Trek the Cradle Mountain Overland Track

Trek the Cradle Mountain Overland Track

195 Views
6 Days From

$2415

$1932

Trek the Cradle Mountain Overland Track

6 Days Starting and ending in Launceston

Visiting: Launceston / Cradle Mountain National Park / Overland Track, Overland Track, Overland Track / Lake St Clair / Launceston

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PTXC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

16-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2415 $1932 Operator discount: -$483 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Take on the challenge of Australia’s most famous trek – the Cradle Mountain Overland track – and take in some of Tasmania’s most stunning scenery. With two expert mountain guides at your side, you’ll make your way through temperate rainforest and groves of eucalypts, across alpine moors and through valleys. Skirt the edges of bright blue lakes and take in views of waterfalls and towering peaks in the distance. Camp on the edges of historic huts under star-filled skies, wake up to dramatic landscapes and take the chance to tackle side trips like summitting the island’s highest peak Mt Ossa. This active adventure is one of the best ways to take in this iconic landscape.

Highlights

  • With everything taken care of, you’re free to make the most of the incredible scenery and views as you make your way along one of Australia’s most iconic hiking trails.

  • Leave all the organisation to us – from tickets and permits to camping gear - comfortable all-season tents and cooking equipment are all provided

  • Make the most of the local knowledge of two expert mountain guides along the way, and you’ll never take a wrong turn.

  • Enjoy the flexibility to tackle the trek as you like – the main track for a more leisurely hike, or add on a side trip like summitting Cradle Mountain or Mt Ossa for an extra challenge.

  • Hike along the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain and soak in the gorgeous Australian landscape in leafy Tassie.

  • Don’t sweat the small stuff! With everything taken care of, you’re free to make the most of the incredible scenery as you make your way along one of Australia’s most iconic trails.

  • Leave all the organisation to the experts – from tickets and permits to camping gear – and chill out in your comfortable all-season tents, with all sleeping gear and cooking equipment provided.

  • Enjoy the flexibility to tackle the trek as you like – take the main track for a more leisurely hike or add on a side trip like summitting Cradle Mountain or Mt Ossa for an extra challenge.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Launceston / Cradle Mountain National Park / Overland Track

Location: Launceston / Cradle Mountain National Park / Overland Track

Accommodation: Bush camping (with limited facilities)

Meals Included: lunch, dinner

Welcome to Tasmania! Or Lutruwita in the language of the Palawa people who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Tasmania is now located. Your adventure begins straight away with a pickup at 7:30 am in Launceston. Make your way west, through picturesque scenery, to start the Overland Track at Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley. Cross a small grass plain, passing Crater Creek and Crater Lake, making your way up to Marion’s Lookout for sweeping views. See the iconic Cradle Mountain and the curved Dove Lake. The track continues past the historic Kitchen Hut, with its unusual double story design, and the shoulder of Cradle Mountain, surrounded by Tasmanian snow gums. Over 700 million years ago, the ground here was shaped by glaciers grinding through the landscape. Continue to the Cradle Cirque, passing the turnoff to Barn Bluff, and descend into Waterfall Valley, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Included Activities:
-Overland Track - Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley Trek
-Cradle Mountain National Park - Marion's Lookout

Optional Activities:
-Cradle Mountain National Park - Cradle Mountain Summit trek - Free

Day 2: Overland Track

Location: Overland Track

Accommodation: Bush camping (with limited facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Waterfall Valley is, unsurprisingly, full of beautiful cascades, and you’ll pass them as the track undulates across moorlands scattered with pencil pines, myrtles and snow gums. Look out for Tasmanian Devils, echidnas and wombats – though you may see the latter’s distinctive cube shaped poop more often than the mammals themselves! For lunch, stop by Lake Will where you'll have the opportunity for a swim, before continuing to Lake Windermere in the afternoon. As you crest the moorland, you’ll get a view across Lake Windermere, whose dark colour is caused by nutrients and oils leaking from the surrounding grass into the water. Make your way around the shore of the lake to tonight’s campsite in a scattered forest.

Included Activities:
-Overland Track - Waterfall Valley to Lake Windermere Trek

Day 3: Overland Track

Location: Overland Track

Accommodation: Bush camping (with limited facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

You’ve worked your way up to the longest hike of the trip. Begin with a walk through lightly timbered forest, across buttongrass moorlands to the lookout at Forth Gorge. In the distance the peaks of mounts Oakleigh, Ossa, Pelion East and West, as well as the Du Cane Range, pepper the horizon. Follow some small ascents and descents into the forest glade of Frog Flats – a wet section of forest crossed by the River Forth, home to some beautifully coloured mosses and fungi. Climb through forest to Pelion Plains, where the Forth Valley Track diverts off to Old Pelion Hut, built by copper miners at the end of the 19th century. For the next 20 years, cattle drovers and trappers plied their trade here, before the area was declared a scenic reserve in 1922. Continue along the shore of Douglas Creek to New Pelion Hut – the largest of the track’s huts, which sits at the junction of the Overland and Arm River tracks. You'll set up camp nearby.

Included Activities:
-Overland Track - Lake Windermere to New Pelion Hut Trek
-Cradle Mountain National Park - Forth Gorge Lookout

Day 4: Overland Track

Location: Overland Track

Accommodation: Bush camping (with limited facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Begin today with a gradual climb up to Pelion Gap (1126 m). Here, the track hits a crossroads with Mt Pelion to the east and towering Mt Ossa – Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617 m. If the weather’s right, there will be the option to climb either of the peaks today. Both summits boast amazing views of the national park and beyond. From the Pelion Gap crossroads, the track passes through the glaciated Pinestone Valley and on to Kia Ora Hut, which sits on a creek of the same name below the Ducane Range. Set up camp in the mighty presence of Cathedral Mountain – this is a truly unique camp spot.

