Overland: the OG
Where the journey started for us.
In 1985 the Tasmanian Government called for expressions of interest for a commercial operator to develop a guided walking experience with accommodation along the Overland Track in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Two years later, the Tasmanian Walking Company (then called Cradle Mountain Huts) had built four huts, with another hut constructed in 1999 (the same year we started walking at Bay of Fires) for guests to stay at during the six-day Overland, known as Australia’s premier alpine walk.
Now, we lead exceptionally keen adventurers through this World Heritage-listed and protected pocket of Tasmania on our various Cradle Mountain walks that depart either side of winter every year.
From Waldheim where Gustav Weindorfer proclaimed, “This must be a national park for the people for all time,” to Barn Bluff and Mount Pelion, Du Cane Range and Lake St Clair, our Cradle walks are momentous and offer endless opportunities for introspection and reconnection.
Our other walks across the country—and internationally with our partner, Guided by Nature—are equally unforgettable. Yet, the Overland holds a special place in our hearts. It’s not just where we started walking almost four decades ago, but it perfectly embodies our mission: to guide people through landscapes of untamed beauty, inspiring them to appreciate, protect, and find joy in these remarkable environments.
Image: Walkers in the 1990s on Cradle Huts Walk
The immersive magic of the Overland goes beyond the intricate, raw allure of its landscapes that include ancient rainforests, scrubby meadows, crystal lakes, and jagged peaks. It’s the deep sense of place, of connection, of natural rhythm, that makes this iconic trail as much about the journey inward as it is about the path ahead.
Our lead guide, Angus, says the Overland deserves sharing with everyone, particularly with people who might not have access to wild spaces as often as others.
“There is a sense that day one is different to day two is different to day three is different to day four – so there’s no time to get bored. It’s just a fantastic place to walk.”
“If it’s a really sunny bright day, you’ll get fantastic vistas and skies, if it’s a bit rainy and wet then you’ll get colours popping off all of the plant life like fungis and lichen and moss.”
Fellow lead guide, Sam, has done 40 “laps” of the Overland and agrees that the experience is full of contrasts.
“Every 20 minutes you’re out there, you end up in a different environment. And I think that’s really special,” Sam says.
Image: Overland Track guide Sam
The diversity of terrain can be challenging, so Sam and Angus encourage people to prepare for the experience that we’ve graded Moderate, including walking uphill and back down again, and getting familiar with their walking bodies.
Our guides are a wealth of knowledge on and off the track, something our guest Nathan reflected on after walking the Overland last year:
“The hike was paced so that you could get the feeling of having the wilderness to yourself. The guides were always in a good mood, willing to share information about the sites, surroundings and history. I think their support put everyone at ease and that facilitated people being more sociable and comfortable.”
Image: Angus guiding the Overland Track with Tas Walking Co
Even on the remote Overland, creature comforts are included for our guests, such as hot showers, drying rooms, and cosy beds. And let’s not forget a glass of pinot and plate of hearty fare by Sam, Angus, or one of our other friendly and dedicated guides who are eager to share this epic piece of Tasmania so that you might rediscover a particularly special natural routine.
Find out more about our Cradle Mountain Walks here, and follow us on socials for sensational moments from the Overland.
