What to do in Lake St Clair Tasmania
Located in Tasmania’s pristine central highlands, Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest glacial freshwater lake, forms the southern area of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. Lake St Clair was formed by glacial movement in the last ice age, like much of Tasmania’s beautiful scenery. Lake St Clair is the destination of the world renowned 65km (6 day) Overland track which begins in Ronny Creek (Cradle Valley) and is considered to be one of Australia’s top walks.
Stay at the Lake St Clair Tourist Park… with views right from the lake’s edge
Road access to the area is limited to the southern end of the lake, so if you’re not up for a multi-day bush walk but would still love to experience the beauty of this region you can head to the Lake St Clair visitor centre which forms part of the Lake St Clair Tourist Park. The Tourist Park also includes a range of accommodation options including the Lake St Clair Lodge, powered and un-powered campsites and a bunkhouse. From here you’re right on the lake’s edge and you can easily take one of the relaxing day walks or take the ferry across the lake to Pumphouse Bay and enjoy a 3hr bushwalk back to the tourist park – or return with the ferry.
Lake St Clair is home to many Tasmanian natives… stay overnight to catch sights of wallabies, pademelons and wombats
If you want to catch some of Tasmania’s wildlife we recommend you stay overnight as you’re most likely to catch wallabies, pademelons and wombats at dusk or dawn. If you’re taking a stroll, there’s a good chance you might also spot an echidna or platypus as these are regularly seen during daylight hours. If you’re a fishing enthusiast (be it spinning, trolling or fly-fishing), make sure you throw in your rod and reel – boating is also permitted.
Please note that you must ensure you have purchased the necessary National Park Pass when visiting Lake St Clair. For more info or to purchase a pass please visit the NATIONAL PARK PARKS PASSES WEBSITE.
Things to do around Lake St Clair Tasmania
Lake St Clair Ferry
Even if you’re not doing the overland track you can take a ride on the ferry during the summer months between Cynthia Bay and Narcissus Hut.
Lake St Clair World Heritage Cruise
Get a different perspective on the beauty of Lake St Clair and the natural beauty of the dolerite ridges that form parts of Mt Byron, Mt Olympus and the Traveller Range.
Hiking/Bushwalking Trails
There are a range of bushwalking and hiking trails that depart from the visitor centre, these range from an easy 45 minute walk to a summit walk of around 4 hours.
Mountain Bike Trails
If you’re planning to hire some mountain bikes from AutoRent, there’s some great mountain bike rides you can do from the visitor centre at Lake St Clair.
Lake St Clair Tasmania Campervan & Motorhome Parks
Lake St Clair Tourist Park
There are powered and un-powered campsites available at the Lake St Clair Tourist Park. However, they are only suitable for small to medium campervans – with sites up to 9m in length. Please double check with AutoRent if you’re not sure whether the vehicle you are renting will fit.
Travel Times & Distances to Lake St Clair Tasmania
From Devonport: app. 2 hours 30 minutes – 180kms
From Launceston: app. 2 hours 30 minutes – 175kms