Guided Walking Experience for the Travel Trade

Tasmania Overland Walking Trail

A 6-day guided walk through the heart of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – traversing ancient rainforest, alpine moorland, glacial valleys, and some of the most pristine wilderness left on earth. Built for travel agents packaging premium Australian nature experiences, active luxury itineraries, and Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) programmes that go well beyond the ordinary.

About This Walk

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair, Tasmania

The Overland Track is Australia’s most celebrated multi-day walk. Stretching 65 kilometres through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it threads between Cradle Mountain in the north and Lake St Clair in the south – passing through landscapes that feel ancient in a way few places on this continent can match. Gondwanan rainforest, button grass plains, glacial tarns, stands of pencil pines that have been growing for thousands of years. The air smells different down here.

This guided walking itinerary covers 6 days and 5 nights, staying in private eco-lodges set away from the public huts along the track. Guests walk with experienced guides who know the terrain, the flora, the wildlife, and the stories behind this landscape. It is not a roughing-it experience. The lodges are warm, the meals are excellent, and the wine is Tasmanian. Designed for travel agents building premium Australian itineraries where the natural world is the main event – not a backdrop.

  • 6 days / 5 nights guided walk through World Heritage wilderness
  • Private eco-lodges with hot showers, comfortable beds, and Tasmanian produce meals
  • Expert naturalist guides – maximum 10 guests per departure
  • 65 kilometres from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair with side trip options
  • Ideal for active FIT travellers, couples, small groups, and incentive rewards
A stunning alpine landscape featuring the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain rising above the pristine deep-blue waters of Dove Lake, surrounded by native eucalyptus forest and alpine vegetation. A walking trail leads through the moorland toward the iconic mountain formations under a clear blue sky.

COMPLETE ITINERARY

Your Overland Track Journey – Day by Day

Launceston to Cradle Mountain & Crater Lake Circuit

Guests are collected from Launceston and transferred to Cradle Mountain – roughly two and a half hours through rolling farmland and into the highlands. The landscape changes quickly. Green pastoral country gives way to dense forest, then opens out into the alpine environment that defines the national park.

After settling in at the first lodge, the afternoon walk takes in the Crater Lake circuit – a gentle introduction that loops through pencil pine forest and along the shores of a glacial lake. The guides set the pace and begin interpreting the landscape: the Gondwanan plant species, the geology, the wildlife to watch for. Dinner that evening features Tasmanian produce and local wines.

Trade tip: Most international clients fly into Launceston from Melbourne or Sydney. We can arrange pre-walk accommodation in Launceston or Cradle Mountain village for those arriving the day before. The transfer is scenic and worth doing in daylight.

A group of hikers traverses a wooden boardwalk across the alpine moorland of the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania, with dramatic rocky peaks visible in the distance under clear blue skies.

Cradle Mountain Summit & Waterfall Valley

The big day. Weather permitting, guests tackle the summit of Cradle Mountain – 1,545 metres above sea level and the defining peak of the national park. The climb is challenging but not technical. Scrambling over dolerite boulders near the top, with views that stretch across the entire central highlands and beyond.

Not everyone needs to summit. There are alternative routes at lower elevation for those who prefer it, and the guides manage the group accordingly. The descent continues south to Waterfall Valley, where the lodge sits at the edge of a plateau dotted with waterfalls after rain. It is a long day but a rewarding one.

Trade tip: The Cradle Mountain summit is weather-dependent – cloud, wind, and ice can close the route. Guides make the call on the day. Brief clients on this in advance so expectations are set. Even without the summit, the walking on Day 2 is spectacular.

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Lake Will, Forth Valley & Rainforest Walking

Day 3 drops into the Forth Valley, and the terrain shifts. Button grass moorland gives way to myrtle beech rainforest – dark, mossy, ancient. The track follows the Forth River through a landscape that feels almost primordial. An optional side trip to Lake Will adds a glacial tarn surrounded by pandani and King Billy pine to the day.

