Last updated September 23, 2026
Overland Track Tasmania: 6-Day Itinerary, Booking & Complete Guide
Tasmania’s Overland Track crosses the heart of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park through alpine plateaus, glacial valleys, rainforest, buttongrass, waterfalls and some of Australia’s most distinctive mountains. The standard route is about 65 km / 40 miles to Narcissus and normally takes six days; walking the Lake St Clair shoreline instead of taking the ferry extends the complete journey to roughly 80 km / 50 miles.
How Long Is Tasmania’s Overland Track?
Parks Tasmania describes the standard Overland Track as approximately 65 km / 40 miles from Ronny Creek to Narcissus at Lake St Clair. The six published daily stages total 62.5 km, which explains why some official planning material rounds the standard route to about 62 km. Most walkers simply use 65 km as the practical headline distance.
If you finish at Narcissus and take the ferry across Lake St Clair, plan on roughly 65 km. If you continue on foot from Narcissus to Cynthia Bay, add 17.5 km and another five to six hours, making the complete walking journey roughly 80 km.
Public huts cannot be reserved and a bed is never guaranteed. Parks Tasmania requires independent walkers to carry a tent for overflow camping and as emergency shelter if weather, injury or delay prevents the group from reaching the next hut.
Overland Track Map.
The standard journey begins at Ronny Creek near Cradle Mountain, crosses the high plateau and Pelion country, passes beneath Mount Ossa and the Du Cane Range, then descends to Lake St Clair.
Day 1 Is Short on Mileage and Serious in Exposure.
The opening 10.7 km climbs from Ronny Creek through Crater Lake and Marion’s Lookout before remaining high on exposed alpine country. Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff are optional summit detours—not obligations attached to a booked itinerary.
Photo: Jeanetienne · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Overland Track 6-Day Itinerary.
The standard schedule keeps most days moderate enough that weather and selected side trips can determine how much additional hiking makes sense.
| Day | Stage | Distance | Official time | Character | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ronny Creek → Waterfall Valley | 10.7 km / 6.6 mi | 4–6 hr | Crater Lake, steep climb to Marion’s Lookout and exposed alpine plateau | Waterfall Valley |
| 2 | Waterfall Valley → Lake Windermere | 7.8 km / 4.8 mi | 2.5–3.5 hr | Alpine heath, lakes and tarns above 1,000 m | Windermere |
| 3 | Lake Windermere → Pelion | 16.8 km / 10.4 mi | 5–7 hr | Longest standard stage; buttongrass, rainforest and broad mountain views | Pelion |
| 4 | Pelion → Kia Ora | 8.6 km / 5.3 mi | 3–4 hr | Pelion Gap with Mount Ossa and Pelion East side-trip opportunities | Kia Ora |
| 5 | Kia Ora → Bert Nichols | 9.6 km / 6 mi | 3.5–4.5 hr | Du Cane forest plus D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls | Bert Nichols / Windy Ridge |
| 6 | Bert Nichols → Narcissus | 9 km / 5.6 mi | 3–4 hr | Gradual descent through Narcissus Valley to Lake St Clair | Ferry or continue south |
Seven days can be better than six.
The official stages are short enough that six days works well without major summit detours. Add a seventh day when Mount Ossa, Cradle Mountain, Pine Valley or the 17.5 km Lake St Clair shoreline is an important part of the objective rather than an optional bonus.
Low Elevation Does Not Mean Mild Mountain Conditions.
Almost half of the route is above 1,000 metres on exposed plateaus. Tasmania’s southern latitude and maritime weather can deliver cold rain, strong wind and snow even during the summer booking season.
Photo: Emily Cox · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Overland Track Booking and Fees.
The main walking season is deliberately controlled to protect the track and prevent overnight sites from becoming overcrowded.
Current 2026–27 booking-season Overland Track Pass.
Current rate for walkers 17 years and under.
For eligible Australian concession-card holders.
Independent walkers permitted to begin each booking-season day.
Oct 1 → May 31
A paid departure-date booking is mandatory during this period.
North → South
Booked-season walkers travel from Cradle Mountain toward Lake St Clair.
First Tuesday in July
Bookings open at 9:00 am AEST, with a randomized online queue for people waiting before opening.
Up to 8
The online independent-walker system allows a maximum of eight people in one booking.
Park Entry + Cradle Shuttle
During the booking season, both are included for the duration/start of the Overland Track journey.
End Transport + Ferry
Transport to Cradle Mountain, away from Lake St Clair and the privately operated lake ferry are separate.
If a preferred departure is full, cancelled spaces return to the live booking system. Parks Tasmania recommends checking availability regularly or choosing another departure date.
Overland Track Huts and Campsites.
