Craclair Tasmania - Walking Tours

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Lake St. Clair Explorer - 4 days - Easy

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An exciting experience at Australia’s deepest lake...

Spectacular mountains, pristine wilderness and unique flora and fauna await you on this walk. During our 4-day exploratory walk we visit Lake St. Clair located at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park. Carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, this is the deepest lake in Australia and the headwaters of the Derwent River, upon which the capital city of Tasmania is located. Visiting old growth forests of Myrtles, Eucalyptus and Sassafras, Surrounded by the dolerite -mountains of Mount Olympus, Mont Rufus, Mount Ida this is truly a fantastic wilderness experience. The area around Lake St Clair offers a wealth of walks, ranging from leisurely strolls to overnight bushwalks, as well as beautiful forests to explore. Lake St Clair is also the end point of the famous Overland Track a long-distance walk which runs from Cradle Mountain in the north to Cynthia Bay on the southern shore of Lake St Clair.

Lake St Clair is the source of the Derwent River, which eventually wends its way to Hobart and is also Australia's deepest natural freshwater lake with its depth of 200 metres. Lake St Clair is also known by its Aboriginal name of Leeawuleena which means "sleeping water."

Day 1 Launceston to Lake St. Clair

We meet at Mountain Designs at 8.30am for group briefing and outfitting, before departing for our accommodation nestled in the wilderness of Derwent Bridge passing the Great Lake on the way. After settling into our cabin accommodation there is the chance to travel down the road for a stroll along the shoreline of Lake King William. Returning to our accommodation for dinner.

Day 2 Mount Rufus Circuit Track

We spend a full day walking today on the Mt. Rufus circuit where we are met with incredible 360 degree views of the Du Cane Range, Mt. Olympus and deep into the ranges of the southwest national park. The return to Cynthia bay follows groves of Tasmanian Snowgums and Pandanis down to Shadow Lake. After rest stop at Shadow Lake we continue down to Watersmeet at the shore of Lake St. Clair the back to our Overnight accommodation at Derwent Bridge for hearty meal.

Day 3 Gould Plateau Track

Today we take the morning ferry from Cynthia Bay to the top end of Lake St Clair to a beautiful bay called Narcissus, based at the foot of Mount Olympus. Departing the Ferry we are spoilt for choices of walks. We can walk back down the western side of the lake back to Cynthia Bay amongst towering rainforest with opening views stretching across the lake. Another great choice is the walk up onto Gould’s Plateau with its far-reaching views into the Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park, returning on the late afternoon ferry. Last but by no means is least the walk to Lake Marion once again returning on the late afternoon ferry to Cynthia Bay.

Day 4 Lake St. Clair to Launceston via Liffey Falls and Devil Park

4 days from Launceston

Grading Easy

3 nights cabin accommodation