The Overland Track is Tasmania's iconic multi-day alpine walk through the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The classic route travels from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through mountains, rainforest, buttongrass plains, alpine areas and ancient wilderness.

DeThe main walking section from Ronny Creek to Narcissus is approximately 65 km. Most walkers then take the ferry across Lake St Clair to Cynthia Bascription text goes here

Most walkers complete the Overland Track in approximately six days. Some walkers take seven or more days to allow additional time for side trips, weather or rest days.

The Overland Track is a Grade 4 bushwalk and requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Some sections are long, rough, steep and exposed, and conditions can change rapidly.

You should be comfortable walking several hours a day while carrying a loaded backpack. Training with hills, stairs and longer walks while carrying your hiking pack is recommended.

It can be completed by first-time multi-day hikers who are physically fit, properly equipped and well prepared. However, it is a serious wilderness walk and should not be underestimated.

Yes, experienced families can enjoy the Overland Track. Children need to be physically and mentally prepared, and PWS recommends gaining experience on less demanding multi-day walks first.

There is no general minimum age for independent walkers, but PWS does not recommend the track for children under eight. Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Yes. Children can walk the Overland Track if they are adequately prepared, fit and accompanied by an adult. Younger walkers can be more susceptible to fatigue, hypothermia and heat exhaustion.

Yes. Age itself is not a barrier, but walkers need to honestly assess their fitness, experience, health and ability to carry a backpack for several days.

Yes. Many people complete the Overland Track as independent walkers. Independent walkers are self-sufficient and must carry their own food, equipment and shelter.

Previous experience is highly recommended. If you are new to multi-day hiking, consider completing some shorter overnight hikes before attempting the Overland Track.

Daily distances vary depending on your itinerary, side trips and weather. Most walkers cover roughly 8–15 km per day on the standard six-day itinerary.

The classic Ronny Creek to Narcissus walking section is approximately 65 km. Additional walking to Cynthia Bay or side trips increases the total distance.

There is significant climbing and descending throughout the track. The most demanding sections include the climbs around Cradle Mountain, Pelion Gap and the optional mountain summits.

Key Elevation Details

• Base Track Gain: Around 1,460 m to 1,500 m of climbing if you stick strictly to the main low-to-mid trail path.

• With Side Trips: Total cumulative elevation gain can easily exceed 2,500 to 4,000 meters if you add mountain summits like Mount Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak at 1,617 m), Cradle Mountain, or Barn Bluff.

• Highest Point on Main Track: Around 1,250 meters on the plateau near Marions Lookout and Kitchen Hut.

• Lowest Point: Around 720 meters at the Forth River crossing.

• Official Information: You can review official safety requirements and planning maps via the Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania site

Mount Ossa, at 1,617 metres, is the highest mountain in Tasmania and can be accessed as a side trip from the Overland Track.

More information on Mount Ossa through AussieBushwalking

The Overland Track is a serious wilderness walk. Rapid weather changes, cold, rain, snow, strong winds, difficult terrain and fatigue can create significant risks. Good preparation is essential.

Mobile phone reception cannot be relied upon and there are long sections without coverage. A PLB or satellite communication device is strongly recommended.

Parks and Wildlife Service rangers operate in the area, but walkers should be self-sufficient and prepared to manage emergencies until assistance arrives.

A PLB is not generally mandatory, but Parks and Wildlife strongly encourages multi-day walkers to carry one because mobile phone coverage cannot be relied upon.

Hire Your PLB Here through Wild Island Adventures

Wild Island Adventures offers scheduled transfers from Launceston to Cradle Mountain, including morning and midday services during the walking season.

Wild Island Adventures offers a Hobart to Cradle Mountain transfer option, allowing travellers from Hobart to connect with their Overland Track departure.

Transport is available from Devonport through several operators. Contact us if you'd like assistance arranging your transfer.

No. Transport to Cradle Mountain and transport from Lake St Clair are arranged separately from your PWS Overland Track booking.

PWS Information

For a morning Overland Track departure, we recommend allowing plenty of time for the journey to Cradle Mountain, check-in and the shuttle to Ronny Creek.

Wildisland Adventures leaves Launceston at 6am and arrives at Cradle Mountain visitor centre at approximately 8 - 8:30am.

Our scheduled service takes approximately 2 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions witha brief stop at Sheffiled Bakery on the way.

Our scheduled Hobart service takes approximately 4 hours 20 minutes, depending on conditions.

We offer pickup from a range of Launceston accommodation locations. Select your accommodation during booking or contact us if your location isn't listed.

