Everything you need to know about the Overland Track

Tasmania is home to many of Australia's best hiking experiences | Chris Buykx
Tasmania is home to many of Australia's best hiking experiences | Chris Buykx

Considering walking the Overland Track, one of Australia's most iconic and world-renowned trails? Here's the 411 on what to expect, including phone reception, shower facilities, water purification requirements, tents, charging facilities and more.

QUICK LINKS:
THE TRACK
• When is the best time to walk the Overland Track?
• What flora and fauna can I expect to see on the Overland Track?
• What is the terrain like on the Overland Track?
• Are there leeches on the Overland Track?
GEAR & FOOD
• What kind of hiking boots should I wear on the Overland Track?
• What day pack do we need?
• Should I bring trekking poles?
• Do I need water purification tablets on the Overland Track?
• What type of food do we eat on these trips?
FITNESS & PREPARATION
• How fit do I need to be to complete the full track?
• How should I prepare for my Overland trek?
• If I prefer travelling independently, would a self-guided trip be for me?
• Do I need to organise my own permits on the Overland Track?
CAMPSITES, TENTS & FACILITIES
• What are the campsites like on the Overland Track?
• Are single tents available?
• Is there luggage storage?
• What shower facilities are available on the track?
• Can we charge phones and cameras on the Overland Track?
• Will I have phone reception?
• What is the Leave No Trace policy?

THE TRACK

When is the best time to walk the Overland Track?

The peak season to walk the Overland Track is in the summer months of December to February. However, trekking in the shoulder seasons and even during Winter can provide a unique and memorable experience that is worth considering. For a detailed guide on when to trek the Overland Track, check out our article "when to trek the Overland Track", which details the seasonal nuances for each month. For more detailed weather information, please visit our Overland Track weather and climate page.

What flora and fauna can I expect to see on the Overland Track?

The Overland Track is a unique landscape offering a variety of localized climates, with a surprising amount of life that thrives in the National Park. Find out more about the flora and fauna you can expect to see on the trail.

What is the terrain like on the Overland Track?

The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be rough and steep in sections. Over the trip, you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, through muddy sections and if you choose some of the side trips you will scramble over rocks.

Are there leeches on the Overland Track?

It’s not uncommon to encounter leeches on the Overland Track, particularly in areas with a lot of leaf foliage and tree coverage. Leeches tend to breed in warm moist areas, so can be spotted during the summer months in marshy areas. Leech bites do not hurt, however, if they bother you, we suggest bringing a salt solution to remove them from your skin if you come into contact with them.

GEAR & FOOD

What kind of hiking boots should I wear on the Overland Track?

We highly recommend that you have high cut hiking boots for this trail. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you may encounter mud along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day.

What day pack do I need?

The day pack that we recommend for the Overland Track should be a small compressible day pack that folds down to as small as your hand if not smaller. This is only to be used when you do side trips, as you will leave your 70-90L backpack at the trailhead and return to it after the side trip. It is not mandatory that you have the day pack, but we find that it is convenient to have one. An example of what we suggest for a daypack is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack.

Should I bring trekking poles?

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability in mud or slippery tree roots. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

Do I need water purification tablets on the Overland Track?

Tasmania prides itself on clean pure water and most of the water along the track is safe to drink without purifying. Fresh rainwater tanks supplied by Parks and Wildlife can be found at each of the campsites, and you can also fill up your water bottle at many of the springs along the way.

What type of food do we eat on these trips?

You’d be surprised how much food you’ll eat after a day’s trekking along the Overland Track. Our guides are experienced when it comes to preparing meals along the Overland Track. Thanks to a food drop on day 3, we are able to have fresh produce every night along the trail. Lunches usually consist of vegetable wraps with hams, chicken or salami, while evening meals can vary from curries, stroganoff and pasta.

Deserts include improvised apple pie, and even a chocolate mousse if you’re lucky! Start your day with a hearty porridge or muesli, with snacks throughout the day including fruit and nuts, muesli bars and some fruit.

As this is a full pack adventure, each trekker is required to carry a portion of the group’s food, whether it be a couple of cucumbers, lettuce heads or a bag of pasta. All types of dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and nut-free.

