Independent walker
This is how the majority of Overland Track walkers undertake the journey. You are completely self-sufficient, and you have the choice of staying in the public huts or camping on the independent walker tent platforms – or a mix of both. Either way, you must still carry a tent in case you don’t reach the next hut or the huts are fully occupied.
Guided walks
Several private companies operating in Tasmania offer a guided walk experience and catering. Accommodation options vary from camping in tents on the public group tent platforms to staying in private huts.
Walking with children
The Overland Track can be a wonderful, formative experience for children, but the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) does not recommend the walk for children under 8 years of age. Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Most children love the Overland Track experience, but they must be prepared physically and mentally, and be well-equipped. Children are more susceptible than adults to fatigue, hypothermia and heat exhaustion.
If you do intend to walk with young children, we recommend they first gain experience on other less demanding multi-day walks and that you, as their carer, have experience walking in Tasmanian alpine areas.
Educational and school groups
Educational, school and community groups completing the walk must use the group tent platforms, and not sleep in the huts.
All groups must book by emailing the Overland Track booking team at overlandtrack@parks.tas.gov.au
Winter walking (1 June-30 September inclusive)
The PWS manage overnight walks in Tasmania's most remote, pristine locations. To help protect sensitive vegetation that can take many decades to recover if damaged, a registration system is also in place.
Due to unprecedented demand on walking tracks throughout the state as a result of interstate and international border restrictions, the PWS extended the free registration system. This aims to manage daily departures and reduce the potential for long-term damage to these fragile remote bushwalking environments.
The registration system has been well accepted and embraced by walkers and the Parks and Wildlife Service thanks those who have been registering for walks.
Walking the Overland Track in winter requires a valid parks pass .
Walkers must have a quality tent (3-4 season rating with inner and outer layer) to sleep in.
Winter walking in alpine areas can be an amazing experience, it is also dangerous, especially for inexperienced walkers; be cautious in your decision to walk the Overland Track during winter.
Winter walking should only be attempted by very experienced bushwalkers - prepared for strong winds, heavy rain, snow, blizzards, and trees fallen across and obscuring the track. Daylight hours are short, track and facilities maintenance is minimal, including no guarantee of heating at hut nodes.
You must ensure you are self-sufficient and are carrying the clothing and equipment you will need to protect you from exposure to cold, wet, windy weather and carrying enough food. Ensure you understand the weather forecast and that you are fit and capable of undertaking such a walk.
Walker briefings at the Visitor Centre are not conducted during winter, however PWS staff in the Visitor Centre are able to assist with questions and the purchase of maps and other essential items.
For winter walks, it is essential that all walkers:
- Register at the registration booth (Ronny Creek) at the start of the Overland Track;
- Advise family and friends of your intentions and have a plan in place if you are behind schedule;
- Remember that there is no phone reception on the Overland Track; and
- Read our plan your trip page and watch our walk safe videos.
Running the Overland Track
If you plan to run the Overland Track during the peak season (1 October to 31 May inclusive) you will need to book online, in advance (including payment) at least 24 hours prior to your departure date. You will need to travel from north to south (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and have a current National Parks Pass.
Runners must be sure
to register in the log books at trail heads prior to running.
Use of sections of the Overland Track
To assist walkers planning trips that cover sections of the Overland Track during the booking season (1 October-31 May), the PWS has developed a set of guidelines.
Overland Track Special Use Guidelines (PDF 445Kb)