The booking controls daily departures, not hut beds. Independent hikers choose between available bunks and their own tents each night.
| Overnight site | Hut capacity | Tent provision | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfall Valley | 34 | 4 platforms + grass overflow | First night after the exposed Cradle plateau. |
| Windermere | 34 | 8 platforms | Overnight area lies about 500 m from the lake; camping directly beside Lake Windermere is not permitted. |
| Pelion | 36 | 1 large platform for about 3 tents + grass overflow | Large hut and useful base for optional Mount Oakleigh. |
| Kia Ora | 34 | 9 platforms | Normal overnight after Pelion Gap and Mount Ossa. |
| Bert Nichols | 24 | 9 platforms | Large enclosed dining area at Windy Ridge. |
| Narcissus | 18 | 4 platforms | Head of Lake St Clair beside the ferry connection. |
Parks Tasmania explicitly requires independent walkers to carry a tent because hut space cannot be reserved and because a tent becomes emergency shelter if injury or severe weather stops you between overnight sites.
Best Overland Track Side Trips.
Side trips can add an extraordinary amount of time and distance. Treat them as separate objectives chosen according to weather and daylight.
| Side trip | Distance | Time | Where | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cradle Mountain · 1,545 m | 2 km return | 2–3 hr | Day 1 | Boulder scrambling, height exposure and fine-weather-only upper terrain. |
| Barn Bluff · 1,559 m | 7 km return | 3–4 hr | Day 1 | Very steep sections and boulder scrambling; avoid when snow-covered. |
| Lake Will | 3 km return | ≈1 hr | Day 2 | Easy addition compared with the major summit routes. |
| Mount Oakleigh · 1,286 m | 8 km return | 4–6 hr | Pelion | Wet and muddy buttongrass crossing. |
| Mount Ossa · 1,617 m | 5.2 km return | 4–5 hr | Day 4 | Steep exposed terrain and dangerous boulder fields under snow. |
| Mount Pelion East · 1,433 m | 2.4 km return | ≈2 hr | Day 4 | Steep and exposed; poor choice in heavy rain or snow. |
| D’Alton + Fergusson Falls | 1 km return | ≈1 hr | Day 5 | Slippery approach and sheer edges above the falls. |
| Hartnett Falls | 1.5 km return | ≈1 hr | Day 5 | Slippery terrain and exposed edges. |
| Pine Valley | 4.7 km one way | 1.5–2 hr one way | Near Narcissus | Best treated as an additional overnight rather than a casual finish-day detour. |
Tasmania’s Highest Peak Is an Optional Day 4 Decision.
The Mount Ossa side trip adds 5.2 km and four to five hours from Pelion Gap. Parks Tasmania warns against attempting it in heavy rain or snow because the upper route is steep and exposed and snow makes the boulder fields dangerous.
Photo: J Brew · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0How Hard Is the Overland Track?
The daily mileage is moderate. The seriousness comes from pack weight, weather exposure, rough trail and six days without normal road access.
Moderate
The longest standard day is 16.8 km. Most stages are under 11 km.
Full Self-Support
Parks Tasmania’s planning guidance uses an approximately 18 kg loaded pack, including at least two litres of water, as a preparation reference.
The Main Hazard
Cold rain, snow and strong wind can occur at any time of year, including summer.
Highly Variable
Boardwalk, rock, gravel, roots, mud and occasional steep climbs and descents all occur.
Six Days Between Roads
Once committed, the track does not provide the daily road access common on many European hut routes.
Can Change the Grade
Cradle, Barn Bluff and Ossa introduce scrambling and exposure beyond the character of the main track.
Comfort with six consecutive loaded-pack days matters more than one fast day hike.
Train for repeated hiking, wet feet, uneven terrain and the ability to keep moving safely after several days of poor weather rather than only chasing one-day speed.
Best Time to Walk the Overland Track.
The controlled booking season runs from October through May because it covers Tasmania’s principal hiking season, but weather remains unpredictable throughout it.
| Period | System | Typical advantage | Main concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| October–November | Booking season | Longer daylight, spring conditions, fewer mid-summer crowds | Snow and very cold systems remain realistic |
| December–February | Booking season | Longest daylight and strongest overall summer window | Severe cold, rain and wind can still arrive suddenly |
| March–April | Booking season | Autumn color and cooler hiking conditions | Shorter days and increasingly cold nights |
| May | Booking season through May 31 | Quiet late season | Winter-style weather increasingly likely |
| June–September | Winter registration | Low numbers and true winter landscape | Snow, ice, navigation, extreme cold and much higher experience requirement |
Parks Tasmania states that deaths have occurred, including during summer, when walkers were caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy conditions. Check the Bureau of Meteorology bushwalker forecast immediately before departure and change the plan when warnings justify it.
