The Dove Canyon trail is a superb hike that is often overlooked by visitors to the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, but it is definitely worth doing. It provides beautiful waterfalls, bush, a little rock scrambling, a canyon and some open areas. In many ways it is a compression of many of the features of the Park. At least, it is worth doing when the weather is bad around the mountain area.
Park at the Interpretation Centre then take the footpath to return across the bridge. The trail starts opposite the shop. Follow this, and make sure you take the short diversions to view the Pencil and Knyvet Falls.
After roughly 3km since the beginning you will arrive at the Canyon. The trail hugs the side, and involves some short but steep rock scrambles.
After the canyon the trail will soon open up. Follow this until you reach the junction after roughly 4.5km. Take the right back to the carpark.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- The circuit can be taken either way, but as written means you will be going up the rock scrambling sections. If you prefer to take those down then take the opposite way.
- Ensure you know the weather forecast for the day and be prepared for any conditions as the weather is very unpredictable at all times of the year.
- Hiking poles will be very useful for this.
Total distance: 6301 m
Max elevation: 874 m
Min elevation: 729 m
Total climbing: 284 m
Total descent: -284 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Cradle Mountain lies at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is 1 1/2 hours from Devonport via the B19 and B14 south to Sheffield, then C136 and C132 to the park entrance.
From Launceston, it is a 2 1/2 hour drive on the Bass Highway (A1), then the signposted route via B13 and C156 through Sheffield.
From the west, drive 2 hours along the A10 and C132 from Queenstown or 1 1/2 hours from Burnie via B18 through Ridgley, then the A10 and C132 to reach the park.
There is no direct road link through the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park to join the two ends of the park. Visitors may most easily reach Lake St Clair via the Cradle Link Road (C132) and the Muchison and Lyell Highways (A10).
Drive up the road to reach the Interpretation Centre, this is shortly after the Lodge after the bridge.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania (Australia), 165 kilometres northwest of Hobart. The park contains many walking trails, and is where hikes along the well-known Overland Track usually begin. Major features are Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff in the northern end, Mount Pelion East, Mount Pelion West, Mount Oakleigh and Mount Ossa in the middle and Lake St Clair in the southern end of the park. The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Favourite
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Favourite
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Favourite
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Favourite
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews on “Dove Canyon Hike (6.3km)”
Mark Goodwin one for the list
Pippa Elle
Van Diemens