The boatshed
With the peaks behind it across the lake.
Thennicke — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Juan Jose Basagoiti Mancera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Juan Jose Basagoiti Mancera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Steven Penton from Bakers Beach, Tasmania Australia — CC BY 2.0 · Steven Penton from Bakers Beach, Tasmania Australia — CC BY 2.0
Cradle Mountain is a 1,545 m peak in Tasmania's Central Highlands, the sixth highest in the state, inside Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Its jagged outline rises above Dove Lake, creating one of the most famous natural scenes in Australia. The area is thinly settled, reached by a single road that ends at the lake. The land is high and open, with yellow buttongrass, old trees and small dark streams, and snow can cover it in winter. Wildlife includes wombats, seen especially near the meadows at dawn and dusk. The best known scene is the old timber boatshed at the end of Dove Lake with the mountain's peaks behind it. A path circles the lake between shore and forest, while a harder walk climbs to Marion's Lookout, with wide views over the lakes. The famous Overland Track also starts in this area and needs special preparation and booking. It is 102 km in a straight line from Launceston, so it is best to stay in the area overnight. Shuttle tickets are bought with a park pass at the visitor centre, as reaching the lake depends on the shuttle. The weather changes very fast, so bring warm and waterproof clothes in every season, and ask about track conditions before setting out.
With the peaks behind it across the lake.
Between shore and forest.
Wide views over the lakes.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
Access depends on the shuttle, sold at the visitor centre, so ask there.
Warm and waterproof clothes in every season, as the weather changes fast.