Dove Lake

A pristine alpine lake within Cradle Mountain National Park offering a spectacular 6-kilometre circuit walk with reflections of Cradle Mountain and surrounding peaks. The easy walk with extraordinary scenic beauty makes it accessible to most visitors and unforgettable.

Things to do

• Dove Lake Circuit Walk — Complete the iconic 6-kilometre loop around the lake with unobstructed views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the pristine water.
• Cradle Mountain Summit Hike — Tackle the challenging 5.5-kilometre ascent from the lake to the 1,545-metre peak for panoramic alpine vistas across Tasmania.
• Photography at Wombat Pool — Capture mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks at this scenic viewpoint along the eastern shore of Dove Lake.
• Pencil Pine Falls Walk — Explore the nearby 2-kilometre rainforest walk to cascading waterfalls featuring ancient Huon pines and cool mountain streams.
• Wildlife Spotting — Watch for native wombats, wallabies, echidnas, and Tasmanian birds like kookaburras and wedge-tailed eagles along the circuit.
• Lakeside Picnicking — Rest at designated picnic areas along the walk while enjoying local produce with views of Cradle Mountain.

Food to try

• Tasmanian Highland Beef — Grass-fed beef from high-altitude pastures around Cradle Mountain, known for its exceptional quality and flavour.
• Local Trout and Mountain Char — Freshwater fish caught from the surrounding alpine lakes and streams, often served at nearby lodges and cafés.
• Tasmanian Berries and Jams — Wild raspberries, blackcurrants, and local berry preserves produced in the region and sold at visitor facilities.
• Mountain Spring Water — Pure alpine water sourced directly from Cradle Mountain springs, bottled locally and available throughout the park.
• Tasmanian Whisky — Award-winning single malt whisky produced in nearby distilleries using pristine mountain water from the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Aboriginal Heritage — Dove Lake sits on Palawa Country; acknowledge the traditional custodians and follow guidelines for respectful cultural observation.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — Alpine conditions can shift dramatically within hours, so bring layers and waterproof clothing regardless of forecast.
• Leave No Trace — Pack out all rubbish and stay on marked trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem and preserve the pristine environment.
• Early Start is Essential — Begin walks early to secure parking, avoid crowds, and ensure adequate daylight for safe completion of the circuit.