Tasmania's Overland Track

It's time for you to rediscover your nomadic ways in a truly amazing place.  The 60 kilometres between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair forms Tasmania's famous Overland Track. Step by step you will be transformed by images of serene mountains, calm lakes and dark forests and the pace of life will slow.

As you move through this dramatic and timeless Tasmanian landscape, your senses will sharpen. You'll experience the detail of nature with new clarity - the shift and play of dappled light on fallen leaves; unfamiliar birdsong rising from the rainforest; the subtle scent of leatherwood and sassafras; the cold purity of mountain stream water; the rough warmth of sunny, glacier-carved rock; the microcosm of cushion plants and the grand spectacle of landscape.

Evoked by the ancient rhythm of walking, you will find that this close encounter with wild country is a powerful way to put your busy life back in perspective and to feel perhaps for the first time what it really means to be free.

In this place of quietness, incredible beauty and unrestrained horizons, you'll feel the regenerative power of the Tasmanian wilderness.

Daily itinerary

The Cradle Mountain Huts six-day walk is a fabulous journey within Tasmania’s World Heritage Area. Following the famous Overland Track, the walk extends from Cradle Valley to Lake St. Clair through a variety of spectacular landscapes.

Day 1

The first day begins with a drive from near Launceston through the historic countryside of Deloraine and Sheffield to Cradle Valley. The walk begins at the romantic Waldheim Chalet in Cradle Valley, where you are greeted by inquisitive wallabies. You climb onto the alpine plateau with spectacular views of Dove and Crater Lakes. Lunch is held below the spires of Cradle Mountain or at Fury Gorge. In the afternoon you walk the rim of the glacial cirque before passing through Waterfall Valley. The night is spent at Barn Bluff Hut which nestles beneath this majestic mountain.

Day 1 is approximately 11 km, 5 hours.

Day 2

Crossing the sedgeland moors, you pass many glacial tarns. Lunch is usually on the shores of Lake Windermere. In the afternoon you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Lemonthyme Forests from the Forth Valley lookout. The Pine Forest Moor Hut is located on the edge of the forest.

Day 2 is approximately 12 km, 6 hours.

Day 3

The walk follows the historic Innes Track sheltered below Mt. Pelion West, mainly through rainforest. A stop is made at Frog Flats at the headwaters to the Forth River. The final section of the day's walk is on to the Pelion Plains where Pelion Hut is located.

Day 3 walk is approximately 10 km, 4 hours.

Day 4

Views to the South-West wilderness are possible from Pelion Gap, and it is from this point that you can elect to climb Mt. Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak). The afternoon walk is to Kia Ora Hut located below Cathedral Mountain.

Day 4 walk is approximately 9 km, 4 hours (3-4 hours extra to climb Mt. Ossa).

Day 5

This day begins with a visit to the beautiful 'Leatherwood Garden' at the historic Du Cane Hut. The middle section of the day is spent meandering along the Mersey River visiting the spectacular waterfalls including the D'Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls. The hut at Windy Ridge is reached through magical myrtle forests.

Day 5 walk is approximately 9 km, 4 hours.

Day 6

The northern shores of Lake St. Clair are reached through superb eucalypt forests. Here you are met and taken on a 17km boat cruise along Tasmania's deepest and most spectacular lake. Leaving the Overland Track behind you as you pass over the waters of the lake is a memorable way to conclude your walk. The return trip to Quamby Estate is through the trout fishing mecca of the highland lakes, descending the rugged Western Tiers, past the majestic Quamby Bluff and through Golden Valley.

Day 6 walk is approximately 9km, 3 hours.

