Lake St Clair Ferry Service
Our ferry the Ida Clair was built specifically for operating on Lake St Clair. It cruises guests around the lake (28km round trip), brings intrepid overland walkers in from Narcissus and takes day walkers up to Echo Point and into the Du Cane range.
This is the highest altitude ferry service in Australia and it operates on the deepest lake in Australia (approximately 160 metres deep).
Ferry Operating Times
Operating 7 days a week during the summer and by advance booking at all other times this is the best way to appreciate the majestic dolerite mountain ranges and Gondwana forests surrounding Lake St Clair.
The Ida Clair is an important part of many overland walkers memories as it is the first they will have seen of civilisation for many days. As the final leg of the overland track, exiting the narcissus river via the ferry provides passengers with unparalleled views back in to the mountains.
To ensure this tradition continues we recently overhauled the Ida Clair and she has had a full refit both inside and out.
On your trip down the lake you can anticipate the thought of Overland burgers and Trapper & Miggins beer to celebrate your achievement before you book in to one of our 40 luxurious cabins.
Ferry Bookings
If you are planning to walk the Overland Track and intend to use the ferry for the final leg from Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay we strongly recommend that you pre-book your place as many people take this option rather than walking the length of Lake St Clair. A booking will give you the peace of mind of knowing you have a spot on the day you have selected. However, we still request that you confirm your presence by radio call when you arrive at Narcissus Hut.
If you finish early or are delayed, or did not make a booking, don’t worry, just make us aware of your arrival at Narcissus Hut via a radio call and we’ll do all that we can to accommodate you on the next available ferry.
Full details of the radio call procedure for ferry confirmations are available in Narcissus Hut.
Please remember to radio through to Ferry Base to confirm just prior to the Ferry departure time from Cynthia Bay so that the Ferry Master knows passengers are awaiting transport.
To pre-book please email sceniccruises@lakestclairlodge.com.au. We recommend sending us an email at least 72 hours prior to the date of your intended voyage (or preferably before you set off on the Overland Track).
Ferry Ticket Prices
| Voyage | One-Way (Cynthia Bay to Narcissus or Narcissus to Cynthia Bay) |
Cynthia Bay to Echo Point |
| Adult | $55 | $45 |
| Child* | $27.50 | $22.50 |
* Children are under 12 years. Children under 5 years travel free.
Ferry Time table
The IDA CLAIR operates all year round, but the safety and comfort of our passengers is our priority. Due to this, our ferry schedule is approximate and all sailings are dependent on the prevailing weather conditions. Passengers can get updates on the ferry’s status by calling our reception (03 6289 1137). Overland Track walkers can get updates on the ferry’s status by a radio call from Narcissus Hut.
Please be aware that our reception is currently operating at limited hours due to impacts caused by the government imposed covid restrictions. We thank you in advance for your understanding and patience if we are unable to respond to you immediately.
The IDA CLAIR is rated for a maximum of 22 passengers, however groups with heavy packs reduce this number. Due to this, bookings are typically guaranteed for up to 18 passengers per operating voyage. Our Coxswains reserve the right to increase this number to the vessels capacity dependent on operating conditions to ensure a safe limit on each voyage. In the winter months we run voyages based on demand. Sailings for six passengers or more will run at the regular rate, however, sailings for less than six passengers will incur our minimum charge ($300).
| Cynthia Bay (Depart) | 0900 Hrs | 1230 Hrs | 1500 Hrs |
| Narcissus (Arrive) | 0930 Hrs | 1300 Hrs | 1530 Hrs |
| Cynthia Bay (Arrive) | 1000 Hrs | 1330 Hrs | 1600 Hrs |