The Overland Track

You will be challenged at the commencement of your walk this morning as your start to make your ascent and walk the Cradle Plateau.  Here you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of your surroundings including the magnificent mountain ranges and the view of Dove Lake.  Along the way you will walk the open alpine plateau, pass through local buttongrass, look out for wombat burrows on your final descent to Waterfall Valley.

Optional Side / extension walks

Cradle Mountain Summit – 2kms / 2-3 hours

This walk is best taken in fine weather.  The ground is undulating, rolling with rocks and boulders.

Barn Bluff – 7kms / 3-4 hours

As you make your way to the summit, be mindful again this walk includes some steep sections and again you will have to navigate the rocks and boulders. Barn Bluff is too, best taken in fine weather.

Dove Lake Circuit – 6kms 

Walk around Dove Lake and experience the beauty of Cradle Mountain. Easier on the legs as the walk includes a boardwalk.

The walk today, you will pass through some small creeks, alpine areas and view the majestic lakes again while experiencing the flora and local grasses.

Optional Side / extension walks

Lake Will – 3kms / 1 hour return

Take your time to explore Lake Will, this alpine lake surrounded by pines is a lovely way to relax and just be in the moment.

Get ready for a long day of walking today, though the challenge is so worthwhile. Today your walk takes you across the local buttongrass plains, eucalypt forests and through myrtle-beech rainforests. 

Along the way the highlights of your experience will be viewing the majestic mountain ranges of Pelion East and West, Du Cane Range, Ossa, the Achilles and Thetis. 

Optional Side / extension walks

Old Pelion Hut – 1km / .5hr return

Built in 1917 for miners, Pelion Hut has an old-world charm, it is here (weather permitting) you can relax and enjoy a splash in the swimming hole.

Mount Oakleigh – 8kms / 4-6 hours

A great walk to set aside for the day. At the top of Mount Oakleigh, you will be able to view a majority of the Overland Track.  At times, the walk can be muddy as you cross moorlands and then start your gentle climb though the eucalyptus forest before the track begins to steepen. You will walk along high rocky knolls, climb up and down along the way into beautiful valleys.

Take in the fresh pristine air today, as you experience the diversity and change of scenery the Overland Track provides. From rainforests to mountain summits, you will take the ascent to Pelion Gap. Next descend the local buttongrass plains and marvel in the eucalypt forest as you make your way to Kia Ora.  Be aware, while exploring Pelion Gap you will be exposed to alpine plateaus.

Optional Side / extension walks

Mount Ossa – 5.2kms / 4-5 hours return

Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa’s walk is challenging, steep and you will be exposed to the elements. Best Mount Ossa is not taken in bad weather or heavy rain as the ground is mainly filled with rocks and boulders and it is best if you choose to walk Mount Ossa, that you begin early morning.

Mount Pelion East – 2.4kms / 2 hours return

When you reach the summit of Mount Pelion East – the park’s highest peak, you will be exposed to the fabulous views of Mount Ossa.  The walk will challenge you as it is steep and best not taken in bad weather and heavy rain.

From Kia Ora Creek, your walk continues along the track though rainforest before you arrive at the historic Du Cane Hut.  After exploring the hut, you will continue walking through such flora as, myrtle forests, sassafras and King Billy pines onto the junction of D’Alton and Fergusson Falls. (side trip) or continue along the walk for a little time and explore Harnett Falls (side trip).  To reach Bert Nichols Hut your walk takes you through forests. Here your location is sited at the top of the Narcissus Valley, with Du Cane Range in the background.

Optional Side / extension walks

D’Alton and Fergusson Falls – 1km / 1 hour return

Discover the nature wonder of the area.  To reach D’Alton and Fergusson Falls, you will climb down through rainforests to the Mersey River, or venture to the top of the falls, though be aware the track may be slippery and has steep falls on the side.

Hartnett Falls – 1.5kn / 1 hour return

To reach Harnett Falls, follow the similar path as D’Alton and Fergusson Falls, with the same exposure.

As you walk through the local eucalypt forest and buttongrass plains alongside the Narcissus Valley your walk today begins with a gradual, less challenging descent. To make your way to Narcissus Hut and Lake St Clair (Lake St Clair – the Southern Hemispheres known deepest natural lake) your walk involves crossing the river on the provided suspension bridge.

Optional Side / extension walks

Pine Valley Hut – 4.7kms / 1-2 hours

Commence with a descent to the Narcissus River with a crossing on the suspension bridge.  The track ventures through forest with varied textures and assistance on the walk.  You will come across, mud, tree roots and a boardwalk.  Crossing a few bridges, the track winds alongside Cephissus creek before arriving at Pine Valley Hut. 

The Acropolis – 6.4kms return / 4hours

The ascent to the summit of The Acropolis commences at the Pine Valley Hut. The climb looks very imposing, though quite accessible, being aware that the walk will have you navigating on and around rocks and boulders.  You will pass by Cephissus Falls and then cross Cephissus Creek on your way and climb though forests before reaching the ridge top.  The views from here are great and you can continue to take in the views while following the ridge crest for another kilometre.

The Labyrinth – 6kms return / 4.5 hours

The Labyrinth is a favourite among photographers. With its high alpine plateau, this day trip is worth the experience. You will follow the Labyrinth track through forests before climbing to the Parthenon. Meander around the Parthenon before you arrive at Lake Cyane.  Next step climb to the Labyrinth lookout.  Here you will enjoy spectacular and panoramic views of Mount Geryon, lakes and the Acropolis. 

• Our detailed guide to hiking the Overland Track – contains all the essential information you need to know in advance
• 6 days worth of food for your adventure; breakfast, lunch and dinner each day – delivered straight to your home
• Our own range of Lightweight, highly nutritious meals that are locally sourced, delicious and easy to carry & cook ( freeze dried and dehydrated)
• Our ‘start of the art’ Navigation app to guide you on the track; showing huts, campsites and all points of Interest along the way
• Delivery to your door* of our ‘Adventure in a box’ food parcel
• Our ‘Get fit for hiking’ e-guide for backpacking adventures
• 10% GST included
•  We can also arrange services such as trailhead transfers, pre- and post – trip accommodation at additional cost (see FAQ’s)

* Additional $35 delivery charge for locations in NT, WA and Northern Queensland

• Trailhead transfers & transport
• Ferry at Lake St. Clair
• Equipment hire
• Tasmanian Parks pass  & overland track permit ( required $230)

To walk the Overland Track you should be of reasonably good fitness and able to walk for upto 7 hours a day carrying a full pack. We have classified it as moderate to challenging, the initial climb near Cradle Mountain on the first day makes for a challenging start but once you are onto the Alpine plateau the trail becomes easier to follow and is more moderate. The weather conditions can always add to the challenge as this area is unpredictable throughout the year.

Yes. There are a number of outdoor gear hire companies in Tasmania that can help outfit you with equipment for the Overland Track. PLB’s can be hired from your transport provider (book in advance) or from the Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair Visitor Centre when you collect your track pass Contacts are given in our guide to the Overland Track.

It is important to book your transport before you start your walk. The Overland track starts at Cradle Mountain and finishes at Lake St Clair. These areas are remote and can be difficult to access. There is no longer any public servicing this route and transfers need to be booked with private transfer companies. Transport to and from the Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair visitor centres is available all year from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport, with more frequent services during summer. RAW Travel can book these transfers for you (additional cost) or you can book directly with the details we provide in our guide which you receive after booking.

Independent adventures place you at the centre of the experience, giving you the confidence to be a self-reliant walker on the trail. We take care of the research needed and give you all the essential information relating to the trip ( a task that seasoned walkers can tell you often takes many hours to get the correct information) so you can be thoroughly prepared and confident that you have  everything you need for your adventure. We give you all the contacts &  details to nearby transportation, accommodation and hire services,  highlight any risks to be aware of and how to mitigate them.

The food prep is a major hassle of many hikers trips and we solve that for you. We prepare all the food that you need for your trip, all pre-measured and dehydrated / freeze dried to take away the weight but keep the freshness. Our meals are reviewed by Nutritionists to provide the right daily nutrition and energy for your demands of the walk. And our ingredients are prepared from the best local ingredients here on the Mornington Peninsula, cooked to order and freeze dried fresh – not sitting on a shelf for years at a time!

Once you arrive at the trail it’s all over to you the adventure begins!  You are free and independent to create your own experience the way you want it. We provide you with an app to help you navigate in real time on the trail and give you the campsite locations and points of interest but you are completely autonomous & self – supporting on the walk.  These trips are best suited to people who relish that sense of liberation and freedom that comes with being self-reliant and don’t need the back up of a leader or group travel. Independent Adventures are different from our other self – guided walking trips as there are no briefings, transfers or local support from RAW Travel staff. It’s just you and nature out on the trail!

Yes, as long as you are a reasonably confident and experienced bushwalker, it’s an accessible experience. The trail is very well marked and there are always other walkers on the track in season.  It is recommended that if you are walking solo you should carry an EPIRB or PLB device for added safety.

Winter is an exception and should not be attempted on your own.The Overland Track in winter is limited to 16 walkers per day and is only advisable for very experienced hikers who are adequately prepared for the challenging conditions. You need proven map navigation skills – it is easy to become lost in winter when the trail can be buried under snow and not visible.

Huts have bunk style beds and on first come, first served basis, with campgrounds situated in the vicinity for overspill. There are six public huts: Waterfall Valley, Lake Windermere, Pelion, Kia Ora, Windy Ridge and Narcissus.  Wooden tent platforms are adjacent to the huts. Some campgrounds also have open grassy areas near the huts.

The huts are basic, dry and warm. Everyone is welcome to cook and socialise in the huts, whether you are sleeping in a tent or in the hut. 

All walkers must have a quality tent (3–4 season rating with inner and outer layer).