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Buttongrass plains and mountains in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park seen from the Overland Track

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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia · Australia

Overland Track trek: grade, cost & permits

Australia's best-known alpine walk, 65 km one way across Tasmania's Central Highlands from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake. Almost half the track is above 1,000 m on exposed plateaus, with side trips to waterfalls and Mount Ossa (1,617 m), Tasmania's highest peak. The daily quota of 34 independent walkers keeps it quiet compared with guided-hut treks, and it costs far less than New Zealand's Great Walks once you count the free huts. Parks Tasmania grades it 4: long, rough and steep in places, so bushwalking experience is recommended.

Photo: Quinn Kacic-Midson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

GradeHard
Duration6 days
Highest point1,617 m
SeasonBooking season 1 October-31 May (Overland Track Pass, quota and one-way rule apply). December-March is the warmest. Snow, rain, strong wind and sun can come in any month; June-September is winter walking for experienced, well-equipped walkers only.
Cost from base₹25,000per person
BaseCradle Mountain Visitor Centre (north end); the walk finishes at Lake St Clair (Cynthia Bay)

Australia's best-known alpine walk, 65 km one way across Tasmania's Central Highlands from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake. Almost half the track is above 1,000 m on exposed plateaus, with side trips to waterfalls and Mount Ossa (1,617 m), Tasmania's highest peak. The daily quota of 34 independent walkers keeps it quiet compared with guided-hut treks, and it costs far less than New Zealand's Great Walks once you count the free huts. Parks Tasmania grades it 4: long, rough and steep in places, so bushwalking experience is recommended.

Good for soloGood for couplesGood for groups
Live weather

On the trail now and the next 7 days

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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.

Step 2 of 7Next: Route

The route

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On the map

Overland Track · Open in Google Maps ↗

The climb

912 m1027 m990 m843 m871 m879 m736 m Start · 912 mEnd · 736 m 1,027 m

How to reach the start

Fly into Launceston (or take the ferry to Devonport), then a walker transport service or hire car to Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre; Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania lists the operators. In season your pass includes the shuttle from the visitor centre to the track start at Ronny Creek. At the end, most walkers take the privately run ferry from Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay (AUD 60 adult one way, book before you start) or walk 17.5 km along the lake. Transport back from Lake St Clair must be booked separately.

Directions to the trailhead ↗Open in Google Maps ↗
Step 3 of 7Next: Permits

Permits and rules

Permit: Between 1 October and 31 May you need an Overland Track Pass, booked through Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania: 2026-27 prices AUD 312 adult, AUD 272 child (17 and under) or concession (Australian concession cards only). It covers park entry for the walk and the shuttle to the start. Up to 34 independent walkers may depart per day, north to south only. You must attend a 30-minute walker briefing at the visitor centre (8:30 am, last 1:30 pm, or 12 pm in April-May), bring your completed Walker Safety Checklist and ID, and be on the track by 2 pm. June-September: no Overland Track Pass, but a valid Tasmanian parks pass is required.
GuideNot needed
Seasonal closureNo winter closure. Outside the 1 October-31 May booking season the quota and one-way rule lift and an ordinary parks pass applies. Check Parks Tasmania alerts before you go.
Travel adviceNo UK FCDO advice against travel to any part of Australia was found. Parks Tasmania's Walker Safety Message warns that alpine weather changes fast, with snow possible in any month.

Official permit or booking page ↗

Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.

Step 4 of 7Next: Gear

What to carry

Step 5 of 7Next: Cost

What it costs

Your group, from the base₹50,000
Couple · from Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre (north end); the walk finishes at Lake St Clair (Cynthia Bay)
Per person₹25,000

Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre (north end); the walk finishes at Lake St Clair (Cynthia Bay) is extra.

Step 6 of 7Next: FAQ

Photos

Questions people ask

How hard is the Overland Track trek?

Hard grade. It takes 6 days and climbs to about 1,617 m. Australia's best-known alpine walk, 65 km one way across Tasmania's Central Highlands from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake. Almost half the track is above 1,000 m on exposed plateaus, with side trips to waterfalls and Mount Ossa (1,617 m), Tasmania's highest peak. The daily quota of 34 independent walkers keeps it quiet compared with guided-hut treks, and it costs far less than New Zealand's Great Walks once you count the free huts. Parks Tasmania grades it 4: long, rough and steep in places, so bushwalking experience is recommended.

Do I need a permit for Overland Track?

Between 1 October and 31 May you need an Overland Track Pass, booked through Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania: 2026-27 prices AUD 312 adult, AUD 272 child (17 and under) or concession (Australian concession cards only). It covers park entry for the walk and the shuttle to the start. Up to 34 independent walkers may depart per day, north to south only. You must attend a 30-minute walker briefing at the visitor centre (8:30 am, last 1:30 pm, or 12 pm in April-May), bring your completed Walker Safety Checklist and ID, and be on the track by 2 pm. June-September: no Overland Track Pass, but a valid Tasmanian parks pass is required.

How do I reach the Overland Track trek?

Fly into Launceston (or take the ferry to Devonport), then a walker transport service or hire car to Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre; Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania lists the operators. In season your pass includes the shuttle from the visitor centre to the track start at Ronny Creek. At the end, most walkers take the privately run ferry from Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay (AUD 60 adult one way, book before you start) or walk 17.5 km along the lake. Transport back from Lake St Clair must be booked separately. Base: Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre (north end); the walk finishes at Lake St Clair (Cynthia Bay).

What is the best season for Overland Track?

Booking season 1 October-31 May (Overland Track Pass, quota and one-way rule apply). December-March is the warmest. Snow, rain, strong wind and sun can come in any month; June-September is winter walking for experienced, well-equipped walkers only..

How much does the Overland Track trek cost?

From about ₹25,000 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.

What should I carry?

Fully self-sufficient for six days: tent (compulsory even if you plan to use huts), fuel stove (no campfires), cooking gear, all food, warm sleeping bag and mat, waterproof jacket and overtrousers, thermals, gaiters for deep mud, map and an emergency beacon. Huts are free, cannot be booked, have unmattressed bunks, composting toilets and rainwater tanks, but no showers or cooking equipment.

Step 7 of 7Next: Sources

Sources and last check

Checked 11 October 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.

  • parks.tas.gov.au Official65 km one way, 6 days, Grade 4; pass fees apply 1 Oct-31 May; carry own equipment and food; Mount Ossa 1,617 m; almost half above 1,000 m; Narcissus ferry needs booking, privately run; 17.5 km lake walk alternative; fuel stove only; Walker Safety Message (alpine weather any time of year)
  • parks.tas.gov.au Official34 departures/day, north to south only, huts free and unbookable, tent mandatory, pass includes park entry and shuttle, ferry booked separately, briefing times, on track by 2 pm, Walker Safety Checklist, off-season parks pass
  • parks.tas.gov.au OfficialBooking information page updated for the season (applies from 30 Sep 2026); concession limited to Australian Government cards; booking team 1300 827 727
  • gov.uk OfficialNo FCDO advise-against areas for Australia (per 4 Oct 2026 verification)
  • lakestclairlodge.com.auNarcissus-Cynthia Bay ferry AUD 60 adult / AUD 30 child one way; pre-booking strongly recommended; weather-dependent; minimum charge AUD 330 for sailings under six passengers in winter

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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we sell nothing, take no commission, and every booking link goes straight to the provider. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.

By Gokul · Updated 11 October 2026 · Photo: Quinn Kacic-Midson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Igorgalli · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: J Brew · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source · Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

From the base · —
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