Explore the enchanting stillness and beauty of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. This World Heritage listed area is perfect for bushwalking, from serious hikes to leisurely lakeside strolls.
What To Do
Lake St Clair offers a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. Choose to swim in the deepest lake in Australia or hike through ancient rainforest to the mountain summit.
Bushwalking
Lake St Clair marks the end of Tasmania’s most iconic multi-day walk, the Overland Track. This coveted experience sees bushwalkers traverse this beautiful part of Tasmania over six days, to finish at the lake’s edge. For those looking for a more relaxed walk, shorter tracks abound through the surrounding forest.
Echo Point
Echo Point is a gorgeous spot on the lake that offers incredible views of Cradle Mountain and surrounds. You can reach the point by ferry or take the three hour hike from the beginning of the park. Across the lake, visitors can view Mount Ida, a vestige left by glaciers that travelled either side of the peak millions of years ago.
Camping
One of the best ways to enjoy this wild part of the world is by sleeping under the stars. There are several sheltered camping spots around Lake St Clair, including powered and unpowered grounds. Basic bunkhouse style accommodation is also available, so visitors can stay in authentic timber huts.
Frankland Beaches
The Frankland Beaches walk offers the best glimpse into the ancient past of this area. The track meanders along the beaches and through glacial moraines, allowing walkers to explore the geomorphological features caused by moving glaciers during the last Ice Age. Signage informs visitors of how the ice formed and shaped Lake St Clair.
Canoeing
During the summer months, getting out on the water is a favourite activity of tourists and locals alike. Explore the vast expanse of the deepest lake in the country.
Canyoning
Adventure lovers will be thrilled by the opportunity to explore this ancient playground via climbing and abseiling. Generally recommended only in the summer months.
Horseback Riding
Not a fan of bushwalking? Let a horse do the walking for you and explore this wild part of Tasmania the way that the first settlers would have.
Fly Fishing
Good hatches of mayfly occur in the summer months at Lake St Clair National Park, providing good dry fly fishing for enthusiasts. The best fishing can be found at St Clair Lagoon.
How to Get Here
Lake St Clair National Park is a three and a half hour drive north-west from Hobart and a two and a half hour drive south-west from Launceston. For those who don’t have their own car in Tasmania, tours leaving from both cities are available.
Things To Know
Weather
Cradle Mountain is an alpine region, so be prepared for snow at all times of year. In the winter, the weather can be very cold and not suitable for many outdoor activities. Time your visit for the warmer months instead.
Accommodation
There is a range of accommodation options in and around the national park, from campgrounds and cabins, to high-end luxury experiences. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for those travelling in summer.
Wildlife
Don’t be surprised if you have some company when exploring the national park! The area is known for its high population of wombats, as well as Tasmanian Devils, platypus, echidnas and pademelons. Be aware of tiger snakes, which are highly venomous.