Overland Track

Overland Track — Australia's most famous multi-day bushwalk, stretching 65km from [Cradle Mountain](/au/places/tas/cradle-mountain) to [Lake St…

Natural Landmark · Mountain in Tasmania

Mountain UNESCO

Written by Ben Cole· Updated 3 May 2026

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About Overland Track

Australia's most famous multi-day bushwalk, stretching 65km from [Cradle Mountain](/au/places/tas/cradle-mountain) to [Lake St Clair](/au/places/tas/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

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.

Video

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.

Nearest airport

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

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

Area: Cradle Mountain
Region: West Coast
State: Tasmania

Good to Know

Ages 12+ with moderate to advanced fitness; children under 12 rarely complete the walk due to distance and terrain difficulty.

Highlights

Cradle Mountain SummitWaterfall ValleyPine Valley DetourLake St Clair FerryAlpine MoorlandPencil Pine Forests

Activities

BushwalkingCampingPhotographyWildlife Watching

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

Picnic AreaBYO Food OK

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.