Cradle Mountain is situated in the northwestern section of Tasmania, and the area is especially close to the Granite Tor Conservation Area. Cradle Mountain is also located near the Dove River Forest Reserve.

According to geographical surveys, Cradle Mountain has a height of 1,545 meters above sea-level. Some experts believe that the peak was significantly higher when the mountain originally formed.

Cradle Mountain was created when a large continent began to break apart and several landmasses collided which gradually created the mountains in the area. When Cradle Mountain was forming, magma consistently seeped from many cracks in the ground. Therefore, the lava created igneous rock that slowly accumulated in the area.

Cradle Mountain formed more than 170 million years ago, and various reports have indicated that nearby mountains also formed in the Mesozoic Era. During this time period, the magma gradually created dolerite, which is a type of rock that has improved the long-term durability of Cradle Mountain.

The area is a haven for many types of animals, and the region features unique flowers, beautiful rivers, unspoiled wilderness and many old trees. Recently, forest fires have affected numerous reservations in Tasmania; however, the forest fires have not reached Cradle Mountain.