Trek the Cradle Mountain Overland Track Itinerary

Starting in

Launceston, Australia

Physical Difficulty

5 / 5

Breakfasts included

5

Lunches included

6

Dinners included

5

Ending in

Launceston, Australia

Accommodation

Bush camping (with limited facilities) (5 Nights)

Transport

Walking , Private vehicle , Ferry

Take on the challenge of Australia’s most famous trek – the Cradle Mountain Overland track – and take in some of Tasmania’s most stunning scenery. With two expert mountain guides at your side, you’ll make your way through temperate rainforest and groves of eucalypts, across alpine moors and through valleys. Skirt the edges of bright blue lakes and take in views of waterfalls and towering peaks in the distance. Camp on the edges of historic huts under star-filled skies, wake up to dramatic landscapes and take the chance to tackle side trips like summitting the island’s highest peak Mt Ossa. This active adventure is one of the best ways to take in this iconic landscape.

Day 1: Launceston / Cradle Mountain National Park / Overland Track

Welcome to Tasmania! Or Lutruwita in the language of the Palawa people who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Tasmania is now located. Your adventure begins straight away with a pickup at 7:30 am in Launceston. Make your way west, through picturesque scenery, to start the Overland Track at Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley. Cross a small grass plain, passing Crater Creek and Crater Lake, making your way up to Marion’s Lookout for sweeping views. See the iconic Cradle Mountain and the curved Dove Lake. The track continues past the historic Kitchen Hut, with its unusual double story design, and the shoulder of Cradle Mountain, surrounded by Tasmanian snow gums. Over 700 million years ago, the ground here was shaped by glaciers grinding through the landscape. Continue to the Cradle Cirque, passing the turnoff to Barn Bluff, and descend into Waterfall Valley, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Day 2: Overland Track

Waterfall Valley is, unsurprisingly, full of beautiful cascades, and you’ll pass them as the track undulates across moorlands scattered with pencil pines, myrtles and snow gums. Look out for Tasmanian Devils, echidnas and wombats – though you may see the latter’s distinctive cube shaped poop more often than the mammals themselves! For lunch, stop by Lake Will where you'll have the opportunity for a swim, before continuing to Lake Windermere in the afternoon. As you crest the moorland, you’ll get a view across Lake Windermere, whose dark colour is caused by nutrients and oils leaking from the surrounding grass into the water. Make your way around the shore of the lake to tonight’s campsite in a scattered forest.

Day 3: Overland Track

You’ve worked your way up to the longest hike of the trip. Begin with a walk through lightly timbered forest, across buttongrass moorlands to the lookout at Forth Gorge. In the distance the peaks of mounts Oakleigh, Ossa, Pelion East and West, as well as the Du Cane Range, pepper the horizon. Follow some small ascents and descents into the forest glade of Frog Flats – a wet section of forest crossed by the River Forth, home to some beautifully coloured mosses and fungi. Climb through forest to Pelion Plains, where the Forth Valley Track diverts off to Old Pelion Hut, built by copper miners at the end of the 19th century. For the next 20 years, cattle drovers and trappers plied their trade here, before the area was declared a scenic reserve in 1922. Continue along the shore of Douglas Creek to New Pelion Hut – the largest of the track’s huts, which sits at the junction of the Overland and Arm River tracks. You'll set up camp nearby.

Day 4: Overland Track

Begin today with a gradual climb up to Pelion Gap (1126 m). Here, the track hits a crossroads with Mt Pelion to the east and towering Mt Ossa – Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617 m. If the weather’s right, there will be the option to climb either of the peaks today. Both summits boast amazing views of the national park and beyond. From the Pelion Gap crossroads, the track passes through the glaciated Pinestone Valley and on to Kia Ora Hut, which sits on a creek of the same name below the Ducane Range. Set up camp in the mighty presence of Cathedral Mountain – this is a truly unique camp spot.

Day 5: Overland Track

Leave Kia Ora Creek and make your way through myrtle beech rainforest to Du Cane Hut, built in 1910 out of King Billy Pine by a trapper as a base for his trade. Further down the track, you’ll take a side trip to see the falls of D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett, which tumble into the Mersey River. Back on the main track, the path climbs steadily to Du Cane Gap (1070 m), where Mt Geryon and the Acropolis (1471 m) of the Du Cane Range are the peaks that dominate the views. From here the track descends through eucalypt forest to Bert Nichols Hut at Windy Ridge, where you'll set up camp.