Can You Walk the Overland Track in Winter?
Yes—but winter changes both the booking rules and the level of experience required.
Jun 1 → Sep 23
Walkers use Tasmania’s winter overnight-registration system rather than the summer booking system.
Either Direction
Winter walkers can travel north-to-south or south-to-north.
No Summer Booking Fee
A valid Tasmanian national parks pass is required, and Cradle shuttle access is separate if used.
Sep 24–30
Winter starts stop September 23 so walkers can clear the track before the October 1 booked season begins.
Winter Alpine
Snow cover can obscure trail and increase navigation, hypothermia and side-trip hazards substantially.
Not a Cheaper Summer Trip
The lack of the summer booking fee should never be interpreted as a reason for inexperienced hikers to choose winter.
The Waterfall Day Is Worth Leaving the Main Track.
D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls sit within short detours between Kia Ora and Bert Nichols. They are among the highest-value low-mileage additions on the standard itinerary, but wet rock and sheer edges still deserve care.
Photo collection: Wikimedia Commons · Hartnett FallsFood, Cooking and Water.
The Overland Track is much shorter than a thru-hike, but for six days it functions like a self-contained wilderness trip.
Carry Everything
Parks Tasmania says walkers must carry their own food and equipment for the entire journey.
None on Track
There is no normal commercial resupply point between the start and Lake St Clair.
Fuel Stove Only
The Overland Track is managed as a fuel-stove-only area. Plan a reliable stove and enough fuel for the trip.
Treat It
Rainwater tanks are provided at main huts, and Parks Tasmania says tank water should be boiled or treated before drinking.
Keep Food Sealed
Brush-tailed possums are known to open zippers or damage packs and tents in search of food.
Carry It Out
Plan to pack out food packaging and waste rather than depending on hut disposal.
Lake St Clair Ferry or Walk to Cynthia Bay?
The standard six-day itinerary reaches Narcissus at the northern end of Lake St Clair.
From there you have two legitimate finishes:
- Ferry: pre-book the private Lake St Clair ferry from Narcissus to Cynthia Bay.
- Walk: continue 17.5 km along the lake, normally five to six hours.
- The walk takes the total journey to roughly 80 km.
- Echo Point Hut lies about 5 km into the lakeshore section.
- The ferry must be booked separately from the Overland Track permit.
- Use the radio at Narcissus Hut to reconfirm your ferry when you arrive.
Lake St Clair—leeawuleena—is Australia’s deepest lake and the southern end of the Overland Track journey.One way between Narcissus and Cynthia Bay.
Current one-way fare for children under 12; under five travel free.
Approximately five to six additional hours from Narcissus.
Pack-heavy walker sailings may carry fewer passengers than the vessel’s maximum capacity.
Getting to Cradle Mountain and Away From Lake St Clair.
Transport between the two ends is not included with the track booking and there is no road through the national park connecting them.
Reach Cradle Mountain
Commercial services operate from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport, with more frequent options in summer.
Sleep at Cradle
A pre-track night removes same-day transport risk and gives time for check-in, weather review and packing.
Shuttle to Ronny Creek
The Cradle Mountain shuttle carries booked-season hikers from the visitor centre to the trailhead.
Lake St Clair
Arrange onward transport from the visitor-centre/Cynthia Bay side toward Hobart, Launceston or another Tasmania stop.
Two Distant Trailheads
A private car at Cradle does not help when the hike finishes on the opposite side of the national park.
Solve Transport Early
Track departure, ferry and intercity transfer should be treated as one connected itinerary.
Overland Track Gear Priorities.
Parks Tasmania classifies the route Grade 4 and expects independent walkers to be equipped for remote alpine weather and unplanned delays.
Carry a Tent
Required even when the plan is to sleep in public huts.
Waterproof System
Jacket, rain trousers and protected insulation matter in sustained Tasmanian wet weather.
Prepare for Snow
Summer dates do not justify leaving cold-weather layers behind.
Map + Backup
Parks Tasmania recommends the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair TASMAP and current track information.
Consider a PLB
Parks Tasmania recommends the security of a personal locator beacon for remote travel.
Fuel Stove
Carry the stove, fuel and food needed for the full trip rather than expecting hut catering.
The Infrastructure Is Good. The Environment Is Still Wild.
Boardwalk, huts and a booking system make the Overland Track unusually manageable for such a remote journey. None of those systems control wind, rain, snow, mud or the consequences of carrying inadequate equipment.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · licensed reuseWhere to Go Next.
Use the Overland Track as both a Tasmania wilderness trip and a reference point for longer international trekking journeys.
Three Skills to Bring to Tasmania.
Huts and boardwalks help with logistics. Weather judgment, navigation and loaded-pack durability still belong to the walker.
