Northern lights in Cradle Mountain tonight

The wooden boatshed on the north shore of Dove Lake is the benchmark foreground for Cradle Mountain aurora photography. The lake faces south-southwest across still dark water, with the serrated Cradle Mountain ridge reflected when conditions are calm. No artificial light reaches this position from any direction. Bortle Class 1-2 conditions across the lake. The track from the car park is marked and manageable in darkness with a headtorch. In winter the track may have ice - wear appropriate footwear.

The alpine moorland boardwalk at Ronny Creek faces south across a flat button-grass plain with Cradle Mountain behind. The open sky to the south is unobstructed by any ridge. At night the wetland foreground gives reflective pools under a completely dark sky. The boardwalk itself has no lighting. The visitor centre generates minimal glow but it is behind you when facing south. A sheltered alternative to Dove Lake when wind is strong.

A high saddle between Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff at approximately 1,200 m, accessible via the Overland Track. Requires a full day's hiking from the car park - not suitable for a same-night aurora chase unless camping on the Overland Track. The elevated position gives a wider southern horizon than Dove Lake and complete 360° dark sky wilderness. The Overland Track is well marked. Used primarily by multi-day walkers who have clear nights during their circuit.