The Overland Track: Tasmania’s Epic 6-Day Hike
The Overland Track: Tasmania’s Epic 6-Day Hike
The Overland Track is one of Australia’s most iconic wilderness hikes—a 65-kilometre trail that winds its way through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It takes trekkers from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, traversing alpine moors, native forests and dramatic peaks along the way.
What Is the Overland Track?
The Overland Track is one of Australia’s best multi-day walks and is usually completed over 5-7 days, depending on the pace of walkers and the side trips completed. Along the way, hikers are treated to some of Tasmania’s most rugged scenery and frequent encounters with native wildlife, including wombats.
During the peak hiking season, numbers are capped to protect the environment and ensure a high-quality wilderness experience. Securing a permit for the Overland Track is essential to gain access to the huts and trail infrastructure.
Planning your Overland Track hike
• Book permits ($300 AUD) early when registrations open in July for the October to May hiking season. Be online at 7am when the waiting room opens to secure your preferred dates.
• Hiking outside of the permit season is free. Register online (mandatory).
• Moderate fitness is required; expect around 6–8 hours of walking each day with some steep inclines.
• Best time to hike the Overland Track: Summer (December-February) for the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours; October/November or March-May for lighter crowds.
• Winter hikers must be prepared for heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures and challenging trekking conditions.
Overland Track Transport logistics
• Fly to Launceston or Hobart and arrange transport to Cradle Mountain (no public buses serve the national park).
• #eGuide provides Overland Track transfers from all major Tasmanian cities and airports (from $90 AUD). Solo trekker and groups transfers available.
• Self-drive transfers are available with #eGuidetravel for hikers with rental vehicles; park your car at the end of the Overland Track and they will shuttle you to the start.
• On arrival at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, a free shuttle takes trekkers to the start of the trail at Ronny Creek.
• After arriving at Lake St Clair, hikers can catch the Ida Clair ferry from Narcissus Hut ($55 AUD) to Cynthia Bay or walk 4-4.5 hours to the end of the track.
Tips for hikers
• Pack light: a waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, first-aid kit and gaiters are essential.
• Practice hiking with a weighted pack in the lead up to your trek.
• Permits include accommodation in huts along the route, which are first-come/first-served; tent platforms are also available
• Bring high-energy but lightweight food; enough for an extra day in case plans change.
• Check the weather forecast before you depart via BOM; conditions change fast in Tasmania’s alpine country.
• Carry a PLB (personal locator beacon) to activate in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
Considered one of Australia’s best multi-day treks, the Overland Track is a life-changing adventure through one of Tasmania’s most spectacular wilderness areas.