Three well-equipped bushwalkers in summer on the Overland Track at Marions Lookout. Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake in the background.
Overland Track Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake (photograph: Andrew Englisch)

Overland Track

Australia’s premier alpine walk.

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Alerts for Overland Track

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Safety alert: COVID-19 Walker registration and hut capacity
Applies from 8/2/2021

​​​​​Changes due to COVID-19

Registration is required for walkers and campers going to the Overland Track​,​ Frenchmans Cap, Arm River, Pine Valley, Scott-Kilvert and the​ Walls of Jerusalem​​. This is for COVID-19 contact tracing purposes. 

Some huts are open with limited capacity. For further registration information see the COVID-19 safety information page.​​

To confirm availabilty and register, email tracks@parks.tas.gov.au​ or phone (03) 6165 4254.​

Last reviewed 23/2/2021 10:47 AM


Planned event: Dove Lake car park and shuttle bus service
Applies from 14/5/2020

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​During the construction of the Viewing Shelter from April 2020 to July 2021, private vehicles will not have access beyond the Ronny Creek car park at any time of day. 

The shuttle bus service will continue to operate throughout the construction period. Private vehicle access between the visitor centre, Ronny Creek and Dove Lake (along Dove Lake Road) is not permitted during shuttle bus operating times. ​

See COVID-19 safety information​ for shuttle bus requirements and hut registration requirements.

Last reviewed 18/1/2021 09:55 AM


6 days one way, 65km one way
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

COVID-19: Check the safety page for important COVID-19 Safety Information on personal measures to take, registration, bookings and walker numbers that affect this park location.

WARNING: The Overland Track is a serious undertaking, for well–prepared walkers, with a good level of fitness and who understand the risks of walking in a remote alpine area. Weather can change rapidly and deaths have occurred, even in summer, when people have been caught underprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. The track is not recommended for children under 8 years.

A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Fees:

​Overland Track Pass Fees apply from 1 January 2021 - 31 May 2021 inclusive.

  • Adults - $200
  • Children (17 years and under) - $160
  • Concession​ - $160
Bookings:

SUMMER : 1 October 2020 to 31 May 2021 (inclusive) – Everyone planning to go on the Overland Track is required to book online, in advance (including payment) - at least 24 hours prior to your departure date. The starting point is Cradle Mountain and you will move from north to finish in the south (Lake St Clair). A current National Parks Pass is required. Each year bookings for the next summer season open on 1 July.

Constructions works at Lake Windermere Hut will occur from December 2020 to May 2021. See the Upgrade of facilities on the Overland Track for frequently asked questions.

For more information to assist you in your booking, please see our Booking information page.

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Once you start walking, the next road and commercial centre you will come to is at the end of the track. You will need to carry your own equipment and food for the entire journey. From the Overland Track visitor services counter, board the Shuttle Bus outside the Visitor Centre to travel to the departure point at Ronny Creek. (Buses depart regularly during the booking season.) Make sure you sign in at the Walker Registration booth at Ronny Creek.

About

The Ov​erland Track is Australia's premier alpine walk. This exhilarating and life-changing journey attracts walkers from across the globe. Beginning at the iconic Cradle Mountain and ending at Australia’s deepest lake – Lake St Clair, this 65 kilometre, six-day trek takes you through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Your journey will be physically demanding, emotionally challenging and scenically spectacular. This is a landscape of glacially carved valleys, ancient rainforests, fragrant eucalypt forests, golden buttongrass moorlands and beautiful alpine meadows. Optional side-trips take you to cascading waterfalls and mountain summits, including Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa (1617 m).

The Overland Track is about you and your time in the wilderness, so while six days is the average time taken to walk the track, you can create your own pace depending on how many rest days or side-trips you wish to enjoy.

Most walkers finish their journey at Narcissus Hut at the head of Lake St Clair where they board a small privately run ferry (prior booking required) to reach the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre at Cynthia Bay. Or you might choose to walk the 17.5 km length of the lake through rainforest to the visitor centre, extending your journey by a day. 

Almost half of the track is above 1000 metres in elevation on exposed plateaus in a remote area. Thorough preparation and good gear is essential. 

It’s no wonder the Overland Track has secured its reputation as one of the world’s great wilderness bushwalks. 

Walker information