Lake St Clair

Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest freshwater lake, lies at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This glacially carved lake, with its dark tannin-stained waters surrounded by ancient rainforest and snow-capped peaks, offers a serene counterpoint to the more visited Cradle Mountain region. Whether you arrive by road or on foot via the Overland Track, the lake’s pristine beauty and quiet grandeur will leave a lasting impression.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake St Clair itself – Take a scenic cruise on the lake (the MV Ida Clare or Kia Ora) to appreciate the scale and stillness, with views of Mount Olympus and the Acropolis.
• Waterside walks – The gentle 6 km return walk along the lakeshore from the visitor centre to the boat shed offers easy access to the water and pebble beaches.
• Echo Point & Shadow Lake – A more challenging day hike leads to Echo Point on the lake’s western shore, with optional side trip to Shadow Lake, a tarn nestled under the Acropolis.
• Overland Track finish – For those completing the iconic Overland Track, the final leg descends from Narcissus Hut to Lake St Clair, a triumphant end to a 6-day trek.
• Wildlife spotting – Look for platypus in the early morning or dusk along the lake edge, and pademelons and wombats on the grassy areas near the visitor centre.
• Interpretive centre – The modern visitor centre houses exhibits on the region’s glaciation, Aboriginal heritage, and alpine ecology.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day at Lake St Clair, arriving mid-morning to take the 1.5-hour cruise and tackle a short walk before lunch. If you have two days, consider an overnight hike to Echo Point or a kayak trip on the lake. For Overland Track hikers, the final day is usually a half-day walk from Narcissus to the visitor centre, followed by a shuttle back to Launceston or Hobart. A quick stop of 2–3 hours is enough to walk to the boat shed and enjoy the views from the jetty.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Derwent Bridge – The tiny settlement 5 km north of the lake, home to the pub and the Wall in the Wilderness, a stunning wood-carving gallery.
• Mount Field National Park – About 2 hours east, famous for its towering swamp gums (the tallest flowering trees on Earth) and Russell Falls.
• Strahan – A 2.5-hour drive west, this historic port town offers Gordon River cruises and access to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
• Hobart – The state capital, 2.5 hours south, with Salamanca Market, MONA, and Mount Wellington.
• Queenstown – A 1.5-hour drive west through the stark lunar landscape of the west coast, with heritage mining tours.
• Walls of Jerusalem National Park – A less-visited wilderness area 1.5 hours north, offering off-track hiking and dolerite peaks.

Please check official sources for current details.