Experience the wild heart of Tasmania, Australia’s island-state off the south-east coast, as you trek the legendary Overland Track from Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley to Cynthia Bay on Lake St Clair. This iconic 80km (50-mile) journey traverses glacier-carved valleys, mossy rainforests, rugged peaks, and sweeping moorlands in the heart of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.

Ideal for hikers of average fitness as well as those seeking adventure in Tasmania’s remote wilderness, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook covers the entire Overland Track in 7 clearly defined stages, each ranging from 8 to 17km (5–11 miles) and typically completed over 5 to 9 days. 

For experienced trekkers looking for an extra challenge, optional sidetrips to dramatic summits like Mt Ossa and wilderness areas such as The Labyrinth add further excitement, making the Overland Track a truly rewarding journey for every walker.

• Discover the wild beauty of Tasmania, Australia’s island-state off the south-east coast, as you explore the celebrated Overland Track through Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.
• Experience iconic landscapes, from the buttongrass plains of Pelion and forests below Mt Oakleigh to the waterfalls of Du Cane and the tranquil shores of Lake St Clair.
• Each stage of the Overland Track is clearly described with distance, ascent/descent, grade, walking time, and maximum altitude, plus at-a-glance information boxes and available sidetrips, making it easy to plan every day, whether you seek a steady walk or a challenging adventure.
• 1:50,000 mapping for every stage highlights key route features, including huts, campsites, and facilities, for straightforward navigation and comfort along the Overland Track.
• The Overland Track is best enjoyed in the southern summer (December to February), when long days and blooming wildflowers create ideal trekking conditions.
• Covers essential planning, permits, fitness, equipment, food and water, travel, safety, and accommodation at the start, end, and along the track, as well as expert guidance on unique Tasmanian wildlife and plants, everything you need to prepare for and hike the Overland Track from start to finish.
• Practical advice is included for hiking with kids, choosing your direction, and condensing your Overland trek into fewer days for those with limited time.

Plan your adventure on Tasmania’s Overland Track with the definitive Cicerone guidebook and discover one of the world’s great walks, where every stage unveils a new wilderness and the spirit of discovery leads you through rainforests, across alpine plateaus, and along the legendary spine of Tasmania.

Overland Track – Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair: Quick Facts

Location: Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Number of stages: 7 daily stages
Distance: 80km (50 miles)
Duration: 5–9 days; daily stages 8–17km (5–11 miles)
Areas covered: Ronny Creek (Cradle Valley), Waterfall Valley, Lake Windermere, Pelion, Kia Ora, Du Cane, Narcissus, Cynthia Bay (Lake St Clair)
Route type: Well-marked and maintained main track with boardwalks, forest trails, alpine meadows, and optional challenging sidetrips to mountain peaks and wilderness areas
Difficulty: Moderate for well-equipped and physically fit hikers; sidetrips suitable for experienced walkers
Terrain: Glacier-carved valleys, buttongrass moorlands, mossy rainforests, rugged mountains, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and meadows
Navigation: 1:50,000 maps for each stage, detailed route notes, waymarking, and information boxes
Best season: December to February (Tasmanian summer; long days, flowering plants, most stable weather)
Highlights: Cradle Mountain, Mt Oakleigh, Mt Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak), Du Cane Range, Lake St Clair, The Labyrinth, unique Tasmanian wildlife and flora
Equipment: Robust hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, food and water supplies, and overnight gear
Accommodation: Basic huts and camping platforms along the track, accommodation at trailheads (Cradle Valley and Cynthia Bay)
 

Author Highlight

"Part of the reason the Overland Track has become so popular with hikers from around the world is its accessibility. The main track is well marked and maintained, with boardwalks above the boggiest ground, bridges over creeks and a network of basic huts, all of which make the track suitable for hikers of average f itness. Yet there are plenty of challenges for experienced hikers too, with steep sidetrips to mountain peaks – such as Mt Ossa, at 1617m Tasmania’s highest peak – and into wilderness areas like The Labyrinth.” 

- Warwick Sprawson, author of Hiking the Overland Track

Contents
Map key
Overview map
Route summary tables
The Overland huts
Introduction
Location
History
Geology
Plants and animals
Planning your trip
When to go
Ways to hike the track
Hiking direction
Doing the hike with kids
Permits
Booking your hike
Signing in
Getting there
Accommodation and facilities at the start of the track
Accommodation and facilities at the end of the track
Accommodation and facilities on the track
Planning day-by-day
Using this guide
What to take
Food and water
Waymarking
Maps
Sidetrips
Health, safety and emergencies
Phones and Wi-Fi
The Overland Track
Stage 1 Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley Huts
Stage 2 Waterfall Valley Huts to Windermere Hut
Stage 3 Windermere Hut to New Pelion Hut
Stage 4 New Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut
Stage 5 Kia Ora Hut to Bert Nichols Hut
Stage 6 Bert Nichols Hut to Narcissus Hut
Stage 7 Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay
Plant and animal guide
Plant guide
Animal guide

Appendix A Useful contacts
Appendix B Suggested clothing, gear and food
Appendix C What now? Other hikes in Tasmania

Seasons

Summer (December, January, February) is the best time for hiking the track as many plants are flowering and the long days make sidetrips more feasible. Tasmania has four distinct seasons, however it's rare that an Overland trip doesn't include rain, hail or strong winds, and snow can occur even in summer.

Centres

Located in the Cradle Valley-Lake St Clair National Park, the Overland Track starts at Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley and ends at Cynthia Bay on Lake St Clair. Along the track are a series of basic huts and camping platforms.

Difficulty

The main track is well marked and maintained with a network of basic huts, boardwalks above boggy ground and bridges over creeks, which makes the track suitable for hikers of average fitness. There are plenty of challenges for experienced hikers too, with sidetrips to mountain peaks and into wilderness areas like the Labyrinth.

Must See

Jagged profile of Cradle Mountain across Dove Lake; panoramic views from sidetrip summits including Tasmania's highest mountain, Mt Ossa; dolerite columns of Mt Oakleigh; tranquil Lake St Clair; thundering cascades of D'Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls; mossy rainforest en route to Pine Valley Hut; eclectic range of endemic plants and animals including Tasmanian devils

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