The main season runs from October to May. Peak times are December to March. The best weather is normally February and March but is unpredictable. During this period the overland track needs to be booked. This is done directly with Tasmania National Parks. Bookings for the Overland Track open at 9am on the 1st July for the season.
The overland track takes you from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. A distance of 65 kilometres. That is 17 kilometres short of the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre where the road reaches. You then have the option of taking the Lake St Clair ferry or walk alongside the lake. Most walkers take 6 days and 5 nights.
This can be done quicker and we do have groups doing in 3 nights. If you are doing the side trips including climbing Mount Ossa, or Pine Valley longer makes a lot of sense.
As the overland track has to be walked from North to South this means that overland track transport is needed to the start at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and a pick up at the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre.
A big debate is whether to use the ferry or not. This runs three times a day with the most popular time being the 1pm ferry which is often fully booked. If you want to use the ferry book early.
The alternative is to walk the last part along Lake St Clair. The track is fine and mainly in forest. You can spend the night at Echo Point where there is a very pleasant campsite on the lake shore. If you walk you will arrive about 2pm which is convenient for the pick up.
There is a visitor centre and cafe at Lake St Clair and showers.
There are three arrival airports.
Devonport, offers the lowest transfer cost and least driving time. The ferry arrives both in the morning and late afternoon from Melbourne or fly from Melbourne. The journey to our accommodation is 20 minutes.
Launceston has flights from Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and takes just over one hour to our accommodation in Sheffield.
Hobart has the most flights and hosts many attractions including world famous MONA making Hobart popular if combining the Overland Track and a city holiday. Drive times for the pick up are the longest taking around 3 hours but similar to Launceston for the drop off. An arrival into Launceston and departure from Hobart is possible.
The overland track is one way from October to May with a start at Cradle Mountain. You must book a slot and pay for an overland track permit. From June to September there is no need for an overland track permit and all you need is the national park visitor pass. You are also allowed to walk in either direction during these months.
To book visit Tasmania National Parks and Wildlife.
Bookings for each season open on 1 July. Every year numbers increase; we suggest book once you have decided to go for it. By booking you have taken the first step for a great adventure. For peak season book on 1 July as there is an immediate sell out, and then sort out transport as that also books very fast and in July!
You will also have to pay for a Parks Pass which you can buy when you book or once in Tasmania.
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