Probably Australia’s most well-known long-distance route is the Overland Track. In the heart of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area, it spans 65km across the high mountains. The Overland Track may be fairly challenging if you’ve never been on a multi-day hike. The Overland Track Tasmania, however, is a moderate hike for most healthy individuals and seasoned hikers.
However, unfavorable weather conditions might easily make it challenging. Additionally, while the main Overland Track is quite simple, some side treks are challenging. In general, you must be able to walk at least 12 kilometers every day while toting a rucksack weighing 18 kilograms (40 pounds).
Numerous rises and descents along the track are uneven and, at times, very slick. It would be best if you were prepared with the appropriate equipment to stay warm and dry. Of course, you must also be comfortable for the duration of the journey without taking a shower.
1. Some Facts About the Overland Track Tasmania
Here are some of the facts about Overland Track that you must know.
1.1. Best Time to Hike
In Tasmania, December and April, throughout the summer and fall, is the ideal season to climb the Overland Track Tasmania. At this time of the year, the weather is at its warmest, with no snow.
It can still get chilly, and you can also experience steady rain. October 1 through May 31 is the Overland Track’s permit season. You must make a reservation, pay the Overland Track walk cost during this time, and only walk in one direction, north to south.
There is no track charge and no reservations from June 1 to September 30 during the winter and early spring. Only a national park entry pass is required.
1.2. What to Pack
On the route, you will need to be completely independent and bring everything you need for your active adventure, including toilet paper. The tourist center at Cradle Mountain is the last stop for supplies.
Pick lightweight hiking gear over bulky typical camping gear to avoid carrying an absurdly heavy bag. Be sure to pack appropriately because the weather in the mountains is frequently very chilly and damp. The trail may be very muddy, so it would be best to wear strong and waterproof boots.
Bring a tent even if you intend to stay in the huts, just in case. Additionally, it would be best if you carried a stove for cooking because campfires are prohibited.
1.3. Track Overland Regulations
Popular and environmentally conscious, the Overland Track is a great place to stroll. The parks and wildlife service rangers have established a few guidelines to preserve the area. Pack your essentials, and always remember to leave no trace. There is a strict no-dogs policy.
Cooking is done in the hut on benches or tables with metal tops. Use the metal plates on the platforms of the tents to support your stove if you plan to cook outdoors. The shelters have heaters, although they are only functional when the interior temperature is below 10C. Furthermore, you cannot cook with heaters.
On the Overland Track, there are no trash cans. All of your trash must be removed. It is not allowed to be left in the restrooms or burned in the hut heaters. Food scraps can be flushed down the toilet, but other garbage, such as condoms, sanitary pads, and tampons, are not permitted.
2. Benefits of Hiking on the Overland Track
There are many benefits of hiking on this track, some of which are mentioned below.
2.1. The Views
It’s no surprise that the 65 kilometers of breathtaking, constantly changing scenery on the Overland Track make it one of the best treks in Australia. There are many stunning and unique colors and textures along the Overland Track. Mountains surround you at every turn, and their natural beauty and rugged character give the surroundings a singular and stunning appearance.
With detours to raging waterfalls, rugged mountains, and beautiful lookouts, travel across golden button grass plains, alpine moorlands, lofty temperate rainforests, and calm lakes. In addition, the song completely changes from summer to winter, with the earlier summer colors of gold and green giving way to a glistening white winter paradise.
2.2. You Make Good Friends
Observing how many new connections are created within our groups while we hike along the Overland Track is one of our favorite aspects of the experience. The trekking community comprises many people with similar interests, including challenges, exploration, nature, fitness, and good health.
Although your group members may be of all ages and socioeconomic statuses, it’s amazing how quickly our trekkers become close friends. Taking on a task with others can strengthen your bonds because you have something to bond over, memories to look back on, and a level of understanding that would otherwise take weeks or months to develop.
2.3. Get a Great Experience of Nature
Everyone wears a smile after returning from a walk because they are happy, which explains why as you hike along the Overland Track amid the breathtaking scenery. The Overland Track’s benefits of spending so much time in nature, taking in some of the cleanest air in the world, and pushing your physical and mental limits all assist the pressures of everyday life to melt away.