The walking is moderate. There is time to stop, look, listen. Platypus are sometimes spotted in the quieter waterways. Bennett’s wallabies graze at the edge of the forest. The guides are good at finding things most people would walk straight past.

Trade tip: This is the day that tends to surprise clients who came expecting alpine scenery. The rainforest sections are genuinely extraordinary – Gondwanan species that have been here for millions of years. Photographers should carry a macro lens.

A scenic wooden boardwalk winds through alpine grassland toward the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The image captures the mountain's dramatic twin summits framed by native vegetation, a pristine alpine lake, and diverse flora in golden and green tones under clear skies.

Pelion Plains & Mount Oakleigh

The track crosses the open grasslands of Pelion Plains, framed by the peaks of Mount Oakleigh and Mount Pelion West. This section is wide and expansive after the enclosed rainforest of the day before. Wombats are common here. Seriously common – this is one of the best places in Australia to see them in the wild, grazing openly on the plains.

An optional climb up Mount Oakleigh rewards with panoramic views of the Pelion Range and surrounding wilderness. The lodge is tucked at the edge of the plains, and the afternoon is free for exploring or simply sitting on the verandah watching the light change.

Trade tip: Pelion Plains is a highlight for wildlife encounters. Wombats, pademelons, and currawongs are practically guaranteed. For clients who care about wildlife but don’t want to rough it, this is the sweet spot – wild encounters with a warm lodge waiting.

A hiker traverses a moss-lined wooden boardwalk across lush green terrain toward a distinctive craggy mountain peak rising majestically against a blue sky with scattered clouds. The landscape features vibrant moss, low vegetation, and a dramatic rugged mountain formation characteristic of sub-arctic or northern temperate regions.

Du Cane Range, Fergusson Falls & Hartnett Falls

The most varied day of walking. The track climbs through the Du Cane Range and then descends through a series of spectacular waterfalls – Fergusson Falls and Hartnett Falls are the standouts, cascading through deep mossy gorges into pools below. Side tracks lead to additional falls for those with the energy.

The landscape oscillates between alpine heath, tall eucalypt forest, and temperate rainforest. Each transition happens abruptly. You walk from open sky into canopy within a few steps. The guides use this day to dig deeper into the ecology of the Tasmanian wilderness – the fire history, the threatened species, the ongoing conservation efforts.

Trade tip: Day 5 often ends up being the favourite for many walkers. The waterfalls are dramatic, and the variety of terrain keeps things interesting from start to finish. It is also the day where fitness matters – the Du Cane Range is the toughest section. Brief clients honestly about the physicality.

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Narcissus River to Lake St Clair & Departure

The final day follows the Narcissus River south through tall forest to the shores of Lake St Clair – Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake. The arrival at the lake is a quiet, reflective moment. Six days of walking through country that most of the world will never see, and it ends at a body of water that feels almost impossibly still.

A ferry crosses the lake to Cynthia Bay, where the walk officially ends. Guests are transferred to Hobart, arriving in time for dinner. The contrast between the wilderness of the track and the refinement of Hobart’s restaurant scene is jarring in the best way.

Trade tip: We strongly recommend at least two nights in Hobart post-walk. MONA, the Salamanca Market, Mount Wellington, and the city’s exceptional food and wine scene make a natural extension. We can also arrange day trips to the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island, or the Coal River Valley wine region. The Overland Track pairs beautifully with broader Tasmanian itineraries or east coast Australia programmes.

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

Inclusions & The Lodges

Guided Walk Inclusions

  • 5 nights in private eco-lodges along the track (not public huts)
  • All meals – breakfast, lunch packs, two-course dinners with Tasmanian wine
  • Expert naturalist guides (maximum 10 guests per group)
  • National park fees and all permits
  • Transfers from Launceston to Cradle Mountain and from Lake St Clair to Hobart
  • Backpack, waterproof jacket, and walking gear provided if needed
  • Lake St Clair ferry crossing on the final day

About the Eco-Lodges

The private lodges along the track are purpose-built for guided walkers. They are not luxury hotels – but they are a world away from sleeping in a tent. Each lodge has private or semi-private rooms, hot showers, a communal lounge with a wood fire, and a dining area where the guides prepare meals using Tasmanian produce. Think comfortable mountain refuge rather than five-star resort.

