{"id":70390,"date":"2025-07-04T19:44:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T09:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=70390"},"modified":"2025-12-04T14:03:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T03:03:53","slug":"overland-track-tasmania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/overland-track-tasmania\/","title":{"rendered":"A novice trekker\u2019s guide to the Overland Track: star of Tasmania\u2019s Cradle Mountain\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re gearing up for this trail, or considering an adventure in Tasmania’s<\/a> UNESCO-listed wilderness, this first-timer’s experience of the Overland Track will give you some valuable insights into what to expect and how to handle it, writes author Cliona Elliott. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Are you going anywhere exciting?\u2019 The outdoor gear-shop assistant asked, as I paid for some hiking socks and gaiters. With my trip only days away, this was one of the last things left to do.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018The Overland Track in Tassie,\u2019 I replied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He smiled knowingly. \u2018Are you emotionally ready for it?\u2019  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018As ready as I\u2019ll ever be.\u2019 I laughed, hoping the butterflies of nerves and excitement wouldn\u2019t fly out of my mouth. I didn\u2019t know what he meant by emotional readiness \u2013 I was too busy worrying about whether I was physically ready for a six-day trek. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Trek the Cradle Mountain Overland Track <\/a><\/div>
6 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Walk Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain<\/a><\/div>
6 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain<\/a><\/div>
6 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I\u2019ve been on plenty of day hikes<\/a>, but the only multi-day trek I\u2019ve done is Mt Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia<\/a>. We walked about 36 kilometres in three days \u2013 the summit stands at 3726 metres and the trail is very steep due to the quick elevation gain. It\u2019s quite tough on the legs, especially on the final approach to the summit, where the sandy terrain makes you slide backwards after each step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also had three local guides and porters with us who carried our tents, cooking equipment and food supplies, so all I had to bring was a day pack with a change of clothes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cradle Mountain Overland Track<\/a> wouldn\u2019t be like that. For starters, there are no porters, so I\u2019d be lugging my own rucksack and supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"The
See Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain on a small-group adventure<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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To prep for this trip, I did some research to suss others\u2019 experiences and gauge what kind of hiking gear to bring. After trawling through lots of comments, it was clear that this trek is a serious undertaking and that it\u2019s not for the unprepared. I felt reassured knowing I\u2019d be with two Intrepid<\/a> leaders, but I was still nervous because I didn\u2019t have much trekking experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Overland Track is a grade-4 hike \u2013 typically more challenging and suited to people with experience \u2013 spanning 65 kilometres through the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park<\/a> in the Central Highlands of Tasmania. Trekkers spend an average of six days (some take longer adding additional routes) walking through an ever-changing landscape of sprawling moorlands, glacial valleys, mossy forests and alpine meadows. For most of that time, you\u2019re cut off from the outside world with no phone signal or creature comforts. Ensconced in the wilderness, we set up tents every night and slept under the stars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the lowdown on what you can expect on the Overland Track with Intrepid. Rest assured, novice trekkers, you\u2019ll be taken expert care of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Overland Track spans 65 kilometres through the Central Highlands of Tasmania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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1.  Train for the trek with cardio and strength training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I had a good baseline fitness, but for the months leading up to the trip I upped my cardio, did extra strength training (such as Stairmaster workouts, deadlifts, weighted squats and lunges), and went on more day hikes. Carrying a pack was undoubtedly the toughest part of the trek for me and in hindsight, I should have done a few hikes wearing a pack with the same weight I intended to carry. Lesson learnt for next time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beginning of the trail is predominantly a boardwalk, but as you go deeper into the park, you\u2019ll cover plenty of muddy sections, steep hills and rocky steps. Prep your limbs for the Overland Track\u2019s diverse terrain by walking on the beach, up and down hills, through woodlands or anywhere else that’ll get your muscles used to uneven ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few people in my group brought hiking poles. While my knees were very jealous of them when teetering over slippery tree roots, you may not want to bother if you\u2019re fairly steady on your feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Two
