We are privileged to be operating inside a World Heritage Area, however living and working inside a World Heritage Area brings with it many interesting challenges that most tourism properties don’t need to consider.
The scenery of the Lake St Clair area owes much to past glaciation. The lake was formed by the confluence of three tributary glaciers into a single monumental wall of ice and rock known as the Derwent Glacier which scoured the landscape into a deep U-shape valley and upon retreating at the end of the last glacial period left one of the most interesting and precious natural features at Lake St Clair its glacial moraines.
To the layman, glacial moraines can appear to be nothing more than deposits of clay, sand and boulders. But, from the air these narrow and steep moraines 10m high and spaced 50m apart can be traced almost continuously for some 3.6km.
This distinctive arrangement suggests that these moraines were formed by the expanding foot of a piedmont glacier during the rapid retreat of ice towards the end of the last glaciation in Tasmania and are thought to represent annual fluctuations in the ice with the end moraine thought to represent a steady-state terminal position occupied for some time.
What this means to us at Lake St Clair Tourist Park is that it’s not just the fauna and flora of the area that is protected, but even the very ground we walk on is precious and geologically significant.
For these reasons it was not possible for us to modify the campground environment from its natural state.
We trust you will agree this is a small concession to make to be able to stay inside the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and help preserve nature in its original state.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife require that valid park entry permit is purchased for entry to Tasmania’s national parks.
There are a range of national park passes to help you choose the best way to get out and experience Tasmania’s world-class national parks.
The money raised from park fees goes directly towards the upkeep of the parks and reserves. It is used by the Department of Parks and Wildlife Services to maintain and upgrade visitor facilities, walking tracks and information booths. Lake St Clair Tourist Park does not receive any revenue from park fees.
Lake St Clair Tourist Park is located inside the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A valid park entry permit is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks.
The Overland Track goes the whole way to Cynthia Bay, so it is possible to walk the full length of the track. Access to the walking track is covered as part of the Parks and Wildlife entrance fees and the charge for the Overland Track Pass.
However, some visitors prefer to take the water taxi for the final leg from Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay. This service is provided at an additional cost of $40 per person one way to cover the cost of providing this service in such a remote location.
It is entirely up to the visitor to determine which method of transit is more acceptable to their circumstances.
There are two main ways that visitors can travel from Cynthia Bay to Narcissus Hut or vice versa:
It is entirely up to the visitor to determine which method of transit is preferable to them, having regard to their own circumstances.
Yes. There are two campsites available for people wanting to camp at Lake St Clair:
It is entirely up to the visitor to determine which campsite they would prefer to utilise.
Please see Section 1 (Context). Lake St Clair Tourist Park is not at liberty to modify the ground conditions of the campsite inside the National Park.
Facilities at the Lake St Clair Tourist Park are limited because it is located within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area (see Section 1 (Context)). The area’s unique and protected status means it is not possible, nor appropriate, for there to be a large-scale expansion of these powered and unpowered sites.
Due to our current inability to expand the number of campsites (or improve on their location) the total costs for operating the campsite facilities must be allocated over a relatively small number of sites. The price is therefore set at a level to attempt to achieve basic cost recovery.
Lake St Clair Tourist Park is aware of some visitor concern with the current facilities and is in the process of submitting plans to the Department of Parks and Wildlife with a view to improving the layout, camping experience and the overall value for money.
Yes. A small number of powered-sites are currently available.
However, guests should be aware that because of the strict environmental limitations imposed on the site as a result of its unique location within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area the footprint approved for these powered-sites can only accommodate small caravans (<9m in total length).
Guests who utilize the powered sites also have access to the coin operated shared facilities (showers and toilets), laundry and a camp kitchen. The price charged for the powered site covers the cost of providing this service in a remote location.
Facilities at the Lake St Clair Tourist Park are limited because it is located within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area (see Section 1 (Context)). The area’s unique and protected status means it is not possible, nor appropriate, for there to be a large-scale expansion of these powered and unpowered sites.
Due to our current inability to expand the number of campsites (or improve on their location) the total costs for operating the campsite facilities must be allocated over a relatively small number of sites. The price is therefore set at a level to attempt to achieve basic cost recovery.
Lake St Clair Tourist Park is aware of some visitor concern with the current facilities and is in the process of submitting plans to the Department of Parks and Wildlife with a view to improving the layout, camping experience and the overall value for money.
Hikers have been visiting this scenic area in the heart of the heritage listed Tasmanian Wilderness area for decades, enjoying the day walks near the lake or the famed Overland Track. If you’re already carrying your own tent and sleeping gear, why not make a memorable camp nestled in the trees within short walking distance to the water’s edge. It is the ideal location for both campers and bushwalkers or for schools, clubs and family bookings. There are powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans and small motorhomes.
Our Bunkhouse provides basic sleeping accommodation in keeping with the style of the rustic timber huts of the Overland track, enjoyed mostly by backpackers and hikers whose modest accommodation requirements can be met with a simple bed and heated shelter.
Lake St Clair Tourist Park
Lake St Clair Road
Lake St Clair, TAS, 7140
+61 3 6289 1137
