Dove Lake sits at the base of Tasmania's sixth-highest peak, Cradle Mountain with its rugged rocky outcrops and alpine vegetation. It provides spectacular vistas in every direction.

The lake is accessible by vehicle and yet still retains that feeling of unspoilt wilderness. The water changes from bright blue to eerie jet black depending on the weather and although its flat water, you can almost get surfing when the wind picks up.

There are a couple of sneaky little beaches that you can easily launch from to avoid the crowds at the iconic boat shed. The water isn't as icy as you might expect especially over the summer months and paddling a mountain lake provides a welcome change of scenery from the usual ocean paddling.