Recheck the Track Before Cradle Mountain.
Fees, weather, ferry schedules, alerts and overnight conditions can change. Use current Parks Tasmania information when the trip approaches.
Overland Track Tasmania FAQ.
The planning questions that most often change a Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair itinerary.
How long is the Overland Track?
Parks Tasmania describes the standard Ronny Creek-to-Narcissus route as approximately 65 km / 40 miles. The six official stages total 62.5 km. If you continue 17.5 km along Lake St Clair rather than taking the ferry, the full walking journey is roughly 80 km / 50 miles.
How many days does the Overland Track take?
Six days is the classic itinerary. Seven or more days provides more flexibility for summit side trips, Pine Valley or walking the final Lake St Clair shoreline.
How much does the Overland Track cost in 2026–27?
The current booking-season fee is A$312 for adults and A$272 for children aged 17 and under and eligible concession holders.
When do you need to book the Overland Track?
A paid booking is required for departures from October 1 through May 31. During this season walkers travel north-to-south from Cradle Mountain toward Lake St Clair.
When do Overland Track bookings open?
Parks Tasmania opens bookings on the first Tuesday in July each year. The online booking queue opens at 9:00 am AEST, with people who entered the waiting room before 9:00 randomized into the queue.
How many walkers are allowed to start each day?
Up to 34 independent walkers can depart on each booking-season date.
Can you reserve an Overland Track hut?
No. The departure booking does not reserve a hut bed. Huts are shared on an availability basis, which is why independent walkers must carry tents.
Do you need to carry a tent on the Overland Track?
Yes. Parks Tasmania requires independent walkers to carry a tent because huts can be full and a tent provides emergency shelter if a walker cannot reach the planned hut.
Can you walk the Overland Track in either direction?
During the October 1–May 31 booking season, walkers must travel north-to-south. During winter registration season, walkers can travel in either direction.
Can you walk the Overland Track in winter?
Yes. Winter starts are registered from June 1 through September 23 rather than using the summer booking system. Winter conditions require substantially greater alpine experience and a valid Tasmanian national parks pass.
What is the hardest day on the Overland Track?
The answer depends on side trips. Day 3 is the longest standard stage at 16.8 km, while Day 4 becomes substantially harder if Mount Ossa is added. Day 1 can also be serious in poor weather because much of it is exposed alpine terrain.
Can you climb Mount Ossa from the Overland Track?
Yes. The side trip from Pelion Gap is 5.2 km return and normally takes four to five hours. Mount Ossa is Tasmania’s highest mountain at 1,617 m.
Can you climb Cradle Mountain while walking the Overland Track?
Yes when conditions are suitable. The official side trip is approximately 2 km return from the track junction and takes two to three hours. The upper mountain involves boulder scrambling and should not be attempted in snow or poor weather.
Is the Overland Track suitable for beginners?
Parks Tasmania grades it Grade 4 and recommends bushwalking experience. A fit walker can use it as a first major wilderness trek after gaining experience with loaded packs, wet-weather systems and multi-day self-sufficiency, but it should not be approached as an easy hut walk.
Can children walk the Overland Track?
Parks Tasmania does not recommend the Overland Track for children under eight. Walkers aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Do you need to carry all your food?
Yes. There is no normal resupply point between the roadheads. Walkers need to carry their food and equipment for the entire journey.
Can you drink the hut water?
Rainwater tanks are provided at the main huts, but Parks Tasmania says rainwater-tank water should be boiled or treated before drinking.
Can you have a campfire on the Overland Track?
The Overland Track is a fuel-stove-only area. Plan to cook with a suitable fuel stove rather than an open fire.
Do you need a personal locator beacon?
Parks Tasmania recommends the security of carrying a PLB in remote areas. Beacons can also be hired from several Tasmanian locations, although visitor-centre supplies are limited.
Do you need to book the Lake St Clair ferry?
Yes if you plan to finish at Narcissus by ferry. Parks Tasmania recommends booking before beginning the Overland Track and reconfirming by radio after arriving at Narcissus Hut.
How much is the Lake St Clair ferry?
The current one-way Narcissus–Cynthia Bay fare is A$60 for adults and A$30 for children under 12. Children under five currently travel free.
Can you walk instead of taking the Lake St Clair ferry?
Yes. The Narcissus-to-Cynthia Bay lakeshore walk adds 17.5 km and approximately five to six hours, making the complete walking version of the Overland Track roughly 80 km.
Book the Departure. Carry the Shelter. Let the Weather Choose the Summits.
The core six-day route is straightforward to structure: reserve the departure date, arrange transport at both ends, carry six days of food and a complete shelter system, and pre-book the ferry if that is your finish. Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff and Mount Ossa should remain optional until the actual weather proves they belong in the itinerary.
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