Included Activities:
-Overland Track - Pelion Plains to Kia Ora Creek Trek

Optional Activities:
-Overland Track - Mt Pelion Summit - Free
-Overland Track - Mt Ossa or Mt Pelion East Summit trek - Free

Day 5: Overland Track

Location: Overland Track

Accommodation: Bush camping (with limited facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Leave Kia Ora Creek and make your way through myrtle beech rainforest to Du Cane Hut, built in 1910 out of King Billy Pine by a trapper as a base for his trade. Further down the track, you’ll take a side trip to see the falls of D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett, which tumble into the Mersey River. Back on the main track, the path climbs steadily to Du Cane Gap (1070 m), where Mt Geryon and the Acropolis (1471 m) of the Du Cane Range are the peaks that dominate the views. From here the track descends through eucalypt forest to Bert Nichols Hut at Windy Ridge, where you'll set up camp.

Included Activities:
-Overland Track - Kia Ora Creek to Windy Ridge Trek

Day 6: Overland Track / Lake St Clair / Launceston

Location: Overland Track / Lake St Clair / Launceston

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today is the final day of the Overland Track. Leaving Windy Ridge camp, descend the valley of temperate rainforest and eucalypt forest to the Narcissus River. Pass the path, which splits off to take walkers to the base of the Du Cane Range and Pine Valley Hut – the base for access to the Acropolis and the Labyrinth. Follow the track down to a suspension bridge over the Narcissus River and the end is in sight. Give yourself a huge pat on the back and your legs a rest with a ferry ride across the lake to Cynthia Bay. Jump back in the van for the ride back to Launceston, where your trip comes to an end, arriving around 4:30 pm this afternoon.

Included Activities:
-Overland Track - Windy Ridge to Lake St Clair Trek
-Cradle Mountain National Park - Lake St Clair Ferry Ride

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Bush camping (with limited facilities) (5 Nights)

  • Overland Track - Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley Trek

  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Marion's Lookout

  • Overland Track - Waterfall Valley to Lake Windermere Trek

  • Overland Track - Lake Windermere to New Pelion Hut Trek

  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Forth Gorge Lookout

  • Overland Track - Pelion Plains to Kia Ora Creek Trek

  • Overland Track - Kia Ora Creek to Windy Ridge Trek

  • Overland Track - Windy Ridge to Lake St Clair Trek

  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Lake St Clair Ferry Ride

  • Meals

    5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

Walking , Private vehicle , Ferry

Accommodation

This trip is a camping trip. You will be carrying your own tent (which we will provide) and will set up camp each night. Solo travellers will have a single tent throughout the trip, while couples will share a tent. Facilities are very basic. Camping spots have composting toilets, however there are no showers.

Important Information

PRE-DEPARTURE MEETINGA pre-departure meeting will take place at 3pm the day BEFORE departure at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store in the centre of Launceston – 136 York St. It is important that you bring your gear to this meeting as our team will check the suitability of your gear for the trek. Please note that if your leader deems your gear not suitable you will need to purchase missing items at this meeting. We will not be able to permit any hikers on the track with unsuitable gear. The welcome meeting and gear check will take around 90 minutes.PACKING & GEAR HIREIt is essential that you read the Packing List in our Essential Trip Information, and that you bring all necessary items. Backpack, rainwear and sleeping bag – all these items are essential for this trip and can be hired locally (additional cost applies) if you do not wish to bring your own. Speak to your travel consultant if you need to hire any gear as items must be requested prior to travel. The tent and sleeping mats are provided for you.START & END TIMEPick-up in the morning of day 1 will be at 7:30am from at the Aspire Adventure Equipment store, 136 York St, Launceston. The trip will end with an arrival back into Launceston at around 4.30pm on the last day. Make sure you take this into consideration when booking onward travel.CAMPING & CARRYING OF GEARThis trip is a camping trip. You will be carrying your own tent (which we will provide) and will set up camp each night. Facilities are very basic. You will also need to carry your own gear on this trek. Expect the weight of your pack to be up to 15 kg. This includes a portion of the food for the trip, and a share of a tent which will be around 1.4 kg.SINGLE TRAVELLERSSolo travellers will have a single tent throughout the trip, while couples will share a tent. Please note that depending on the group make-up and the size of the camping platforms tents may be placed closely side by side.

Mode of Transport

Walking , Private vehicle , Ferry

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip is is a wilderness hike, best suited to experienced hikers who are comfortable with the prospect of multiple consecutive days of hiking in all conditions as it involves plenty of walking over varied terrain. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Tasmanian weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities and a packing list can be found in the trip notes. The total distance covered on this trip is approximately 65 km.

    You will need to carry your own gear on this trek. Your pack may weigh up to around 15 kg. This includes a portion of the food for the trip and a share of a tent, which will weigh around 1.4 kg.

    This is a camping trip, and you will be required to set up camp each night. Facilities are very basic (bush camping toilets, no showers).

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$2415 $1932

Operator discount: -$483

Monday - Saturday

Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$2325

Monday - Saturday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$2235

Monday - Saturday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2235

Monday - Saturday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$2235

Monday - Saturday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$2235

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$2410

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025
$2410

Saturday - Thursday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026
$2530

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026
$2530

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026
$2530

Saturday - Thursday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026
$2530

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026
$2410

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026
$2410

Saturday - Thursday

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026
$2410

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 12, 2026
$2410

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026
$2410

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026
$2530
Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours