Overland Track
Australia’s premier alpine traverse through glacial valleys, moorland, rainforest and the mountain heart of Tasmania.
Route overview
Travel south from Ronny Creek through the established hut corridor to Narcissus and Lake St Clair, using only permitted side trips and current transport arrangements.
The Overland Track crosses the national park from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair over six days. Independent walkers carry full multi-day equipment and must be prepared for snow, rain, wind and cold at any time, as well as booking rules and direction controls during the main season.
Trail facts
- Country
- Australia
- Region
- Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
- Distance
- 65 km one way
- Typical duration
- 6 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Variable multi-day alpine profile
- Best season
- Main booking season and shoulder periods with full preparation
- Trail type
- Point to point
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Booking and Overland Track fee required during the main season; valid parks pass and current rules apply
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Multi-day exposure, hypothermia, snow, flooding, mud, navigation errors, fatigue, limited communications and transport failure
Highlights
Cradle Plateau, Barn Bluff views, Lake Windermere, Pelion Plains, Du Cane Range and Lake St Clair
Why find a buddy
A compatible buddy materially improves shared load planning, emergency resilience, pacing and multi-day decision-making.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.