One of the largest gems in Tasmania's tourism crown, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, has been made more friendly to visitors, with the new Dove Lake viewing shelter officially unveiled.
Part of a $26.8 million investment into upgrading the national park's infrastructure, the viewing shelter shows off the park's most iconic view, while also acting as an arrival point for visitors.
Work first began on the site back in 2020, but weather conditions pushed back timelines.
Fully covered and with floor-to-ceiling windows, the shelter has been constructed to ensure Dove Lake can be viewed in all conditions — with the national park known to have a mind of its own when it comes to its weather.
Built within the area of the previous Dove Lake car park, the shelter has been designed to blend into the landscape through the use of earthy colours and a wave-like exterior, with its large windows providing an uninterrupted view of the lake and Cradle Mountain.
The design was guided by cultural advice from trawlwoolway man Dave mangenner Gough.
The external materials are designed to change and reflect the natural surroundings, with the blonde timber to turn silver in the elements and lichen expected to grow over the concrete surfaces.
Inside, there is interpretive signage to guide visitors on just what they are looking at while providing an ideal spot for first photos before they can get stuck into exploring the park's many walking tracks.
The park, which offers walking tracks and beautiful views, is a popular tourist drawcard for the state and was picked as a "Traveller's Choice" destination for Tasmania on TripAdvisor last year.
Australian actor Nicole Kidman posted photos and videos of her visit to the park this month, including getting up close with wombats.
As part of the upgrade, there is also a new shelter for people who use the shuttle bus service, as well as accessible toilets and a baby change room.
There is also direct access to walking tracks.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff was at Dove Lake today to show off the new viewing shelter.
"This is one of the most iconic sights that underpin Tasmania's brand as a destination of global significance, in the cultural and the natural world," he said.
"It is a place of … outstanding universal value.
"We must take very careful and considered steps to protect it and yet maintain the vision for it as a place for people to respect but also to experience."
Mr Rockliff said Cradle Mountain was one of the state's most frequented wilderness attractions.
"Pre-Covid numbers were around 280,000 people [per year]," he said.
"We'll get back there … and this event and this infrastructure, the visitor centre and the some $27 million of investment in this project and projects like it will ensure that this is a valuable experience and a wonderful experience that again many, many people who visit here will never forget."
Parks minister Roger Jaensch said national parks were one of the state's major tourism drawcards and they helped to drive Tasmania's economy.
"The new viewing shelter at Dove Lake will further support visitors to the region, with interpretive signage enhancing the visitor experience, and inspire a deeper connection to the landscape and the outstanding universal value of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area," he said.
More changes planned
The construction of the viewing shelter is part two of a broader Cradle Mountain Master Plan, after the 2020 revamp of the visitor centre at the park's entrance.
The next steps, Mr Jaensch said, included further development of the village precinct on the decommissioned airstrip just outside of the national park, with accommodation and visitor experiences planned.
The time frames for those steps are expected soon.
Also continuing to evolve in the background is the construction of a proposed cable car to take visitors to Dove Lake from the visitor centre — a $60 million project which has faced criticism over its limited progress in the past.
Mr Jaensch said a business case was being considered by sub-committees of cabinet.
"We expect to be sharing the business case with the Australian government in the first half of this year and — depending on their response and the discussions that we have — we'll bring it out to the public as soon as possible after that," he said.
On the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Facebook page, the response to the new viewing pavilion has been mixed.
"This is an absolute blight on the landscape, and is an embarrassment. It should be dismantled and the area should be rehabilitated," Kieren Black said.
Jill Cunningham wrote: "This is great. I have always enjoyed Cradle Mountain, walked around the area many times. Now as I've got older my mobility is restricted, I am looking forward to just going and admiring the view".
Eve Hayden said she was "really impressed with this new building from inside and out".
"I am sure many visitors are going to be very appreciative of what you have established here. I look forward to returning with my visitors."
But Rob Fearn described it as a "tragedy".
"How can you refer to this as a 'beautiful and NATURAL place' and build this right next to Dove Lake? You have ruined the view looking down towards the lake."
