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7 Days
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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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The Overland Track holds legendary status as Australia's premier alpine walk. This enhanced itinerary begins with a night at Cradle Mountain, allowing you to settle into the alpine environment before embarking on one of the country's most iconic multi-day treks. With favourable weather conditions, you'll also have the opportunity to summit the craggy peaks of wulinantikala/Cradle Mountain, adding an unforgettable challenge and perspective to your Overland Track experience.
Walking from north to south, the Overland Track traverses Tasmania's highest mountain region, stretching from the foothills of wulinantikala/Cradle Mountain to the rainforest-clad shores of the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere, liyawulina/Lake St Clair. The World Heritage-listed landscape is truly breathtaking and will leave you enchanted, inspired and deeply connected to Tasmania's wild places.
Each day reveals a new and dramatically different landscape. Journey through ancient myrtle forests, across glaciated dolerite terrain and expansive alpine plateaus dotted with sparkling tarns and lakes, while passing beneath Tasmania's highest peak, kunanyi/Mt Ossa. Along the way, you'll have the chance to encounter the unique wildlife that calls this remarkable wilderness home, including wombats, echidnas and Tasmania's curious endemic birdlife.
This trek is suitable for first-time multi-day hikers who are comfortable carrying a fully loaded pack. If you don't have your own backpack, don't worry, our trip includes the use of a quality trekking pack and essential equipment suited to the conditions. Carefully planned food drops throughout the journey help keep pack weights manageable while ensuring you'll be well nourished for each day's adventure.
Then there are your guides, the best in the business. Passionate, experienced and highly knowledgeable, your professional guides will ensure your adventure is both enjoyable and immensely rewarding. From preparing delicious meals and providing support on the trail to sharing stories of the region's rich natural and cultural heritage, they will bring the Overland Track to life every step of the way.
Day 1
Cradle Mountain Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Your adventure begins at our Launceston base at 10am with a comprehensive trip briefing and gear check, giving you the opportunity to meet your guides and fellow hikers while ensuring you're fully prepared for the days ahead. Following the briefing, we depart for Cradle Mountain, travelling through Tasmania's picturesque northern landscapes. A light lunch will be enjoyed en route before arriving at our accommodation nestled within the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. The afternoon is yours to settle in and soak up the crisp alpine atmosphere. Take time to relax, explore the surrounding area, repack your hiking gear, or stretch your legs before the journey ahead. As evening falls, we gather for a welcome dinner, sharing stories and anticipation for the iconic Overland Track adventure that awaits. Briefing Time: 2 hours Drive Time: 3 hours Accommodation: Cradle Mountain
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Cradle Mountain Summit & Waterfall Valley
An early start this morning gives us exclusive access to the Overland Track trailhead before the shuttle buses begin operating, allowing us to experience this remarkable wilderness in the quiet of the morning and ahead of the crowds. Setting out from Waldheim, we begin our journey along the iconic Overland Track, winding through ancient rainforest and alpine heathland before emerging onto the spectacular Cradle Plateau. Passing glacial tarns and expansive alpine landscapes, we are treated to uninterrupted views of Tasmania's rugged high country. Weather permitting, those keen for an extra challenge will have the opportunity to make the ascent of Tasmania's most iconic peak. Climbing the rugged slopes of Cradle Mountain, we are rewarded with sweeping views across the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, where jagged mountain ranges and glacial lakes stretch to the horizon. Rejoining the Overland Track, we continue our journey across the plateau, with the imposing silhouette of Cradle Mountain remaining a constant companion. Our day concludes at Waterfall Valley, where we settle in for our first night on the Overland Track beneath some of Tasmania's most dramatic mountain scenery. Walking Distance: 10.7km | Walking Time: 6-8 hours + side trips *The Cradle Mountain summit side trip is weather dependent and may not be possible in adverse conditions. Your guides will determine whether conditions are suitable on the day.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Waterfall Valley to Lake Windermere
After breakfast at our campsite we continue south to Lake Windermere. A leisurely day that offers time for a side trip to Lake Will – named after a coal prospector in the 1800s. There is opportunity to have a relaxing lunch and swim from the sandy shores of Lake Will. Returning to our packs we head back across the rolling buttongrass plains to our stunning campsite. We spend the afternoon kicking back with a hot drink taking in the fabulous views from camp, and perhaps having another refreshing swim. Walking Distance: 7.8km + side trips | Walking Time: 3 hours + side trips
