Lake St Clair, also known by its Aboriginal name Leeawulennaby, is the deepest freshwater lake in Australia sculpted by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years. It is a natural freshwater lake located in Tasmania, Australia with a distance of 3 kilometres transversely, 15 kilometres long with a maximum depth of 215 metres.
Lake St Clair is the point from where River Derwent begins, and Narcissus River, Cuvier River, and Hamilton Creek help in the growth of the lake. The Aboriginal name of the lake means ‘sleeping water’, and the name truly justifies itself as you will immediately notice the calmness of the lake when you’re visiting it.
To reach the lake, you should take the route to the west of Hobart via the Lyell Highway, then from Derwent Bridge a right onto the Lake St Clair Road road straight to Cynthia Bay. The lake forms the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
The lake has the most panoramic surroundings, with a striking background painted with steep mountains, a thick forest of pines and glacial lakes. Visitors may get the chance to see the native wildlife of the area, such as Bennetts wallabies, pademelons, wombats, echidnas, quolls, and platypus.
History of Lake St Clair
William Sharland, a European surveyor and explorer, was the first person to discover the lake in 1832, and after three years, in 1835, he led an expedition with George Frankland to the lake. The lake was named St Clair in recognition of the St. Clair family from Loch Lomond of Scotland.
In 1840, James Calder, a surveyor general of Tasmania, built a route to the Macquarie Harbour from the lake. Another route was made from the lake, an easier one- the Burgess track, until 1883 when a new easier route was discovered that became the Lyell Highway.
A dam was constructed on the Derwent River in 1937, with the installation of a pumping station. The setup was done to supply water to the Tarraleah Power Station. The initiative was taken by Hydro Tasmania. The water level of the lake degraded up to 6 metres, and the erratic levels of water resulted in the deterioration of the surroundings. To restore the environment, the pumphouse was abandoned in the 1990s, and in 2015, the place was remade into a hotel, called the Pumphouse Point Lodge.
The Aboriginal people of Tasmania have deep roots in Lake St Clair. To know about the history related to the place, you can join the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Walk, and you will be enlightened by the life of the people connected to Lake St Clair. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair area became a world heritage site from the year 1982. Before that, in 1922, it was declared a scenic reserve, then a wildlife reserve in 1927 and a national park in 1947.
Places and Landmarks around Lake St Clair
Besides visiting the prime attraction, there are numerous other places to explore surrounding Lake St Clair. Those are mentioned below:
1. Echo Point
The Echo Point walkers’ hut is situated in the middle of a lush and damp woodland, halfway up Lake St Clair. To reach the point, there is a jetty and ferries. A small jetty will let you walk to Echo Point, but it is one way. To get back around, you need to take a ferry for a comfortable ride. Prior bookings are essential to get a place on the ferry.
The walk through the jetty is almost 11 kilometres, and it will take you through the rainforest and the lake shore. You will be able to admire the beauty and wilderness of the place while you walk. The steep peak of Mount Ida can be seen across the lake. It is a remnant of the glaciers that formerly traversed both sides of the mountain. Additionally, such strong glaciers carved out the depth that Lake St. Clair currently fills.
2. Frankland Beaches Walk
The Frankland Beaches Walk is a path constructed along the periphery of Lake St Clair. The path passes through glacial moraines and along the beaches. It starts at the Cynthia Bay jetty and leads hikers to the Frankland Beaches in the east along the lake’s shore.
While taking a walk along the lazily meandered path, you will be able to witness the special characteristics of the topography. If you are lucky enough to visit the place on a clear day, you will be able to view Mount Rufus, Mount Hugel, Little Hugel, Mount Olympus and the Travellers Range while you walk along the path.
3. Lake St Clair walks
There are three different short paths at Lake St Clair, also known as the Lake St Clair walks, starting from Cynthia Bay. The paths, named the Larmairremener Tabelti Walk, the Watersmeet Walk and the Platypus Bay Walk, take the visitors to the southern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The three famous walks form a 4.7 kilometres loop.
Visitors taking the Larmairremener Tabelti Walk will be able to know about by the life of Aboriginal people residing around Lake St Clair for a long time. The Watersmeet Walk takes the visitors to the point where the Cuvier and Hugel rivers meet. If you walk a little ahead of the path, you will reach the Platypus Bay where platypus can occasionally be spotted by visitors.
4. Mount Rufus walk
Mount Rufus Walk is not for the faint hearted. The path is long and steep, and only capable and prepared hikers can get through it. The walk is famous for the view that it provides from the highest point of Mount Rufus.
If the weather is in the favour of the visitors, then mountains like Mount Olympus, Mount Hugel and Frenchmans Cap can be seen in every direction. During the early summer visits, one can also witness the blooming of scoparia.
5. Overland Track
The Overland Track is the top alpine walk in Australia. People from every corner of the world get drawn to this place and a visit to Lake St Clair means to experience the metamorphic and stimulating 65-kilometre, six days journey of the Overland Track. The thrilling journey starts at Cradle Mountain in the north and ends at Cynthia Bay on the southern shore of Lake St Clair.
