5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 6 days trekking with a full pack
Accommodation
  • 5 nights camping
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$3095AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: OTF

Overland Track Trip highlights

  • Complete the internationally famous Overland Track
  • Discover rich bio-diversity; sublime rainforests, beautiful sub-alpine plateaus and spectacular highland landscapes
  • End each day at scenic campsites in the remote wilderness
  • Summit Tasmania’s highest peak, Mt Ossa (weather dependent)
  • Enjoy close encounters with native animals, birds and stunning endemic plants

Why Book With Us

  • Better food - food drops make it possible for first time bushwalkers
  • Great discounted price for children between 12 and 16
  • Lightweight tent and other essential gear provided
  • Have operated walks on the Overland Track since 1967

The Overland Track holds legendary status as one of the finest walks in Australia. These family friendly departures are perfect for active families with children aged 12 and over.

Walking from north to south over six days we cover the highest area of Tasmania, from the base of wulinantikala/Cradle Mountain to the rainforest-clad shores of the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere, liyawulina/Lake St Clair. The World Heritage listed landscape is truly breathtaking and will leave you enchanted, inspired and feeling completely connected. With each day and every step, the scenery on the trail varies dramatically taking you through ancient Myrtle forest, glaciated dolerite landscapes, past plateaus covered in sparkling tarns and lakes and to Tasmania's highest peak Mt Ossa. You will have up close encounters with the unique and endemic animals that call this wonderful area home.

This full pack trek is suitable for first time bushwalkers as the inclusion of food drops will help keep your pack as light as possible. Your professional guides will ensure your adventure is immensely memorable and enjoyable, providing support and care, creating delicious meals, and bringing the track to life with their local knowledge and enthusiasm for the Tasmanian wilderness.

Activities:

Itinerary

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We pick you up early this morning in Launceston, from one of our two pick up locations. Our first pick up point is at 6:45am from the Grand Chancellor and our second pick up point is at 7:00am at the Penny Royal. We then drive 2.5 hours to Waldheim, ‘forest home’, where our Overland Track trek begins. The morning is spent walking up past lakes and tarns to the top of the Cradle Plateau where we are rewarded with views of Dove Lake and an endless horizon of impressive mountain ranges. The views of the iconic wulinantikala/Cradle mountain will be uninterrupted for hours as we trek across the plateau before making our way to Waterfall Valley for our first night under the stars. Walking Distance: 10.7km | Walking Time: 6 hours. *You will need to arrive in Launceston the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the pre-trip briefing.

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast at our campsite we continue south to Lake Windermere. A leisurely day that offers time for a side trip to Lake Will – named after a coal prospector in the 1800s. There is opportunity to have a relaxing lunch and swim from the sandy shores of Lake Will. Returning to our packs we head back across the rolling buttongrass plains to our stunning campsite. We spend the afternoon kicking back with a hot drink taking in the fabulous views from camp, and perhaps having another refreshing swim. Walking Distance: 7.8km + side trips | Walking Time: 3 hours + side trips

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a wild day of moorlands and mountain views. We don our packs and walk across Pine Forest Moor with spectacular views across the massive Forth River Valley to the lofty heights of Mt Oakleigh and to today’s destination at its base. We descend around Mount Pelion West to a popular lunch spot at Frog Flats. After lunch we walk up through tall, lush forest onto the great expanse of Pelion Plains. We have the option of a short side trip to Old Pelion Hut to gain a deeper appreciation of the park’s rich history. Walking Distance: 16.8km | Walking Time: 7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

From camp we continue walking south through Myrtle forest, past tufted Pandani trees, then up to the saddle (1113m) between Mount Pelion East and Mount Ossa. This is the perfect place for a well deserved rest. In fine weather climbing Mount Ossa – Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617m – is without a doubt one of the highlights of the Overland Track. With magnificent views in all directions we continue south into Pinestone Valley to our creek-side campsite overlooking the grand spires of Cathedral Mountain. Walking Distance: 8.6km + side trips | Walking Time: 5 hours + side trips

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we walk through towering rainforests of Leatherwood and Sassafrass trees, heading towards three of Tasmania’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls. The first we visit is Fergusson Falls, named after a former ranger at Lake St Clair, followed by Dalton Falls. The third of these enchanting falls is the spectacular Hartnett Falls, named after Paddy Hartnett, an eccentric Irish bushman who was rarely seen without his bowler hat. We walk up through Du Cane Gap then descend to our campsite at Bert Nichols. Walking Distance: 9.6km + side trips | Walking Time: 4 hours + side trips

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we pack our backpacks for the final day on the track, which takes us through mixed eucalyptus and stands of temperate rainforest to the shore of liyawulina/Lake St Clair, the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere. As we near liyawulina/Lake St Clair we can gaze up to the peaks of Mt Ida and majestic Mount Olympus. We catch a 30 minute ferry across the lake, providing spectacular views back upon the mountains we’ve walked past, and a wonderful conclusion to our Overland Track trek. After time to explore the visitor centre and a celebratory lunch, we board the bus for our return drive across the Central Plateau to Launceston. We will return to Launceston at approximately 5pm, our two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal. Walking Distance: 9km | Walking Time: 4 hours

Meals:  B,L

Inclusions

What's included

  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • 5 nights camping
  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners snacks and hot drinks
  • Food drop provisions along the track
  • Transport by private minibus
  • Lake St. Clair ferry passage
  • National Park fees
  • Overland Track Permit
  • Tent, backpack and gaiters
  • Sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit

  • Travel to and from Launceston
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature - alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation

Wilderness Camping

The 5 nights of the tour will be spent camping along the track at designated commercial campsite areas. These areas have timber platforms for our tents to be pitched on and nearby rainwater tanks and composting toilet facilities. The camps have a basic kitchen prep area however there is no other shelter or seating available.

