There was an error with your log in

Journey to one of the world’s most isolated islands and traverse one of the greatest multi-day hikes on Earth—the Overland Track in Tasmania. Meandering through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, this 40-mile trail links a variety of natural gems, which you’ll be surrounded by on this 7-day guided hiking tour. Ancient rainforest, glossy lakes, glacially-carved valleys, fragrant eucalyptus woodlands, or lofty peaks—each new day brings a new immersion into Tassie’s wilderness. Climb the island’s highest peak, enjoy its deepest lake, and spot the cutest animals: wombats and echidnas thrive in the landscapes you’ll be strolling through. As soon as you set foot on the Overland Track, you’ll get why it’s one of Australia’s premier alpine walks.

Adventure highlights

  • Accessible and all-inclusive adventure

    Knowledgeable guides will figure it all out and ensure you only have to carry a lightweight pack

  • Ever-changing landscapes

    One day you’re walking through golden buttongrass, the other through ancient rainforest

  • Wilderness immersion

    Sleep under starry skies, spot wombats, and swim in alpine lakes

Itinerary

Starting from the foothills of Cradle Mountain, the 40-mile (65-kilometer) Overland Track stretches through a national park all the way down to Australia’s deepest lake—Lake St. Clair. Join the 7-day guided hiking trip and traverse this moderately challenging trail boasting a myriad of natural marvels along the way, from sparkling lakes and mighty waterfalls to dense mossy rainforest and spectacular peaks. By going on this guided trip, you get the whole package: all permits, transportation, meals, camping, it’s all taken care of. Just kick back and immerse yourself into one of the world’s premier multi-day trails.

  • Your guides will pick you up from Hobart at 11 am or Launceston at 2 pm and drive to your accommodation at Cradle Mountain. Travel takes around 2.5 hours, and you’ll also have a briefing and equipment outfitting. Guides will prepare a hearty meal along with a sample of local wines. You’ll have the whole evening to fine tune your packing since any extra luggage can be left on the bus—stored securely and returned to you at the end of the hike.
    Meals: Dinner

    On the road in Tasmania

  • After breakfast, set off for a steady climb up onto the Cradle Plateau via Marion’s Lookout. Steep in parts, the track passes waterfalls, glacial lakes, open buttongrass and alpine heath with occasional forested groves. Once on the plateau, enjoy grand views of lakes and mountain peaks—with the Cradle Mountain dominating the background. Maybe stop at the Kitchen Hut for lunch and a break. If conditions permit, those who’d like will have the option to summit the Cradle Mountain with daypacks (3-4 hours return). From here, continue to Benson’s Peak and around the rim of a glacially-carved valley head below Mt. Emmet. Barn Bluff looms closer as you near the descent to Waterfall Valley. Go down through Fagus and Pandani groves until you reach the first overnight stop on the forested edge of a valley.
    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
    Hiking: 5-6 hours + optional side tracks

    Cradle Mountain summit

  • Start the day by detouring to the waterfalls in the valley before heading off across ridges and undulating buttongrass plains. This is a shorter day meant for recovering from the previous day, so take your time over lunch in a sheltered setting near the main track. In the afternoon, cross further open country with spectacular views of mountains to come. Descend to your campsite among the eucalyptus near Lake Windermere—this is another swimming opportunity on warmer afternoons. Often you’ll find resident wombats, wallabies, and other wildlife. Given good weather, you can take an optional detour to the shores of Lake Will at the southern base of Barn Bluff, and it’s a great place for a swim due to its warm shallows.
    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
    Hiking: 2-5-3 hours + optional side tracks

    Happy group on the Overland Track

  • Get back onto the open plains again, cross creeks and tracts of temperate rainforest. You’ll catch glimpses of the day’s journey ahead, with the Forth River Valley and the mountains surrounding it before you. Walk through buttongrass moors and around Mt. Pelion West as the track heads down through the forest on the mountainside. Stop for lunch at Frog Flats near the headwaters of the Forth River—also the lowest point on the track. It will take you an hour or two to go back up again and cross the plains to your Pelion campsite near Douglas Creek.
    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
    Hiking: 6-7 hours