Day trippers can see the sights on the Dove Lake Circuit in Cradle Mountain National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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2. Use the gear list provided to bring the right stuff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Intrepid provides a comprehensive list of stuff you must pack (check your trip’s Essential Trip Information section<\/a>). They won\u2019t let you hike if you have missing or unsuitable items. Don’t worry, though: at the welcome meeting, before setting off, leaders make sure you have all the correct gear. In case anything is missing, you can always pick it up at one of the outdoor stores in Launceston. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unless you go trekking regularly, you might be better off renting gear. That way, you\u2019ll have top-quality equipment. Intrepid supplied lightweight trekking tents, but I rented a sleeping bag and liner which kept me super toasty at night. You have to request these with Intrepid before the trip, so make sure you\u2019re organised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lucy and Josh, our trekking leaders, also helped us pack our rucksacks to optimise space and ensure we had easy access to our thermals and waterproofs in case the weather turned. Little tips like this made me so grateful that I was with the experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.  Carrying a pack can be a challenge <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make peace with the pack, make peace with the pack, make peace with the pack<\/em>. I had a few mantras for various points in the day, but this one was for when we mounted our rucksacks on our backs each morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I knew carrying a 15-kilo rucksack would be hard, but I didn\u2019t realise the full extent of the challenge until I found myself trudging uphill under the midday sun.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean it when I say every gram counts. Don\u2019t worry about re-wearing the same clothes and consider whether you really<\/em> need a book. I didn\u2019t read a single page as I was too busy gushing over the night skies and trying to befriend the local wombats and pademelons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My shoulders were tender for the first couple of days, but I soon got into the swing of things. In my experience, the more you resist, the greater the struggle. Make peace with the pack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: 6 of the most popular trails within Cradle Mountain National Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A<\/figure><\/div>
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4. Prepare for all types of weather   <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A large chunk of the Overland Track is above 1000 metres and the weather can change drastically. Forget four seasons in a day. It\u2019s more like four seasons in an hour. The official trekking season is from late spring to early autumn (November to April) when the weather is typically warmest, the days are long and flora is in full bloom.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trekking outside this period is only recommended for advanced hikers due to cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. That said, it can snow even in summer, so it\u2019s important to pack appropriately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were extremely lucky with the weather. Our trip began on 1 December (the first day of summer in Australia) and we had clear skies and sunshine with only a bit of light drizzle towards the end. Our guides said it was some of the best weather they\u2019ve experienced. If it wasn\u2019t for the tiny snowman we encountered at Marion\u2019s Lookout, it would\u2019ve been hard to believe that the trail had been blanketed in snow just a week ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A
Tasmania is one of the few Australian states that gets snow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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5. Be ready to go back to basics  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Say goodbye to flushable toilets and showers. There are long-drop loos at the campgrounds, but if you need to go (like, go<\/em> go) en route you\u2019ll need to acquaint yourself with a trowel. Just don\u2019t do what I did and find somewhere so hidden that you almost get lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to personal hygiene, there are plenty of lakes and creeks to take a dip in if you\u2019re brave enough. I recoil at the slightest splash of cold water when I turn the shower on, so I was proud of myself for taking a dip in Lake Windemere \u2013 but how could I not when the backdrop was that gorgeous? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going back to basics was humbling. It\u2019s nice to be reminded of the simple pleasure of taking your boots off, slipping into a warm sleeping bag or soaking your swollen feet in an ice-cold river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/a>
