The Trail
From the moment you enter the forest at the start of the Lake Skinner walk, a lush green rainforest packed with teatree, myrtle, pandanis, and ferns welcomes you. Light filters through the dense canopy, fragmenting the forest in shadows.
At the right time of day, this dramatic effect is sustained for the next hour as the trail climbs 300m through the forest. Although the forest is rampant with life, the track is well-constructed and easily followed via boardwalks, stones, and buttress root steps.
Eventually, the trail passes through a drier eucalypt forest before opening onto the subalpine base below Lake Skinner. From here, a short and gradual climb will find you at the lake’s edge. Just before the lake, a large rock hollow is also passed, providing emergency shelter in poor weather.
Lake Skinner’s brilliant blue waters, hemming by pencil and king billy pines, make a fantastic spot to enjoy before returning via the same route.
Getting There
| <View Google Map Directions | From Hobart, head south along the Southern Outlet (A6) for 10km. Take the right-hand lane at the Kingston Bypass and continue for 2km before taking the 4th exit to Channel Highway (B68) at the roundabout. Continue 22km towards Huonville and turn right onto Lollara Road (C619). Follow this road for 3.6km before turning right onto Agnes Street and continuing on C619. Follow for 10.4km as the road changes to Lonnavale Road and continue for 6.5km further before continuing on Denison Road for 4.6km. Turn right, staying on Denison Road after After 5.5km. After 6.3km, turn right onto McDougalls Road and follow the signs to the carpark, turning left then right as you pass through the clear-felled forest section. |
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Basemap supplied by Land Information System Tasmania.
Photos
View more Snowy South and Lake Skinner photos
Hazards and Warnings
It can get extremely windy and cold on the exposed sections around Lake Skinner, so be sure to pack appropriately.