Dove Lake (Tasmania)About Dove Lake (Tasmania)
Dove Lake sits at the foot of Cradle Mountain in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania and is a glacially carved alpine lake set within mountain and buttongrass moorland. It is one of the park’s most photographed locations and a central hub for walking routes.
The site is best known for the Dove Lake Circuit, a clearly marked loop of roughly 6 kilometres that skirts the lake shore and provides direct views of the mountain’s north face and the well-known timber boat shed on the shoreline. Shorter side trails connect to lookouts and to longer routes into the alpine zone.
The lake and surrounding landscape were shaped by Pleistocene glaciation; the national park protects the alpine ecosystem and a range of native flora and fauna. Visitor facilities include a car park and walking-path access that make the lake an accessible day-walk destination.
Dove Lake is located in the central-west highlands of Tasmania within the national park; the nearest service towns are on the park’s approaches and the site is reached by sealed park roads and walking-path infrastructure.
- Lakeside circuit length: The circular lakeside trail is about 6 km long and is broadly graded, typically taking 2 to 3 hours to complete at a steady pace.
- Best viewing times: The site is the main visitor access point for Cradle Mountain and is busiest in the morning and late afternoon when conditions favor reflections on the water.
What to See#
- Dove Lake Circuit: A well-marked walking route encircling the lake that is roughly 6 kilometres long and is the most popular day walk in the area.
- Dove Lake boat shed: The timber boat shed on the lake shore, often photographed with **Cradle Mountain** reflected in the water, is a frequent stop for visitors.
Nearby Attractions to Dove Lake (Tasmania)
Best Time to Visit Dove Lake (Tasmania)
Best in late spring to autumn for access and clear walking conditions; summer has the best weather but more visitors.
Weather & Climate near Dove Lake (Tasmania)
Dove Lake (Tasmania)'s climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1989 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 5° - 15° | 7° | 103 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 5° - 16° | 10° | 88 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 4° - 14° | 6° | 109 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 10° | 2° | 159 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 7° | -1° | 192 mm | - | - | 7.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -1° - 4° | -4° | 197 mm | - | - | 7.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 3° | -5° | 226 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -1° - 4° | -5° | 219 mm | - | - | 7.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -1° - 6° | -3° | 207 mm | - | - | 7.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 0° - 9° | -1° | 188 mm | - | - | 7.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 2° - 11° | 3° | 160 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 3° - 13° | 4° | 141 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Dove Lake (Tasmania)
Dove Lake is reached via the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. By car, it is about a 2.5-4 hour drive from Hobart or Launceston depending on route. Shuttle buses run from the visitor centre to the Dove Lake car park during peak seasons.
Tips for Visiting Dove Lake (Tasmania)
- Arrive at dawn or late afternoon to avoid bus groups from Cradle Mountain and to catch dramatic light on the lake.
- Walk the Dove Lake Circuit (2-3 hours) for a full view of the Cradle Mountain massif.
- Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather; the trailhead is at a higher elevation with cool winds even in summer.