Yes, subject to the accommodation being within our pickup network.

Yes, we offer pickup from a range of Hobart accommodation locatio

Yes. Our midday service is particularly useful for walkers who want to travel to Cradle Mountain the afternoon before their Overland Track departure.

Yes. Our early morning Launceston service is designed for walkers commencing the Overland Track that day.

Allow enough time to complete your walker briefing, collect your pass and catch the shuttle to Ronny Creek. We recommend not leaving your arrival until the last possible moment.

Yes. Contact us regarding luggage transport options.

Yes. We offer luggage storage for customers travelling to and from a hiking destination.

Yes, subject to the service booked and available luggage capacit

Yes. We offer luggage storage for travellers returning from their hike.

Yes. We offer scheduled Lake St Clair to Launceston services, including afternoon departures.

Yes. Wild Island Adventures offers Lake St Clair to Hobart transfers.

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Yes. Private and group transport options may be available depending on vehicle and driver availability.

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Essential equipment includes a suitable backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, waterproof clothing, warm clothing, cooking equipment, food, water capacity, navigation equipment and emergency equipment.

See here for Wild island Adventures Overland Track Pack

There is no single correct weight. Aim to carry the minimum equipment necessary while ensuring you have adequate shelter, food, clothing and emergency equipment. A Rough average weight among hikers ranges between 13kg and 20kg with a third of your body weight being a guide.

A 60–70 litre hiking pack is commonly suitable for a self-sufficient Overland Track trip, depending on your equipment and packing style.

Yes. Even though huts are available, PWS requires walkers to be prepared to camp because hut space cannot be guaranteed.

Requirements from Parks and WildLife

Yes. You need a sleeping bag suitable for Tasmanian alpine conditions.

Choose a sleeping bag suitable for cold, wet and potentially freezing conditions. Even during summer, temperatures can drop significantly. Wildisland Adventures hire out Mont Zodiac -10 degrees and -14 degrees with the Mont Warmlite.

Yes. A sleeping mat provides insulation from the cold ground as well as comfort.

Absolutely. A quality waterproof jacket is essential. Weather can change rapidly on the Overland Track.

Waterproof overpants are highly recommended, particularly because Tasmania can experience prolonged rain and cold conditions.

Gaiters are strongly recommended. They help keep mud, water, snow and debris out of your boots.

They aren't mandatory, but many walkers find poles extremely useful on steep, muddy and uneven sections.

Yes. The huts do not provide cooking equipment, so independent walkers need to carry their own stove, fuel and utensils.

Yes. The Overland Track is designated for fuel stoves rather than open fires. Check current PWS requirements before travelling.

Yes. Wild Island Adventures offers a wide range of hiking equipment for hire.

https://wildislandadventure.com/hiking-gear-hire-tasmania

Yes. Our Overland Track package combines hiking equipment and transport to make preparing for your walk easier.

https://wildislandadventure.com/theoverlandtrack

Our package can include a hiking tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, hiking pack, pack liner, pack cover, rain jacket, rain pants, gaiters, stove, cooking equipment and transport. Exact inclusions are shown at the time of booking.

We use quality hiking brands and equipment selected for Tasmanian conditions. Depending on availability, equipment can include brands such as Mont, One Planet and other established outdoor brands, including Wildisland Adventures quality branded items.

Yes. We have hiking tents available for hire.

https://wildislandadventure.com/booknow/hiking-tents

Yes. We offer several sleeping bag options, including Mont sleeping bags.

https://wildislandadventure.com/booknow/warmlite-xt-r-750-12c-down-sleeping-bag

https://wildislandadventure.com/booknow/sleeping-bag-down-fill-inc-cotton-liner

Yes. Hiking packs are available for hire, including large packs suitable for multi-day trips.

https://wildislandadventure.com/booknow/canvas-bushwalking-pack-inc-waterproof-pack-liner-1

Yes, independent walkers can use the public huts, but space is not guaranteed.

No. Overland Track huts operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes. This is extremely important. PWS requires walkers to be prepared to camp because huts may be full or you may not reach the hut as planned.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain/overland-track/frequently-asked-questions?utm_source=chatgpt.com

No. Huts have bunk beds but walkers need to carry their own sleeping mats.

No. The huts have basic facilities but do not have showers or hot water.

No. You need to carry your own stove, fuel and cooking equipment.

Freshwater tanks are provided at the main huts, but walkers should still carry suitable water capacity and treat water where appropriate.

