What is the Overland Track in Tasmania?
The Overland Track is a famous 65-kilometre hike through Tasmania's alpine wilderness, from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Most walkers take about six days to complete it.
The track crosses Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, passing glacial lakes, button grass plains, rainforest and dolerite peaks. Side trips include Mount Ossa, at 1,617 metres the highest mountain in Tasmania.
Between 1 October and 31 May, walkers must book a place and pay a fee, and the track is walked from north to south. Numbers are limited to protect the environment and reduce crowding at huts.
Huts and safety
Public huts along the way offer basic shelter, but walkers must carry a tent in case huts are full. Private guided walks use their own comfortable huts.
The weather is unpredictable, and snow can fall even in summer. Walkers need warm clothing, waterproof gear and good fitness.
The track ends at Lake St Clair, where walkers can catch a ferry or walk the final stretch along the shore to Cynthia Bay.
Did You Know?
The Overland Track's route was first used by trappers and was promoted by Gustav Weindorfer in the early 1900s.