Explore the Overland Track

The Overland Track

As anyone embarking on the Overland Track will tell you, it’s almost as hard to get to and from the track as it is to walk its 76-kilometre length.

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) offers a huge range of Overland information the conditions and what to expect from the huts, and also has information about transport options.

Walking the Overland Track

If you’re walking the Overland we can provision you with all the essential kit you need – including rucksack, Trangia, mess kit, gaiters, raincoat, sleeping bag, walking poles, and of course food.

A reasonable grasp of geography will reveal that we’re at the opposite end of Tasmania from the Overland’s starting point. True. So we’re best placed to assist your Overland walk if you intend to fly in to Hobart, travel north to start the track, and return to Hobart after you finish. If that’s your plan, please allow us to introduce our friends Marie and David Hearle of Hawthorn Lodge, a lovely place to stay situated at Bushy Park, a little less than an hour outside Hobart.

David and Marie were frustrated by the difficulties their overseas (and interstate) guests often experienced trying to travel from Tasmania’s south to the Overland track head in the state’s north. They finally solved the problem by starting an Overland Track transfer service. Hawthorn’s full Overland Track package takes the fuss out of planning. They’ll collect you at Hobart airport and travel via Hobart to Bushy Park – stopping en route to collect hire gear and food orders from us and for any last-minute shopping – where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night. Next morning they’ll drive you north to the Overland start, and off you go. Five or six days later – as pre-arranged – they’ll collect you at the track’s end at Lake St Clair then return to Hawthorn Lodge for a lovely hot shower, sumptuous dinner and a relaxing night’s sleep. They’ll even store your valuables and “off track” gear and clothing while you walk. All you have to do is book your track departure date.

The Overland Track is one of the world’s great walks and a logical step up from the Three Capes Track provided you’re confident of your fitness, experience and readiness. Ian’s walked the Overland several times now (once with his family, including a seven-year-old, two multi-day walk novices and a range of raucous friends – now that’s commitment). He’s always delighted to talk to people thinking of embarking on the track and to offer advice, reassurance and an extensive disquisition on the importance of gaiters. If you’d like to know more email us or give Ian a call on 03 6234 4918.

Practical stuff

For more information about the Overland Track call the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) track administrator (9am–5pm Mon–Fri):

Freecall 1300 827 727
Within Australia 03 6165 4254
From abroad +61 3 6165 4254

Or email overlandtrackadministrator@parks.tas.gov.au

To secure your Overland Track departure date during the 1 October–31 May walking season visit the bookings website here.

For more information about Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, through which the track runs, visit the PWS website here and here. Visitor centres at both Cradle Mountain (tel 03 6492 1110) and Lake St Clair (tel 03 6489 1172) are open seven days.