    Forth river in Tasmania

  • Start the day with a gradual climb up through the eucalyptus forests and patches of rainforest above the camp until you reach the exposed and scenic Pelion Gap. Those willing can take a 4-5 hour side trip with daypacks to Mt. Ossa, Tasmania’s highest point. The climb up is very steep and will involve plenty of scrambling, but is recommended to those searching for a challenge. From Pelion Gap the track gently goes down through the Pinestone Valley, before a steep pinch into the dry sclerophyll forests where the Kia Ora camp is located.
    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
    Hiking: 3-4 hours + optional side tracks

    Mt. Ossa summit

  • Take a step away from the plains and buttongrass from previous days and enter a world of rainforests and waterfalls. After an hour of departing, you’ll emerge from the forest at the historic Ducane Hut under the impressive spires of Falling Mountain. After a break at the hut, go back to the rainforest and travel parallel to the Mersey River. From here to your Windy Ridge campsite, there’s a climb through Ducane Gap. Not far and on nice afternoons you can take your time among the rainforest giants. There’s an optional hike to picture-perfect waterfalls along the Mersey River.
    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
    Hiking: 4-5 hours + optional side tracks

    Hikers in Tasmania by waterfalls

  • Another change of landscapes for your final day! From Windy Ridge down onto Lake St. Clair the country is drier with more eucalyptus, wattles, banksia, and hakea, as well as many understory flowering plants, often with the corresponding increase in birdlife. Catch views of the spires of Mt. Geryon, The Acropolis, and back to The Ducane Range, usually reaching the lake around 11 am and ending the hike on the jetty. Take a ferry to Cynthia Bay, where you’ll meet the bus with your luggage. After a well-deserved burger at a nearby cafe, jump on the bus and drive 2.5-3 hours back to Hobart.
    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
    Hiking: 3 hours

    Flora on the Overland Track

Get free trip brochure
Download Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania Brochure
The brochure contains:
Adventure and location overview, itinerary, available dates, what's included, how to prepare, and much more.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

Ben Armstrong
5.00
Ben Armstrong
Although Ben graduated with Honors in International Relations, he has worked primarily in the outdoor adventure industry in Tasmania, New Zealand, and Vietnam. His passion for Tasmania’s wild places leads him to caving, climbing, running, off-track bushwalking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and paddling. Ben is the manager of Wilderness Expeditions as well as a lead guide, and he’s been with the company for nearly a decade.
Wilderness Expeditions
5.00
Wilderness Expeditions
Wilderness Expeditions
Wilderness Expeditions offers multiple trips in Tasmanian wilderness, though they try to make it comfortable, accessible, and affordable without compromising its essence. All of their guides have extensive experience with it as well as a diverse skillset. They are also amateur chefs, botanists, geologists, historians, physiotherapists, coaches, and (very amateur) comedians. Wilderness Expeditions focuses on employing impeccable environmental and minimal impact practice in order to protect the wilderness.
5.00 (9 reviews)
Jane Macfarlane

Ben and Shaun were exceptional guides. Very knowledgeable of the track, history, flora, fauna and wildlife. The equipment provided was easy to set up. The meals Ben whipped up for us was delicious. I highly recommend Wilderness Expeditions and these two fit young men as guides

Mandy ZYDA

Walking the Overland with such knowledgeable, patient and attentive guides was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. They were able to answer all of our flora and fauna questions, cooked amazing meals and allowed us to take our time and enjoy the pristine scenery all with lighter packs than anyone else on the track. I would definitely recommend Ben and Charlotte to anyone who wants to do the Overland. Brilliant!!

nicole curtis

Walking the Overland with such knowledgeable, patient and attentive guides was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. They were able to answer all of our flora and fauna questions, cooked amazing meals and allowed us to take our time and enjoy the pristine scenery all with lighter packs than anyone else on the track. I would definitely recommend Ben and Charlotte to anyone who wants to do the Overland. Brilliant!!

Bina B (source: Trip Advisor)

My son and I recently walked the Overland Track with Ben and Michael. It was a fabulous six days. What made it really special was the knowledge Ben and Michael shared about the track and the flora and fauna as we passed through some of the most spectacular forests and moors. They supplied fabulous gear which – true to their word – weighed not too much! It was great food and company and I’d recommend them to anyone wanting a guided experience.

Matilda P (source: Trip Advisor)

This is my second tour with Wilderness Expeditions and it was just as good. The guides are lovely and very knowledgeable so you get the best experience. We saw wombats and echidnas, swam in waterfalls and lakes and relaxed each night with great food and laughs. I highly recommend Ben and his team for expert guiding and a great experience of Tassie’s wilderness!

Mary Jane D (source: Trip Advisor)

We just finished an AMAZING six days on the Overland track and we all reckon this company was as close to perfect as you could get! Em and Michael were brilliant- they set a relaxed easy vibe, but they also inspired and encouraged our whole group to get to the top of both Cradle and Ossa. I never thought (at my age!) I would be able to do the peaks but they gave me the confidence to get there and the views were totally worth the pain! It’s a bit decadent having guides who not only carry all the food, but also cook it and serve you (yeah, really!). It allowed me to relax and enjoy the wilderness, as I knew everything was taken care of by Michael and Em. They knew the trails and the swimming holes and the wildlife and the plants so well, all we had to do was drink it all in! a HUGE thanks Michael and Em and Ben– keep catching those pancakes!

Simone S (source: Trip Advisor)

Ben was an exceptional host for ourJan 23 hike. Amazing meals, snacks and drinks on offer. Brilliant gear. Could not have completed this hike without Ben and Michael’s knowledge and skill. Two very lovely individuals. Lots of swimming, side trails, local plant knowledge and history of the area on offer. This will be a journey I remember for the rest of my life.

Loretta (source: Trip Advisor)

The overland walk was a challenging but such a wonderful experience for a group of over 50 year olds! Ben and Zoe were fantastic tour guides and provided us with an experience we’ll never forget. All equipment provided was excellent and of a high standard. For camp cooking, Ben’s meals were way above our expectations.

Trang L (source: Trip Advisor)

What a memorable experience with Wilderness Expeditions on the Overland Track! I can’t stop raving about this trip to everyone as Ben and Sean made my first multiday hike such an incredible experience. All the provided gears, as per their website, were of high quality, ultralight weight and withstood all the challenging weather conditions. Food was plenty with biscuits during walking breaks and desserts every evening. This trip is suitable for newbies and experienced hikers, solo travelers (like myself), family or a group of friends. You’ll be with like-minded people.
Bury any doubts you may have about the Overland Track. Stop your research – go with Wilderness Expeditions. You won’t regret it!

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • Experienced, local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area — they carry all meals, group equipment, communications and safety gear
      • 7-day guided hiking tour along the Overland Track
      • Pre-trip planning and advice
      • Accommodation in camp
      • Transportation to and from the trailhead from Hobart
      • Comprehensive equipment
        • Tent — twin-shared or single
        • Groundsheet
        • Backpack — 50L internal frame pack and liner bag
        • Mattress — insulated and inflatable
        • Sleeping quilt —high-loft down, -9C, water repellent
        • Sleeping bag liner — silk
        • Waterproof jacket — Gore-Tex or Event jacket with hood
        • Waterproof overpants
        • Head torch — small LED headband torch & attached whistle
        • 1L water bottle
        • Meal kit — bowl, plate, mug, spork
        • Toilet roll and hand sanitizer
        • Insulated jacket
        • Fleece mittens
      • Optional gear
        • Gaiters — nylon boot & sock covers
        • Daypack — lightweight / ultra-packable 20L backpack for optional side-trips
        • Crocs — camp shoes
        • Wash basin — personal basin to collect water for washing
        • Walking Poles — recommended if you have any former lower leg or balance issues
      • All permits and insurances as required — recommended to obtain some for of additional personal travel / property insurance
      • All meals — most diets can be catered for, ask in advance
      • Resupply drops along the track
      • Support personnel

