The King Billy walk is a spectacular trail through a magical rainforest in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
It’s home to the famous King Billy Pine, which is nearly 1,500 years old and grows up to 40 metres tall.
If you’re visiting Cradle Mountain and looking for a short walk that offers incredible scenery (and isn’t crowded), then I highly recommend you visit Cradle Mountain Lodge, which is the start and endpoint for the King Billy track.
King Billy Walk Details
- Time: 45 minutes
- Length: 1.9 km circuit track
- Trail difficulty: Easy (a few stairs and a slight incline for about 15 minutes)
- Starting point: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
What to Expect on the King Billy Track
It’s hard to believe that the King Billy track is just a stone’s throw away from Cradle Mountain Lodge.
The moment you step foot into the temperate forest, you’ll feel as if you’re in a remote and isolated part of Tasmania.
Moss-covered trees, towering canopies, orange fungi, beautiful wildflowers and resident wallabies. This is what makes the King Billy Pine Walk the best short walk in Cradle Mountain.
The circuit track follows a boardwalk and is relatively easy for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Unlike the popular Enchanted Walk, which is almost entirely flat, the King Billy track starts with a gradual incline and continues uphill as you walk deeper into the forest.
The King Billy Pine
At the halfway point, which is about 20 minutes from the start, you’ll have a chance to get up close to these giants from the viewing deck.
Coming back down, you won’t go in the same direction that you came from. Instead, continue following the circuit track, which will take you back through the forest and to the exit point via a different route.
How to Get to the Start of the King Billy Track
To get to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, you’ll need to purchase a National Parks pass at the visitors centre.
From here, take the free shuttle to the Rangers Station (first stop), which is a short walk from Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Alternatively, you can drive into the national park as there is sufficient parking at the lodge.
After arriving at Cradle Mountain Lodge, you’ll need to walk past the parking area toward the cabins. Soon, you’ll see signs directing you to the start of the King Billy Walk.
It’s not as popular as the other walks, so don’t follow the crowds (they’ll be doing to Enchanted Walk)
Have you heard of the King Billy Walk, Cradle Mountain? Or are you looking for the best short walks in the area? Drop me a message below and let me know your thoughts.
Visiting Tasmania? Check out my other posts!
- 5 Incredible Places to Stay in Cradle Mountain
- The Enchanted Walk, Cradle Mountain: All You Need to Know
- Hiking Hansons Peak in Cradle Mountain: A Detailed Guide on What to Expect
This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
