Dove Lake / Overland Track trailhead

Cradle Mountain, Australia

The starting point for the 6km Dove Lake Great Short Walk and the 65km Overland Track.

Places in Dove Lake / Overland Track trailhead

Dove Lake trailhead café A café near the start of the Dove Lake Great Short Walk.

Best time to visit: December to March (Australian summer), for the most stable weather for hiking the Overland Track and Dove Lake circuit.
Getting around: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge sits on the main road into the park, within walking distance of the Enchanted Trail and King Billy Trail, with Dove Lake and the start of the Overland Track a short drive further into the national park.
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Language: English. Aboriginal languages are spoken in some communities.
Timezone: AEST (UTC+10, UTC+11 in summer)
Current trends: Cradle Mountain's status as one of Tasmania's most iconic sights continues to anchor visitation to the 65km Overland Track, Tasmania's most famous multi-day hike, while shorter options like the Dove Lake Great Short Walk keep the park accessible to a range of fitness levels; dining destinations like Hellyers Restaurant, billed as the highest restaurant in Tasmania, and the Altitude Restaurant's focus on Tasmanian produce reflect the growing culinary sophistication around the park's lodges.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge area — A luxury option on the main road into Cradle Mountain, within walking distance of the Enchanted Trail and King Billy Trail.
Cradle Mountain Hotel district — Home to 60 well-appointed rooms and the Altitude Restaurant, known for its use of Tasmanian produce.