Overland Track

Route overview

The Overland Track crosses the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area from Ronny Creek to Narcissus. A typical six-day itinerary links Waterfall Valley, Lake Windermere, Pelion, Kia Ora and Windy Ridge before descending the Narcissus Valley. The route combines exposed plateaus above 1,000 metres with rainforest, eucalypt forest, glacial valleys and optional side trips. Reaching Narcissus does not complete the transport plan: walkers must either use a pre-booked ferry or continue 17.5 kilometres along Lake St Clair to Cynthia Bay.

Tasmania’s premier 65 km alpine traverse through glacial valleys, rainforest, buttongrass plains and remote mountain country from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair.

Trail facts

Country

Australia

Distance

65 km one way to Narcissus; optional 17.5 km additional lakeside walk to Cynthia Bay

Typical duration

normally 6 days, often longer with rest days or side trips

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

Not published by official source

Best season

seasonal rules apply; severe weather is possible in every month

Trail type

multi-day point-to-point

Safety context

This is a serious remote undertaking. Every independent party must carry a tent because hut space is not guaranteed, plus an alpine-rated sleep system, waterproof pack protection, stove, fuel, map, compass, PLB, sufficient food and full cold-weather clothing. Summer walkers require a booking; winter walkers require registration and may travel either direction. Ferry arrangements must be made before departure. Severe cold, wet and wind have caused fatalities even in summer. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.

This is a serious remote undertaking. Every independent party must carry a tent because hut space is not guaranteed, plus an alpine-rated sleep system, waterproof pack protection, stove, fuel, map, compass, PLB, sufficient food and full cold-weather clothing. Summer walkers require a booking; winter walkers require registration and may travel either direction. Ferry arrangements must be made before departure. Severe cold, wet and wind have caused fatalities even in summer.

Highlights

`australia`, `tasmania`, `overland-track`, `cradle-mountain`, `lake-st-clair`, `grade-4`, `multi-day`, `world-heritage`, `alpine-traverse

Why find a buddy

The route requires high-confidence matching around remote-walking experience, navigation, pace, pack weight, cooking, tent use, medical issues, side-trip ambitions and bailout decision-making. Buddies should complete at least one demanding training hike together before departure.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

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