Walk Itinerary: The Overland Track


View Map 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.

Click on the Location Map for a detailed day-by-day description of the itinerary. 

Day One

Cradle Mountain Walkers
The first day begins with a drive from our walking base 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 Two

Walking the Overland Track
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 Three

Guided Walks
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 Four

Mount Ossa, Tasmania
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 Five

Waterfall at Cradle Mountain
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 Six

Bushwalking Guide
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.

Cradle Mountain Overland Track, Tasmania