The Overland Track

This is one of Australia's most recognisable and classic tracks - a once in a lifetime must-do walk for all keen bushwalkers. Spend 5 to 10 days exploring the heartland of the Tasmanian wilderness.

Switch list to The Overland Track (Waterfall Valley Closed)



Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley
10.8 km oneway
4 h to 6 h
The Overland Track starts by guiding you through some amazingly diverse and spectacular landscapes. You start from the bus stop and car park at Ronny Creek, then wander for a few hundred meters through the buttongrass plains beside Ronny Creek. After this the uphill starts, it is very steep in places, take your time and enjoy the views. You will pass Crater Falls in a lovely rainforest before emerging at the mouth of the glacier-carved Crater Lake. The climbing continues up from here, with chains to assist one short rocky scramble up to Marion's Lookout and the amazing views over Dove Lake. Continue along the Overland Track to Kitchen Hut (a great lunch spot) where there is the potential side trip to Cradle Mountain. The Overland Track then continues 'behind' Cradle Mountain before wandering down the lovely Waterfall Valley. Before heading down to Waterfall valley is the option challenging side trip to Barn Bluff. One of the more challenging days on track with a stunning environment, start early and take your time to soak it all up. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Waterfall Valley to Windermere
7.6 km oneway
2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min
A lovely walk on one of the shorter and easier sections of the Overland Track. You walk through open alpine country with many tarns and there is an optional side trip to Lake Will. There is a small beach at Lake Will and another opportunity for a swim at Lake Windermere - both are very cold, but refreshing if you are keen. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Windermere to Pelion
15.1 km oneway
5 h to 7 h
Starting from Lake Windermere, the first part of the walk will take you through buttongrass plains. You can take your first side trip here to the Forth Valley Lookout with great views over the valley. When crossing Pelion Creek you'll start your descent through the myrtle-beech rainforest to reach the Frog Flats - the Overland Track's lowest section at 730m above sea level. There's a campsite just after crossing the Forth River at Frog Flats, if you decide to stay here. Otherwise, continue your way up through the rainforest and eucalypt forest to come to the New Pelion Hut. You can take a side trip to the Old Pelion hut, just a few hundred meters before the new one. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Pelion to Kia Ora
8.5 km oneway
3 h to 4 h
Starting from Pelion Hut this walk gently climbs through the rainforest to Pelion Gap saddle with some very short side trips to some lovely cascades. If you have spare time and favourable weather you can opt for the side trip to Mt Ossa or Mt Pelion East. From the gap wander down through Pinestone Valley with stunning views of Cathedral Mountain to your left, before reaching the peaceful and sheltered Kia Ora hut, camping area and cascades. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Kia Ora to Windy Ridge
9.5 km oneway
3 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min
Starting from Kia Ora Hut and the bubbling cascades you will explore the dense rainforest as you want to the historic Du Cane Hut. Not too far past the Du Cane Hut are some very worthwhile side trips to D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls. These are spectacular waterfalls in the dense rainforest and a great place for lunch. Then the track climbs up towards Du Cane Gap and then steeply leads down to the large Bert Nichols Hut and camping area at Windy Ridge. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Windy Ridge to Narcissus
10 km oneway
3 h to 4 h
Starting from Windy Ridge this walk gently descents through the open eucalypt forest and buttongrass plains, following the Narcissus River valley. After about 5km you pass the signposted intersection with the Pine Valley Track. The walk continues along the valley floor crossing the only swing bridge on the main spine of the Overland Track before coming to Narcissus Hut and camping area. Narcissus Hut is a short walk from the northern tip of Lake St Clair and the ferry jetty. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 

Narcissus to Cynthia Bay
16.7 km oneway
5 h to 6 h
Starting from Narcissus Hut this walk leads you across the swampy Hamilton Plains and then through a mix of dry tall forest and rainforest to Echo Point Hut, located next to Lake St Clair, with a few spots along the way to access the lake. You can spend an extra night at Echo Point or continue to walk for a few more hours to reach Cynthia Bay, the end of the Overland Track. This section of the Overland Track is dominated by giant trees and occasional lake vistas. Enjoy a burger and a cold drink after signing the logbook for one last time. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.