Do not rely on being able to charge electronic devices on the track. Carry sufficient power for your entire trip.

Yes. Independent walkers can use designated tent platforms.

Yes. Designated independent walker tent platforms are available at camps along the track.

Yes, during the main booking season from 1 October to 31 May, independent walkers need to book the Overland Track in advance.

Parks and WildLife

The main booking season runs from 1 October to 31 May. A separate winter registration system operates during the winter period.

Bookings for each walking season open on the first Tuesday in July at 9:00 am AEST.

Book as early as possible if you want a particular departure date. Popular dates can sell quickly.

For the 2026/27 season, PWS lists the Overland Track fee at $312 for adults and $272 for children aged 17 and under and eligible concession holders. Fees are reviewed annually.

Overland Track Fees

Bookings are made through the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Overland Track booking system.

Yes. Independent bookings can accommodate up to eight people per booking. Larger groups should contact the Overland Track Booking Team.

A maximum of eight independent walkers can be included in one online booking.

There is currently no waiting list. Cancellations appear in the booking system in real time, so you can regularly check for availability or choose another date.

No. PWS does not currently operate a waiting list for the Overland Track.

Parks and WildLife Info

Yes, changes may be possible depending on availability and the applicable PWS terms and conditions.

Yes. The person who made the booking can apply to cancel it. Cancellation fees may apply.

A walker can generally be substituted if someone in your group can no longer attend, subject to PWS procedures. Whole bookings cannot simply be transferred to another group.

Yes, during the booking season. Your booking allows you to obtain your Overland Track Pass at Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.

At Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, you present your booking confirmation and complete the required walker briefing before receiving your pass.

Allow enough time to arrive at Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, complete your walker briefing and catch the shuttle to Ronny Creek. Safety briefings start at 8:30am and every half an hour after that until 12pm. Then a 1:30pm and a 3pm safety briefing is available.

Yes. Many walkers choose to travel to Cradle Mountain the day before their walk and complete their check-in before starting the following morning.

During the main Overland Track booking season, the Overland Track booking fee includes park entry for the duration of your walk. Additional park entry may be required if you visit other national parks or spend additional time in the park outside your Overland Track booking.

During the main booking season, shuttle access from the Visitor Centre to Ronny Creek is included in the Overland Track booking fee.

During the main booking season, independent walkers must travel north to south, from Cradle Mountain towards Lake St Clair. Winter arrangements are different.

We provide transport options connecting Launceston, Hobart, Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, making it easier to organise your journey to and from the Overland Track.

Our scheduled departures are currently 6:00 am and 12:00 pm, subject to the operating schedule for your travel date. All transfers must be prebooked.

Our current scheduled services include 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, with an additional 1:00 pm service available under certain booking conditions.

Our scheduled services currently include 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm departures.

Our scheduled services currently include 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm departures.

Yes. We offer return transfer packages combining your journey to Cradle Mountain with your return from Lake St Clair.

Yes. Because the Overland Track generally takes around six days, return transport needs to be booked for the appropriate date following your walk.

Yes, but we recommend confirming your PWS Overland Track departure date first so your transport dates match.

Contact us as soon as possible. We can check whether an earlier transfer is available, subject to capacity.

Contact us as soon as possible. We can check later services or alternative arrangements. It is important not to assume a bus will wait without prior arrangement.

Your booking confirmation will provide the pickup location and instructions. Please arrive at the pickup point early.

Our scheduled service takes approximately 2½ hours.

Our scheduled service takes approximately 2½ hours.

Yes. We transport hiking equipment subject to vehicle capacity and booking requirements.

Yes. We regularly transport hiking groups.

Yes, subject to availability. Our fleet includes vehicles of different sizes, so contact us for larger groups.

Yes. Private transfers may be available depending on vehicle and driver availability

Yes. Our vehicles are set up to accommodate hiking packs and passenger luggage, subject to capacity.

Yes. Hiking packs are welcome. Please let us know if you have particularly large or unusual equipment.

Yes, subject to available luggage capacity. Contact us before travelling if you have significant excess luggage.

The weather can be highly variable. You may experience sunshine, rain, strong winds, cold temperatures and snow during the same trip.

Yes. Snow can occur in the Tasmanian alpine environment even during summer. PWS warns that severe cold, wet and windy conditions can occur at any time of year.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain/overland-track?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Yes. Rain is common and walkers should be prepared for prolonged wet conditions.

Use a layering system consisting of moisture-managing base layers, warm insulation and waterproof outer layers. Avoid relying on a single heavy jacket.

