Lake St Clair Visitor Centre, 520 Lake St Clair Rd, Lake St Clair, ☏ +61 3 6289 1172, lakestclair@parks.tas.gov.au. 9AM–4PM. A visitor centre explaining the existence of Lake St Clair and the surrounding geography and also a base for exploring the surrounding region. The visitor centre also has a cafe and a souvenir shop. (updated Jan 2022)

2 Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, 4057 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, ☏ +61 3 6492 1110, cradle@parks.tas.gov.au. 9AM–4PM. (updated Jan 2022)

3 Cradle Mountain Interpretation Centre, 4057 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, ☏ +61 3 6492 1110, cradle@parks.tas.gov.au. An interpretation centre with a couple of interactive displays, some information and where the rangers office is situated. (updated Jan 2022)

▸By car879 chars

To get to Cradle Mountain, it's:

1hr 15min from Devonport by taking the B19 Forth Road and then using the C132 Wilmot Road

1hr 30min from Burnie by taking the B18 Ridgley Highway, A10 Murichson Highway and the C132 Belvoir Road up till the visitor centre.

2hr 30min from Launceston by using National Highway 1, C156, B14, C136 and C132 up till the visitor centre

4hr 30min from Hobart. To get from Hobart, follow the route to Launceston and continue from there.

To get to Lake St Clair, it's:

2hr 30min from Launceston by taking National Highway 1, A5, B11 and then taking A10 to Derwent Bridge, and then turning at C193.

2hr 30min from Hobart by taking the A10 route to Derwent Bridge, and then turning at C193.

3hr 15min from Devonport and Burnie by using National Highway 1 until the A5 exit in Deloraine. Once at A5, exit and then continue as the directions from Launceston

▸Fees and permits1,196 chars

The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and all accommodation (except Waldheim) are a few kilometres outside the park. If you pay for a vehicle pass you can drive to Ronny Creek and Dove Lake inside the park. With a vehicle pass you cannot use the shuttle bus service. Alternatively, you can get a single person pass which entitles you to use the shuttle bus service. If you bought your own vehicle you can drive between the Visitor Centre and your accommodation (excluding Waldheim) and when you are actually going into the national park, park your vehicle at the Visitor Centre and take the shuttle bus.

Daily (up to 24 hours) - If bringing your own vehicle into the park you should have to pay only the $24 for the carload (up to 8 people). If you come on a bus you will have to pay $16.50 per person. You can only use the shuttle bus service if you have an individual pass.

Holiday (up to 8 weeks) - If you are staying in the park for a couple of days it will be cheaper to buy a holiday pass. Per vehicle with up to 8 people $60. Per person $30. A holiday pass is valid for every national park in Tasmania so it is well worth paying a little extra.

Annual and Two Year passes are also available.

▸Get around996 chars

By foot!

The Cradle Mountain shuttle service runs regularly between the Visitor Centre, Ronny Creek and Dove Lake.

There is a ferry service which operates on Lake St Clair between Narcissus and Cynthia Bay (where the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre is located). The price is $38 per person each way. This service is often used by walkers finishing the Overland Track as an alternative to walking back around the lake. There is a radio at Narcissus Hut connected to the Visitor Centre from which you can inquire about the ferry. Visitors to the Lake St Clair end of the park also take this ferry to Narcissus and then proceed to walk back to Cynthia Bay around the lake. The ferry will stop at Echo Point Hut (an hours walk from Narcissus) if requested. There is a radio located here also.

Scenic helicopter flights are available from a building beside the Visitor Centre. The aircraft in operation is a Robinson 44. Current prices:

2 or 3 adults $245 per person

1 adult $490

Children aged 3-11 $150

▸Mountains1,420 chars

There are many spectacular mountains in the national park, with Cradle Mountain being the most iconic. Others include Mt Emmett, Barn Bluff, Mt Oakleigh, Mt Pelion East, Mt Pelion West, Cathedral Mountain, Mt Ida, Mt Olympus, and Mt Ossa (which is the highest mountain in Tasmania).

