Dove Lake Tours and Activities

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.

Plan a trip to see Dove Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Peppers Silo Hotel
Relbia Lodge
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Popular places to visit


Top Dove Lake Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cradle Mountain Hotel

Cradle Mountain Hotel

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

Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain

3 out of 5
Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, TAS
Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
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, Tasmania, offers a range of activities for tourists. Explore scenic walking trails that showcase stunning views and diverse wildlife, or enjoy a day trip with family and friends. For those seeking adventure, there are mountain biking trails nearby. Additionally, holiday parks provide a great base for your stay, and relaxation options like spas are available to unwind after a day of exploration.

Shopping

Dove Lake offers stunning natural beauty, but for shopping, visit the local shops in Cradle Mountain Village. If you're up for a drive, check out the Devonport Plaza, located 50 kilometres away, which features a variety of retail stores and eateries for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Mountain Vista Golf Club offers a stunning 18-hole golf course surrounded by breathtaking views, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. For tranquillity, Mural Park provides peaceful walking paths and picnic spots, while Lake Barrington Nature Recreation Area invites you to unwind amidst nature with beautiful scenery and recreational activities.

Adventure

Embark on the Dove Lake Walk Trailhead for a scenic hike, located 805m from Dove Lake, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Explore the Enchanted Nature Walk, 8.0km away, for a magical outdoor experience. For a more challenging trek, tackle the Overland Track Section 1 Trailhead, 3.2km from the lake.

Nightlife

Dove Lake offers a serene atmosphere at night, perfect for stargazing under clear Tasmanian skies. While nightlife is limited, nearby Cradle Mountain Lodge features cosy bars and dining experiences, allowing you to unwind with a glass of local wine and enjoy the tranquil wilderness after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dove Lake

At Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, outdoor enthusiasts can explore stunning scenery and engage in adventure activities. Popular attractions include the Dove Lake Circuit, which offers breathtaking views, and the nearby Cradle Mountain. For a unique experience, consider staying at a wilderness retreat just a short drive from Dove Lake, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness.

  • Cradle Mountain: A majestic peak rising dramatically, Cradle Mountain offers stunning vistas and a wealth of outdoor adventures. Enjoy hiking trails that wind through ancient forests and around glacial lakes, providing breathtaking scenery at every turn.
  • Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre: Your gateway to the region, this visitor centre provides valuable information and resources for families and adventurers alike. Engage with interactive displays and plan your outdoor activities while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding area.
  • Crater Lake: A picturesque spot just a short walk from Dove Lake, Crater Lake features tranquil waters surrounded by lush forests. Perfect for a romantic picnic or a peaceful stroll, it showcases the area's natural beauty and serenity.

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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
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 on your trip to Dove Lake, consider visiting in the cheaper months of May and August to September, while booking about a month in advance usually yields the best hotel rates. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Mondays, which are the cheapest days to stay. You can also customise your search to find eco-friendly options and package deals that combine flights with accommodation for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities like hiking around the stunning lake, which offers breathtaking views without costing a cent.

  • 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 lets you customise your travel experience by choosing your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can easily organise your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest prices, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Dove Lake hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.