Dove Lake (Tasmania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dove Lake |
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![]() Dove Lake seen from the south
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Location | Tasmania |
Coordinates | 41°39′29.44″S 145°57′43.11″E / 41.6581778°S 145.9619750°E |
Lake type | corrie |
Basin countries | Australia |
Max. length | 2.1 km (1.3 mi) |
Max. width | 0.7 km (0.43 mi) |
Surface area | 85 hectares |
Average depth | 60 metres |
Shore length1 | 6.6 km (4.1 mi) |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Dove Lake is a beautiful glacial lake located in Tasmania, Australia. It sits right at the base of the famous Cradle Mountain. This special lake is part of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This park is also a Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Site, which means it's a very important natural place protected for everyone.
Dove Lake is quite small, covering about 85 hectares. It's also quite deep, reaching about 60 metres down! Many people love to visit Dove Lake. There's a popular walking track that goes all the way around the lake, which is about 5.7 kilometres long. It's known as one of Tasmania's best wilderness walks.
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What is a Glacial Lake?
A glacial lake is a lake that was formed by a glacier. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. As glaciers move, they scrape away the land beneath them. This creates deep hollows or valleys.
When the glacier melts, these hollows fill up with water. This is how a glacial lake like Dove Lake is formed. The shape of Dove Lake shows how the ice once carved out the land.
Exploring Dove Lake
Dove Lake is a popular spot for visitors. The area around the lake is full of amazing nature. You can see ancient rainforests and alpine plants. These plants are special because they can grow in cold, high places.
The walking track around the lake is easy to follow. It offers amazing views of Cradle Mountain. You can also see the famous Boat Shed, a small, old building right on the lake's edge.
Wildlife at the Lake
Many animals live around Dove Lake. You might spot wombats, wallabys, and echidnas. These are native Australian animals. Birdwatchers can also enjoy seeing many different bird species.
It is important to respect the wildlife. Always keep a safe distance from animals. Never feed them, as it can harm their health.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Dove Lake is just one part of this large national park. The park protects a huge area of wilderness. It includes mountains, lakes, and forests. This makes it a great place for hiking and exploring.
The park is famous for its rugged beauty. It is a key part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This area is recognized globally for its unique natural and cultural value.