Warm shelter at Cradle Huts

At the end of each day's walk, your private hut is a haven of warmth, shelter and comfort. It's a place to relax, rest and be refreshed after the pleasant exertions of a day on the track. First, a steaming hot shower and fresh-baked afternoon tea, then enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a bush hut: Mellow gaslight and candles; strong-brewed coffee; a good book from the small collection; sitting by the potbelly heater and warm, dry socks. Later on, the rustic dining table is the focus for convivial company - a hearty three-course meal prepared by your guides, with fine Tasmanian wine and cheerful conversation. At the end of the evening in your private twin-share room, a soft bed and sound sleep will prepare you for the discoveries of a new day. True shelter, something that gives protection and refuge, simple and sustainable, clean and comfortable.

Your guides

Your guides, enthusiastic Tasmanians with a combination of bush skills and diplomacy, will enhance the journey with their knowledge and understanding of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Overland Track and the wonders of the World Heritage Area. In the words of one traveller "...their love of the wilderness was obvious in the gentle way they encouraged us to care for it as much as they did themselves. Their leadership was superb - allowing distance where indicated and closeness and words of encouragement where needed. The trip would always have been memorable. With the extra input by the guides it became fantastic."

FAQs

Following are some frequently asked questions about Cradle Mountain Huts you may find useful …

WHAT TIME DOES THE CRADLE MOUNTAIN HUTS WALK START AND FINISH?
You will be met at a pre-arranged location in Launceston at 6.15am and transferred to the walk base at Quamby Estate. Here you will meet your guides who will provide a briefing on the walk, check your gear and assist with preparing your pack. There is then time for breakfast before departing at 8am for Cradle Mountain lake St. Clair National Park. You will return to the walk base at approximately 5pm on Day 6. A complimentary transfer is available back into Launceston at 6pm.

WHERE SHOULD WE STAY PRE AND POST OUR WALK?
The walking base is located at Quamby Estate, 20mins from Launceston. From here the daily walks depart and return, making a stay at Quamby Homestead an ideal option. Built in the 1830's the homestead has been restored in keeping with the original features while not comprimising today's luxuries. Modern bathrooms, luxury bedding and flat screen televisions are just a few of the new additions. Special rates are available for walkers.

WHAT GEAR IS PROVIDED?
A backpack and Gore-tex jacket are provided for the duration of the walk. Sleeping bags, pillows and comfortable mattresses are provided at each hut. We will provide you with a sleeping sheet and pillowcase to be carried in your backpack. Bio-degradable liquid soap is supplied at each hut.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I TAKE?
Read through the gear list on the right which outlines the essentials required to enjoy your walk in comfort and safety. Any extras will need to be carried by you, so be aware of the overall weight of your luggage. Your comfort and enjoyment is important to us, and keeping your pack weight to a minimum is our intention. Aim for one set of warm clothes for evenings and another set to wear whilst walking. Thermals are necessary due to their lightweight, quick-drying and warm properties.

CAN I STORE LUGGAGE THAT I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE ON THE WALK?
We will securely store all extra luggage at the walk base for you to collect when you return.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
The walk is graded “moderate” by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. If you are medically healthy and participate in some form of physical activity on a regular basis, then you should enjoy our walking holiday. Needless to say the best preparation for walking is walking, with a pack if possible. If you follow the gear list, your pack can weigh as little as 7.5kg. The average walking time each day is 6 hours. The Overland Track is rugged under foot and muddy in sections, it is therefore essential that you have good lace-up walking boots with treaded soles and firm ankle support. All the suggested gear is provided for your comfort and safety.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN EACH GROUP?
Walking groups consist of a maximum of 10 and a minimum of 4 people, plus 2 qualified guides.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. Just ask us at the time of booking and we can add travel insurance to your reservation at a reasonable cost. If you choose to opt out of travel insurance, we require that you sign a waiver form accepting all consequences and costs associated with any incidents or accidents which would normally be covered by a travel insurance policy. If you are 69 years of age and older, or have a pre-existing medical condition that is likely to affect your ability to complete the walk, you will also be required to obtain medical clearance

Enquire here and we put your personal adrenalin filled trip together!

.

Return to walking tours...