The lodges sit away from the public huts used by independent walkers, so the experience feels exclusive. After a day on the track, a hot shower, a glass of Tasmanian pinot, and a proper meal in a warm room makes all the difference.

  • Private rooms with comfortable bedding and heating
  • Hot showers and drying rooms for wet gear
  • Communal lounge with wood fire and library
  • Tasmanian wine and local produce at every dinner

Ready to Book the Overland Track?

Get in touch with our team for trade rates, departure availability, and assistance packaging the Overland Track into your clients’ Tasmanian and Australian itineraries. We handle accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, and connections to our full range of Australian and New Zealand touring product.

Frequently Asked Questions

The guided walking season runs from October to May, with peak departures between November and April. These are Tasmania’s warmer months, though “warm” is relative – temperatures at altitude can range from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius even in summer, and weather changes quickly. Snow is possible at any time of year above 900 metres. The guided operators limit group numbers per season, so popular dates – particularly December, January, and February – book out well in advance. We recommend securing spots 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season departures.
Guests should be reasonably fit and accustomed to walking. The track covers roughly 10 to 16 kilometres per day over varied terrain – boardwalks, rocky sections, tree roots, and some steeper ascents. The Cradle Mountain summit day is the most demanding. You don’t need to be a marathon runner, but regular walking or hiking experience is important. Clients who walk briskly for a couple of hours without difficulty will generally manage well. The guides set a comfortable pace and adjust for the group. Anyone with specific health concerns should raise these at booking so we can advise properly.
The guided walk operator provides a detailed packing list at the time of booking. The essentials: sturdy, broken-in walking boots with ankle support, layered clothing (merino base layers work well), a warm fleece or puffer jacket, waterproof outer shell, hat, gloves, and sunscreen. Tasmania’s weather is notoriously changeable, so being prepared for four seasons in one day is not an exaggeration. Packs, waterproof jackets, and walking poles can be borrowed from the operator if needed. Clients only carry a daypack while walking – heavier luggage is transported between lodges.
Yes. Private departures can be arranged for corporate incentive groups, team retreats, or special interest travel. The maximum group size is 10, which suits smaller incentive programmes or can be combined with other Tasmanian experiences for larger groups. Private departures allow flexibility on dates and can include bespoke additions – wildlife spotting sessions, photography workshops, or exclusive evening talks on Tasmanian ecology. Contact us at enquiries@aabh.com.au to discuss private departure options for your group.
The Overland Track works well as the active centrepiece of a Tasmanian itinerary or as a highlight within a broader Australian programme. Common extensions include Hobart (MONA, Salamanca, restaurants), Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, Bruny Island, and the Tasman Peninsula. For clients doing a wider Australian trip, Tasmania connects easily to Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide. The walk pairs particularly well with food and wine touring, wildlife experiences on Maria Island, or harbour-city stays. We build complete tailor-made itineraries for the travel trade – flights, accommodation, touring, and transfers across Australia and New Zealand.
A group of hikers traverse a wooden boardwalk on the Overland Track in Tasmania, with Cradle Mountain visible in the distance across the pristine alpine landscape under clear blue skies. The scene captures the natural beauty of the region with moorland vegetation, rocky outcrops, and distant mountain peaks.
A solo traveler in a bright yellow jacket sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking a stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and lush vegetation. The scenic vista captures a moment of adventure and contemplation at Marion's Lookout Trail in Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania.
A picturesque waterfront scene of Hobart Harbour at sunset, featuring moored sailing boats and historic buildings reflected in calm golden waters. The image captures the vibrant golden and orange hues of the setting sun illuminating the colonial architecture and modern skyline along Tasmania's waterfront.
A stocky wombat forages in natural grassland near a weathered wooden deck structure, with rolling hillside vegetation visible in the background. The image captures an authentic wildlife encounter in Tasmania's natural landscape.
