What is Dove Lake?
Dove Lake is a glacial lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The six-kilometre Dove Lake Circuit is one of Tasmania's most popular walks.
The lake was carved by glaciers during the last ice age. Its dark, clear water reflects Cradle Mountain on calm days.
The circuit takes about two to three hours and passes through rainforest and along the shore.
The Boatshed
A historic timber boatshed on the shore, built in 1940, is one of the most photographed spots.
Visitors reach Dove Lake by shuttle bus from the park visitor centre.
Snow can fall here in any season.
The lake sits about 930 metres above sea level, so mornings can be cold even in summer, and mist often hangs over the water. Ancient King Billy pines and deciduous beech, known as fagus, grow around the shore. In late April and May the fagus turns gold and orange, drawing photographers to the area. Glacier Rock, a large boulder near the car park, offers a classic view of the lake and mountain. Visitors are asked to stay on tracks to protect fragile alpine plants.
Did You Know?
The Dove Lake Circuit is mostly flat, with boardwalks over boggy sections.