Day 4
Lake Windermere to Pelion Plains
Today is a wild day of moorlands and mountain views. We don our packs and walk across Pine Forest Moor with spectacular views across the massive Forth River Valley to the lofty heights of Mt Oakleigh and to today’s destination at its base. We descend around Mount Pelion West to a popular lunch spot at Frog Flats. After lunch we walk up through tall, lush forest onto the great expanse of Pelion Plains. We have the option of a short side trip to Old Pelion Hut to gain a deeper appreciation of the park’s rich history. Walking Distance: 16.8km | Walking Time: 7 hours
Day 5
Pelion Plains to Kia Ora
From camp we continue walking south through Myrtle forest, past tufted Pandani trees, then up to the saddle (1113m) between Mount Pelion East and Mount Ossa. This is the perfect place for a well deserved rest. In fine weather climbing Mount Ossa – Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617m – is without a doubt one of the highlights of the Overland Track. With magnificent views in all directions we continue south into Pinestone Valley to our creek-side campsite overlooking the grand spires of Cathedral Mountain. Walking Distance: 8.6km + side trips | Walking Time: 5 hours + side trips
Day 6
Kia Ora to Bert Nichols
Today we walk through towering rainforests of Leatherwood and Sassafrass trees, heading towards three of Tasmania’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls. The first we visit is Fergusson Falls, named after a former ranger at Lake St Clair, followed by Dalton Falls. The third of these enchanting falls is the spectacular Hartnett Falls, named after Paddy Hartnett, an eccentric Irish bushman who was rarely seen without his bowler hat. We walk up through Du Cane Gap then descend to our campsite at Bert Nichols. Walking Distance: 9.6km + side trips | Walking Time: 4 hours + side trips
Day 7
Bert Nichols to Lake St Clair and return to Launceston
Today we pack our backpacks for the final day on the track, which takes us through mixed eucalyptus and stands of temperate rainforest to the shore of Lake St Clair, the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere. As we near Lake St Clair we can gaze up to the peaks of Mt Ida and majestic Mount Olympus. We catch a 30 minute ferry across the lake, providing spectacular views back upon the mountains we’ve walked past, and a wonderful conclusion to our Overland Track trek. After time to explore the visitor centre and a celebratory lunch, we board the bus for our return drive across the Central Plateau to Launceston. We return to Launceston at approximately 5pm, our two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal. Walking Distance: 9km | Walking Time: 4 hours
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
The first night of the tour will be spent in comfortable twin share hotel rooms at Cradle Mountain.
The 5 nights on The Overland Track will be spent camping along the track at designated commercial campsite areas. These areas have timber platforms for our tents to be pitched on and nearby rainwater tanks and composting toilet facilities. The camps have a basic kitchen prep area however there is no other shelter or seating available.
Tasmanian Expeditions provides strong, 2 person, bushwalking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. Our tents weigh approx 3kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant. We use a range of high quality 3-4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered on our adventures.
The boardwalks are synonymous with the Overland Track but note that it does not extend for the entire walk. The start of the walk offers well maintained boardwalks and as you get further into your hike they will be less common. During some sections you'll encounter the original boardwalks, which do not have any extra wire on them to protect against slipping. In some places the boardwalk is quite wide and in others it is a little thinner. Walking poles are recommended.
Much of the trail is not covered by the famous boardwalk, or it has old boardwalks that are not maintained. You will encounter alot of tree roots, which can be slippery. For this reason we recommend high cut boots, for extra protection against rolling your ankle. Walking poles are strongly recommended as you will need to walk over tree roots in many places along the Overland Track as you ascend and descend hills along the trail.
This trip involves trekking for up to six or seven hours a day. The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be long, rough and steep. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, over tree roots and through muddy sections. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (between 15-17kg). At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions. Please note: In adverse weather or outside daylight savings months (April to May), the grading of this trip may increase to Moderate to Challenging due to reduced daylight hours and more demanding conditions.