A stunning aerial drone view of Cloudy Bay Beach on South Bruny Island, Tasmania, showcasing pristine white sand, turquoise waters with rolling surf waves, and forested mountains backing the coastline under clear blue skies.
A stunning aerial drone photograph of The Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, Australia. The image showcases the dramatic contrast between the turquoise ocean waters on the left, the sandy beach, pristine green lagoon on the right, and forested hills beyond, with mountains visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters, and distinctive granite boulders covered in vibrant orange lichen at the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania. The rocky foreground contrasts beautifully with the calm, clear waters and blue sky beyond.
An aerial view of Bruny Island Lighthouse perched on a grassy headland overlooking the Southern Ocean. The white cylindrical lighthouse stands prominently on the rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and dense coastal vegetation, with sparkling blue waters and distant landmasses visible under a partly cloudy sky.
A dramatic aerial view of The Neck, a narrow isthmus on Bruny Island, featuring a wooden boardwalk descending toward pristine white sand beaches flanked by turquoise ocean waters on one side and calm bay waters on the other, with lush green vegetation covering the peninsula and mountains visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic wooden boardwalk winds through alpine grassland toward the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The image captures the mountain's dramatic twin summits framed by native vegetation, a pristine alpine lake, and diverse flora in golden and green tones under clear skies.
A scenic landscape view of dramatic rocky mountain peaks rising above rolling bushland, with delicate white wildflowers and native vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. The rugged granite formations and diverse flora showcase Tasmania's natural beauty and wilderness character.
An aerial view of the Gordon Dam, a distinctive double-curvature concrete arch dam spanning the Gordon River in southwestern Tasmania, Australia, surrounded by dense temperate rainforest and rocky outcrops with a second lake visible in the distance.
A pristine river flows through a lush temperate rainforest valley under a brilliant blue sky with white clouds, surrounded by ancient eucalyptus trees and rocky outcrops in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
A serene forest pathway winds through a lush, moss-covered woodland in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania. Towering trees with moss-draped trunks create a verdant canopy overhead, with dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage onto the gravel track below.
A scenic wooden boardwalk with metal railings winds through a lush temperate rainforest, featuring moss-covered trees, ferns, and dense green canopy. An interpretive sign is visible along the pathway, providing information about the natural environment.
A serene forest stream winds through a lush, moss-covered temperate rainforest in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Towering trees, ferns, and moss-laden rocks create an ancient, primordial atmosphere with the clear water flowing gently over a rocky bed.
A striking suspension bridge spans a crystal-clear river in a lush rainforest setting, with visible river stones beneath the transparent water and dense green vegetation framing both sides. The bridge features a mesh safety net design, connecting hikers through the pristine wilderness of Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park under a clear blue sky.
A picturesque street view of The Mall in central Launceston, Tasmania, featuring elegant Victorian and heritage architecture with distinctive cream and terracotta facades, ornate details, and ground-floor retail establishments beneath a clear blue sky.
An aerial view of the iconic Alexandra Suspension Bridge spanning across the turquoise waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs and autumn vegetation. The historic footbridge connects the gorge's steep sides and offers stunning views of the natural landscape below.
A hiker traverses a moss-lined wooden boardwalk across lush green terrain toward a distinctive craggy mountain peak rising majestically against a blue sky with scattered clouds. The landscape features vibrant moss, low vegetation, and a dramatic rugged mountain formation characteristic of sub-arctic or northern temperate regions.
A stunning twilight view of Brisbane's modern city skyline reflecting in the Brisbane River, featuring the iconic Story Bridge, contemporary high-rise buildings illuminated against a vibrant purple and blue sky, with historic riverside landmarks in the foreground including a lighthouse and heritage structures.

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