03 6330 3717
Dove Lake Mountain

Overview

The most com­plete and effort­less way to expe­ri­ence Dove Lake in a sin­gle guid­ed journey.

Dis­cov­er one of Tasmania’s most icon­ic World Her­itage land­scapes on a ful­ly guid­ed day expe­ri­ence from Launceston.

This is more than a vis­it to Cra­dle Moun­tain, it is a struc­tured jour­ney through alpine wilder­ness, rain­for­est, and glacial scenery, with expert guid­ance bring­ing the land­scape to life along the way.

Walk the famous Dove Lake Cir­cuit with your guide and expe­ri­ence the high­lights of this extra­or­di­nary nation­al park with con­text, sto­ries, and inter­pre­ta­tion you won’t get on your own.

Detailed Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change without notice.

  • Day 1: Dove Lake Circuit - Cradle Mountain

    MORNING DEPARTURE FROM LAUNCESTON

    Your day begins with an early morning departure from Launceston as you leave the city behind and head into Tasmania's central highlands. As we travel through rolling farmland and rural towns your guide will share local stories and Tasmanian history before stopping in Sheffield, The Town of Murals.

    A short break here gives you time to stretch, explore and experience the township where the artwork tells the stories of the region's heritage and community before continuing into the mountains.

    JOURNEY INTO THE CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK

    From Sheffield, the landscape begins to change as you climb into alpine terrain.

    Travel through ancient rainforest, dramatic gorges, and button grass plains as you enter the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park.

    Dove Lake Guided Circuit Walk

    On arrival at Cradle Mountain, join your guide for a fully guided 6km Dove Lake circuit walk; one of Tasmania’s most famous short walks.

    This is a carefully curated route designed to showcase the very best of the park, including:

    • Iconic views of Cradle Mountain
    • Peaceful alpine lakeshores
    • Ancient Ballroom Forest
    • Unique flora, fauna, and glacial landscapes

    Along the way, your guide brings the landscape to life with stories, interpretation, and local knowledge - turning a scenic walk into a meaningful experience.

    Free Time at Cradle Mountain

    After the guided walk, enjoy time to relax, take photos, or explore the visitor area at your own pace. Take in the alpine scenery and reflect on one of Tasmania’s most remarkable natural environments.

    RETURN JOURNEY FROM CRADLE MOUNTAIN

    On the journey back to Launceston, stop once again in Sheffield, where you can enjoy a relaxed end to the day in this creative rural township.

    Depending on availability and day of travel, you may visit:

    • Sheffield Honey Farm — Tasmanian honey products and tastings
    • Or explore the township’s famous outdoor murals and main street
    • Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm Cheese — local cheese tastings and produce

    This is a chance to unwind, stretch your legs, and experience a final taste of Tasmania’s local food culture before returning to Launceston.

    Return to Launceston

    Arrive back in Launceston in the early evening after a full day exploring one of Tasmania’s most iconic landscapes and rural regions.


    TOUR NOTES

    Approximate walking time: 4 hours including stops and free time

    A picnic style lunch is provided as part of the tour. This will be issued to you prior to the walk; please ensure you have a suitable bag to take this with you. Ensure you read through the walk safety guidelines and requirements prior to booking this tour (Dove Lake | Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania)

    IMPORTANT: this track is noted at a Grade 3 for hiking; some bushwalking experience is recommended. Tracks during the walk may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Please ensure you have an adequate fitness level to complete the walk for your own safety.

Tour Highlights

  • Dove Lake Circuit
  • Sheffield Township
  • Cradle Mountain
  • Glacier Rock and the Boat Shed

DEPART­ING LAUNCESTON

Pick-up points, where you will meet our coach:

  • 7.30am Hotel Grand Chan­cel­lor Launceston
  • 7.45am Launce­s­ton Backpackers


Tour: The dura­tion of the walk is approx­i­mate­ly 4hrs includ­ing lunch.
Grade 3: Some bush­walk­ing expe­ri­ence rec­om­mend­ed. Tracks may have short steep hill sec­tions, a rough sur­face and many steps.

Walk­er safe­ty: Dove Lake | Parks & Wildlife Ser­vice Tas­ma­nia
Weath­er con­di­tions in Tas­ma­nia can change quick­ly and fre­quent­ly, espe­cial­ly in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all pos­si­ble at any time of the year, and bush­fires can occur between Octo­ber and March.

Impor­tant: please observe all track signs – they are pro­vid­ed for your safe­ty. Always stay on the formed walk­ing tracks, this is both for your own safe­ty and to pro­tect the sen­si­tive alpine environment. 

It is at the dis­cre­tion of the tour guide to deny a pas­sen­ger par­tic­i­pa­tion due to the phys­i­cal demands of the walk. Should this be the case, the pas­sen­ger will be trans­ferred to par­tic­i­pate in the Park Explor­er Tour at pas­sen­gers own expense.

  • Tour does not oper­ate on Christ­mas Day
  • Com­fort­able stur­dy walk­ing shoes
  • Wet weath­er jack­ets and warm cloth­ing is rec­om­mend­ed, wet weath­er pants are optional
  • Hat, sun­glass­es, sunscreen
  • Please note does NOT include Launce­s­ton Air­port pick up or drop off

Key Details

Inclusions

  • Return transport from Launceston
  • Guided Cradle Mountain experience
  • Commentary and interpretation throughout
  • Dove Lake 6km guided circuit
  • National Park Entry
  • Hikers Lunch Pack

Not Included

  • Accommodation

Payment Terms

  • Full payment is required to book this tour
  • Tours can be purchased at the Cradle Mountain Office

A good level of fitness is required to complete this circuit for your own safety.

This tour operates in all weather conditions, unless cancelled by the tour operator. Wind, rain and snow can occur anytime of the year.