The route makes its way through the middle of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. On your way, you will come across valleys chiselled by glaciers, rainforests, captivating alpine meadows, eucalypt forests and golden moorlands, waterfalls and mountain crowns. You will also be able to witness the highest peak of Tasmania of Mount Ossa, standing 1617 metres high.
There are side trips that you can opt for while on the walk, and though it is a six days journey on average, you can complete it at your own pace, taking time for rest days. The journey finishes at Narcissus Hut at the forefront of Lake St Clair and from there, one can take a ferry to reach the Visitor Centre of Lake St Clair at Cynthia Bay or can walk up the 17.5 kilometres length of the lake.
Overland Track is strictly for capable and practised hikers. If you are aware of the risks that come when walking in a remote alpine region, then you should attempt the hike. Children and old people should not go on this journey. The area is famous for rapid weather changes- from rainy to sunny to windy, even in summer times, and also the death toll of unprepared hikers is high.
6. Shadow Lake
Shadow Lake is the prime attraction when you are walking through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Tucked away among spectacular mountains, the lake is among the wonderful alpine lakes in the area. The path to reach the lake takes you through eucalypt woods from the wet forest next to Lake St Clair to subalpine moorland.
One can see Mount Hugel when standing close to Shadow Lake. The lake welcomes anglers and picnickers with a picturesque scenario. Snow gums, sedges, pencil pines and button grass can be found around the lake. Anglers can find brown and rainbow trout.
7. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
When you are visiting Lake St Clair, you must visit this popular National Park at least once for sure. Cradle Mountain steals the spotlight in the vast National Park. It is home to Alpine heaths and tall rainforests. You will see the prospering wildlife and birds all over the area. People who love to spend time with nature, will not want to leave the place once they get here.
The National Park is home to the well-known Tasmanian devil, red-necked wallabies, wombats, possums, quolls, currawongs, echidnas, pademelons and ravens. There are 11 indigenous bird species in this park, all of which are found only in Tasmania. You may also see flaming robins, pink robins, and striated field wrens.
Things to Do in Lake St Clair
There are lots of activities that one can indulge themselves in near Lake St Clair. The activities are mentioned below:
1. Boating
If you ask what is the most famous activity that the visitors enjoy at Lake St Clair, undoubtedly it is boating. This activity is not only for humans but also for your furry friends! Pets like dogs and cats are also spotted on a boat ride with their owners or enjoying the lake.
2. Fishing
If you are in Tasmania, then you must go on a fishing trip because a trip to Tasmania without fishing is a waste. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of the most incredible trout fishing outlets in the world, and it is a paradise for fishers.
The lakes, tarns and streams in the heritage area are the perfect spots to explore the wilderness. Tasmania is filled with wildlife and coast, and the waters on the eastern side will offer you marine species like the southern bluefin tuna. Before you go fishing, you must purchase a licence.
3. Swimming
The waters of Lake St Clair are ideal for swimming. With the help of a boat, you can get access to the ideal swimming spots on the lake, like Muscamoot Bay, Anchor Bay, Strawberry Island and more.
4. Camping
At Lake St Clair, you can set up your camp and have a lovely day out. There are 11 powered camping sites and a huge area of unpowered camping space. The sites provide you with lots of facilities like barbeques operating with both wood and electricity, toilets, shower blocks and camp kitchens. From dusk till dawn, the area is safe and sound so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
5. Picnic
Lake St Clair makes for an ideal picnic spot. The environment promises a lovely day out with your family or friends. There are pleasing picnic areas located with lots of facilities. Bring your basket packed with food and a mat to lie down and enjoy the day. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of preparing food, you can relax and come empty-handed at the picnic spot because there are lots of places from where you can fill your plates. The area has coffee shops and restaurants starting in the morning.
If you are planning for a staycation near St Clair, then there is accommodation with good facilities around the area. You can plan a night or two at Lake St Clair Lodge, the Pumphouse Point Lodge. It is specially made for guests with comfortable seating. The lodge overlooks the lake and has a distinctive architecture.
Moreover, if you drive to the Derwent Bridge or Sheffield, you will find reasonable accommodation with blinding infrastructure and facilities. Both the north and the south ends have everything that the guests need. You will find hotels that offer breakfast, meals, drinks and others in their package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Lake St Clair the deepest lake in Australia?
Yes, Lake St Clair is the deepest lake in Australia. It is a natural freshwater lake located in Tasmania with a distance of 3 kilometres transversely, 15 kilometres long with a maximum depth of 215 metres. The lake forms the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
2. Can you swim at Lake St Clair?
Yes, you can swim at Lake St Clair. The waters are safe and there are some great swimming spots where you can go and take a dip.
3. What is Lake St Clair known for?
Lake St Clair is known for being the deepest freshwater lake in Australia. It was sculpted by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years.
4. Is Lake St Clair in Tasmania worth visiting?
Lake St Clair is worth visiting. It is the dream destination of every enthusiastic walker as the place provides a peaceful lakeside short stroll, lovely paths aligned with trees, and bushwalks.
Also read: 14 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Queensland
Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Kaushiki Mahato
