Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the beauty of Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park on the 11km Echo Point Track. Starting at Lake St Clair Visitors Centre, this Grade 3 one-way trail takes about 3 hours to traverse, winding through lush, biodiverse rainforest and offering peeks at Australia's deepest lake. The serene Echo Point, with its quaint walkers' hut, invites a peaceful break before hopping on a pre-booked ferry back to Cynthia Bay. Closest to Derwent Bridge, this trail promises a rewarding bushwalk full of natural wonder and quiet reflection.

Length:

11km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 792m

Min elevation: 744m

Total Ascent: 403m

Start: Lake St Clair Visitors Centre

End: Echo Point

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Derwent Bridge

From state capital: 180km

Latitude: -42.043594058004004

Longitude: 146.13834229619786

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Hike overview

Tucked away three-quarters of the way up Lake St Clair lies Echo Point, home to a modest walkers' hut surrounded by dense, moss-covered rainforest. This serene spot features a small jetty, providing the perfect opportunity to combine a hike with a ferry trip back to Cynthia Bay (advance bookings are essential). The 11-kilometre one-way trail hugs the lakeshore, weaving through lush rainforest and offering glimpses of the pristine lake waters. Towering across the lake is Mount Ida, a striking peak shaped by ancient glaciers that carved through the landscape on either side, leaving behind the deep hollow now filled by Lake St Clair.

Echo Point Track is a grade 3 hike in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and typically takes about three hours to complete. Starting at Cynthia Bay, the trail leads you through cool temperate rainforest, a haven for unique Tasmanian plant species. Many of these plants are descendants of Gondwanan flora, with their closest relatives found in far-flung places like New Zealand and Chile. The rainforest provides a lush, tranquil environment rich in biodiversity, making the walk a delightful experience for nature lovers.

Lake St Clair itself is Australia’s deepest lake and a remarkable legacy of the Ice Ages. The glaciers that shaped the lake also sculpted much of the surrounding highlands, creating a stunning backdrop for the walk. Whether you're soaking in the quiet beauty of the rainforest, marvelling at the geological history, or enjoying a ferry cruise across the lake, the Echo Point Track offers a peaceful and rewarding way to experience this pristine wilderness.

This hike can be completed as a one-way journey in either direction. You can start at the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre and walk to Echo Point, then take a return ferry from Echo Point to Cynthia Bay. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from Cynthia Bay to Echo Point and walk back along the shoreline.

For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania

Tips

20 minutes by ferry and then 3 hours walk to return (11km one way)
Park entry fees apply. Ferry charges apply
Bush toilet at Echo Point. Restaurant and facilities at Cynthia Bay.
No hilly sections; track is mostly dry under foot but some wet patches after rain. Take care with your footing due to tree roots.
Supervise children , tracks subject to severe weather conditions all year round, weather may change quickly, tracks are difficult to navigate when covered in snow and may be impassable.
No pets, firearms or bicycles.

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Walk map and GPX file
Echo Point Track (11km)

Total distance: 10826 m
Max elevation: 792 m
Min elevation: 744 m
Total climbing: 403 m
Total descent: -398 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Lake St Clair is conveniently located about 2.5 hours from both Hobart and Launceston. From Hobart, take the A10 Lyell Highway, and from Launceston, follow the B11 Marlborough Highway before joining the A10. At Derwent Bridge, turn right onto Lake St Clair Road (C193) and continue to the visitor centre at Cynthia Bay, which serves as the starting point for many walks, including the Shadow Lake Circuit.

If travelling in the evening, please exercise extra caution. Tasmania’s reserves are home to abundant native wildlife, and animals are often active near roads at night. Slow down, stay alert, and help protect the unique fauna of the area.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Burnie, Cradle Mountain, Deloraine, Derwent Bridge, Devonport, Dove Lake, Lake St Clair, Launceston, Moina, Mole Creek, Queenstown, Rosebery, Sheffield, Strahan, Tullah, Waratah

About the region

Exploring Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, located in the heart of Tasmania, is an extraordinary destination within the Tasmanian World Heritage Area. Just over two hours’ drive (150 km) from Launceston and around four hours (250 km) from Hobart, this park is celebrated for its striking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy the serenity of nature, this park has something to offer.

The park is a showcase of nature's diversity, from glacial lakes and alpine moorlands to dense rainforests and dramatic peaks. Its seasonal transformations are equally captivating. Winter blankets the terrain with snow, while autumn brings vibrant hues as the deciduous fagus turns shades of yellow, orange, and red. In spring, the bushland comes alive with joeys and echidnas, while summer invites visitors to wade into crystal-clear lakes framed by blooming wildflowers.

Cradle Mountain itself is an icon of the park, offering a network of walking tracks for all levels. Easy strolls take you through lush forests and past tranquil streams, while more challenging hikes, such as the renowned Overland Track, traverse rugged terrain. Spanning 80 kilometres and typically completed in 5-6 days, the Overland Track is a must for experienced bushwalkers, offering a journey through breathtaking alpine scenery. For those who prefer shorter walks, the park’s well-maintained trails make exploring its wonders accessible to everyone.

Lake St Clair, situated at the southern end of the park, is equally enchanting. Known as leeawuleena—‘sleeping water’—by the Aboriginal people, the lake exudes tranquillity, particularly on calm days when its glassy surface reflects the surrounding landscape. Lake St Clair is the endpoint of the Overland Track, making it a rewarding finish line for hikers who’ve traversed the park’s diverse terrain.

Beyond the iconic multi-day hike, Lake St Clair offers an array of bushwalks and trails. Short tracks wind through ancient rainforests, while longer paths lead to stunning mountain summits and secluded alpine lakes. Each trail promises an immersive experience, with the chance to encounter wildlife like wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and the distinctive black currawong along the way.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park combines natural beauty, adventure, and opportunities for reflection, ensuring every visit is unforgettable. Whether you're seeking an adventurous hike, a casual walk, or a family-friendly outing, this park provides it all.

Want to find the best trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Echo Point Track (11km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Echo Point Track (11km)