Per Person, Twin Share
Our Trek Pack includes essential equipment, rated for the alpine conditions, which will save you a lot of money if you do not have suitable equipment
We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.
You’d be surprised how much food you’ll eat after a day’s trekking along the Overland Track. Our guides are experienced when it comes to preparing meals along the Overland Track. Thanks to a food drop on day #3, we are able to have fresh produce every night along the trail. Lunches usually consist of vegetable wraps with hams, chicken or salami, while evening meals can vary from curries, stroganoff and pastas. Desserts include improvised apple pie, and even a chocolate mousse if you’re lucky. Start your day with a hearty porridge or muesli, with snacks throughout the day including fruit and nuts, muesli bars and some fruit.
As this is a full pack adventure, each trekker is required to carry a portion of the group’s food, whether it be a couple of cucumbers, lettuce heads or a bag of pasta. All types of dietary requirements are catered for (provided we are advised in advance), including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free, nut free etc.
The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be rough and steep in sections. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, through muddy sections and if you choose some of the side trips you will scramble over rocks.
You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You will be carrying a full pack of around 15-17kg and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. The terrain is rugged and remote. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging.
For your expedition you will need to carry all equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90litres in capacity. Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be approximately 15-17kg.
The trip runs between October and April when we have the best chance for warmer temperatures, but you are likely to experience all sorts of weather while in Tasmania. Tasmania is known for it's rapidly changing weather. You will need to be prepared to walk in all weather conditions as winds, steady rain, and even snow in elevated areas, can occur at any time of year.
In Spring (October and November) you will enjoy fewer crowds and the wildflowers are in bloom. Spring marks the return of longer, warmer days while still being cool at night.
In Summer (December to February) you can experience ideal weather conditions. This is the most popular time to walk in Tasmania so you may encounter more people on the trail.
In Autumn you can experience calm, sunny days, and cool crisp nights. You can also witness some of the leaves and trees begin to change colours.
As the Overland Track is renowned as being a true wilderness walk, you cannot expect phone reception while on the trail. For trekkers who summit Mount Ossa and Cradle Mountain, there is sometimes sporadic phone reception. However, this cannot be relied upon. Our guides carry emergency satellite phones which allow them to communicate with our base in Launceston if any emergencies arise. Rest assured you are not completely alone in the wilderness.
Unfortunately there are no charging facilities at any of the huts along the Overland Track. We recommend bringing extra batteries or solar chargers for your phones. To conserve battery power on your mobile devices, turn your phones into flight mode.
You can either leave your excess luggage at the hotel that you stay at the night prior to the trip beginning, or alternatively, we can store it for you at our office in Launceston.
You will be returned to your accommodation at approximately 5pm on the final day of the trek.
This trek commences with a COMPULSORY briefing on day 1 at 10am. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing and that you bring along all of the gear/clothing required for your expedition with you. We will depart for Cradle Mountain straight after this briefing.
We highly recommend that you have high cut hiking boots for this trail. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you may encounter mud along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day.
Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability in mud or slippery tree roots. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.
The day pack that we recommend for the Overland Track should be a small compressible day pack that folds down to as small as your hand if not smaller. This is only to be used when you do side trips, as you will leave your 70-90L backpack at the trail head and return to it after the side trip. It is not mandatory that you have the day pack, but we find that it is convenient to have one. An example of what we suggest for a daypack is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
Unfortunately there are no shower facilities on the camping expeditions along the Overland Track. For those who are concerned about washing, the closest you’ll come to a bath are the alpine lakes that are accessible each day, where you can have a quick refreshing dip. However, for a real cleanse we recommend you bring baby wipes (remember to take them out with you as well!).
Tasmania prides itself on clean pure water and most of the water along the track is safe to drink without purifying. Fresh rainwater tanks supplied by Parks and Wildlife can be found at each of the campsites, and you can also fill up your water bottle at many of the springs along the way.
It’s not uncommon to encounter leeches on the Overland Track, particularly in areas with a lot of leaf foliage and tree coverage. Leeches tend to breed in warm moist areas, so can be spotted during the summer months in marshy areas. Leech bites do not hurt, however if they bother you, we suggest bringing a salt solution to remove them from your skin if you come into contact with them.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.
Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.
Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
6Days
Moderate to Challenging