It is possible to take a bus to Cradle Mountain Lodge, but then one is dependent on the Lodge for all transportation into the park itself.  I think it is better to have the freedom to come and go as you please, so I always take my own vehicle.  In fact, the buses are really there to cater to bushwalkers and backpackers.  This way, those doing the Cradle Mountain Overland Track (walk) can be dropped off at one side of the park and picked up on the other side. 

A word of warning about getting to Cradle Mountain: make sure you head to the north end of the park.  Lake St.Clair is at the south end of the park near Derwent Bridge--at least another five hours away by car.  On more than one occasion I have met travellers who assumed these two different locations were one and the same, and paid for their mistake with a very long drive.  A close look at a map will reveal this.

Linda Lee Rathbun