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Lake St Clair
Australia's Deepest Natural Freshwater Lake

By , About.com Guide

Lake St Clair, Tasmania, Australia

Lake St Clair with Mt Ida in the background

Copyright Tourism Tasmania. All Rights Reserved

Lake St Clair lies at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area.

It is Australia's deepest natural freshwater lake at a depth of 200 metres.

Leeawuleena

The source of the Derwent River, which eventually wends its way to Hobart, Lake St Clair is also known by its Aboriginal name of Leeawuleena which means "sleeping water."

It is at Lake St Clair that the Overland Track ends in the south.

At the southern end of the lake is Cynthia Bay which is linked by a 5-kilometre access road from Lyell Highway.

Maps and information

The visitors centre at Cynthia Bay provides information and maps on local trails. Of course, you can also start your journey on the Overland Track from here and finish your trek in the north.

General store

There is a general store for needed supplies, although for reasons of cost, it may be better to have brought your own.

Ferry

A ferry runs the length of the lake from the Cynthia Bay jetty. Check at the store for stops and schedules.

Hotel and campsites

For lodging, check out the hotel in the area or the more economical campsites.

Next page: Overland Track: 80 Kilometres of Tasmanian Wilderness

      Photograph by Geoff Murray. Copyright Tourism Tasmania. All Rights Reserved.
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