For walkers planning to hike the Overland Track Tasmania and travel with their own vehicle, there are several options to consider when it comes to parking and transfers. The track is one-way, running north to south from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, which means transport needs to be arranged at either the start or end of the walk if a car is involved.
A common approach is to park at Lake St Clair, the southern end of the track, and arrange a pre-walk transfer to Cradle Mountain. This ensures the car is ready and waiting after the hike, allowing for a flexible departure without the need to coordinate post-walk transport. This option is especially popular with walkers coming from Hobart or southern Tasmania.
Very popular is to park at Lake St Clair and take the overland track shuttle the afternoon before and spend the night in Deloraine and the next morning the overland track shuttle to Cradle Mountain.
Alternatively, some choose to park at Cradle Mountain and arrange a return transfer from Lake St Clair after the hike. While this approach allows for an easier start to the trip, it requires booking a shuttle or private transport at the end and may involve some waiting time, depending on ferry connections or other logistics.
Secure parking is available at both Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. At Cradle Mountain, long-term parking is located near the visitor centre. At Lake St Clair, cars can be left near the main visitor area at Cynthia Bay. It is generally safe and commonly used by Overland Track walkers throughout the season.
Booking transport in advance is highly recommended, particularly during the peak walking months between October and May. It's also a good idea to allow some extra time at both ends of the hike for road conditions, weather, or unforeseen delays.
Choosing the best option depends on personal preferences, the direction of travel, and any onward plans after the walk. Both approaches—starting at Cradle Mountain or at Lake St Clair—are well supported by transport services and suit different travel styles. With a little planning, having a car can offer freedom and convenience before and after walking the Overland Track Tasmania.
© 2023 The leaders for overland track transfers and overland track transport
