Tasmanian Wilderness The Overland Track is without a doubt one of the world’s best multi-day walks! Join us for 7 amazing days as we share with you this ancient land of mountain peaks, deep rugged gorges, pristine lakes and unparalleled diversity of scenery. Every day brings something different as we walk along the 65km track.
This is a fully supported light weight trek along the track. Our high guide to guest ratio allows us to provide full support to you ensuring you have the ultimate experience. Our guides carry your tents and all group cooking equipment and food. This means your pack weight is at a minimum and your experience in the wilderness is one of comfort and ease.
For those looking for an extended walk to fully explore the many areas of the Overland Track we offer an extended 10-day walk.Please contact us for additional details on this.
About Us We are based in Launceston, Tasmania. The business commenced operations 35 years ago under the direction of the founding father (now retired) - Eric Sargent. Eric’s passion and extensive walking knowledge throughout Tasmania created the foundation for Tasmania’s longest operating walking holiday specialist.
Our tours range in duration, difficulty and location. We offer the most extensive walking options in the Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park and our program continues to expand as we explore the many walking opportunities throughout Tasmania’s National Parks and World Heritage Areas. Our principle focus is on Minimal Impact Bushwalking practices, interpretation of flora, fauna, geology and history, relaxed and well organised tours. Our extensive history and knowledge has driven the development of our interesting and unique itineraries.
Itinerary Day 1 Launceston to Cradle Mountain Your trip begins at 12noon. We will pick you up from your overnight accommodation or a designated meeting spot. The drive to Cradle Mt Lake St Clair National Park takes about 3 hours including a mid journey leg stretch in Sheffield – Tassie’s town of murals. When we arrive at our overnight cabins near the Cradle Valley your guides will conduct a trip briefing and thorough gear check. The remainder of your afternoon is spent exploring this property or just relaxing amongst the forest and enjoying the peaceful surrounds. Day 2 Cradle Mountain to Waterfall Valley Up early – your guides will have prepared a hearty breakfast for you to see you through your first morning on the track. We transfer to the start of the Overland Track and begin our trek. When arriving at the Dove Lake car park, we begin the long climb that takes us onto the Cradle Plateau. During the first few hours of trekking we get a taste of what’s in store for the following days – open eucalypt woodlands, lush green cool-temperate rainforest, open button grass then climbing through the splendid deciduous Nothofagus Gunnii on to exposed alpine herb fields with spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff if the weather allows and a true appreciation of the Roaring 40’s if not! After lunch by one of the cool streams or tarns we may opt for a side trip, weather and time permitting, to the craggy summit of Cradle Mountain. This first day is one of the longest of the trek as we make our way to Waterfall Valley for our first night under the stars. Day 3 Waterfall Valley to Lake Windermere Today we continue south from Waterfall Valley to Lake Windermere. A leisurely day that offers time to explore the waterfalls and views down the valley, a side trip to Innes Falls, or a possible ascent of Barn Bluff for the really energetic trekkers. We take our time through this remarkable country and lunch beside one of the beautiful tarns or lakes in the area. In fair weather we enjoy views deep into the Wild Rivers National Park and your guides can point out the range of rugged peaks including Frenchman’s Cap that overlooks the Franklin River. Our tents tonight are pitched in alpine eucalypt forest near Lake Windermere, a beautiful opportunity to relax with photogenic views of Barn Bluff in the warm afternoon light. Day 4 Lake Windermere to Pelion Plains Today we have the longest day of the walk.We leave Windermere behind and head out across Pine Forest Moor with its large button grass plains. Coming of the Plains we descend down around the side of Pelion West Mountain which has dominated this morning’s walk. We take lunch at the Forth River at the bottom of Frogs Flats in sheltered forest setting.Coming out of the forest for short period we can see Paddy’s Nut and Pelion West surround us. Strolling up the hill onto Pelion Plains another fantastic mountain comes into view, Mount Oakleigh with its incredible dolerite spirals. Skirting the edge of Pelion Plains we come to our overnight camp near Douglas Creek with its views of Mount Oakleigh. Day 5 Pelion Plains to Kia Ora 8.30am depart camp, ascend to Pelion Gap climbing through rainforest with more mosses and lichens then the eye can behold, with glimpses of Pelion East through the canopy, altitude 1113 meters where Mount Cathedral, Pelion East and most impressive Mount Ossa, time 2 hours. After lunch we have the chance to climb Mt. Ossa 1617 meters, a highlight of the tour, Tasmania’s highest mountain with superb far-reaching views. Time taken 4½ hours return. Alternatively, we can undertake an afternoon ascent of Pelion East or the shoulder escarpment of Mt Ossa.From the gap we continue 45 minutes to camp at Kia Ora named by Paddy Hartnett’s brother who we will learn more about tomorrow. Day 6 Kia Ora to Windy Ridge After leisurely breakfast we depart Kia-Ora and travel through thick rainforest made up of Sassafras, Leatherwood and towering King Billy Pines. In time we hear in the distance the sound of powerful waterfalls. Leaving our packs at the turn off we take our day-pack and head toward the sound of the waterfalls, the first we see is Dalton falls then on Ferguson falls. Returning to our packs we travel an hour to the turn off of Hartnett, once again leaving our packs we take lunch with us and enjoy afternoon exploring this fantastic waterfall or just relax around the rivers edge. By mid afternoon returning to our packs we head for Windy Ridge passing through Du-Can Gap with Traveller’s Range to one side and Falling Mountain to the other. Descending to Windy Ridge we walk through some incredible cool temperate forests. Day 7 Windy Ridge to Cynthia Bay The last morning of packing our packs we depart Windy Ridge at 8.00am and head for Narcissus, the river at the top end of Lake St. Clair walking through open eucalypt forests. As we travel down the trail Acropolis Mountain appears to our right, walking out on the grass area called the Bowling Green we can take in this massive Mountain. Nearing Lake St Clair we come out into open Button Grass plains and straight in front of us is Mount Olympus at the foot of Lake St. Clair. Taking the ferry along Lake St. Clair to the southern end Cynthia Bay we can look back towards the Mountains that have surrounded us over last 2 days. After lunch at Cynthia Bay we join our transport and return to Launceston via the central plateau returning around 5.00pm
Included Experienced guides Meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch Day 7 National Park Fee Overland Track Permit Transfers from Launceston – Cradle Mt. – Lake St Clair – Launceston Group camping equipment Excellent quality Macpac Hiking tents Thermarests (self-inflating mats) Gore-Tex Jacket, Waterproof Over pants, Gaiters Sleeping Bag & Sleeping Sheet Backpack Emergency communication
Not Included Travel to and from Launceston i.e. air-fares Accommodation pre and post tour Car parking whilst on tour Travel Insurance Alcoholic beverages Items of a personal nature
Where We Meet We meet at 12noon on Day 1 at Mountain Designs 120 Charles Street, Launceston. We return and will drop you to your accommodation in Launceston around 5.00pm on Day 7.