Wilderness Camping

Tasmanian Expeditions provides strong, 2 person, bushwalking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. Our tents weigh approx 3kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant. We use a range of high quality 3-4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered on our adventures.

Trail Surface

Boardwalk

The boardwalks are synonymous with the Overland Track but note that it does not extend for the entire walk. The start of the walk offers well maintained boardwalks and as you get further into your hike they will be less common. During some sections you'll encounter the original boardwalks, which do not have any extra wire on them to protect against slipping. In some places the boardwalk is quite wide and in others it is a little thinner. Walking poles are recommended.

Tree Roots

Much of the trail is not covered by the famous boardwalk, or it has old boardwalks that are not maintained. You will encounter alot of tree roots, which can be slippery. For this reason we recommend high cut boots, for extra protection against rolling your ankle. Walking poles are strongly recommended as you will need to walk over tree roots in many places along the Overland Track as you ascend and descend hills along the trail.

Suitability

Moderate

5

This trip involves trekking for up to six or seven hours a day. The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be long, rough and steep. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, over tree roots and through muddy sections. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (between 15-17kg). At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 December to 15 February, and for any trip that overlaps a public holiday.
DN2
Children aged between 12 and 16 receive a discounted trip price of $2000 AUD.

Priceper person from

$3095AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Child Price (12-16 years old) - On family departures onlyAUD$2000
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed The Overland Track Family trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be rough and steep in sections. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, through muddy sections and if you choose some of the side trips you will scramble over rocks.

We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.

We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.

You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You will be carrying a full pack of around 15-17kg and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. The terrain is rugged and remote. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging.

For your expedition you will need to carry all equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90litres in capacity. Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be approximately 15-17kg.

The trip runs between October and April when we have the best chance for warmer temperatures, but you are likely to experience all sorts of weather while in Tasmania. Tasmania is known for it's rapidly changing weather. You will need to be prepared to walk in all weather conditions as winds, steady rain, and even snow in elevated areas, can occur at any time of year.

In Spring (October and November) you will enjoy fewer crowds and the wildflowers are in bloom. Spring marks the return of longer, warmer days while still being cool at night.

In Summer (December to February) you can experience ideal weather conditions. This is the most popular time to walk in Tasmania so you may encounter more people on the trail.

In Autumn you can experience calm, sunny days, and cool crisp nights. You can also witness some of the leaves and trees begin to change colours.

As the Overland Track is renowned as being a true wilderness walk, you cannot expect phone reception while on the trail. For trekkers who summit Mount Ossa and Cradle Mountain, there is sometimes sporadic phone reception. However, this cannot be relied upon. Our guides carry emergency satellite phones which allow them to communicate with our base in Launceston if any emergencies arise. Rest assured you are not completely alone in the wilderness.

Unfortunately there are no charging facilities at any of the huts along the Overland Track. We recommend bringing extra batteries or solar chargers for your phones. To conserve battery power on your mobile devices, turn your phones into flight mode.

You can either leave your excess luggage at the hotel that you stay at the night prior to the trip beginning, or alternatively, we can store it for you at our office in Launceston.

You will be returned to your accommodation at approximately 5pm on the final day of the trek.

This trek commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing at 2pm on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing and that you bring along all of the gear/clothing required for your expedition with you.

Yes, you will be provided with all of your gear for the trek at the briefing and pack your backpack and leave it with the guides for Day 1 of the trip.

We highly recommend that you have high cut hiking boots for this trail. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you may encounter mud along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability in mud or slippery tree roots. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

The day pack that we recommend for the Overland Track should be a small compressible day pack that folds down to as small as your hand if not smaller. This is only to be used when you do side trips, as you will leave your 70-90L backpack at the trail head and return to it after the side trip. It is not mandatory that you have the day pack, but we find that it is convenient to have one. An example of what we suggest for a daypack is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack

Unfortunately there are no shower facilities on the camping expeditions along the Overland Track. For those who are concerned about washing, the closest you’ll come to a bath are the alpine lakes that are accessible each day, where you can have a quick refreshing dip. However, for a real cleanse we recommend you bring baby wipes (remember to take them out with you as well!).

Tasmania prides itself on clean pure water and most of the water along the track is safe to drink without purifying. Fresh rainwater tanks supplied by Parks and Wildlife can be found at each of the campsites, and you can also fill up your water bottle at many of the springs along the way.

You’d be surprised how much food you’ll eat after a day’s trekking along the Overland Track. Our guides are experienced when it comes to preparing meals along the Overland Track. Thanks to a food drop on day #3, we are able to have fresh produce every night along the trail. Lunches usually consist of vegetable wraps with hams, chicken or salami, while evening meals can vary from curries, stroganoff and pastas. Desserts include improvised apple pie, and even a chocolate mousse if you’re lucky! Start your day with a hearty porridge or muesli, with snacks throughout the day including fruit and nuts, muesli bars and some fruit.

As this is a full pack adventure, each trekker is required to carry a portion of the group’s food, whether it be a couple of cucumbers, lettuce heads or a bag of pasta. All types of dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free, nut free etc.

It’s not uncommon to encounter leeches on the Overland Track, particularly in areas with a lot of leaf foliage and tree coverage. Leeches tend to breed in warm moist areas, so can be spotted during the summer months in marshy areas. Leech bites do not hurt, however if they bother you, we suggest bringing a salt solution to remove them from your skin if you come into contact with them.

Overland Track Trip reviews

Overland Track Videos

Overland Track Guided Trek - What You Need To Know

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.