What is the Overland Track?

The Overland Track is Tasmania's premier long distance bushwalk (65km, 6 days) through some of Tasmania's best alpine scenery. You will travel through spectacular dolerite mountains; near beautiful waterfalls; through a variety of fascinating ecosystems; close to Tasmania's tallest mountain, Mount Ossa - a 4 hr side trip; before finishing at Australia's deepest lake: Lake St Clair.

You will pass through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and have the opportunity to experience this unique landscape as you journey. The Overland Track begins at Ronny Creek, climbs out of the Cradle Valley and finishes at Lake St Clair.

The Overland Track is Tasmania's premier bushwalking experience.

Why do I need to book my walk?

Demand for experiences on the Overland Track are high and increasing and there are concerns about degradation and overcrowding.  Although there have been improvements to the infrastructure on the Overland Track, a strategic approach to management of the track is now needed if its use is to be sustainable in the future. To this end, a vision has been endorsed for the Overland Track.

 The vision recommended the introduction of a booking system, fee and requirement that walkers walk from north to south during the peak walking season of 1st November to April 30.

The vision can be viewed at: http://overlandtrack.com.au/vision.html

How do I get to the start of the track?

If you are coming from interstate or overseas we recommend that you fly into Launceston or Devonport and then out of Hobart as this will reduce your travel time spent on buses/coaches.  If you are travelling from Hobart the best option for transport is by bus/coach.

There are numerous coach companies that offer transport to and from Cradle Mountain, the start of the Overland Track:

• Tassie Link (Ph. 1300 300 520)
• McDermotts Coaches (Ph. (03) 6394 3535)
• Maxwell's Coaches (Ph. (03) 6492 1431)
• Tasmanian Tour Company (Ph. 1300 659 878 or 0409 208 134)
• Tiger Wilderness Tours Tasmania (Ph. (03) 6394 3212)
• Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences (Ph (03) 6261 4971 or 1300 882 293)
• Outdoor Recreational Transport (Ph. (03) 6391 8249)

Some transport companies also offer transport for your excess luggage, contact the companies direct for information.  The Parks and Wildlife Service are unable to provide storage.

What is the best option if I have my own car?

We suggest you leave your car at Lake St Clair and book the bus/coach service to Cradle Mountain.  This will give more flexibility in your walking time.  Also the services to Cradle Mountain from Lake St Clair do not occur everyday.  When leaving your car at Lake St Clair please check with staff for the best place to park.

How do I get back to my vehicle that I have left at Cradle Mountain?

The best option is to book transport with a bus/coach company as listed above.This information can be found on the Overland Track website under 'Buses and Access'.

Why is there a fee to walk the track?

Maintaining a 65km walking track with associated facilities in remote country is expensive. The fee structure is set with regard to the cost of maintaining the infrastructure, the quality of the experience and environmental protection. Fees collected through the web-based booking system will cover the use of the Overland Track. The fee covers not only the overnight facilities; it is also for the maintenance for boardwalks, signs and toilets.

Should I take out travel insurance?

Yes, we recommended that walkers take out travel insurance to guard against costs involved with the cancellation or delay of your trip.  Walkers will need to organise this themselves.

How many people are allowed to depart each day?

A maximum of 60 walkers can depart each day from Cradle Mountain.  This includes 34 independent walkers, 13 group members booked to use the separate group site facilities, and 13 with Cradle Huts, who have private accommodation. Walkers can spend as many days as they like on the track which can result in a varying number of people at each overnight point, so overnight hut spaces cannot be guaranteed.

Why do we have to book?

The number of walkers on the track needs to be managed in order for the Overland Track to remain Tasmania's premier bushwalking experience. To ensure walkers have the flexibility to walk at a comfortable pace, the booking system manages departures only.   Walkers do not book their track accommodation; nor are they locked into a fixed itinerary, rather they will book a departure date.  By managing departures onto the track, the number and extent of overcrowding events  is minimised, and use is spread more evenly during the peak period.  

How do I walk the Overland Track?

The Overland Track experience is a 'through' walk; people walk the track from north to south in a single journey during the peak walking season.  It generally takes six days, and can be experienced in three different ways:

• As an independent walker, using the huts and campsites along the track.
• As a member of a community or commercial group, camping at the group site facilities along the track.
• As a member of a commercial group (Cradle Huts) staying in private huts along the track.

What if I have to cancel my booking or change my departure date?

There is a 25% cancellation fee on the Overland Track pass. If cancelling within 14 days of departure, there is a 100% cancellation fee. Both of these fees may be waived if you can prove unavoidable circumstances such as a medical problem. The Park Entry Pass is always fully refunded, unless it has been already redeemed. The information pack can only be refunded if it was not dispatched.

Your departure date may be changed providing there is availability on the day you wish to change it to.

Can I do side trips?

Yes. How you choose to walk the track, and what side trips you take is up to you. You may spend as many days as you like on the track.

Where do I collect my Overland Track pass?

Your pass can be collected from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is open from 8am to 5pm every day.

It may be a good idea to book a night’s accommodation and start walking the day after you arrive at Cradle Mountain so that you get an early start on the track and have a comfortable day’s walk.

Where do I collect my national park pass?

If you purchased a Backpacker Park Pass through the Overland Track booking system, there are eight places it can be redeemed.  Simply take a copy of your booking receipt to Cradle Mt, Lake St Clair, Freycinet, Mt Field, Huonville Park Shop, Hastings Caves, Maria Island or Narawntapu visitor centres.

This pass may not be the best option, for a range of other passes go to: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/current_fees.html

Can I walk just a section of the Overland Track?

A number of day and overnight walks are available from Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain. Some of these include sections of the Overland track. Please phone 6233 6047 or check with Cradle Mountain or Lake St Clair visitor centres for further information.

Will I need to bring a tent?

Yes. The Overland Track is a bushwalk of around five nights and hut spaces are not guaranteed. Whilst the booking system manages departures onto the track, specific hut or camping sites are not booked. This reduces the amount of crowding on the track, however you will still need to have a tent for those nights the huts might be full. Also, your tent is an important emergency shelter in cases where bad weather may prevent you from reaching a hut.

What happens if the weather gets bad out on the track - do I have to keepwalking?

No. The Overland Track is an experience through mountain country, and all four seasons can be experienced in one day. You should be prepared with the necessary experience, clothing and equipment that will allow you to travel in most conditions. However, as the booking system manages departures only, there is no pressure to keep on walking.

What do I take?

We recommend that you consult ‘Tasmania’s Essential Bushwalking Guide & Trip Planner’. It can be found at http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/recreation/fc.html