Dove Lake

Dove Lake
Cradle Mountain
Dove Lake
Dove Lake
Dove Lake


Marvel at the towering spires of Cradle Mountain as you walk along a boardwalk that skirts the pristine waters of this glacially carved lake.

Dove Lake is one of Tasmania’s best-known natural attractions, its breathtaking scenery drawing visitors from around the world. Snap photographs of the mirror-like waters reflecting the rugged twin peaks of Cradle Mountain and circumnavigate the lake on a tranquil stroll. Walk beneath the ancient canopy of a cool temperate rainforest and see gleaming quartzite rock formations.

Dove Lake is encircled by a walking track and a collection of short trails that branch off to lookouts. Walk up to the shoreline of Dove Lake and take in the stunning views across its expanse. Most of the trail around the lake is a boardwalk and you can walk in either direction. On the northwestern shores, see the historic boatshed. Built in 1940 out of local King Billy pine, this now-vacant boatshed is a popular spot for photographers. Snap a picture of the solitary structure against a backdrop of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding wilderness.

Stop by the geological formation known as Glacier Rock and see if you can spot the evidence of the glacier that passed over the quartzite in the last Ice Age. To the southern end of the lake, find the Ballroom Forest, a breathtaking stand of ancient myrtle-beech trees covered in soft moss. Look for other plant species such as tussock grasses, snow gums and pencil pines. See if you can spot a wombat, pademelon or echidna rustling through the grasses. Have a picnic lunch on the wooden tables dotted around the lake.

The Dove Lake walking circuit is 5.7 kilometres (3.5 miles) one way and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It is suitable for children. Those looking for a longer walk can opt to hike up Cradle Mountain. Be sure to pack plenty of water and warm, weather-appropriate clothes, as temperatures can drop suddenly. Parking and public toilets are available at Dove Lake. The lake is located within Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park and park entry fees apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Cradle Mountain Hotel

Cradle Mountain Hotel

4 out of 5
3718 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, TAS
Cradle Mountain Hotel
Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain

Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain

3 out of 5
Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, TAS
Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

4.5 out of 5
4038 Cradle Mountain Road Tasm, Cradle Mountain, TAS
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain

Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain

3.5 out of 5
Cradle Mountain Road Cradle Mountain, Tas 7306, Cradle Mountain, TAS
Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain
Cradle Highlander

Cradle Highlander

3.5 out of 5
3876 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, TAS
Cradle Highlander
Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat

Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat

4 out of 5
770 Dolcoath Rd Off Cradle Mountain Rd, Moina, TAS
Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat
Cradle Forest Inn

Cradle Forest Inn

4.5 out of 5
1422 Cradle Mountain Road, Moina, TAS
Cradle Forest Inn
Cradle Alpine Retreat

Cradle Alpine Retreat

3.5 out of 5
1429 Cradle Mountain Road, Moina, TAS
Cradle Alpine Retreat
Tullah Lakeside Lodge

Tullah Lakeside Lodge

3 out of 5
Cnr Meredith & Farrell St, Tullah, TAS
Tullah Lakeside Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dove Lake

Dove Lake, nestled in Cradle Mountain, offers an array of activities for visitors, including the renowned circular trail, celebrated as the best nature walk in Tasmania. Wildlife encounters abound, providing an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts. For those seeking more adventure, extended hiking trails are available, alongside various visitor activities that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the area. Don't miss the chance to unwind at a local spa after a day of exploration!

Shopping

The local shopping experience around Dove Lake is quite limited, but you can find some charming gift shops nearby. If you're up for a drive, head to Launceston's shopping precinct, where you'll encounter a variety of boutiques and local markets offering unique souvenirs and artisan crafts.

Recreation

At Mountain Vista Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf with breathtaking views, just 16.2km from Dove Lake. For relaxation, Mural Park offers serene settings and wellness activities, located 16.8km away. Alternatively, unwind at Lake Barrington Nature Recreation Area, 12.4km from Dove Lake, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

The Dove Lake Walk Trailhead offers a scenic hiking experience, located 311m from the lake, surrounded by stunning views. For a longer trek, the Enchanted Nature Walk, 3.1km away, immerses you in enchanting landscapes, while the Overland Track Section 1, 1.2km from Dove Lake, promises breathtaking vistas.

Nightlife

Dove Lake offers a tranquil nightlife atmosphere amidst stunning natural beauty. Enjoy a serene evening at the Cradle Mountain Lodge's Tavern, where you can savour local wines and hearty meals. For a more vibrant experience, join fellow travellers at the nearby Discovery Centre for occasional evening events and talks.

Find the best attractions near Dove Lake

At Dove Lake, visitors can immerse themselves in breathtaking scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures. The area features captivating mountain views, well-preserved reserves, and a visitor centre that provides valuable information. Whether you seek a peaceful stroll or a more vigorous exploration, Dove Lake offers a splendid experience for every nature enthusiast.

  • Cradle Mountain: This iconic mountain, located a mere 1.2km from Dove Lake, offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. Whether you're hiking its rugged trails or simply soaking in the stunning vistas, Cradle Mountain is a nature lover's paradise.
  • Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre: Situated 3.1km away, this centre serves as the gateway to the area. With family-friendly activities and adventure information, it’s an excellent starting point for your exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
  • Crater Lake: Just 497m from Dove Lake, Crater Lake enchants visitors with its serene beauty. Ideal for a romantic stroll or a peaceful picnic, its scenic surroundings make it a perfect outdoor escape.

Best time to go to Dove Lake

The best time to visit Dove Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dove Lake falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dove Lake falls in August, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dove Lake

To save money on your trip to Dove Lake, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May and August to September, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance. Mondays are the least expensive days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter accommodation by budget or eco-friendly options. Additionally, consider booking flight and hotel packages to maximise savings. Explore free activities in the area to further enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dove Lake are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Dove Lake about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dove Lake is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Dove Lake is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Dove Lake with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package deal.