We were well fed thanks to our leaders’ camp-cooking skills<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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6. Food will be taken care of for you <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I didn\u2019t think too much about what we\u2019d eat as all our meals were prepped and cooked by our amazing leaders. If anything, I pictured instant noodles, muesli bars or anything beige that comes from a packet. But this wasn\u2019t the case. Lucy and Josh whipped up all sorts of gourmet camping creations from chilli con carne to pasta and tuna-salad wraps. Who knew cucumber and lettuce could be the highlight of a lunch? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After arriving at a new camp each evening, it wouldn\u2019t be too long before the smell of hot chocolate wafted through the air, followed by the rustling sound of a packet of Tim-Tams. This simple ritual of sharing a cuppa with the group made our campsites feel like home. I like to think it\u2019s because it was a chance to sit and share our highlights of the day, but maybe it\u2019s also because I\u2019m British. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would\u2019ve had no idea where to start if I had to plan my meals. All we had to worry about was snacks \u2013 I had a stash of oat bars, nuts and M&Ms to dip into for an energy boost. Don\u2019t go too mad with the snacks, as we also had to carry a portion of the group\u2019s food which was distributed equally in dry bags. At least it gets lighter each day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Bring plenty of hand sanitiser  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gastro is surprisingly common on the Overland Track, with the main culprit being taps and toilet door handles. While gastro is never fun, there are few worse places to come down with it than on a six-day trek. Use sanitiser before eating and after touching anything at the huts and campsite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"
There’s plenty to keep you occupied, including looking for wombats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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8.  Take the chance to disconnect <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to disconnect nowadays, but there was no other option on this trek because there are no WhatsApp messages, news notifications or email alerts thanks to the lack of phone signal. Aside from the chirps and rattles of birds, water trickling down a creek and tree leaves rustling in the breeze, the Overland Track is completely undisturbed from the noise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our group enjoyed many chats along the trail, but we\u2019d often walk in silence, with no sense of awkwardness or need to fill it with small talk. As each day passed, I eased into the rhythms of nature, taking time to admire the shapes of the mountains, run my fingers over button grass and feel the coolness of the forest air on my skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we scrambled up rocks on Mt Ossa (Tassie\u2019s tallest mountain), I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I was initially quite excited as it had been four days since I last spoke with my boyfriend, so I sent him a quick \u2018Hello, I\u2019m alive!\u2019 message while I had the chance. But then I put it back in my pocket. It felt out of place. There I was, perched on a rocky ledge above the clouds with peaks peppering the horizon in every direction. I wanted to savour the moments I\u2019d soon be craving again back at my desk in Melbourne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: The silly side to small-group travel<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Camping
Camp is a great place to wind down with your hiking buddies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Connect with your fellow trekkers  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I love how the dynamic of an Intrepid group evolves as the days tick along. We were all a little reserved at first, but we soon came out of our shells and the banter was flowing. I don\u2019t know if it was from tiredness, getting more comfortable with each other or the boost in imagination that comes from not having to think of to-do lists, but our conversations seemed to get sillier and sillier towards the end of the trip. The camaraderie had a wonderful ability to propel my feet forward when I felt like I couldn\u2019t.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Enjoy the sense of achievement  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morale was high on our final day, partly because we knew a hot shower was just a few hours away and because the trail was mostly downhill. We strolled through a dense eucalyptus forest where the morning light danced through the trees and birdsong filled the air before arriving at the famous suspension bridge over the Narcissus River. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We continued to walk \u2013 putting one foot in front of the other, as we had done for the past six days \u2013 finally reaching the ferry that would take us to the official end of the Overland Track. Even with the icy wind whipping my face as we dashed across Lake St Clair, I couldn\u2019t help but smile at the fuzzy feeling of accomplishment radiating through my body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I now understand why the shop assistant asked me if I was emotionally ready for this journey. It was physically and mentally demanding, but it was also incredibly grounding to just walk and not have anywhere else to be. It was a reset for my nervous system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would it have been as much of a reset if I\u2019d not been with Intrepid? Probably not. Being part of a group meant I could experience the thrill of trekking, but without the stress of booking permits (which often sell out months in advance), organising transport, cooking meals and keeping tabs on the weather.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow in Cliona’s footsteps on Intrepid\u2019s six-day <\/strong>Cradle Mountain Overland Track<\/strong>.<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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