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to and from Tasmania
      • Personal travel/property insurance
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Hiking the Overland Track is well within reach for individuals with moderate activity levels, requiring no particular skills or prior experience. Still, although participants can walk at their own pace, it’s important to note that some may find the track more demanding than anticipated due to its rough terrain, uneven surfaces, and the added weight of carrying a pack. While the Overland Track is considered relatively easy in comparison to other trails in Tasmania, it remains significantly rougher than many well-maintained paths. Obstacles such as roots, rocks, mud, and inclines often result in slower progress, making the distances covered seem more challenging than expected. Additionally, adverse weather conditions can further amplify the physical and mental demands of the journey, particularly during the initial days when the terrain is exposed and hikers are adjusting to the routine of walking.

    Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying an 8-10 kg backpack (18-22 lbs). The Overland Track is classified as an easy to moderate walk, with certain days being easier than others. It’s worth noting that this grading system is specific to tours offered in Tasmania by your guides. There’s no universally recognized grading system for walks—what your guides consider easy might be considerably more challenging than a hike labeled as “hard” elsewhere. Additionally, side trips on the Overland Track can be steeper and significantly more demanding than the main track.

    Check out the itinerary for day-by-day hiking distance breakdown.

  • Your guides provide a great majority of the equipment. A 9-10kg pack weight (without water) is achievable by sticking closely to the recommended gear list. Here’s a list of the equipment and personal items that you need to bring:

      • Walking boots or shoes
        • They should be comfortably worn in, but not so old that glue failure is a risk
        • Low-cut shoes are acceptable for those used to bushwalking in them, though they may not be compatible with gaiters)
      • Long pants or shorts — synthetic fibers are best, not cotton
      • Underwear
      • Thermal top and bottoms
      • Shirt for walking — synthetic or wool, not cotton
      • Light fleece or wool jacket
      • 2-3 pairs of socks — not cotton, one pair to be kept dry for evenings
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) — your guide can provide it
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Spare clothes for layering — your guide can provide it
      • Waterproof rain jacket — your guide can provide it
      • Sunhat & beanie
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste, bug spray, etc.) — do not bring soap
      • Personal medications / sanitary items
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Wilderness Expeditions delivers the best product in terms of tent-based guiding on the Overland. As you don’t have to carry food and your guides provide high-end lightweight gear, your pack weight will be several kilograms lighter than usual. Having lightweight packs is the single biggest factor in making these kinds of trips accessible and inclusive.

    Please bring personal pain relief. Also consider personal antihistamines, diarrhea medications and electrolytes (in addition to more specific personal medications). Guides carry bandages, tapes, and dressings as well as some emergency medications.

    Most Tasmanian walkers don’t use water purification products, as water sources are generally safe. However, you’re welcome to bring them for peace of mind—tablets will suffice.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this guided hiking tour along the Overland Track, the maximum group size is ten guests with two guides.
      • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to run. It’s very rare that not enough of people sign up for the tour to run.
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

    Hiking the Overland Track can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 10 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Hobart or Launceston, most people fly into Hobart Airport (HBA) or Launceston Airport (LST). From there, you can take a shuttle or a taxi to reach the city.

    Your guides will pick you up at 11 am in Hobart or 2 pm in Launceston. More details are to come later on. Drop-off is Hobart only.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. 

    We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Tasmania, Australia, please refer to Australia’s COVID-19 travel advice.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

    Your guides are committed to protecting the wilderness values of the areas they work in, and therefore do not use helicopters for provisioning and will never push for further infrastructure development.

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

      • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
      • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
      • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
From $1,780 ()
/ 7 days
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona