Formed more than 10,000 years ago by glaciers, Lake St Clair is Australia's deepest and is found at the southern end of Tasmania's World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Sheer dolerite cliffs rise up steeply from the 200 metre deep waters and the lake is surrounded by forest, providing stunning scenery.
Fishing and boating are allowed on the lake and a Visitors Centre nearby at Cynthia Bay provides information on the lake's geology, history and wildlife.
Lake St Clair is also the starting (or finishing point) for a demanding 5 to 8 day long trek through the national park called the Overland Track, which links Lake St Clair and
Cradle Mountain to the north. The walk takes in Tasmania's highest peak, Mt Ossa, highland glacial lakes and waterfalls, alpine shrubbery, tall forests and ice-carved crags and pandanus, beech and antarctic ferns.
Be warned that the weather can change from clear blue skies to rain and cold conditions very quickly. It is best to wear layers of clothing and bring wet-weather protection.
Lake St Clair can be reached from
Hobart along the A10 via
Derwent Bridge in around 2 hours.
Image credit: Early morning at Lake St Clair, Brenda Hallandal
Things to do:
Visitors Centre - at Cynthia Bay for registration for walks and tourist information
Cruises/Ferry Service - from Cynthia Bay, 20 km return voyage to northern end of Lake St Clair, 3 times daily (seasonal), $25 adults, $20 child
Fishing - for wild brown trout or take a guided fishing tour, fishing licences required
Sports - canoes, dinghies and bicycles can be hired
Wildlife watching - see red-necked wallaby, pademelon, echidna, platypus, strong-billed honeyeaters, black-headed honeyeaters and yellow wattlebird
In the area:
Overland Track - registration required at Visitors Centre
Short Walks - day walk maps can be acquired at the Visitors Centre
