Lake St Clair

Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake, lies at the southern end of the famous Overland Track in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Surrounded by ancient rainforest and rugged peaks, this pristine wilderness offers a tranquil escape for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers. The clear, dark waters reflect the dramatic dolerite mountains, creating a scene of serene beauty that feels a world away from modern life.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk the Waterside Track: Stroll along the easy 6 km return trail from the visitor centre to the Larmairremener tabelti (Aboriginal cultural walk), which reveals the deep Indigenous heritage of the area and offers stunning lake views.
• Kayak or canoe on the lake: Paddle across the mirror-like surface, weaving through silent bays and spotting platypus at dawn or dusk – hire gear from the Lake St Clair Lodge.
• Hike the Overland Track (final section): The last leg of Australia’s premier multi-day walk ends at Lake St Clair; you can also tackle shorter sections like the 6-hour return climb to Mount Rufus for panoramic views.
• Boat cruise to Echo Point: Hop on the Ida Claire ferry for a narrated 1.5-hour cruise to the lake’s remote southern end, where you’ll see the Narcissus Hut and maybe spot a platypus.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils – the park is a haven for native animals, especially around dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the lake and its immediate trails, but to truly absorb the serenity, plan for two days. This allows time for a half-day kayak or a short hike, plus a night at the Lake St Clair Lodge or a nearby campsite. If you’re completing the Overland Track, you’ll arrive on day 6 and can spend a final morning relaxing before driving out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cradle Mountain – the northern gateway to the national park and the start of the Overland Track; a 1.5-hour drive north via the winding Lyell Highway.
• Derwent Bridge – a tiny settlement 10 km north of the lake, home to the quirky Wall in the Wilderness woodcarving gallery and the historic Derwent Bridge Hotel.
• Strahan – a charming harbour town on the west coast, about 2 hours west, offering Gordon River cruises and the stunning Henty Dunes.
• Queenstown – a historic mining town with a lunar-like landscape, 1.5 hours west, and a stop on the way to Strahan.
• Hobart – Tasmania’s capital, about 2.5 hours south-east, with its famous Salamanca Market, MONA museum, and Mount Wellington.

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