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.

Find out more

Alerts for Overland Track

See details

see details
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.


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.