DESCRIPTION
HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel with the most experienced operator on Tasmania’s iconic trail
- Walk Australia’s internationally famous Overland Track
- Explore deep forests, sub-alpine plateaus and spectacular highland landscapes
- End each day at scenic campsites in the remote wilderness
- Summit Tasmania’s highest peak, Mt Ossa
- Enjoy close encounters with native animals, birds and stunning endemic plants
- Enjoy delicious 3-course meals prepared by your guides in the evenings
Walking from north to south over six days we cover the highest area of Tasmania, from the epic craggy spires of Cradle Mountain to the rainforest-clad shores of the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake St Clair. The World Heritage listed landscape is truly breathtaking and will leave you enchanted, inspired and feeling completely connected. With each day and every step, the scenery on the trail varies dramatically taking you through ancient Myrtle forest, glaciated dolerite landscapes, past plateaus covered in sparkling tarns and lakes and to Tasmania’s highest peak Mt Ossa. You will have up-close encounters with the unique and endemic animals that call this wonderful area home.
This full pack trek is suitable for first-time bushwalkers as the inclusion of food drops and modern equipment will keep your pack as light as possible. Your professional guides will ensure your adventure is immensely memorable and enjoyable, providing support and care, creating delicious meals, and bringing the track to life with their local knowledge and enthusiasm for the Tasmanian wilderness.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: A compulsory pre-departure briefing is held at 2 pm the day 1 of this trip. More details will be provided upon booking.
DAY 2: Launceston to Cradle Mountain National Park, walk Waldheim to Waterfall Valley
We pick you up from your Launceston accommodation between 7-7.30am and drive 2.5 hours to Waldheim, ‘forest home’, where our Overland Track trek begins. The morning is spent walking up past lakes and turns to the top of the Cradle Plateau where we are rewarded with views of Dove Lake and an endless horizon of impressive mountain ranges. After lunch, weather and time permitting, we may opt for a side trip to the craggy summit of Cradle Mountain before making our way to Waterfall Valley for our first night under the stars.
Walking Distance: 10km + side trips | Walking Time: 5 hours + side trips
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 an 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 button grass 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: 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: 17km | 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: 9km + 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: 10km + side trips | Walking Time: 4 hours + side trips
DAY 7: Windy Ridge 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. You will be dropped off at your Launceston accommodation at approximately 5 pm.
Walking Distance: 9km | Walking Time: 3 hours
WHAT YOU CARRY
For your expedition, you will need to carry all equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90litres in capacity. This will need to include the following items:
• Sleeping bag
• Inflatable Mat
• A portion of the shared tent
• A portion of the group’s food
• All personal items that you have decided to bring along
• All wet weather gear
Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be between 14-18kg. A comprehensive gear list is available from the reservations office that details what clothing and equipment are required for each expedition. It is specific to each type of trip and clearly sets out what equipment is included in the tour cost and what you will need to supply.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 5 nights camping
- 2 professional wilderness guides
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners snacks and hot drinks
- Food drop provisions along the track
- Transport by private minibus
- Lake St. Clair ferry passage
- National Park fees
- Overland Track Permit
- Tent, backpack and gaiters
- Sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
- Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
- Emergency communications & group first aid kit
