Overland
Track Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park |
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Bushwalk Description
The Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is
a true wilderness walk which travels through spectacular dolerite
mountains, near beautiful waterfalls, through a variety of fascinating
ecosystems and close to Tasmania's highest mountain, before finishing
at Australia's deepest lake, Lake St Clair. The stunning scenery
and the physical challenges of this mountain walk have ensured
that the Overland Track has built a national and international
reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks.
As a result, demand for experiences on the Overland
Track is
high and there are concerns about environmental degradation and
overcrowding. It is imperative for the track to be managed strategically
to ensure it remains a sustainable, safe, world class wilderness
walk. To address this issue, a vision for the Overland Track
was developed. A Recreation Zone Plan has been prepared to implement
the changes to the Overland Track described in the visit |
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The Overland Track
walk takes approximately six days and although the track is
well-maintained and clearly marked, for some the journey may
not be an easy one. Some people may find the walk quite steep
in sections and six days of continuous walking can be physically
demanding.
The Overland Track at a glance:
- widely
considered one
of our
top 10 bushwalks in the world
- unique Tasmanian vistas
- beuatiful lakes, streams and waterfalls
- min. 65km carrying a pack plus many possible side trips with or without a pack
- 7-nights recommended
- app. 8000+ walkers / year
- access by public transportation (can be limited)
- easy-moderate hiking as long as the weather is OK
- Dec - May best months
- possible to hike year round, however be prepared for snow travel during Winter
- Overland Track Fees are payable; currently set as follows:
- $160 AUD per adult, including GST
- Children (aged 17 and under), seniors and pensioners AUD $128.
- Children under 5 may walk free of charge,however it is not recommend as the track is not suitable to very young persons.
- The Overland Track Fee applies during the peak walking season only (1 November - 30 April).
- The fee must be paid at the time of booking
Along the track are a number of free open huts for use by anyone.
The huts or cabins cannot be booked and tents must
be carried as huts are often full in busy periods. The
huts are fully enclosed with sleeping platforms and tables;
newer huts have covered balconies to hang wet equipment to dry
and some also have gas fired heaters. Click here for information on camping Overland Track
The Overland Track travels a distance of 65 kilometres through
the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World
Heritage Area. Over recent years considerable upgrades to the track
have made the walk easier, and with modern outdoor
equipment the overall trip is generally more comfortable today
than in years gone by. Still, however,
the walk does demand considerable preparation and reasonably good
levels of physical fitness given you will take on average five
nights and six days complete the Overland Track. |
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Overland Track |
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The Overland Track experience
commences in the northern part of Cradle Mountain - Lake St
Clair National Park, at Ronny Creek, climbing out of the Cradle
Valley and finishes at Narcissus Bay on Lake St Clair.
Many people also choose to walk the track South to Nort, commencing
at Lake St. Clair and finsihing at Cradle Mountain.
Ask a question - Bushwalking Tasmania Forum |
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PLEASE NOTE:
Bookings are required for each
walking season (1 November to 30 April). During the booking
period walkers will be required to walk the track from North
to South (Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair), and pay the Overland
Track Fee.
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A shuttle bus operates from the Transit Terminal
outside the National Park, with pickup and drop off from
the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, Snake Hill, Ronny Creek and
Dove Lake. From mid September to mid May the shuttle service
operates every 20 minutes, seven days a week. |
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