Overland Track

The Overland Track is Australia's premier alpine walk, a 65-kilometer (40-mile) trek through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This six-day journey takes you from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, traversing ancient rainforests, button grass plains, and dramatic dolerite peaks. It's a rite of passage for hikers, offering a deeply immersive experience in one of the world's last great temperate wildernesses. Prepare for changeable weather and come with a spirit of adventure—this is not a walk to be taken lightly, but the rewards are immense.

Highlights & What to See

• Cradle Mountain: The iconic jagged peak is your starting point. If time allows, climb it before or after your trek for panoramic views over Dove Lake and the surrounding wilderness.
• Barn Bluff & Mount Ossa: Side trips to these lofty peaks offer some of the most spectacular views on the track. Mount Ossa is Tasmania's highest mountain at 1,617 meters (5,305 feet).
• Pine Valley & the Labyrinth: A detour into this dramatic alpine landscape of dolerite columns and tarns is a highlight for experienced bushwalkers.
• Rainforest & Waterfalls: Sections of myrtle-beech rainforest, especially around the Pelion Plains and Windy Ridge, are enchanting. Keep an eye out for Hartnett Falls and Fergusson Falls.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot wombats, wallabies, and pademelons in the alpine heathlands, and if you're lucky, the elusive platypus in the creeks around Lake St Clair.
• Lake St Clair: Australia's deepest lake marks the end of the track. Take a ferry across to the visitor centre or explore the shoreline trails.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers complete the Overland Track in six days, walking roughly 9 to 15 kilometers (5.5 to 9 miles) per day. This allows time for side trips and a comfortable pace. You can also do it in five days if you're fit and focused, but the extra day lets you linger at highlights like Pelion Gap and the Labyrinth. The track is open from October to May, with the busiest period from December to February. Plan to book your walk well in advance, as permits are capped to protect the environment.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cradle Mountain National Park: Spend a day or two before or after your trek exploring shorter walks like the Dove Lake Circuit or the Enchanted Walk.
• Lake St Clair National Park: Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or the Watersmeet Walk at the southern end of the track.
• Launceston: The nearest major city, with excellent food and wine scenes, plus the stunning Cataract Gorge.
• Walls of Jerusalem National Park: A lesser-known wilderness area with similar alpine landscapes, perfect for experienced walkers.
• Freycinet National Park: On the east coast, famous for Wineglass Bay and coastal granite peaks—a great contrast to the inland mountains.

Please check official sources for current details.