On the Cradle Huts version of the Overland Track, more gourmet meals can be expected, including antipasto platters, minestrone soups and risottos.

FITNESS & PREPARATION

How fit do I need to be to complete the full track?

You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You will be carrying a full pack of around 15-20kg and trekking for up to six or seven hours a day. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests and through muddy sections.

The terrain can get rugged and steep with potential variable weather conditions. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging.

How should I prepare for my Overland trek?

We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (up to 20kg).

At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise is multi-day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.

If I prefer travelling independently, would a self-guided trip be for me?

Self-guided trips require individuals to use problem-solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable in the outdoors, with map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!). The trail is marked but with variable weather conditions, you need to be adept at route finding and map reading.

Do I need to organise my own permits on the Overland Track?

You are required to have a permit if walking the Overland Track, however, Tasmanian Expeditions takes the hassle of organising this with the permit and National Park Pass costs included in the trip price.

As an operator on the trail, Tasmanian Expeditions secures the National Park passes and associated track passes each year for all their trekkers. It is a process that takes place well in advance before the season commences to ensure when you want to go, they are available as passes are issued in limited supplies.

If opting for a self-guided walk, it is best to book well in advance as permits for these are released from July 1 and tend to sell out during the peak season. Less than 60 permits are available a day to trekkers on the track during the season (October - May) to avoid overcrowding and for sustainable management of the track, 34 of which are for independent walkers. Read more about the Overland permits in this blog post.

CAMPSITES, TENTS & FACILITIES

What are the campsites like on the Overland Track?

If completing the full Overland Track, five nights of the trip will be spent along the track at designated commercial campsite areas. These wilderness areas have timber platforms for tents to be pitched on. There are nearby rainwater tanks and composting toilet facilities.

Tasmanian Expeditions provides strong, 2-person bushwalking tents (twin-share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. They are high quality 3-4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered in Tassie.

The tents weigh between 2 and 2.5kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant.

Are single tents available?

Unfortunately, we do not have a single tent supplement on our Overland Track trips. While we can certainly put a request for a single tent on your reservation, this cannot be guaranteed. It depends on the makeup of the group and the number of people booked on the departure. Travellers who have a single tent will also find that a single tent is heavier than carrying half of a 2-man tent.

Is there luggage storage?

If you are flying into Launceston and have excess baggage you do not want to take with you on your trip, we are able to store these at no cost at our Launceston office in Invermay. While there is not a separate secure luggage room, our offices are secure and we have had no issues of missing items in over 40 years of operation. If you would like a secured luggage room, we recommend asking your hotel if this facility is available.

What shower facilities are available?

Unfortunately, there are no shower facilities on the camping expeditions along the Overland Track. For those who are concerned about washing, the closest you’ll come to a bath are the alpine lakes that are accessible each day, where you can have a quick refreshing dip. However, for a real cleanse we recommend you bring baby wipes (remember to take them out with you as well!).

If a hot shower at the end of each day is a ‘make or break’ component for you, consider joining the Cradle Huts version of the Overland Track. This version has hot showers available each night at the cabins.

Can we charge phones and cameras on the Overland Track?

Unfortunately, there are no charging facilities at any of the huts along the Overland Track. We recommend bringing extra batteries or solar chargers for your phones. To conserve battery power on your mobile devices, turn your phones into flight mode.

Will I have phone reception?

As the Overland Track is renowned as being a true wilderness walk, you cannot expect phone reception while on the trail. For trekkers who summit Mount Ossa and Cradle Mountain, there is sometimes sporadic phone reception. However, this cannot be relied upon.

Our guides carry emergency satellite phones which allow them to communicate with our base in Launceston if any emergencies arise. Rest assured you are not completely alone in the wilderness.

What is the Leave No Trace policy?

We strongly adhere to the Leave No Trace, Australia's national minimal impact program on the trips we operate. As part of this philosophy, we encourage travellers to:
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimise campfire impacts
  • Respect wildlife
  • Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors

Visit our responsible travel page for more information on how we reduce our environmental impact on the Overland Track.
 

Walk the Overland Track with the most experienced operator on the trail. Check out our many different ways to walk the Overland Track, including guided and self-guided trips > 
 


Overland Track, Cradle Mountain, Overland Track FAQ's

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips