Launceston to Cradle Mountain - Sunday May 18th afternoon

Hi I will arrive with my son into Launceston on Sunday May 18th, 2014 at 2pm approx.First time hiking the track. I am looking to share transport costs to Cradle Mountain from Launceston and also looking for advice. I was planning to stay at the huts in the park the night prior the walk to make an earlier start. 12midday seems to be the time we would arrive if we leave Monday morning and I was thinking this may be a late start considering many tell me this is the hardest day of hiking and its getting darker earlier at this time of the year.
One person told me that it was chaeper to get a cab ( $200 ) ? any thoughts on this ?
One person told me that it was chaeper to get a cab ( $200 ) ? any thoughts on this ?