The Dove Lake Circuit and Marions Lookout hike is a great intro to Cradle Mountain area. It will take you around Dove Lake and then up to Marions Lookout On a good day the views are absolutely breathtaking.
Start at Dove Lake Carpark then head left to start the circuit around the lake. Continue along this, take time to check the view from Glacier Point. Then shortly after this you will see the junction to either head up to Hansons Peak or continue along the Dove Lake trail. Head right. The trail then follows around the Lake. Take time to admire the views. At roughly halfway around the Lake you will see the junction to head up Lake Wills. Disregard this and continue right to take the Dove Lake circuit.
When you see the turnoff to your left to Marions Lookout take this. From here it heads very, very steeply uphill and requires rock scrambling for most of the way. It is very steep going, but the view is well worth it. Make sure you take the left at the junction near to the top to take you to the lookout.
Once you have admired the stunning views retrace your steps back down to Dove Lake. When you reach the Lake circuit go left. After you pass the famous Boat Shed take the junction to the right to return to the car park.
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. You could do Marions Lookout first. Either way is very enjoyable.
- 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: 9940 m
Max elevation: 1202 m
Min elevation: 938 m
Total climbing: 791 m
Total descent: -791 m
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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.
From the Village either take the Shuttle Bus or drive all the way to the Dove Lake Carpark.
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.
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
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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.
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 Lake Circuit & Marions Lookout Hike (10km)”
was there in April, Dove Lake – Lookout. Already planning on coming back next year ?
Oliver Bonaccorso ¸
This looks great ?