1 Cradle Mountain. The sixth-highest mountain in Tasmania perched at an altitude of 1,545 metres, the area around the mountain has a large number of day walks, including being the terminus of the Overland Track. The mountain was named after its resemblance to a gold-mining cradle. (updated Jan 2022)

2 Cathedral Mountain. A dominant mountain which has a spectacular and extensive cliff face which plunges some 700 metres (2,300 ft) to the Mersey Valley floor on its western side. The mountain can mainly be accessed via the Overland Track. (updated Jan 2022)

3 Mount Massif. A mountain which has an elevation of 1,514 metres and is popular among bushwalkers and mountain climbers. (updated Jan 2022)

4 Mount Ossa. With a summit elevation of 1,617 metres, it is the highest peak of the state. The mountain can be climbed via a well worn track from Pelion Gap to the summit and be approached either as a side trip from the Overland Track or via the Arm River Track. Remember that conditions are very severe in winter, with powerful winds and freezing temperatures and a short scramble is required to ascend the summit. (updated Jan 2022)

▸Short walks1,472 chars

Dove Lake Loop Track. A great introductory walk to the park, this walk leaves from the Dove Lake carpark. Take the track on the eastern (left hand) side of Dove Lake and follow it clockwise around the lake. The newly-completed track takes you under the shadow of Cradle Mountain, through the tranquil Ballroom Forest and back along the western shore of the lake to your starting point. Allow 2-3 hours as the walk is 6 kilometres. (updated Jan 2022)

Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest walk (Visitor Centre Rainforest Walk). Leaving from just behind Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre is a short boardwalk that is a must for all visitors to Cradle. Take the time to meander through a patch of cool temperate rainforest and you'll be rewarded with views of the beautiful Pencil Pine Falls. The easy track, suitable for wheelchairs, then circles back to the carpark. Allow 8-10 minutes. (updated Jan 2022)

The Weindorfers Forest Walk. Leaves from Waldheim chalet and takes an easy grade through a forest of King Billy pines, celery-top pines and myrtles. The walk takes about 20 minutes at a gentle pace. Take a little extra time and view the displays in the chalet to catch a brief look at the life of the Weindorfers. (updated Jan 2022)

Enchanted Walk - This leaves from the bridge at the park entrance and passes by scenic waterfalls, pools, moorland and rainforest before returning to the Cradle Mountain Lodge. This walk takes about half an hour and is mostly dry underfoot.

▸Longer walks1,516 chars

Times are indicative only. Times will vary depending on your fitness.

Marion's Lookout - 2 hours return. This hike takes you past Crater Falls and Crater Lake to a viewpoint overlooking Dove Lake. There is a steep section with chains.

Kitchen Hut - 4 hours return. This can be accessed via Marion's Lookout. This takes you up onto Cradle Plateau, where you can admire the alpine vegetation. Kitchen Hut can also be accessed via the Horse Track or by using the Lake Rodway or Lake Wilks tracks to access the Face Track and then the boardwalk to Kitchen Hut. These options will take longer than Marion's Lookout.

Cradle Mountain Summit - 6 hours return from Dove Lake carpark.

Waterfall Valley - 10 hours return or camp here overnight. This is the first overnight stop of the Overland Track.

Barn Bluff - 10 hours return or camp at Waterfall Valley.

Hanson's Peak - 2 hours return. A beautiful hike that, weather permitting, offers fantastic views of Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake and Marion's Lookout. There is a small section with chains. You will also be able to see Lake Hanson and one of the Twisted Lakes.

Lake Rodway - 6 hours return or staying in the Scott-Kilvert Hut. If staying overnight in the hut, there is information there about the walks that can be done from Lake Rodway. Accessed via the Lake Rodway Track and Hanson's Peak, although (if you are fit and prepared) it can be accessed by doing a loop around the back of Cradle Mountain. This would make it a very long day hike through some rough terrain.

▸Lodging3,475 chars

Booking in advance is recommended during peak season. They can be some good prices to be had during the off-season (no cheaper than what is listed here).

1 Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages, 3876 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, ☏ +61 3 6492 1116, info@cradlehighlander.com.au. Cabins with a rustic feel. From $135. (updated Feb 2018)

2 Cradle Mountain Hotel, 3718 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, ☏ +61 3 6492 1404, reservations@cradlemountainhotel.com.au. This hotel is nestled in alpine forests. Has two restaurants and a lounge bar. From $279. (updated Feb 2018)

3 Cradle Mountain Lodge (Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge), 4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, cradlemountain@peppers.com.au. This hotel is right outside the entrance to the World Heritage Area, and is right next to the wombat burrows, so you are bound to see some wombats as you head out for dinner. The lodge building is beautiful, and very well fitted out for cold rainy days. If the restaurant's a bit pricey, the hotel has a very nice bar which does good meals at a reasonable price. From $160 to $600. (updated Oct 2019)

