Written by Ben Cole· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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About Overland Track
Australia's most famous multi-day bushwalk, stretching 65km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The 6-day walk traverses alpine plateaus, ancient rainforests, and glacier-carved valleys past highlights including Barn Bluff, Mt Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak at 1,617m), the Pine Valley, and Du Cane Range. During the October-May season a booking system and directional walking rule (north to south only) applies.
About
Australia's most famous multi-day bushwalk, stretching 65km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The 6-day walk traverses alpine plateaus, ancient rainforests, and glacier-carved valleys past highlights including Barn Bluff, Mt Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak at 1,617m), the Pine Valley, and Du Cane Range. During the October-May season a booking system and directional walking rule (north to south only) applies.
History & Significance
The Overland Track was established in 1921 as a walking route through the Tasmanian Wilderness. In 1982, the Tasmanian Wilderness became a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and the track became Australia's flagship multi-day bushwalk. The mandatory north-to-south direction and hut-booking system (introduced in the 1980s) manage environmental impact and walker safety. Mt Ossa (1,617m) remains Tasmania's highest peak and a key landmark on the route.
Sources & References
Getting There
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is in central Tasmania. Northern access: Cradle Mountain car park is 90km southwest of Launceston via B27 and B24. Southern access: Lake St Clair visitor centre is 100km south of Hobart via A10. No public transport to trailheads; arrange shuttle buses or private transport.
Parking
Free parking at both Cradle Mountain (northern) and Lake St Clair (southern) car parks. Capacity is limited, especially during peak season Dec-Feb — arrive early or use a shuttle service. Accessible spots available at both trailheads. Overflow parking exists but may fill. Many walkers arrange shuttle transport between car parks rather than leaving a vehicle unattended for 6 days.
Visitor Tips
- •Book well in advance (Oct-May bookings open 1 July prior year) — popular dates fill quickly
- •Start early each day to reach huts before dark; weather can change rapidly on exposed sections
- •Carry a detailed map, GPS, and headtorch — navigation can be challenging in poor visibility
- •Pack waterproof gear; Tasmania's highlands are notoriously wet and cold year-round
- •Visit in Dec-Feb for longest daylight and mildest conditions; Jun-Aug is snowed-in and dangerous
- •If walking outside Oct-May booking season, register your intentions with ranger stations
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- World Heritage
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- 5-7 days
- Best Time
- December to February offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight for 6-day walking. October-May is the only season when directional booking applies and huts are staffed. March-May is quieter but weather deteriorates. June-August is extremely hazardous due to snow, ice, and short days — most services unavailable.
- Hours
- Year-round; directional booking Oct-May
Location
- Region
- Central Highlands
- State
- Tasmania
Good to Know
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- Ages 12+ with moderate to advanced fitness; children under 12 rarely complete the walk due to distance and terrain difficulty.
- Shade/Cover
- Limited shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
BYO all food for 6-day walk; huts provide cooking facilities (stove, fuel, pots). Pack 6 days of non-perishable meals, snacks, and energy foods. Water is available from streams and tanks along the route. No shops or cafés on the track itself.
Features
Facilities
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