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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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Closed area: Overland Track -important information
From 17/6/2019, last reviewed 25/2/2020

​​ The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is beginning a three year project to improve facilities on the Overland Track.  The first stage is planned to commence in the 2019-2020 walking season and focuses on the Waterfall Valley site and will see the replacement of the Waterfall Valley Hut, construction of a new toilet, camping platforms, Ranger hut and a realignment of the track.

Construction is planned to start from November 2019 through to May 2020, and as a result the Waterfall Valley Hut will be closed to walkers for the duration of the construction.

The Scott-Kilvert Hut node will be used to accommodate walkers for night one of the Overland Track while construction occurs. For more information please refer to the FAQ under the Overland Track - walk notes. Caution is needed as there is a steep descent and uneven surface from the junction where you turn off to go to Scott-​Kilvert hut.

While construction is underway you may experience some noise from construction activity and see and hear helicopters as they deliver materials to site.   Efforts will be made to limit possible construction and helicopter noise to reasonable hours, however you should consider this information before booking your walk.

As project time frames will be responsive to weather, this period may be subject to change, in which case we will keep you informed as to project updates along the way.

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Drinking water
  • Huts
  • Overnight walk
  • Park ranger
  • Parking
  • Visitor centre
  • World Heritage Area
Area closure. Full information in alert notice.
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.
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 October - 31 May inclusive.

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

From 1 October and 31 May (inclusive) – All walkers are required to book online, in advance - at least 24hrs prior to your departure date, walk from north to south (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and have a current National Parks Pass.

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

Book now

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 Overland 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. 

Wa​lker information

  • Overland Track - plan your trip
    The Overland Track is a walk to remember, but it also a serious undertaking that requires careful planning. Read through our planning material to make sure you have all the bases covered.
  • Overland Track - walk options
    There are many options available for walkers on the Overland Track. Find out more about individual, group, tour experiences, walking with children, educational groups and winter walking.
  • Overland Track - booking information
    Find out everything you need to know about booking your walk.
  • Overland Track - walk notes
    Wondering what to expect on your Overland Track experience? Take the time to look over our walk notes to plan out your itinerary.
Overland Track map Buy a map from TasMap

​​​​​​​​It is recommended that all visitors undertaking the Overland Track purchase the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair map and notes (1:100 000 TASMAP) before you depart.​​

​Cradle Mountain is located at the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is 1.5 hours drive from Devonport and 2.5 hours drive from Launceston via Sheffield. From Sheffield, take the C136 and C132 to the park entrance.

There is no direct road link through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to join the two ends of the park.​​

The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Transit Terminal is the departure point for the Dove Lake shuttle bus. The shuttle bus service aims to protect the important values of the World Heritage Area and preserve the visitor experience by limiting vehicle numbers in the park. 

A valid shuttle bus service ticket is required prior to boarding the Dove Lake shuttle bus. To obtain a shuttle bus ticket please present your valid National Parks Pass to Parks and Wildlife staff in the visitor centre. The shuttle service operates seven days a week, free of charge. 

Visitors are advised that private vehicle access between the visitor centre and Dove Lake (along Dove Lake Road) is not permitted during shuttle bus operating ​times.

​Overland Track

Organising transport to and from the Overland Track requires forward planning. Explore your transport options before you book your walk. Most walkers plan a spare day for transport / logistics either side of their departure date.

Bus

Transport to and from Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair visitor centres is available all year from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. Check with the operators listed in Plan your trip​ for chartered services.

Ferry at Lake St Clair

If you plan to finish your walk at Narcissus, and catch the ferry across Lake St Clair to the visitor centre at Cynthia Bay, you need to book the ferry​ before you commence your Overland Track walk. The ferry is privately run. A fee applies. 

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

Equipment 

Not sure what to bring? Please check the

  Walker Pack List   (966Kb)​ and make sure you have all your food and the essentials. Your gear should fit into a 75-litre pack and weigh approx 18kg (including at least 2 litres of water) up to 7hrs a day. If you need to hire equipment, please check with local camp stores and retail providers


Weather forecasts 

Current and 7 day forecast information can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology website. Please note all bush walker weather warnings and adjust your plans accordingly.

Personal​​​​​ Locator Beacons​

​​​Many walkers appreciate the security of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to activate in the event of a life-threatening emergency. PLBs can be hired from Service Tasmania shops (Mon-Fri only) in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport. Phone 1300 135 513 for further information.

PLBs are also available from the Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair visitor centres, though numbers are limited and cannot be reserved. 

​​There are also independent hire companies, including ​EPIRBHire and The Bushwalking Blog.​ 

​​Huts and camping

A maximum of 34 independent walkers can depart on any given day, book early to avoid missing out.

Huts cannot be booked and there may not be space for all walkers. For this reason, you must carry a tent. You can expect to use your tent some nights and share the hut space other nights. Refer Walk notes for Hut capacity.

Check–in 

To receive your pass, go to the Overland Track visitor services counter and present your tax invoice booking receipt and Overland Track Walker Safety Checklist to receive your Overland Track Pass. Visitor Centre hours are 8.30am-4.30pm daily. You must collect your pass by 2pm on the day of departure (or the day before departure after 3pm. During the months of April and May, passes must be collected by 1pm.  Please remember your concession card - you will need to show all cards at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre when your group checks in to collect their passes.

Prote​ct our natural resources - please carry out all rubbish.

Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know before you go section.

​

Multi-day walks - safety message​​​​

Multi-day walks are a wonderful way to experience the wilder side of Tasmania, but it is essential that you are adequately equipped before embarking on an overnight adventure. In addition to the items listed for day walks you will need at a minimum: a large waterproof backpack and pack liner, tent (3-4 season rated with inner and outer layer), sleeping bag (rated to at least 0°C for coastal areas and -10°C for alpine areas), sleeping mat, hiking boots, gaiters, fuel stove and fuel, high-energy food, quick-dry walking clothes, toilet trowel, antibacterial gel, PLB (personal locator beacon), map and compass.

For all safety information and a full list of recommended items for all walks, please refer to Safety in parks.

​

​​​Walker safety - alpine walks ​​​​​​ (such as Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap and Walls of Jerusalem)

Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March. 

When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric​​, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woollen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).

Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions.

Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.

For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.​​​​​

​​

​Remember the safe walking guidelines

  • ​Plan to walk safely
  • Be prepared
  • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
  • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
  • Be prepared to turn back