Lake Saint Clair
Lake Freshwater lake in Tasmania's rugged central highlands
At the southern end of Tasmania’s Overland Track, Lake Saint Clair sits inside a national park; hikers finish long treks here, anglers try trout and boat tours cross deep freshwater.
Lake St Clair is a freshwater lake in Tasmania’s central highlands and lies within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is recognised as Australia’s deepest freshwater lake and is an established wilderness and walking destination.
The lake is a focus for bushwalking, short shore walks and boat excursions, and it marks the southern end of the long-distance Overland Track. Visitors use the park’s trails and facilities to explore surrounding temperate rainforest and alpine environments.
The basin that holds the lake was shaped by past glaciation and other natural processes that created the deep freshwater body. The area has been managed as part of Tasmania’s national parks system to protect its wilderness and native species.
The lake sits in Tasmania’s Central Highlands within the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
- Overland Track terminus: Forms the southern terminus of Tasmania's Overland Track, making it a common start or finish point for multi-day hikes through the World Heritage-listed alpine area.
- Activities and access: Boat trips and short walks along the shoreline provide accessible ways to experience the lake without undertaking long hikes.
Tips for Visiting Lake Saint Clair #
- Access the lake from Cynthia Bay at the southern end-the visitor facilities there are the established start/end point for day walks and for the Overland Track.
- Consider taking the seasonal lake ferry (book ahead in peak season) for a scenic crossing or to shorten the Overland Track's lake-leg rather than walking the full shoreline route.
- To avoid the day‑visitor rush, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon and use the short marked walks around Cynthia Bay and Shadow Lake rather than arriving at mid-day on a weekend.
Best Time to Visit Lake Saint Clair #
Tasmania's mild summer (December-February) is the most comfortable time for lakeside activities.
Weather & Climate near Lake Saint Clair #
Lake Saint Clair's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1858 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (210 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (204 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).
