OVERLAND TRACKCradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania 63KM, 5-8 days The best walk in Australia and one of the best in the world, the Overland Track traverses the finest of Tasmania’s wilderness: rugged mountain peaks, wild alpine moors and deep forests. The distance from Ronny Creek, below Cradle Mountain, to Narcissus Hut, at the northern end of Lake St Clair, is 63km. But the beauty of the Overland Track is that no two trips are the same: create your own itinerary using the huts along the route and any combination of the numerous side trips to mountain peaks, lakes, waterfalls and beauty spots that diverge from the main path. Here’s a basic run-down. DAY ONE: Cradle Valley to Waterfall Valley: 10km, 5 hours The main track climbs steeply from Ronny Creek to Marions Lookout for a grandstand view, continuing to Kitchen Hut, a tiny emergency shelter. From here the track passes behind the bulk of Cradle Mountain before descending into Waterfall Valley. DAY TWO: Waterfall Valley to Lake Windermere: 7km, 2 hours An easy day with ample opportunity for side trips as the track climbs gently out of the valley before crossing an exposed moor then climbing to a ridge for a view of all the track’s major peaks – on a clear day – with Lake Windermere in the foreground. The hut is in attractive forest near the lake edge. DAY THREE: Windermere Hut to Pelion Hut: 14km, 5.5 hours The track crosses Pine Forest Moor, an open buttongrass plain in the shadow of the massive Mt Pelion West, then enters dense forest where deep mud and tangled tree troots slow progress. The path emerges in a clearing at Frog Flats, the lowest point of the track (720m). Avoid the leeches and climb to Pelion Plains and the New Pelion Hut, the most luxurious shelter on the track. DAY FOUR: Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut: 8km, 3 hours Climb through ancient rainforest to Pelion Gap, gaining 280m in about 2km. On a clear day the side-trip from here to Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak, is a must; the track is steep but the views are unforgettable. From the gap the track descends to Kia Ora Hut, located in eucalypt forest beside Kia Ora Creek. Kia Ora Falls are a short walk downstream. DAY FIVE: Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge Hut: 9km, 3 hours Thirty minutes of easy walking leads to historic Du Cane Hut. The hut, built in 1908, is now an emergency shelter only. The track then heads into magical forest of moss-covered myrtle beech trees to reach a junction, where tracks lead to nearby waterfalls. The main path continues through rainforest then climbs to Du Cane Gap (1070m). A descent through more rainforest leads to Windy Ridge Hut. DAY SIX: Windy Ridge Hut to Pine Valley Hut: 10km, 3.5 hours Pine Valley is technically not part of the Overland Track, but the beautiful setting and walking possibilities among the surrounding mountains demand inclusion in the itinerary if you have time. From Windy Ridge, 5km of easy walking brings you to the junction of the Pine Valley track. Turn right and cross several creeks on the way to Pine Valley Hut, set in beautiful rainforest beside Cephissus Creek. DAY SEVEN: Pine Valley Pack a day pack and head to one of the magnificent nearby peaks – the Labyrinth (6km, 4 hours) or the Acropolis (6km, 5 hours) are two to get you started. DAY EIGHT: Pine Vally to Cynthia Bay: 22km, 3.5 hours Return to the junction of the main track and turn right to reach Narcissus Hut at the northern end of Lake St Clair. From here it is possible to walk around the lake edge (17km) or take the easy option and use the radio in the hut to book a spot on the next boat across the lake. SUGGESTED SIDE-TRIPS CRADLE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT 2.5km, 2 hours from Kitchen Hut BARN BLUFF 5km, 2.5 hours from junction above Waterfall Valley Hut WATERFALL VALLEY 2-3km, 1-2 hours from Waterfall Valley Hut LAKE WILL 4km, 1.5 hours from track south of Waterfall Valley MT PELION WEST 4km, 5 hours from the Pelion Plains MT OAKLEIGH 8km, 4 hours from Pelion Hut MT OSSA 5km, 2.5 hours return from Pelion Gap MT PELION EAST 2.5km, 1.5 hours from Pelion Gap D’ALTON & FERGUSSON FALLS 1km, 1.5 hours from main track in Mersey Valley HARTNETT FALLS 1km, 1 hour from main track in Mersey Valley THE LABYRINTH 6km, 4 hours return from Pine Valley Hut THE ACROPOLIS 6km, 5 hours return from Pine Valley Hut NEED TO KNOW It is compulsory to walk from north to south during peak season and places must be booked in advance. A fee of $150 is also charged. This area is completely under snow in winter and bad weather can occur at any time of year, so be prepared. This is a multi-day walk and you will need appropriate equipment and supplies; make sure you check with the rangers that you have everything you need before you head out. OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO Base yourself at either end of the track – Cradle Valley or Lake St Clair – for some first-rate day walks, sightseeing and wildlife-spotting. ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPLIES There is a campground and five-star accommodation at Cradle Mountain Lodge. The lodge has a small shop but stock up on walking equipment (and food) before you arrive. MORE INFO For track bookings call (03) 6233 6047. The Cradle Mountain national parks visitor centre number is (03) 6492 1110. Click here to read Alistair's feature article about the Overland Track These descriptions are a guide only. While we have made every effort to make them accurate, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained while using them. Make sure you use an up-to-date map and consult rangers before heading out. | 
