What to Bring

Tents
It is essential that a tent be carried. Having a tent gives you complete independence and the flexibility to stop and camp when it is unwise to proceed, due to poor weather conditions, injury or fatigue.

Fuel Stoves
The Cradle Mt-Lake St Clair National Park is a Fuel Stove Only Area and campfires are not permitted. Many parts of this park have already been burnt and it is important to prevent further fires from occurring. You will need to carry a fuel stove for cooking (the heaters in the huts are not suitable for cooking).

Please be aware that on the Bass Strait Ferry (Spirit of Tasmania) and on airlines you cannot bring flammable items such as fuel-stove fuel or spare petrol. Fuel stoves and fuel bottles must be empty, cleaned and aired for 6 hours prior to any flights - check with your airline for specific instructions.

Please check your fuel stove before starting the walk to ensure that you have all the neccessary components and that it operates correctly.

See our page on fuel stoves for more details.

Maps
The Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair Map and Notes 1: 100 000 Tasmap is invaluable. See our page on maps for the Overland.

What other gear should we carry?
Even in mid summer conditions along the Overland Track can become very cold, wet and windy, leaving unprepared walkers at risk of hypothermia. It is essential that all walkers have adquate clothing and gear to cope with such circumstances.

It's essential to have a waterproof raincoat, warm sleeping bag, sleeping mat, sufficient food, thermal top & leggings, a fleecy or woollen jumper, warm hat, map, water bottle, plastic bag for pack waterproofing, and worn-in boots.

Conversely, walkers can encounter clear, hot sunny days where the UV radiation of the sun may cause sunburn. Carrying a broad-brimmed sunhat and suncream is recommended.

We also ask that you please carry a trowel, for digging a toilet hole for faecal waste if caught out between toilets. The huts' toilets are about 4-6 hours walk apart and you must bury your waste and toilet paper if you do not use a toilet.

Please read the Essential Bushwalking Guide & Trip Planner. A full gear check list can be found on our website.