Slow down, reassess conditions and follow PWS safety advice. If conditions become unsafe, be prepared to change your itinerary or seek shelter.

Yes. Track sections or the entire track can be affected by closures, fire, severe weather, infrastructure issues or other safety concerns. Always check current PWS alerts before departing

Check a reliable Tasmanian weather forecast before departure and during your trip where communication is available.

Check the current Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania alerts and Overland Track information before starting your walk.

Reassess your plans before departure and make sure your equipment is appropriate. If already on the track, follow PWS advice and be prepared to delay or alter your itinerary.

Temperatures can fall below freezing in alpine areas. Be prepared for cold conditions regardless of the season.

Day 1 begins at Ronny Creek and climbs towards Crater Mountain and Marions Lookout before continuing towards Waterfall Valley. It is a spectacular but demanding introduction to the track.

The distance is approximately 10 km, depending on the exact route taken.

Day 2 continues through the alpine landscape towards Windermere Lake and beyond. Weather conditions can make this section particularly challenging.

Day 3 takes walkers towards Pelion Plain and the dramatic mountain scenery surrounding Mount Oakleigh and Mount Pelion.

The track continues through the heart of the Overland Track towards Kia Ora, with spectacular mountain scenery and optional side trips.

Walkers travel from Kia Ora towards the Du Cane area and Windy Ridge, with several impressive waterfalls and side trips available.

The final walking section generally takes walkers from Windy Ridge towards Narcissus, where they can take the ferry across Lake St Clair or continue walking around the lake.

The main walking section finishes at Narcissus. Most walkers then take the ferry to Cynthia Bay at Lake St Clair.

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain/overland-track?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Most walkers take the ferry from Narcissus across Lake St Clair to Cynthia Bay. The ferry needs to be booked separately.

https://lakestclairlodge.com.au/lake-st-clair-ferry-service/

Yes. The ferry is separate from your Overland Track booking and should be booked in advance.

https://lakestclairlodge.com.au/lake-st-clair-ferry-service/

You need enough food for your entire itinerary, plus an emergency reserve. Most walkers plan approximately six days of food, with additional supplies depending on their itinerary.

Plan for the length of your trip plus some emergency food. Weather or injury can delay your journey, so carrying a reserve is important.

No. There are no shops or supermarkets along the track. You must carry your own food.

Food drops are not a standard Overland Track service. Any proposed commercial food drop should be discussed with and approved by Parks and Wildlife Service before being undertaken.

Do not assume food delivery is permitted. Access and commercial activities in the national park are controlled, so specific approval may be required.

You can purchase and prepare your food in Launceston, Hobart or the Cradle Mountain area before beginning your walk.

Freshwater is available at various locations, including hut water tanks, but water should be treated appropriately and walkers should always have sufficient water capacity.

Water treatment is recommended. Carry a suitable filter, purification tablets or another reliable water treatment method.

Carry enough water for the conditions and distance between reliable water sources. Your requirements will vary depending on temperature, exertion and individual needs.

Yes. A quality water filter is a useful addition to an Overland Track hiking kit.

Yes. Wild Island Adventures offers Overland Track gear hire in Tasmania, including tents, sleeping bags, hiking packs, sleeping mats, rain jackets, rain pants, gaiters, cooking equipment and other essential hiking gear. You can hire individual items or choose an Overland Track gear package containing the equipment you need for your multi-day hike.

Yes. Our Overland Track gear hire and transport packages combine essential hiking equipment with transport from Launceston to Cradle Mountain and return transport from Lake St Clair. This makes it easier to organise your Overland Track adventure without purchasing expensive equipment that you may only use occasionally.

Absolutely. If you already own some of your hiking equipment, you can hire only the items you need. Our Tasmania hiking gear hire includes tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, sleeping mats, waterproof clothing, gaiters, hiking poles, cooking equipment, PLBs and more.

Yes. Wild Island Adventures offers PLB hire for the Overland Track and other Tasmanian hikes. A Personal Locator Beacon is an important piece of emergency equipment for remote hiking where mobile phone coverage cannot be relied upon.

Yes. Hiking poles are available for hire from Wild Island Adventures. Poles can be particularly useful on the steep, uneven and sometimes muddy sections of the Overland Track, helping with balance and reducing strain on your knees.

Yes. We offer waterproof hiking jackets and rain pants for hire in Tasmania. Quality waterproof clothing is particularly important on the Overland Track because Tasmanian alpine weather can change rapidly, even during summer.