Day 6: Overland Track / Lake St Clair / Launceston

Today is the final day of the Overland Track. Leaving Windy Ridge camp, descend the valley of temperate rainforest and eucalypt forest to the Narcissus River. Pass the path, which splits off to take walkers to the base of the Du Cane Range and Pine Valley Hut – the base for access to the Acropolis and the Labyrinth. Follow the track down to a suspension bridge over the Narcissus River and the end is in sight. Give yourself a huge pat on the back and your legs a rest with a ferry ride across the lake to Cynthia Bay. Jump back in the van for the ride back to Launceston, where your trip comes to an end, arriving around 4:30 pm this afternoon.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Aspire Adventure Equipment, 136 York St , Launceston, AUSTRALIA

Finish point

Launceston, , Launceston, AUSTRALIA

Important information

PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A pre-departure meeting will take place at 3pm the day BEFORE departure at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store in the centre of Launceston – 136 York St. It is important that you bring your gear to this meeting as our team will check the suitability of your gear for the trek. Please note that if your leader deems your gear not suitable you will need to purchase missing items at this meeting. We will not be able to permit any hikers on the track with unsuitable gear. The welcome meeting and gear check will take around 90 minutes.

PACKING & GEAR HIRE
It is essential that you read the Packing List in our Essential Trip Information, and that you bring all necessary items. Backpack, rainwear and sleeping bag – all these items are essential for this trip and can be hired locally (additional cost applies, payable on the ground) if you do not wish to bring your own. Speak to your travel consultant if you need to hire any gear as items must be requested prior to travel. A full list of available items and their prices can be found in the Packing section in your trip notes. The tent and sleeping mats are provided for you.

START & END TIME
Pick-up in the morning of day 1 will be at 7:30am from at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store, 136 York St, Launceston. The trip will end with an arrival back into Launceston at around 4.30pm on the last day. Make sure you take this into consideration when booking onward travel.

CAMPING & CARRYING OF GEAR
This trip is a camping trip. You will be carrying your own tent (which we will provide) and will set up camp each night. Facilities are very basic. You will also need to carry your own gear on this trek. Expect the weight of your pack to be up to 15 kg. This includes a portion of the food for the trip, and a share of a tent which will be around 1.4 kg.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
Solo travellers will have a single tent throughout the trip, while couples will share a tent. Please note that depending on the group make-up and the size of the camping platforms tents may be placed closely side by side.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY, please contact our local Operations Team on the number listed below:

1300 133 278

Is this trip right for you

This trip is is a wilderness hike, best suited to experienced hikers who are comfortable with the prospect of multiple consecutive days of hiking in all conditions as it involves plenty of walking over varied terrain. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Tasmanian weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities and a packing list can be found in the trip notes. The total distance covered on this trip is approximately 65 km.

You will need to carry your own gear on this trek. Your pack may weigh up to around 15 kg. This includes a portion of the food for the trip and a share of a tent, which will weigh around 1.4 kg.

This is a camping trip, and you will be required to set up camp each night. Facilities are very basic (bush camping toilets, no showers).

Why we love it

Hike along the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain and soak in the gorgeous Australian landscape in leafy Tassie., Don’t sweat the small stuff! With everything taken care of, you’re free to make the most of the incredible scenery as you make your way along one of Australia’s most iconic trails., Leave all the organisation to the experts – from tickets and permits to camping gear – and chill out in your comfortable all-season tents, with all sleeping gear and cooking equipment provided., Make the most of the local knowledge of two expert mountain guides along the way, and you’ll never take a wrong turn., Enjoy the flexibility to tackle the trek as you like – take the main track for a more leisurely hike or add on a side trip like summitting Cradle Mountain or Mt Ossa for an extra challenge.

Group leader

On this trip you will be accompanied by two group leaders who will trek with you at the front and back of the group, and will ensure your safety and than you get the most out of your trekking days. They will also be responsible for coordinating camp setup each night and for preparing food (help is always appreciated).

Safety

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jul 2025 to 30 Apr 2027

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

Food and dietary requirements

All meals are included on this trip and are prepared by your leader onsite. Breakfast is continental and will be taken in camp before setting off for the day. Lunches are picnic style and will be taken in a scenic location enroute. Dinners are a simple affair around at camp in the evenings. If you have any dietary requirements please advise your booking agents at the time you make your booking. Please also advise your leader at the time of the group meeting.

