The Overland Track

The Overland Track in Tasmania is one of the iconic multi-day walks of Australia, if not the world (http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=7771). Generally done over 6 days, the 62 km track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair can be challenging due to the stiff climbs and slippery descents and variable weather conditions which often include cold winds and rain, and if you are really lucky, snow in the middle of summer. All this adds up to some interesting walking which will no doubt include mud, and possibly even more mud, although the great job done by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service in building duckboards above the slush has resulted in both a more enjoyable walk and reduced degradation to the environment. These people should also be given a guernsey for their overall management of the park, with strict limits on the number of people loving the track at any one time and the continuing development of track and hut infrastructure to make it even more enjoyable. Meet the above challenges, and a few more besides and you are rewarded with a fantastic walk through a beautiful and relatively pristine environment showcasing the Tasmanian wilderness. Enjoy.

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley (10.7 km). Passing Crater Lake with Cradle Mountain behind.

The steep climb to Marions Lookout (1250 m ASL)

Cradle Mountain (1545 m ASL) from Marions Lookout on a cold and soon to be wet December afternoon

Waterfall Valley hut. Camped on the grassy flats next to the hut.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Lake Windemere (7.8 km). Heading out of Waterfall Valley.

Near Lake Will

Great views as we head down into the valley and Lake Windemere (~950 m ASL)

Day 3: Lake Windemere-a December morning surprise. Never underestimate the weather on the Overland Track.

Lake Windemere to Pelion (16.8 km). The longest day with cool and slippery conditions for the first few hours and tiredness creeping in later on.

Happy campers. The duck boards with a coating of ice were treacherous.

Pelion Hut (850 m ASL). it was great to sleep and cook inside and be able to dry wet gear

The view from Pelion Hut

Day 4: From Peilion up through the moss forest towards Pelion Gap (~1140m ASL) and onto Kia Ora

On the way to Kia Ora hut (8.6 km)

Heading for Kia Ora

Mt Pelion East (1433 m)

Resident wombat at Kia Ora Hut

Camping on the boards at Kia Ora (850 m ASL), very comfortable

Kia Ora sunset

Day 5: On the way to Windy Ridge-Du Cane Hut, built in 1910

Waterfall near Du Cane

Sunset from Windy Ridge Hut

Day 6: The last bridge on the last day-Windy Ridge to Narcissus on Lake St Clair (9 km)

Waiting for the ferry at Narcissus-the end of the journey

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