Experience a 6-day Australia guided trek through Tasmania’s iconic Overland Track, beginning in Launceston and winding through the breathtaking Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. Traverse alpine meadows, ancient rainforests, and glacier-carved landscapes as you journey deep into the island’s remote wilderness. Climb Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa (weather permitting), swim in crystal-clear lakes, and camp under star-filled skies each night. Discover the magic of cascading waterfalls like Fergusson and Hartnett before concluding your adventure with a peaceful ferry ride across Lake St. Clair. This unforgettable backcountry experience offers solitude, beauty, and raw Tasmanian nature at its best.
Highlights
Hike from Waldheim to Waterfall Valley through stunning alpine terrain
Optionally climb Tasmania’s tallest peak, magnificent Mount Ossa
Witness three powerful waterfalls: Fergusson, Dalton, and Hartnett Falls
End journey with ferry ride across tranquil Lake St Clair
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Get picked up early in Launceston, either at the Grand Chancellor at 6:45 am or the Penny Royal at 7:00 am. Travel 2.5 hours to Waldheim, the gateway to your Overland Track adventure.
Start the trek with a steady ascent past glacial lakes and alpine tarns, leading to the Cradle Plateau. Views of Dove Lake and distant mountain ranges stretch wide beneath the sky. Cross the plateau with Cradle Mountain standing tall beside you. Reach Waterfall Valley and set up camp for the night, sleeping under stars in the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Walking Distance: 10.7 km | 6.65 miles Walking Time: 6 hours
Note: Arrive in Launceston the day before your trek begins. Please ensure to arrive on time for the mandatory pre-trip briefing that will start at 2:00 PM. This session covers essential details, gear checks, and final preparations before you head into the Tasmanian wilderness.
After breakfast at camp, head south toward Lake Windermere for a more relaxed day on the trail. Enjoy a scenic side trip to Lake Will, named after a 19th-century coal prospector, where you can pause for a peaceful lunch and even take a swim from its sandy shores. Then, return to your packs and trek across the gently rolling buttongrass plains to your beautiful campsite. Spend the afternoon unwinding with a warm drink, soaking in the incredible views, and, if you wish, enjoying another refreshing dip in the lake.
Walking Distance: 7.8 km | 4.85 mi + side trips Walking Time: 3 hours + side trips
Today is a wild day of moorlands and mountain views. Don your packs and walk across Pine Forest Moor with spectacular views across the massive Forth River Valley to the lofty heights of Mt. Oakleigh and today’s destination at its base. Descend around Mount Pelion West to a popular lunch spot at Frog Flats. After lunch, walk up through tall, lush forest onto the great expanse of Pelion Plains. You'll have the option of a short side trip to Old Pelion Hut to gain a deeper appreciation of the park’s rich history.
Walking Distance: 16.8 km | 10.44 miles Walking Time: 7 hours
From camp, continue walking south through Myrtle forest, past tufted Pandani trees, then up to the saddle (1113 m) between Mount Pelion East and Mount Ossa. The location is the perfect place for a well-deserved rest. In fine weather, climbing Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617 m, is without a doubt one of the highlights of the Overland Track. With magnificent views in all directions, continue south into Pinestone Valley to the creekside campsite overlooking the grand spires of Cathedral Mountain.
Walking Distance: 8.6 km | 5.34 mi + side trips Walking Time: 5 hours + side trips
Today, walk through towering rainforests of leatherwood and sassafras trees, heading towards three of Tasmania’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls. The first visit is Fergusson Falls, named after a former ranger at Lake St. Clair, followed by Dalton Falls. The third of these enchanting falls is the spectacular Hartnett Falls, named after Paddy Hartnett, an eccentric Irish bushman who was rarely seen without his bowler hat. Walk up through Du Cane Gap, then descend to your campsite at Bert Nichols.
Walking Distance: 9.6 km | 5.97 mi + side trips Walking Time: 4 hours + side trips
Day 6: Bert Nichols to Lake St Clair | Launceston | Return Home
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Today, pack your backpacks for the final day on the track, which takes you through mixed eucalyptus and stands of temperate rainforest to the shore of Lake St. Clair, the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere. As you go near Lake St. Clair, gaze up to the peaks of Mt. Ida and majestic Mount Olympus. Catch a 30-minute ferry across the lake, providing spectacular views back upon the mountains you’ve walked past, and a wonderful conclusion to your Overland Track trek. After time to explore the visitor center and a celebratory lunch, board the bus for your return drive across the Central Plateau to Launceston. Return to Launceston at approximately 5 pm. Your two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal.
Walking Distance: 9 km | 5.59 mi Walking Time: 4 hours
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 20% (A minimum of $400 per person), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of a $20,000 charge per card
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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