Dove Lake Boatshed

4.8
(684)
•
4.8
(10)
4.8
(684)
•
4.8
(10)
•#10 on "The 15 best things to do with kids in Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park"
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About

Nestled in the stunning Cradle Mountain region, Dove Lake Boatshed is a must-visit for any nature lover or photography enthusiast. This charming old boatshed serves as a picturesque focal point against the backdrop of majestic mountains and serene waters. The walk around Dove Lake, which typically takes 2-3 hours, offers breathtaking views at every turn, making it easy to lose track of time while snapping countless photos.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Capture breathtaking photos of Dove Lake with its tranquil waters and Cradle Mountain in the background
    2. 2
  2. Enjoy easy walks around the lake suitable for visitors of all fitness levels
    3. 3
  3. Experience the mesmerizing beauty of nature and its unpredictability
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Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
We decided to first walk the Dove Lake circuit - about 6km and takes 2 to 3 hours (about 6 km). We circled the lake and walked at the base of Cradle Mountain. It was fantastic. We finished the trail at the boat shed - which was built by Lionel Connell, the first ranger stationed at Cradle Mountain in 1940. It is the iconic image of the lake and park.
A very beautiful place. Unpredictable weather, get all your gears, a waterproof jacket, water, (with the strength of the wind am umbrella would probably not be very useful). We were lucky to witness some light snow in October.
This place is amazing So peaceful and quiet the day we went up there. I've always wanted to visit the iconic boatshed at Dove Lake. And WOW..... You can walk up to boatshed But we recommend you catch the buses from vistor centre. Clean toilets up there when you get off bus. Plenty of parking at vistor centre.
We decided to first walk the Dove Lake circuit - about 6km and takes 2 to 3 hours (about 6 km). We circled the lake and walked at the base of Cradle Mountain. It was fantastic. We finished the trail at the boat shed - which was built by Lionel Connell, the first ranger stationed at Cradle Mountain in 1940. It is the iconic image of the lake and park.
A very beautiful place. Unpredictable weather, get all your gears, a waterproof jacket, water, (with the strength of the wind am umbrella would probably not be very useful). We were lucky to witness some light snow in October.
This place is amazing So peaceful and quiet the day we went up there. I've always wanted to visit the iconic boatshed at Dove Lake. And WOW..... You can walk up to boatshed But we recommend you catch the buses from vistor centre. Clean toilets up there when you get off bus. Plenty of parking at vistor centre.
See all reviews
Map
Address
Cradle Mountain TAS 7306, Australia
Website
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1318
Hours
SuSunday: Open 24 hours
MoMonday: Open 24 hours
TuTuesday: Open 24 hours
WeWednesday: Open 24 hours
ThThursday: Open 24 hours
FrFriday: Open 24 hours
SaSaturday: Open 24 hours
Cradle Mountain TAS 7306, Australia
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
SuSunday: Open 24 hours
MoMonday: Open 24 hours
TuTuesday: Open 24 hours
WeWednesday: Open 24 hours
ThThursday: Open 24 hours
FrFriday: Open 24 hours
SaSaturday: Open 24 hours
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1318

Know before you go

  • Purchase shuttle bus tickets from the visitor center for a smoother visit
  • Consider shorter walks if you prefer not to commit to the full circuit around Dove Lake
  • Be prepared with sun protection, good walking shoes, water, camera gear, and warm clothing if visiting in winter
  • Check for any required passes like national park entry fees before boarding the shuttle bus

Reviews

Dove Lake Boatshed is a must-visit spot in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, offering stunning views of the serene Dove Lake and the majestic mountain backdrop. Visitors highly recommend taking the shuttle bus from the visitor center for a smooth experience. The walk around the lake is accessible to all fitness levels, with options for shorter walks or a full circuit that takes 2-3 hours. Reviewers mention the unpredictable yet fascinating beauty of Mother Nature at this location and highlight it as an ideal place for photography enthusiasts.
Review score
4.8
out of 5
Exceptional
684 reviews
From Google
Review score
4.8
out of 5
Few reviews
10 reviews
From Tripadvisor
5 stars
555
4 stars
111
3 stars
16
2 stars
0
1 star
2
5/5Norm P
•
Jun 1, 2025 from
Google
We decided to first walk the Dove Lake circuit - about 6km and takes 2 to 3 hours (about 6 km). We circled the lake and walked at the base of Cradle Mountain. It was fantastic. We finished the trail at the boat shed - which was built by Lionel Connell, the first ranger stationed at Cradle Mountain in 1940. It is the iconic image of the lake and park.
5/5Chanda
•
Oct 14, 2025 from
Google
A very beautiful place. Unpredictable weather, get all your gears, a waterproof jacket, water, (with the strength of the wind am umbrella would probably not be very useful). We were lucky to witness some light snow in October.
5/5Jason S
•
Nov 4, 2025 from
Google
This place is amazing So peaceful and quiet the day we went up there. I've always wanted to visit the iconic boatshed at Dove Lake. And WOW..... You can walk up to boatshed But we recommend you catch the buses from vistor centre. Clean toilets up there when you get off bus. Plenty of parking at vistor centre.
4/5Brad
•
May 20, 2025 from
Google
This is a landmark of Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain National Park. The boat shed was built by Lionel Connell, the first ranger stationed at Cradle Mountain in 1940. Now it stands on the shore, providing visitors with an iconic image of the lake and park. You can walk to the boat shed with is around 10 minutes from the Dove Lake facilities. It is also along the Dove Lake Circuit track (6.2 km) if you intend to complete this trail during your time in the park.
5/5B S
•
Sep 10, 2025 from
Google
Only 10min return walk from Cradle 365 Photo holder. Can be quite slippery and steep when there's ice, but view is amazing!!
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Map
Address
Cradle Mountain TAS 7306, Australia
Website
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1318
Hours
SuSunday: Open 24 hours
MoMonday: Open 24 hours
TuTuesday: Open 24 hours
WeWednesday: Open 24 hours
ThThursday: Open 24 hours
FrFriday: Open 24 hours
SaSaturday: Open 24 hours
Cradle Mountain TAS 7306, Australia
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
SuSunday: Open 24 hours
MoMonday: Open 24 hours
TuTuesday: Open 24 hours
WeWednesday: Open 24 hours
ThThursday: Open 24 hours
FrFriday: Open 24 hours
SaSaturday: Open 24 hours
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1318