Top 13 Lakes in Tasmania

Tasmania boasts several highly popular lakes. Among them, Dove Lake is a glacial lake nestled beneath Cradle Mountain, famous for its scenic 6 km circuit track. Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest freshwater lake, is another must-see, offering spectacular scenery and marking the end of the renowned Overland Track. Great Lake, the highest lake in Australia, is a prime destination for anglers, especially for trout fishing.

Yes, Tasmania offers several family-friendly lake experiences. Fortescue Bay and Honeymoon Bay are both listed as family-friendly, offering beach access and scenic views. Additionally, the Tamar Island Wetlands provides an accessible boardwalk experience, perfect for families to observe wildlife.

Tasmania's lakes are surrounded by diverse natural features. You'll find glacial landscapes, high dolerite cliffs, buttongrass plains, alpine heath, and temperate rainforests. Many lakes offer stunning reflections of nearby peaks, such as at Lake Lilla. Unique geological formations like the vivid aqua blue Little Blue Lake, a former mine hole, also dot the landscape.

The best time to visit Tasmania's lakes generally depends on your preferred activities. Summer (December to February) offers warmer temperatures ideal for hiking and water activities. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) provide pleasant weather for walking with fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colours. Winter (June to August) can be cold and snowy, especially in higher altitudes, but offers a unique, serene beauty for those prepared for the conditions.

Absolutely. Many lakes in Tasmania are focal points for excellent hiking. The 6 km circuit track around Dove Lake is very popular, offering diverse scenery and views of Cradle Mountain. Lake St Clair is the southern end of the multi-day Overland Track and offers a range of walks from leisurely strolls to overnight bushwalks. For more hiking options, you can explore various running and hiking trails in Tasmania.

The areas around Tasmania's lakes are rich in native wildlife. Near Lake St Clair, for example, you might spot Bennetts wallabies, pademelons, wombats, echidnas, quolls, and platypuses. The diverse ecosystems, from alpine heath to temperate rainforests, provide habitats for a variety of bird species and other marsupials.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in many Tasmanian lakes. Great Lake, located in the Central Highlands, is particularly renowned for its excellent trout fishing, especially for brown trout. Fly-fishing enthusiasts from around the world are drawn to its waters.

Yes, some lakes have historical significance, particularly related to Tasmania's mining and hydro-electric past. Little Blue Lake, for instance, is a unique result of pioneering mining days, originally a mine hole. Great Lake's current expansive size was also significantly influenced by the construction of Miena Dam #2 in 1922, expanding its natural form for hydro-electric purposes.

For panoramic views of the lake country, consider visiting Crater Peak Lookout, which offers excellent vistas of lakes and mountains. Another great spot is the Bench With View of Four Lakes, providing a perfect break point with expansive scenery before climbing Marion's Lookout.

While specific routes directly around the lakes may vary, Tasmania offers numerous road cycling opportunities. You can find various road cycling routes across Tasmania, ranging from moderate to challenging, that may take you through scenic areas near some of the region's beautiful waterways.

Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon are significant as they form the biggest water-storage catchment in Australia. Lake Pedder is a large man-made impoundment that is part of the Upper Gordon River Hydro-Electric Scheme, highlighting Tasmania's history of harnessing its natural resources for power generation.

Yes, for those seeking a more remote experience, Lake Geeves is located deep within the World Heritage Area of southwest Tasmania, at the foot of Federation Peak. Lake Rhona, described as a 'tiny circular sea' fringed by quartzite sand and walled by the Denison Ranges, is another remarkable sight accessible by an overnight hike, offering a truly secluded natural encounter.