Overland Track

The Overland Track is Australia's best-known multi-day alpine walk. It runs about 65 km from Ronny Creek in the Cradle Mountain area to Lake St Clair (Narcoutah) in Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, inside the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Most walkers take six days. Optional side trips add a lot: Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, Mount Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak at 1,617 m), and the waterfalls of the Du Cane Gorge.

Bookings and fees. From 1 October to 31 May, the walking season, you need to book a departure date and pay the Overland Track fee through Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. Walking is one way, north to south, and daily departures are capped. That keeps the huts and campsites from overcrowding. Park entry for the duration of the walk is included in the booking-season fee; a separate valid parks pass is required in winter. In the winter season (1 June to 23 September) there's no Overland Track fee, but walkers must register with Parks and Wildlife Service and hold a valid parks pass. Winter conditions are serious and only suit experienced, well-equipped parties.

The walk. Day one is the hardest climb. You go from Ronny Creek up past Crater Lake and Marions Lookout onto the plateau below Cradle Mountain. On a clear day the views of Dove Lake are outstanding. From there the track crosses open buttongrass moorland, passes the Waterfall Valley and Lake Windermere huts, and drops into the beech and pencil-pine forest around Pelion Plains. Pelion Gap is the base for the Mount Ossa side trip. Kia Ora, the Du Cane Hut ruins and Windy Ridge lead on to Narcissus Hut at the northern end of Lake St Clair. From there you either take the pre-booked ferry or walk the extra ~17 km along the lakeshore to Cynthia Bay.

Grade and fitness. Treat it as AWTGS Grade 4. The track is mostly well formed, with long boardwalk sections, but you will carry a full pack for several days over mud, roots, rocks and exposed alpine terrain. Previous overnight hiking experience is strongly recommended.

Weather. Tasmania's Central Highlands can produce snow in any month, including summer. Pack a fully waterproof jacket and overpants, warm layers, a hat and gloves, plus a tent rated for alpine wind. Parks requires you to carry a tent even though there are public huts, because huts can be full.

Facilities. Public huts with rainwater tanks and composting toilets are spaced along the route, with tent platforms nearby. There are no showers, no rubbish bins and no food for sale: carry everything in and out. Fuel stove only, because campfires are banned.

Getting there and back. Shuttle operators run from Launceston, Devonport and Hobart to Cradle Mountain, and from Lake St Clair back. The Cradle Mountain visitor centre runs a shuttle bus to Ronny Creek. Leave your car at the visitor centre or arrange a car relocation.

Guided options. Licensed operators offer guided trips with camping or private huts. Aussie Hikers lists some of these separately.

Best season. December to April gives the longest days and the most stable weather. Wildflowers peak in early summer.

Before you go

• Check the official park page for alerts, closures, fire danger ratings and planned burns on the day you walk.
• Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the nearest town and the mountain or coastal district.
• Tell someone your plan and expected return time, or register your trip intention where the park offers it.
• Carry the ten essentials: water, food, map, first aid, warm and waterproof layers, sun protection, a torch, phone and power bank, an emergency shelter, and a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote walks.
• Leave no trace: take all rubbish home, stay on the track, and respect Aboriginal cultural sites.

Facts on this page were checked against the official park agency source listed below. Conditions, fees and rules change, so always confirm before you go.

FAQ

• Do I need to book? Yes, during the booking season (1 Oct–31 May). Departures are capped and popular dates sell out months ahead.
• Can I do it in less than six days? Fit, experienced walkers sometimes do 5 days, but side trips are the highlight, so most people allow 6–7.
• Is there phone reception? Patchy at best. Carry a PLB and leave your plans with someone.

Dogs: not permitted (national park). Official source: https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain/overland-track