According to research, walking outdoors may help you feel less stressed and pay more attention. The results of the study, according to Gregory Bratman, the study’s primary author, “suggest that even brief encounters with nature might reduce this pattern of thinking that is related with the start, in some cases, of depression.”
As you go along the trail and learn about the flora and animals, you develop a true respect for Tasmania’s sensitive ecosystems and realize how crucial it is for everyone to work together to preserve the area for future generations
2.4. Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley Hut
The 65-kilometre fully guided walk starts in Waldheim in the Cradle Mountain Huts and continues to Lake St. Clair, the deepest natural lake in Australia. However, no side trips are included in the hallmark experience. Day 4 of the trail hiking offers the chance to climb Mount Ossa. Make sure you’re prepared because the first day has the largest elevation climb.
The Overland Track’s official beginning is in Cradle Mountain National Park, Ronny Creek, which is where the bus will drop you off. The iconic sign is available for photos near Cradle Mountain huts. Starting at Ronny Creek, you travel along boardwalks as you follow the public trail toward Cradle Mountain huts and wind through button grass plains (keep an eye out for wombats).
The trail gradually becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend toward the Cradle Mountain peaks above. Crater Lake is visible on your right, and the shelter is ideal for taking pictures. You can even go swimming here if the temperature is high enough!
Before you face a near-scramble on the stretch to Marion’s Lookout, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Dove Lake as the valley below opens up. Crawl your way up the mountain while being held in place by chains, and you’ll be rewarded with views of Dove Lake and the vast plains of Cradle Mountain.
You won’t want to stay too long because there is so much more to see, but Dove Lake is another stunning location in Tasmania. You will pass a shelter for bad weather before continuing on the path to the summit of Cradle Mountain as you leave the views across Dove Lake and arrive at the alpine plateau.
Take on the Cradle Mountain peak before moving on to Waterfall Valley if the weather and forecast are clear and you have enough time. When you see the fork to Barn Bluff Hut, go straight (unless you have a lot of time and energy; if not, you can backtrack to do this the next day).
You’ll travel a mixture of single track and boardwalk. Take it easy on your knees as you down the slope, which is very steep, before arriving at Waterfall Valley Hut, the Overland Track’s newest hut.
2.5. Waterfall Valley Hut to Lake Windermere Hut
Either take your time getting to the hut or turn around and take on Barn Bluff Hut (weather permitting). Leave your bulky pack at the lodge and return to Cradle Mountain if the weather is nice. You should reach the Barn Bluff Hut turnoff after about 30 minutes.
Take a selfie, enjoy the views, and then head back to the hut after scrambling your way to the summit of this magnificent hill (it isn’t easy). Go ahead and head toward Windermere after gathering your pack. As you travel along the easy, flat trail, large grass plains and small woods are part of the scenery.
You’ll find a sizable platform at the exit for Lake Will, where you can leave your bulky pack. Take your lunch with you if it’s a nice day; Lake Will is only a short walk away. Then, return to pick up your pack and continue hiking to the hut.
Stunning views greet you as you approach the shore of Lake Windermere, and soon you’ll reach the hut. Since the cabin is very small, we decided to set up a tent on the platforms.
Hot tip: If you continue walking past the restrooms, you’ll find some platforms with panoramic views of Barn Bluff.
2.6. Lake Windermere Hut to Pelion Hut
Make sure you eat a substantial breakfast and set off early because it is the longest hiking day on the entire Overland Track. But because it offers the most breathtaking views, the effort is unquestionably worthwhile.
When you go high up on the plateau, you will be surrounded by the tallest dolerite spires and peaks in the Cradle Mountain National Park, such as Barn Bluff, Pelion East, Pelion West, and Mount Ossa, on a clear day.
Before entering the forest, take the short detours to the edge of the valley to enjoy the final open views (and tasty food). From this point on, the terrain becomes rather challenging, mostly because of the tree roots you’ll be stepping over and, if you’re unlucky enough to have heavy rain, deep muck.
You can rehydrate and eat lunch on a platform next to a freshwater stream (beware of the mosquitoes), then continue down the valley through Frog Flats and across the Forth River crossing. When you start to climb again, it won’t necessarily be steep, but it will be a hard struggle as you make up all the ground you lost.
The Old Pelion Hut turnoff is seen as the trail begins to level off. Take it now to take a look, or hike back after camping at Pelion Hut and pack your swimsuits to cool off in the icy creek that lies just beyond.
Pelion Hut is rather big, with plenty of space for sleeping inside, but because it’s one of the public huts, it’s also accessible to hikers from Arm River, so it can get crowded. Enjoy watching the sunset over Mt. Oakleigh, which dominates the Pelion Plains in front of you.
2.7. Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut
Start early if you want to climb Pelion East or Mount Ossa, the tallest mountain in Tasmania. The trail begins in a dense forest with tall ferns and trees before sloping upward to the alpine meadow above Pelion Gap.
Take your time because it’s a challenging way to start the day. As soon as you get to Pelion Gap, you will see the spacious platforms where you may unload your belongings and climb one of the mountains on either side.
As Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa is by far the most challenging but rewarding and should only be done in ideal conditions. As a general guideline, unless you’re a peak bagger, think about avoiding the summit if you can’t see it.
Except for the final scramble to the peak, Pelion East is steep but not difficult. As you go on, the terrain gradually descends to Kia Ora Hut. You can also locate a nice swimming hole to cool down and dip.
2.8. Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge Hut
To learn more about the history of early explorers, spend a few minutes exploring the old Du Cane Hut as you depart Kia Ora Hut. When you reach the fort for the first side trip to D’Alton and Fergusson Falls, the trail is quite flat as it winds through moss and tall trees.
We advise climbing down to see it from the bottom, even if it’s beautiful from the top. You can swim at the base of the cascades if you’re feeling very adventurous. The final few hours through Du Cane, Gap to Windy Ridge Hut aren’t particularly stunning until you reach the final temperate rainforest portion.
2.9. Windy Ridge (Bert Nicholls Hut) to Narcissus Hut
Walking through large pine trees, plants, and the occasional button grass plain, the hike to Narcissus Hut from Windy Ridge is mostly level the entire way. The Pine Valley Hut turnoff is about halfway, and you’ll get glimpses of the Acropolis off to your right.
Since it’s a short walk and you’ve already eaten most of your breakfast, you can take your time if you leave early enough in the morning. The view greatly improves once you cross the river, and you continue along the edge for a short while before you reach Narcissus Hut and the northernmost portion of Lake St. Clair.
2.10. Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay
Following the water to Cynthia Bay, where you conclude at the Lake St. Clair National Park Visitors Center, is the last section of the Overland Track. The distance between the track and Lake St. Clair may appear close on the map, but the water is out of sight for the journey.
After saying goodbye to Narcissus, you proceed through a wide area with enormous trees on either side. You will soon find yourself in the forest, where you remain for the next 17 kilometers.
Although there isn’t much elevation change on the trail, it isn’t completely level either. Instead, it sways along muddy pathways broken up by tree roots and brief boardwalk stretches. Wider, well-kept paths and crowds of day hikers are signs that you are getting close to civilization.
When you get to Cynthia Bay, you can declare that you’ve finished the full Overland Track! We are happy to say that you are a rock star. Before heading to Lake St. Clair Lodge for a pricey meal and well-earned beer, take a photo with the Overland Track sign (the meat burgers are fantastic, but the vegetarian options are horrendous).
Several free hot showers are provided to hikers as a reward for finishing the Overland Track. You’ll be relieved if you have a spare set of clean clothes to change into.
Wrapping Up
The write-up contains everything that you need to know in order to take up the Overland Track hike. You should have a clear idea of the area, the weather and the other requirements if you have reached the end of this article.
Make sure to visit this place to get an adventurous hike ticked off your bucket list.
FAQs
Q 1. Do I need a permit to hike the Overland Track?
Yes, a permit is required to hike the Overland Track, and it’s subject to quotas during the peak season (October to May). You can obtain a permit through the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) website or designated visitor centers.
Q2. Can I bring my dog on the Overland Track?
No dogs and other pets are allowed on the Overland Track to protect the fragile environment and wildlife.
Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Laveleena Sharma
