The Overland Track
The Overland Track
Gear Hire, Itinerary and Booking Guide
The Overland Track is one of Australia's most iconic multi-day walks, stretching 65 kilometres through the heart of Tasmania's UNESCO World Heritage wilderness from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Typically completed in 6 to 8 days, this legendary track takes walkers through an ever-changing landscape of ancient alpine moorlands, towering eucalypt forests, glacial lakes, and dramatic dolerite peaks. The track's crown jewels include the summit of Mount Ossa — Tasmania's highest peak at 1,617 metres — the ethereal beauty of the Pelion Plains, the iconic views of Cradle Mountain, and the chance to spot wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils, spotted quolls and endemic birds going about their daily business alongside you on the trail.
What makes the Overland Track truly unique is its raw, untamed wilderness character that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in Australia. It is a designated one-way track walked north to south, and unlike most bushwalks in the country, it operates under a permit and booking system managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. The official walking season runs from late October through to the end of May, with peak season (November to April) requiring a mandatory booking and daily walker quota to protect the track's fragile ecosystem. Outside of peak season the track is quieter but demands more experience and preparation, as snow, ice, and severe weather are common above the treeline.
Planning your Overland Track adventure requires careful preparation — and having the right gear is absolutely essential. Tasmania's alpine weather is notoriously unpredictable, with four seasons possible in a single day, so quality wet weather gear, a warm sleeping bag, and a reliable tent are non-negotiable. Bookings for the peak season fill months in advance, so securing your permit early is strongly recommended. Whether you're a seasoned wilderness walker or tackling your first multi-day adventure, hiring quality gear removes one of the biggest barriers to getting out there — so you can focus entirely on one of the most extraordinary walking experiences on the planet.
Do I need to bring my own gear for the Overland Track?
No — tents, sleeping bags, packs, wet weather gear and more can all be hired from us in Tasmania and delivered to your accommodation before you start.
How do I book the Overland Track permit?
Permits are booked directly through Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. 2026/27 season bookings open 9:00am Tuesday 7 July 2026.
How many days does the Overland Track take?
Most walkers complete it in 6 days, though there's no limit on the number of days once you have a start-day booking.
Can I get transport to and from the Overland Track from Launceston or Hobart?
Yes — Overland Track Transport runs two services a day from Launceston to Cradle Mountain and from Lake St Clair back to Launceston or Hobart at 2:00pm everyday of the hiking season.
When should I hire my gear relative to my permit booking?
As soon as your dates are confirmed — this allows planning for delivery to accommodation and ensures availability, especially in peak season (Nov–Apr).
LOGISTICS FOR THE OVERLAND TRACK.
Booking your Overland Track Pass
Book your Overland Track pass with Tas Parks and Wildlife. Bookings are for your start day and there is no limit on the number of days you spend on the Overland Track. Bookings open for the 2026/27 season on 7th July at 9:00am.
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
Booking Transport
Secure your transportation with Overland Track Transport from Launceston by booking either the 6:15am service if you’re commencing the Overland Track on the same day, or opt for the 12:00pm service if you’re staying overnight at Cradle Mountain and beginning the trek the following day. Additionally, reserve your tickets for the Lake St Clair to Launceston or Lake St Clair to Hobart journey for when you arrive at Lake St Clair.
www.overlandtracktransport.com.au
Booking Flights
Now you can book flights arriving into Launceston and departing from Launceston or Hobart. You will also now know your arrival date, days spent in Tasmania all up and your departure date. Keep in mind that there is always the risk of flight delays/lost luggage etc, so please allow as much time as possible for you to save yourself lots of stress.
Booking Accommodation
Now you have your transport booked with Overland Track Transport you will receive discounts for accommodation on your Overland Track Transport booking receipt for both pre and post accommodation for your Overland Track adventure.
Booking the Ferry
If you are planning on catching the ferry across Lake St Clair at the end of the Overland Track, book it now. Seats sell fast as only limited seats available on popular crossing times. For our 2:00pm Lake St Clair to Launceston and 2:00pm Lake St Clair to Hobart transport services, the only ferry crossing you can not be on is the 3:00pm.
SUGGESTED 6 DAY ITINERARY
With Ferry
- Day 1: Ronny Creek → Waterfall Valley Hut
- Day 2: Waterfall Valley → Windermere Hut
- Day 3: Windermere → New Pelion Hut
- Day 4: New Pelion → Kia Ora Hut (inc. Mt Ossa summit side trip)
- Day 5: Kia Ora → Bert Nichols Hut
- Day 6: Bert Nichols → Narcissus Hut → Ferry across Lake St Clair to Cynthia Bay
Without Ferry
- Day 1: Ronny Creek → Waterfall Valley Hut
- Day 2: Waterfall Valley → Windermere Hut
- Day 3: Windermere → New Pelion Hut
- Day 4: New Pelion → Kia Ora Hut (inc. Mt Ossa summit side trip)
- Day 5: Kia Ora → Narcissus
- Day 6: Narcissus → Walk around Lake St Clair to Cynthia Bay (17km)
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