4 Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village, 3816 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain, ☏ +61 3 6492 1500, info@cradlevillage.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. The hotel camouflages into the woody backdrop. From $300. (updated Feb 2018)

5 Lake St. Clair Lodge, Lake St Clair Rd, ☏ +61 3 6289 1137. Accommodation with an emphasis on eco-friendliness. There are studio cabins and suites. The restaurant requires bookings in advance. (updated Feb 2018)

6 Waldheim Cabins, ☏ +61 3 6491 2158. The cabins are located inside the park and are equipped with electric heating, single bunk beds, basic cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and an electric stove. Amenities block has showers and flushing toilets. Linen can be provided at an additional charge ($11 per person). $95 (4 person), $135 (6 person), $185 (8 person). (updated Oct 2019)

7 Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain, 3832 Cradle Mountain Rd. A budget accommodation provider opposite the Visitor Centre. They offer:- Campsites - Unpowered sites for $35 and powered for $44.- Dorms - Male dorms and female dorms only, there are no mixed dorms. A 4 share dormitory costs $32. Rooms are heated and all linen is supplied. There is a shared kitchen with all crockery and cutlery supplied. A dorm, which sleeps 4, can be bought out for $74. There is no restriction on the dorm being mixed with this option.- Cabins - Self-contained, queen bed with electric blanket, bunk beds in separate bedroom, linen & doonas, air-conditioning, kitchenette (with microwave, full size fridge, electric fry pan, kettle and toaster, cookware, cooking utensils and cutlery), dining area and living area with sofa and LCD TV, bathroom with toilet, hair dryer, iron/ironing board. Rooms configured to accommodate 4 or 6 people are the same price. $129.- Cottages - Self-contained, queen bed with electric blanket, bunk beds in separate bedroom, linen & doonas, air-conditioning, kitchenette (with microwave, full size fridge, electric fry pan, kettle and toaster, cookware, cooking utensils and cutlery), dining area and living area with sofa and LCD TV, bathroom with toilet, hair dryer, iron/ironing board. With the addition of a gas log heater, DVD player, and balcony. Configured for 2, 4 or 5 people. Also as a separate option to the 4 person configuration is twin doubles. $149. For an extra $10, you can get a room with a spa. (updated Oct 2019)

▸Stay safe1,027 chars

Always sign in and out of the logbook with your intentions.

Carry a hat, sunscreen, and weather-proof jacket in all seasons as the weather can be extremely changeable. If attempting a longer day walk or starting a walk late in the day, a headtorch is a must. Take plenty of water with you as the lakes should not be drunken from and the water from the tanks at the huts should be sterilized first. Take more food than you think you'll need in case you get caught out longer than you expected.

Sturdy footwear is recommended. Boots are not really required within the day walk area if doing walks from Dove Lake. If beginning at Ronny Creek, going on to Lake Rodway, or beginning the Overland Track boots are a must. You will pass through mud and if it rains, walking in running water.

Do not attempt the Overland Track without a pass. You have a very slim chance of getting through undetected as park rangers will ask to see your pass along the way. If you are caught without a pass you will be escorted back to Cradle Mountain.

Comparative perspective: Cradle versus the Alpine arc

When set beside New Zealand’s Southern Alps or the European Alps, Cradle’s landscape feels more intimate rather than expansive. The granite domes rise sharply from a tapestry of peat‑bogs, offering a denser concentration of geological features within a relatively compact area. This tight framing means that a single day’s trek can encompass glacial cirques, alpine lakes, and sub‑alpine forests, a breadth that often requires multiple stages elsewhere. Moreover, the park’s integration into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area adds a layer of cultural significance, linking natural beauty with a narrative of Indigenous occupancy that is less foregrounded in the Alpine contexts of Europe.

Introduction

National park in Tasmania, Australia Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National ParkIUCN category II (national park)Cradle Mountain and Little Horn (to the left) by Dove LakeCradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National ParkInteractive map of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National ParkLocationTasmaniaNearest cityQueenstownCoordinates41°49′49″S 145°55′27″E / 41.83028°S 145.92417°E / -41.83028; 145.92417Area1,614.43 km2 (623.33 sq mi)Established1922Visitors209000 (in 2005)Governing bodyTasmania Parks and Wildlife ServiceWebsitehttps://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is located in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania (Australia), 165 kilometres (103 mi) Northwest of Hobart. The park contains many walking trails, and is where hikes along the well-known Overland Track usually begin. Major features are Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff in the Northern end, Mount Pelion East, Mount Pelion West, Mount Oakleigh and Mount Ossa in the middle and Lake St Clair in the Southern end of the park. The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

History

[edit] Use by Aboriginal Nations[edit] Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park lies on the boundary between the Big River and Northern Tasmanian Aboriginal nations. Aboriginal use of the Cradle Mountain dates back to the last ice age (10,000 years ago) and is believed to have been non-permanent, consisting mostly of seasonal hunting excursions during the summer months. Several artifacts and campsites containing various stone types and tools have been discovered at Pelion Plains and Lake St Clair, and early surveyors reported huts in the area. Aboriginal Tasmanians were persecuted by the European settlers upon their arrival, and the last free Aboriginals in the area were seen between Barn Bluff and Lake Windemere in 1836. Early European Development[edit] Europeans first explored Cradle Mountain in 1827 and 1828 with Joseph Fossey and Henry Hellyer surveying for the Van Diemen's Land Company. Lake St Clair was sighted by surveyor William Sharland in 1832, with George Frankland leading an expedition to it three years later. During the late 19th century there was an effort to build a railway to the west coast of Tasmania, which at the time was only accessible by boat. Railway engineer Allan Stewart began surveying a route which led up the Mersey Valley, but ran out of money before it could be completed. Parts of his trail were used by the Innes track (est. 1897), which led to the mining town of Rosebery. These tracks encouraged prospecting, and several mines were set up including coal near Barn Bluff, copper in Pelion Plains, Lake Windemere and Commonwealth Creek, tin in Mount Inglis, and tungsten in the Forth Valley. Lake Windemere and Old Pelion huts were established during this mining effort. Trappers worked in the area from the 1860s until the collapse of the fur trade in the 1950s, although hunting in the park was declared illegal after 1927. They established huts, including Du Cane and Pine Valley, and burned the land to encourage fresh growth and game. During the same timeframe Pelion Plains was used by sheep and cattle for grazing in the summer, and wild cattle lived in the area until 1948. The cattle were reportedly quite aggressive, and known to attack early bushwalkers. Environmental Protection and Tourism[edit] Both Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain were regarded by European settlers as attractive destinations, with tourist lodges at each location. In the 1910s Gustav and Kate Cowle began campaigning for the area from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair to be a national park. It was declared a scenic reserve in 1922, a wildlife reserve in 1927 and its current designation of national park from 1947. During this transition, former trappers began building huts and guiding bushwalkers, including Paddy Hartnett, Weindorfer and Bob Quaile. In the 1970s management of the park passed to the newly formed Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service after the controversial flooding of Lake Pedder.

Access

[edit] Access from the south (Lake St. Clair) is usually from Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highway. Northern access (Cradle Valley) is usually via Sheffield, Wilmot or Mole Creek. A less frequently used entrance is via the Arm River Track, from the east. Usage fee[edit] In 2005, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service introduced a booking system and fee for use of the Overland Track over peak periods. Initially the fee was $100, but this was raised to $150 in 2007, and as at May 2023 is $200. The money that is collected is used to finance the park ranger organisation, track maintenance, building of new facilities and rental of helicopter transport to remove waste from the toilets at the huts in the park. Development[edit] The Tasmanian Government has moved to allow development in national parks and conservations areas. An 'In principle' permit has been granted for the establishment of an 'eco-friendly' resort at Pumphouse Point at Lake St Clair. Panorama of the Pelion Range from Mount Oakleigh, Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park

Climate

[edit] Climate data for Cradle Valley, Tasmania Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 30.0(86.0) 30.5(86.9) 25.1(77.2) 20.0(68.0) 17.8(64.0) 11.1(52.0) 11.5(52.7) 12.7(54.9) 17.9(64.2) 19.9(67.8) 22.0(71.6) 27.0(80.6) 30.5(86.9) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 16.6(61.9) 17.0(62.6) 14.4(57.9) 10.8(51.4) 7.9(46.2) 5.1(41.2) 4.6(40.3) 4.9(40.8) 7.5(45.5) 10.5(50.9) 12.8(55.0) 15.2(59.4) 10.6(51.1) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 5.2(41.4) 5.9(42.6) 4.7(40.5) 3.1(37.6) 1.5(34.7) −0.2(31.6) −0.2(31.6) −0.5(31.1) 0.3(32.5) 1.5(34.7) 2.5(36.5) 4.1(39.4) 2.3(36.1) Record low °C (°F) −1.0(30.2) −1.9(28.6) −2.5(27.5) −4.0(24.8) −8.3(17.1) −8.3(17.1) −7.8(18.0) −8.5(16.7) −8.0(17.6) −5.0(23.0) −3.5(25.7) −1.3(29.7) −8.5(16.7) Average rainfall mm (inches) 148.8(5.86) 121.9(4.80) 148.1(5.83) 204.1(8.04) 276.4(10.88) 272.3(10.72) 315.7(12.43) 301.7(11.88) 269.4(10.61) 252.4(9.94) 205.1(8.07) 181.7(7.15) 2,815.8(110.86) Source: Bureau of Meteorology Climate data for Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 33.0(91.4) 31.9(89.4) 30.2(86.4) 23.2(73.8) 21.7(71.1) 14.2(57.6) 13.1(55.6) 17.0(62.6) 20.4(68.7) 25.7(78.3) 28.0(82.4) 32.6(90.7) 33.0(91.4) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 19.3(66.7) 19.2(66.6) 16.6(61.9) 13.0(55.4) 10.3(50.5) 7.7(45.9) 7.3(45.1) 8.2(46.8) 10.0(50.0) 12.6(54.7) 15.5(59.9) 17.3(63.1) 13.1(55.6) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 6.3(43.3) 5.9(42.6) 4.2(39.6) 2.8(37.0) 1.6(34.9) 0.2(32.4) −0.1(31.8) 0.3(32.5) 0.9(33.6) 2.0(35.6) 3.6(38.5) 5.0(41.0) 2.8(37.0) Record low °C (°F) −2.5(27.5) −4.0(24.8) −4.1(24.6) −5.0(23.0) −6.0(21.2) −7.0(19.4) −7.2(19.0) −7.0(19.4) −6.2(20.8) −6.5(20.3) −4.0(24.8) −2.6(27.3) −7.2(19.0) Average rainfall mm (inches) 101.7(4.00) 83.6(3.29) 107.1(4.22) 135.0(5.31) 157.1(6.19) 172.8(6.80) 205.3(8.08) 247.6(9.75) 217.2(8.55) 175.2(6.90) 136.2(5.36) 130.8(5.15) 1,868.3(73.56) Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Biodiversity

[edit] Wombat in the National Park Two male red-necked wallabies fighting near Mount Ossa The Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is a significant location of Tasmania's endemic species – 40–55% of the park's documented alpine flora is endemic. Furthermore, 68% of the higher rainforest species recorded in alpine areas in Tasmania are present in the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. The park's alpine vegetation is very diverse and has largely escaped forest fires that have caused neighbouring regions to suffer. Animals present in the park include: Tasmanian pademelons, Bennett's wallabies, quolls, Tasmanian devils, short-beaked echidnas, platypuses, common wombats, possums, forest ravens and currawongs. Birds[edit] The park has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it provides habitat for 11 of Tasmania's endemic bird species, as well as for the flame and pink robins and the striated fieldwren. The IBA is important as a representative protected area in north-central Tasmania for those species. Fungi[edit] Fungi are also a part of the Park's biodiversity. While the Management Plan for Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park only mentions fungi in the context of their destructive effects (Phytophthora cinnamomi and Chalara australis), the Park has a great variety of fungi that perform beneficial ecological roles. In fact, most fungi perform positive rather than negative roles. Even parasitic fungi – often regarded only negatively – are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, regulating ecosystem functions. As primary recyclers of organic matter, saprobic fungi break down fallen branches and leaf litter, making vital nutrients available to other organisms. Other fungi form symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Although rarely acknowledged, the great majority of plants in Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park (indeed in the world) form mutually beneficial mycorrhizal relationships with fungi. Given the great diversity of plants, specialist habitats and micro-climates in the park, a great diversity of fungi, including lichens, is also expected to occur there. Several hundred species have already been recorded by field naturalists and interested individuals and can be found in the Atlas of Living Australia. Despite their essential roles in underpinning terrestrial ecosystems, fungi are barely recognised as a vital part of Australia's biodiversity. Although Australia has national and state level biodiversity conservation strategies and has ratified international conventions, most overlook fungi, including Tasmania's Natural Heritage Strategy, which only makes one generic reference to fungi.Cortinarius metallicus Tyromyces pulcherrimusOne of the more a conspicuous species found in the wetter parts of the park is the strawberry bracket fungus (Tyromyces pulcherrimus). It grows on myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghammii) and snow gums. The Australian citizen-science organisation, Fungimap is documenting and mapping the distribution of fungi including those that occur in National Parks. Cortinarius metallicus is a mycorrhizal species also found in the park.