Marions Lookout

Marion’s lookout was beautiful worth going there.way is mix of small rock, gravels, wooden steps until you reach crater’s lookout which if good. But the journey is not over and crazy like me you should go up to Marion’s lookout and the way to it is not easy, you are going through mountain rocks there chains to hold on it and pull yourself up with beg steps over rocks. Great feeling once you reach there and look is stunning worth for your instagram pics

Worth the long way up hike from Ronny Creek. If you aren’t familiar/used to climbing or hiking I wouldnt recommend but if you are genuinely with right gears and outdoorsy active it is fun and rewarding in the end. I would love to do this hike again next time i am back!

Well worth the hike up! I would call it a moderate hike in ideal conditions and it is a well marked hike. If you are not good on tough climbs I wouldn't recommend but if you can tough it out it is worth it for the amazing view
Keep in mind you will get 4 seasons in a day on the mountain
For reference, my 10yo daughter made it safely but it was tough and my wife who does not hike made it.

We took the Overland Track from Ronny Creek, then came down to Dove Lake carpark via Wombat Pools Track to take the bus back to the information centre. A challenging but rewarding hike - it took us about 4 hrs including breaks and lunch at the lookout. The views were great and some people on the track were very friendly and stopped to have a quick chat. Some parts were shady, but most of the track was completely open to the sun, so make sure to bring sunscreen and sun protection. I think an issue we had was that it wasn't exactly clear just how challenging some parts of the track would be, especially Wombat Pools (which was shown as the easier track compared to the Marions Lookout shortcut), where there was a section that required climbing on hands and feet, as well as parts of the Overland track with really steep steps (upwards of 30 cm tall). Its not the worst, but it was just a bit of a shock after the relatively cruisy boardwalk at the start from Ronny Creek, and we were just caught off guard. Maybe a hiking stick would be a good investment for this hike.

Level: A bit difficult plus a bit dangerous hike.

Why is it difficult? Why is it dangerous?
1. It is very windy and cold on the mountain.
2. The walkway from the middle of the mountain to the top of the mountain is very inclined.
3. When you are walking up the mountain with all your main weight, there is a ramp at your feet, holding the iron chain on the left, and the tracking pole in the right. There is a hillside in front of me, and the gorge is on the right. If you are not careful, you may fall down the mountain at any time. It was windy, cold, and your feet were shaking. It was really scary!

The original plan of the journey was to go to Cradle Summit. Before going up the mountain, the administrator said "it's not easy" and suggested that we should not go to the top of the mountain. We thought we couldn't do it, and suggested that we stop at, fortunately, we insisted on walking to the top of the mountain Marion Lookup.

The whole journey is 8 kilometers, 30% easy and 70% difficult. If it weren't for the cold and windy weather, it would actually be easier to walk.

Standing at Marion Lookup and seeing the locals continue to walk up and around the mountain, I was a little impulsive and wanted to follow, but at our pace, because we couldn't walk, so we didn't challenge and chose to go down the mountain. The park has regulations that must be completed before dark, and the national park bus will end at 5: 30pm.

The beauty of Cradle Mountain is something you don't know until you've been there We'll be back again!

Not the easiest climb but im not the fittest bloke ever and I still made it up! Just remember sun screen. Lots of water. And some energy snacks.

And enjoy every step!

Impressive and delightful walk. It take time and some effort for someone that works in an office and all the exercise is walking around a shopping mall looking for food. But it was a very peaceful and amazing experience. I Did it on January so weather was very good and warm.

The hike here is not too bad, with the exception of one steep climb that features a chain rail.

Beyond here, the hike to the summit becomes a lot more challenging and intimidating.

Would recommend pushing to this point.

An amazing place anx well worth the walk. 2 mid aged, not as fit as we used to be, couple made it up and back. Leaving from Dove Lake was crazy unstable on foot. But we returned via Ronny Creek/Overland track and that was so much better, complete with multiple, beautiful waterfalls.

Fairly easy hike with a small scramble at the end… medium grade IMHO
Great views and good stop on a summit climb or a circular route around the area

Lovely climb to Marion’s Lookout. It didn’t take us as long as written on the sign even with a bit of snow at the top. The lookout is stunning, I highly recommend checking it out. You can see the view on both Dove lake and Crater lake.

Great views and amazing achievement to make this climb. It is fairly easy and straightforward but has some challenging sections for the novice hiker.

My favourite trail when visiting cradle Mountain. If you don't hike often then I would recommend getting here via Ronny Creek and via wombat pool as the track is a little more built than the track from Dove Lake. Spectacular view especially on a clear day bit still very beautiful even when cloudy.

Such a lovely view of cradle mountain and dove lake. Able 1.5 hours walk from dove lake bus stop. Fairly strenuous with a step section with a chain for assistance. My 10 year old did it with no troubles. You can either her back down the same way or take a variety of other walks

I stopped by after climbing the summit, on the way back to the Dove Lake carpark. It was a pleasant time walking to Marion's Lookout on a clear day. The openness of the landscape was welcome on a mild afternoon. The light was soft and gentle, which lent a feeling of serenity to the magnificent views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. There were around 10 fellow walkers who were also heading back after climbing the summit who picked this spot as a good place to stop and rest for a few minutes.

Breathtaking, addicting and a must revisit!
Need hiking shoes, bathers for dove lake and a jacket to snuggle in and out of!

Marion's look out? More like: Look out for Marion's - cos this view is WICKED! Not a huge challenge to get there, bit steep in places, but ages 5 and up for the most part could get up there. And it's well worth it. We took the alternative path going back, much more steep and slippery, wouldn't recommend it with children or if you're afraid of falling.

This is an excellent entry level walk at cradle mountain, it has some steep sections but you are rewarded with amazing views up the top.

If you go to Cradle Mountain National Park and you're trying to choose a walk, we would highly recommend this one.

The beginning of the walk is easy on a boardwalk through the marshland. You will see native wildlife and then you come up to a beautiful forest! After this you go around a lake and find yourself at the toughest part of the incline. The incline has chains to help you on your way up and down. It's short-lived pain and your reward is a breathtaking view. It is well worth it with a great view of cradle mountain on one side and 360 degree views of the land all around.

Bring plenty of water and snacks. We rushed it and it only took us two hours return. Allow 3-4 hours if you are going at a normal pace.

We went up for sunset which was superb. But to do sunset be well prepared with head torches and extremely cold weather gear for walking home in the dark!

Always keep a firm eye on the weather and know what you are in for. Prepare for all weather conditions.

For more info/pics follow us @salt.and.charcoal