Money matters

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

MANDATORY PACKING LIST
- Sleeping bag - 3 seasons down or high quality synthetic, comfort rating -5 - needs to be around the size of a rugby ball or smaller
- Boots must be lace up, ankle high, leather or leather/fabric construction with a sturdy rubber sole. Ideally boots will have a waterproof lining or for full-leather have been waterproofed. They must be well worn in but not worn out.
- Back pack 70-90L with waterproof pack liner
- Rain jacket with storm hood attached. Must be seam sealed waterproof breathable fabric (Gore-Tex or equivalent 3 layer membrane). We recommend mid thigh length with full front zip opening which must have a storm flap.
- Waterproof over pants (Gore-Tex equivalent 3 layer membrane or PVC coated nylon)
- 2 Long sleeve thermal tops (wool or synthetic)
- 1 Long thermal pants (wool or synthetic)
- Walking socks - 3 pairs wool or thermal
- Warm / Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Wide brimmed sun hat with secure chin strap preferable
- Balaclava or warm beanie
- Waterproof nylon pack cover
- Good quality head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles or water bladder - minimum 2 litres
- 2 Heavy weight garbage bags or dry bags for waterproof storage OR 1 good quality nylon pack liner (Sea to Summit equivalent)
- Gaiters - knee length essential for keeping mud from boots and leg protection
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first aid kit with tape for treating and preventing blisters and any personal medication. All this should be Carried in a waterproof and knock proof container.
- Toilet paper – in a waterproof zip lock bag
We will supply the tent, a sleeping mat, a bowl, cup and cutlery for you. You do not have to bring these.
Please note: The above packing list is MANDATORY, please contact us if you have further questions.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS
- 1 medium weight/thick woolen/polar fleece jumper - must be wool or good quality synthetic fibre
- 2 T-shirts/Long sleeve shirts (must be wool or synthetics outdoor material - NO Cotton)
- Warm trousers - must be wool or synthetic fibre
- Walking trousers
- Walking shorts
- Underwear - wool or thermal
- Swimmers
- Light weight sandals or shoes for around camp
- Change of clothes for around the camp after the day’s hike
- Sunglasses with secure neck strap
- Small pack towel
- Personal toiletries (please do not bring soaps or shampoo)
- Insect repellent cream (please do not bring spray repellent)
- Extra zip lock bags for rubbish & sanitary items. Note that all rubbish will need to be taken out as composting toilets along the track aren’t suitable for disposal of anything non-organic
- Snacks and energy foods such as chocolate and jelly beans.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
- Camera
- Walking Poles
- Small packable day pack for those days when exploring from base camp - your full pack can be used for exploring as well
- 1 lightweight down or synthetic jacket or vest (Cooler trekking months of November/December and March/April)
- Book

WALKING BOOTS
Waterproof walking boots with full ankle support are necessary for walking trips. Make sure your footwear is well worn in and comfortable. We also recommend hiking socks with at least one spare pair, as you will find these minimise the chance of getting blisters. The key to preventing blisters and avoiding unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction.

GEAR HIRE
It is essential that you bring all necessary items. If you do not wish to bring them some items can be hired locally (additional cost applies), however they must be requested prior to travel. These items are available to hire on this trip:
- Rain Jacket (AUD $ 50.00)
- Water proof overpants (AUD $ 20.00)
- Backpackk with pack liner (AUD $ 50.00)
- Sleeping bag (AUD $ 50.00)
- Gaiters (AUD $ 30.00)
- Walking poles (AUD $ 20.00)

PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A pre-departure meeting will take place at 3pm the day BEFORE departure at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store in the centre of Launceston – 136 York St. It is important that you bring your gear to this meeting as our team will check the suitability of your gear for the trek. Please note that if your leader deems your gear not suitable you will need to purchase missing items at this meeting. We will not be able to permit any hikers on the track with unsuitable gear. The welcome meeting and gear check will take around 90 minutes.

LUGGAGE LIMIT
Please keep your luggage size and weight to a minimum, as you will be carrying your backpack yourself. 15kg is suggested maximum total weight. In addition to your personal items you will be carrying your share of the food and your tent.

LUGGAGE STORAGE
Your main or excess luggage can be stored in Launceston for the duration of the trip. Please let your booking agent know ahead of time if this is required. Alternatively please check with your accommodation in Launceston.

WEATHER
You will have to be prepared for all weather extremes as you will be walking at alpine altitudes. Be prepared for both wet and cold weather as well as hot days with a particularly strong sun in summer.

WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Water from streams along the way is safe to drink, although you may want to bring along some water purification tablets if you wish.

Climate and seasonal

Tasmania will no doubt give us everything it has to offer. You need to be prepared for hot weather as well as cold and wet (maybe even on the same day). It is unpredictable especially in the alpine regions.

Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.

Even in the peak of the Australian summer, Tasmania, being the most southerly point of the country, is subject to cold and wet weather from Antarctica. It can get very cold, particularly at higher elevations such as Cradle Mountain. Tasmania sits on a latitude of approximately 40 degrees south, which sometimes means the wind chill from the 'roaring 40's' can make the days very cold! Daily weather conditions in Tasmania can change very quickly from sunshine to rain. We suggest that you come prepared for all extremes, some light clothing for the sunshine and something a little more protective for the colder and possibly wet days.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

This trip is a camping trip. You will be carrying your own tent (which we will provide) and will set up camp each night. Solo travellers will have a single tent throughout the trip, while couples will share a tent. Facilities are very basic. Camping spots have composting toilets, however there are no showers.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY
Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

PARTICIPATORY CAMPING
On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour but you will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.