Dove Lake

Dove Lake is a glacial cirque lake at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in north-west Tasmania, within the Kentish local government area near Cradle Mountain. Situated directly beneath Cradle Mountain at about 934 metres elevation, it is renowned for the 6-kilometre Dove Lake Circuit walk, reflective waters, ancient rainforest and alpine scenery. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it is one of Tasmania's most photographed natural attractions.

Visitors can expect a pristine glacial lake set directly below the dolerite peaks of Cradle Mountain, surrounded by alpine moorland, button grass, myrtle-beech rainforest and quartzite mountains. A well-formed 6 km circuit track encircles the lake with boardwalks, beaches, viewing platforms and sections through the Ballroom Forest. The area offers clear reflections of Cradle Mountain on calm days, wildlife such as wombats and pademelons, and access to further walks to Glacier Rock, Lake Lilla and Marion's Lookout.

Dove Lake was formed by glacial action during the last ice age. The surrounding area was reserved as Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in 1922 following advocacy by Gustav Weindorfer and others. The park was later included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area inscribed in 1982 for its natural and cultural values.

The Cradle Mountain area lies within the traditional lands of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and holds significance for its natural heritage. The lake and national park are valued for conservation, recreation and education, and are an iconic symbol of Tasmania's wilderness.