Yes. Our Overland Track cooking equipment hire includes hiking stoves, cooking pots and utensils. Hiring your cooking equipment can help reduce the amount of hiking gear you need to purchase before your trip.

Yes. We offer large hiking backpacks suitable for multi-day hiking and the Overland Track. Our packs provide the capacity required to carry your tent, sleeping bag, clothing, food and other essential equipment.

Yes. If you're unsure what equipment you need for the Overland Track, our team can help you choose suitable hiking gear for Tasmanian conditions. We can recommend equipment based on your itinerary, experience, the season you're travelling and what you already own.

Yes. When you collect your Overland Track hire equipment, we can help adjust your hiking backpack and provide advice on comfortable fitting and weight distribution. We want you to start your walk with your equipment properly fitted and ready for the trail.

Yes. We recommend collecting your Overland Track hiking gear the day before your transfer where possible. This gives you time to check your equipment, pack your backpack and make sure you have everything you need before travelling to Cradle Mount

Yes. Staying in Launceston the night before your Overland Track hike is a popular option, particularly for walkers using our early morning Launceston to Cradle Mountain transfer. It allows you to start your journey without an early interstate travel connection on the same morning.

Yes. Staying at Cradle Mountain before starting the Overland Track can be a convenient option. Many walkers travel to Cradle Mountain the afternoon before their departure, complete their Parks and Wildlife check-in and prepare for an early start the following morning.

Yes. We offer Overland Track luggage storage in Launceston for travellers using our hiking transport services. This allows you to leave suitcases and other belongings behind while you carry only the equipment required for your Overland Track hike.

Yes. If you're travelling with luggage that you don't need on the track, Wild Island Adventures can provide luggage storage in Launceston while you complete your Overland Track adventure, subject to our luggage storage conditions.

Yes. Our Overland Track return transfer packages are designed for walkers travelling from Launceston to Cradle Mountain and returning from Lake St Clair to Launceston after completing the track. You can select your preferred travel dates and available services when booking.

Yes. We offer Hobart to Cradle Mountain transport for Overland Track walkers, providing a convenient option for visitors staying in Hobart who need to reach the northern starting point of the track.

Yes. Lake St Clair to Hobart transfers are available for walkers who want to return to Hobart after completing the Overland Track. This can be a convenient alternative to returning to Launceston.

Yes. Wild Island Adventures provides Overland Track transport for independent walkers who have arranged their own Parks and Wildlife booking. We can help with transport to Cradle Mountain before your hike and return transport from Lake St Clair when you finish.

We recommend booking your Overland Track transport as early as possible, particularly for popular walking dates, weekends and the busy summer period. Early booking gives you the best chance of securing your preferred departure time.

If your hiking dates change, contact Wild Island Adventures as soon as possible. We'll check whether your Overland Track transfer booking can be changed to match your new dates, subject to availability and our booking conditions.

Yes. Couples can easily book Overland Track transport with Wild Island Adventures. We regularly transport couples and small groups travelling from Launceston or Hobart to Cradle Mountain.

Yes. We provide group transport to the Overland Track and have vehicles suitable for different group sizes. Contact us if you're travelling with a larger hiking group and we'll help find the most suitable transport option.

Yes. Our Overland Track buses have space for hiking backpacks and camping equipment, subject to available luggage capacity. Please let us know in advance if you are travelling with particularly bulky equipment.

You can bring your hiking backpack, personal luggage and the camping equipment required for your trip. We recommend keeping valuables, travel documents and other important items with you during the journey.

Please be ready at your nominated pickup location at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This helps us keep our Launceston, Hobart, Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair transfer services running on schedule.

If you think you're going to miss your transfer, contact Wild Island Adventures immediately. Our scheduled buses cannot generally wait for late passengers, and alternative transport may incur additional charges depending on availability.

Our Overland Track transfer services operate according to our seasonal timetable and available bookings. Services include transport between Launceston, Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, with additional options available depending on demand and the time of year.

Yes, selected Tasmania hiking transport services operate outside the main Overland Track walking season. Winter conditions on the Overland Track are significantly more challenging, so walkers should check current Parks and Wildlife requirements and track conditions before travelling.

Wild Island Adventures specialises in Overland Track transport and hiking gear hire in Tasmania. We provide transport between Launceston, Hobart, Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, along with hiking equipment hire, luggage storage and Overland Track gear packages. Our goal is to make organising your Tasmanian hiking adventure as simple and stress-free as possible.

Wild Island Adventures has been operating Overland Track transport services for over 9 years along with hiking gear hire throghout Tasmania.