The route and terrain

The Overland Track runs south through Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. The official one-way distance is 65 km and most independent walkers plan six days. Expect long, rough and often steep sections, boardwalks, rock, roots, mud and exposed plateaus. Almost half the track sits above 1,000 metres so large sections are exposed to alpine weather.

Optional side trips, including the route to Mount Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak at 1,617 m), add time, technical exposure and navigational challenge. Choose side trips only when actual weather, daylight and your fitness support them.

When to go and bookings

There are two formal seasons. The summer booking season runs from 1 October to 31 May. Independent walkers must book a departure within that period. A winter registration system operates outside those dates.

Bookings limit independent departures to a maximum number per day. Huts cannot be reserved and there may not be space, so bookings secure your right to start but do not guarantee sleeping room. During the booking season you will be asked to complete and return a Safety Checklist before you start.

Fees are charged during the booking season and are applied to maintenance and services for the track. Fees are reviewed periodically.

Transport and access

Organise every transport link before you walk. The Overland Track booking does not include travel to the trailhead at Ronny Creek, transport from Lake St Clair or the privately operated Narcissus ferry. If you plan to finish at Narcissus Hut and use the ferry across Lake St Clair, book that ferry ahead of time: it is a privately run service and a fee applies.

A shuttle bus runs between the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Ronny Creek. Shuttle times are seasonal and can be affected by road conditions and weather. Private vehicle access to Dove Lake Road is restricted during shuttle operating times and larger vehicles such as campervans are not permitted on that road. Many walkers allow an extra day either side of their departure to manage logistics.

Sign in at the Ronny Creek walker registration booth when you start. Logbook entries are used by Parks staff if there is an incident or if relocation is needed during emergency operations.

Accommodation and shelters

Huts along the route provide shelter but space is not guaranteed. Weather, injury or timing can prevent reaching the next hut, so carry a tent and a full sleeping system even if you expect to use huts.

Most walkers finish near Narcissus Hut. From there the common option is the ferry across Lake St Clair to the visitor centre; walking the shoreline adds about 17.5 km and can extend your trip by a day.

Essential equipment and safety

Treat the Overland Track as an alpine walk. The track is graded Grade 4 and is recommended for walkers with bushwalking experience in remote alpine areas. Weather can change quickly and severe cold, wind and heavy rain can occur at any time of year. There have been fatalities when walkers were not properly prepared.

Carry navigation tools and the recommended map and notes at the appropriate scale. Packs are commonly 75 litres with a target pack weight of about 18 kg including at least 2 litres of water; expect up to seven hours walking on some days. Fuel stoves are the approved cooking method in many parts of the park.

Personal Locator Beacons provide additional security for life-threatening emergencies. Hire options exist from Service Tasmania and from visitor centres, though numbers at visitor centres are limited and cannot be reserved. Many experienced walkers choose to carry one.

Avoid walking alone where possible and let a reliable person know your intentions and expected return. Be ready to turn back if conditions deteriorate: recognising and treating hypothermia is an essential skill for this route.

Biosecurity, maps and behaviour on the track

The Overland Track is in a World Heritage area that is kept free of many pests and diseases. Before departure, check, clean and dry clothing and equipment for biosecurity. Purchase the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair map and notes before you go and read the park’s Leave No Trace guidance. Stay on formed walking tracks to protect fragile alpine environments.

Checks to complete before you leave

  • Confirm your Overland Track departure booking and complete any required Safety Checklist information for the booking season.
  • Book the Narcissus ferry if you intend to finish at Narcissus Hut. The ferry is privately operated and requires its own booking.
  • Check Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and any bushwalker alerts. Be prepared to change plans if conditions are unsafe.
  • Verify shuttle bus schedules and vehicle access rules for Dove Lake and Ronny Creek.
  • Ensure you have the correct park pass where applicable; a valid parks pass is required for some months of the year.
  • Carry or arrange a Personal Locator Beacon if you want that additional emergency option; hire stock at visitor centres is limited.
  • Sign the trip logbook at the start and every hut, and sign out at the end of your walk.

Follow the park’s walk notes and advice. Proper planning for transport, shelter and severe weather is central to a safe trip on the Overland Track.