Dove Lake circuit, Cradle Mountain

From the Dove Lake shuttle stop, walk down to the shore and go round the lake clockwise. The track follows the east side below Glacier Rock, a smooth slab of rock with a view up the lake to Cradle Mountain. At the south end it enters the Ballroom Forest, a dark pocket of myrtle beech, moss and ferns at the foot of the mountain. It comes back along the west shore, past the weathered boatshed built in 1940, to the car park.

It is 5.9 km round with 176 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a well-made track with long stretches of boardwalk, some steps and short rises.

The weather here changes fast, even in summer, so take warm and waterproof layers. Keep to the track and boardwalks to protect the plants. The lake is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Dove Lake Road is closed to private cars while the shuttle runs (8.15 am to 5.30 pm in October and November): park at the visitor centre and take the shuttle. Adults pay $15.50 for it unless they hold a Cradle Mountain icon pass or Overland Track pass. A Tasmanian parks pass is also needed.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.