From a Bucket-List Dream to Boots on the Ground

Di's review of the Overland Track

Meet Di, part of the sales team at Tasmanian Walking Company. Passionate about hiking and always up for an adventure, Di recently ticked the iconic Cradle Mountain Signature Walk—also known as the Overland Track—off her bucket list. We asked her to tell us all about her journey, from the golden hues of the Fagus trees to the moment she took her final step on the track. Here’s what she had to say.

1. How did you prepare for the famed Overland Track?

I hike regularly—I live in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, with amazing hikes right on my doorstep. I knew I needed to be both prepared and fit for the Overland Track, and I made sure I was.

2. Did the experience meet or exceed expectations?

Absolutely exceeded my expectations. Every single day was so different—it amazed me how much the landscape could change! From rocky mountain steps to tree roots and an array of colourful fungi in moss-covered forests, button grass plains, oasis-like lakes, and fields that looked like they belonged in the African savannah—or where dinosaurs might have once roamed—it blew me away.

Oh, and the Fagus trees! WOW. They were incredibly beautiful. I can’t imagine the walk without those golden hues draped over the mountains. Even the amended itinerary (due to the loss of our Pine Moor Forest Hut in bushfires) pushed me out of my comfort zone—and for that, I’m now very grateful.

3. Did anything surprise you about the trip, and what was the moment of the adventure?

The sheer beauty of standing on top of Marion’s Lookout with Cradle Mountain in the distance—it felt surreal. But the moment for me came right near the end, in the final steps. I realised I had just completed the Overland Track. I was fitter than I thought, completely at peace… and already wanted to do it all again. Some people dream of Everest Base Camp—but for me, it was always the Overland.

4. Describe the feeling of reaching our accommodation (and wine and warmth) at the end of a big day walking…

Blessed. I felt so fortunate to arrive each night in such a great space. The warmth, the wine, the company, the guides cooking us dinner, the hot showers, comfy beds… all of it was just so good.

5. Advice to people considering walking the Overland?

If you enjoy hiking, you must do this at least once in your lifetime. We have a World Heritage-listed trail right here on our doorstep—and it’s absolutely incredible. Train for it… and DO IT!

6. Where to next?

The Camino! All of it—from France to Spain—with my bestie Bev, who did Cradle with me.

Want to hear more from Di?

If you’d like to learn more about Di’s experience, don’t hesitate to ask her next time you catch her on our phone. She’d love to chat about her Overland adventure and share tips on how to make the most of your own journey along this iconic trail.

Keep reading about the Overland Track

A Week In The Life of an Overland Track Guide →

Take five on the Overland: Barb's Recap →

Cradle Huts accommodation →

Overland Track: The OG. A story of where Tas Walking Co began →

Reviews of our Cradle Mountain Signature Walk →

FULL VIDEO: Cradle Mountain Signature Walk, A Great Walk of Australia →