Walk The Overland Track for Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania
April 29 - May 4, 2023 | Price: $3,795*
During the stunning autumn in Tasmania's remote alpine region, walk the Overland Track with Cradle Mountain Huts and support Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania. A small not-for-profit organisation, Arthritis Tasmania exists to make a positive difference to the lives of all Tasmanians affected by or at risk of developing arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions.
Over six days, embrace the challenge of the iconic Overland Track, retreating each evening to the only private accommodation along the trail. Discover the rare beauty and diversity of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Join expert guides as they take the lead across this ancient landscape. They’ll also take the heavy load, leaving you with a lightweight pack. At the end of each day, retreat to a hot shower, sumptuous meals, freshly baked bread, a glass of Tasmanian wine and a comfortable bed.
The Tasmanian Walking Company has provided a $500 discount for each guest (*full retail price $4,295) in support of Arthritis & Osteporosis Tasmania. Guests are invited to use the trek as a challenge to raise funds and must raise or donate $1,000 to have this discount applied. All donations greater than $2 are tax-deductible. Guests will be introduced to the team at Arthritis Tasmania to organise fundraising and/or donations.
All funds raised from this walk will go directly to connecting young Tasmanian’s living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and their families with support and services to lighten the load of their journey.
Direct bookings only. For all enquiries and bookings please contact Tasmanian Walking Company on (03) 6392 2211 or email bookings@taswalkingco.com.au
Introducing Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania
A small not-for-profit organisation, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania exists to make a positive difference to the lives of all Tasmanians affected by or at risk of developing arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions.
We understand the serious impact that arthritis and related conditions can have on people and offer our services with compassion and respect for each person’s unique experience and situation.
This fundraising activity is aimed at increasing access for families and children affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) by developing connection gateways to services, information and networks in Tasmania. JIA is one of the most common, as well as serious, persistent medical conditions of childhood. We will raise the profile of the condition and connect those affected by it with the support they need.
Every step you take on this fundraising walk will help raise awareness and bridge the gap Tasmanians face when seeking treatment and support.
Overland Track (Cradle Mountain Signature Walk) (Six-days)
Tasmania’s Overland Track is famous the world over and our signature trip is the way to experience it in classic style. Across six days, our most popular Overland experience completes the full journey from World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair.
The fully-guided walk begins at Waldheim in Cradle Valley and journeys some 65 kilometres through to Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest natural lake. Our signature walk does not include multiple side trips, but there is the opportunity on Day Four to summit Mount Ossa.
Come join our most loved iconic walk.
Day 1: Waldheim to Barn Bluff Hut
Approximately 7 hours walking
On the summit of Cradle Mountain in 1910, Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer proclaimed, “This must be a national park for the people for all time.” It’s fitting our journey begins at Waldheim in Cradle Valley, where Weindorfer’s story is told. We set off on the track, venturing through ancient temperate rainforest, passing the dramatic glacially-carved Crater Lake.
We climb the steepest section of the whole Overland Track today fuelled by a hearty lunch. Reaching Marion’s Lookout (1250m) takes about an hour, with steps leading through steeper sections. The reward, providing weather conditions allow, is staggering views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Every uphill step is worth it.
We continue around the base of Cradle Mountain along the edge of a spectacular glacial cirque before dropping into Waterfall Valley. Our private hut awaits beneath towering Barn Bluff. Having completed the steepest part of your journey (excluding side trips), it’s a welcome retreat after several hours walking over exposed alpine plateau where some days the wind howls - a reminder of nature’s power.
Day 2: Barn Bluff Hut to Pine Forest Moor Hut
Approximately 6 hours walking
Today we’ll be walking across plains where glaciers once rested, slowly moving and scouring out shallow tarns. Although an undulating trek with a few sections of exposed moorland, there are no significant climbs today.
We take our time venturing across vast button grass plains where ancient pencil pines fringe alpine tarns. Rising from the moors, the peaks of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff are behind us. Look ahead, and the stately Mt Pelion West comes into view.
Those looking for additional challenge today can take a side trip to Lake Will. Hugged by pencil pines and with its narrow quartzite sand rim, Lake Will is striking. Keep an eye out for gravel mounds along the way, remnants of Joseph Will’s coal mining efforts in the 1890s.
This evening, at Pine Forest Moor Hut, enjoy our outdoor dining setting with views out to Mt Oakleigh in fine weather.
Day 3: Pine Forest Moor Hut to Pelion Hut
Approximately 5 hours walking
This morning we venture through gorgeous myrtle-beech rainforest as we descend around the base of Mt Pelion West, down to the Forth River before it plunges into Lemonthyme Valley. We’ll take a break at Frog Flats beside the Forth River, which happens to be the Overland Track’s lowest point.
From here, it’s a gentle ascent back out of the valley. We leave thick Eucalypt forest behind as the trees part to reveal Pelion Plains. Uninterrupted views of Mt Oakleigh’s dolerite spires now come into play.
The Pelion Plains area offers a host of side trips, hugged by mountainous terrain. There are excellent swimming holes, peaceful nooks to rest and abandoned copper mines to explore. Come nightfall, we’ll be nestled amongst dry sclerophyll forest at Pelion Hut.
Day 4: Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut
Approximately 4-9 hours walking (Optional 5hr side trip to Mt Ossa)
Today begins with a climb of almost 300m to Pelion Gap through beautiful rainforest. Pelion Gap is a plateau stretching between Mt Pelion East and Mt Ossa, affording fantastic views to the south as well as back to the north.
There’s plenty of time for side trips from Pelion Gap including the option to summit Mt Ossa. At 1617m, it is Tasmania’s highest peak. There are other less challenging climbs, including Mt Doris.
From Pelion Gap it's a further two hours of gentle downhill to the hut. Today, choose to keep things relaxed or challenge yourself to stand atop the island’s highest point. Once we arrive at Kia Ora Hut, enjoy a Tasmanian drop with spectacular views out to Cathedral Mountain.
Day 5: Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge Hut
Approximately 4 hours walking
Day five is about icy-flowing waterfalls. We depart Kia Ora hut and walk about an hour to Du Cane, where a 1910-built hut remains from the long-gone days of animal trapping. Du Cane Hut is a fine spot to rest, surounded by native gardens and overlooked by the spectacular Du Cane Range.
From here, we wander through some of the oldest forest in the National Park, with King Billy pines as much as 2000 years old. Now, we are above the Mersey River, which descends deeply northward towards Bass Strait, spilling down cliff faces.
There are three major sets of waterfalls in the area. We aim to visit one or more of these, choosing the best to have lunch beside depending on conditions. During the afternoon, we make our way over Du Cane Gap, then descend beside the spectacular Falling Mountain to Windy Ridge Hut. Tonight is a celebratory one, our last evening on the track.
Day 6: Windy Ridge Hut to Lake St Clair
Approximately 3 hours walking
Our destination today is Australia’s deepest natural lake - Lake St Clair - shaped by glaciations over two million years. Birdsong helps us along this final day as we walk mainly through flowering dry sclerophyll forests.
We arrive at Narcissus Hut at the northern end of Lake St Clair in time for lunch, before boarding the Idaclair cruise boat for a spectacular 17km cruise back to Cynthia Bay. You will have about 30 minutes to look around the Visitor Centre here.
The return trip to Entally Lodge is through the trout fishing mecca of the highland lakes, descending the rugged Western Tiers. We’ll cross the broad plains of the Northern Midlands, passing through the rurural townships of Cressy and Longford.
The Track and the Weather
At any time of the year, you can experience extreme conditions on the Overland Track. As well as sunny days, you may encounter freezing temperatures, wind, rain, sleet, and snow. It is best to be ready for these possibilities, which can make the track even more challenging. Expect uneven, rocky, and slippery surfaces, wet tree roots and deep puddles, mud, snow, slush, and ice. You can also expect wet and cold boots. Wool socks, merino thermal layers, quality wet weather gear and hiking poles all assist. Please ensure you are fit and able, and follow the advice on what to pack in our gear list. If you follow the training plan, you will find the walk more enjoyable. If you have any questions, please contact our reservations team. Below are some images of the track after rain. Enjoy the comfort of warm and dry huts each evening! Please prepare and pack well and follow the advice in our trip notes' training plan.
Exclusive Accommodation
True shelter — something that gives protection and refuge, simple and sustainable, clean and comfortable.
Our groups have the exclusive use of the only private hut accommodation along the Overland Track. Each hut has been discretely located off the main trail and offers a hot shower, drying room and twin share accommodation.
Our Private Huts
Operating and owning the only private hut accommodation along the Overland Track is a great privilege, and we take our responsibility toward the National Park & the natural environment very seriously. Operating in such a delicate environment, Cradle Mountain Huts places a great deal of importance on minimal impact track and hut practices and the huts are designed to be ecologically sustainable. Each hut is architecturally designed to maximize cross flow ventilation and operate with maximum efficiency with renewable energy. Our private Cradle Mountain Huts are maintained by us to ensure your comfort.
There will be afternoon tea, as well as some time to relax and enjoy your surroundings before dinner is served. In the evening, you are free to relax or take an early night and feel refreshed and revived in the morning.
There are games and a number of books in each hut, which can be enjoyed in the lounge area or, in warm weather, out on the deck or helipad.
The remote location of the huts demands that they are autonomous in terms of servicing. Rain water is chanelled off the roofs into tanks and the huts incorporate self-composting, water-free batching toilets. We provide phosphorous-free soap for our guests, and all waste water is separated through grease traps and sand filters. The residue is regularly removed from each site, along with all other rubbish. Gas and solar are the only sources of power, used for lighting, heating and cooking.
Provisioning of these huts is a unique procedure, once again due to their remote location. Only twice each season, supplies of food, wine and gas cylinders are flown in by helicopter over a two-day period, while all garbage and waste matter is flown out. Nothing is left within the National Park.
Itinerary Details
Cradle Mountain Huts Autumn Walk for
Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania
- April 29 - May 4, 2023
- $3,795 (inc. GST) per person (discounted from $4,295)
- 6 Day Guided Walk (Twin Share)
- Minimum of 6 guests (Twin Share). Maximum of 12.
Fundraising:
- For all enquiries and bookings please contact Tasmanian Walking Company on (03) 6392 2211 or email bookings@taswalkingco.com.au
- Bookings will be forwarded to Arthritis Tasmania to arrange the donation or fundraising of $1,000.
- Once the goal has been met, a $500 discount will be applied to the booking.
- The Tasmanian Walking Company's reservations team will manage all bookings.
- This is a discounted price, based upon the achievement of a fundraising target or donation of $1,000. All donations greater than $2 are tax-deductible.
Direct bookings only:
- For all enquiries and bookings please contact Tasmanian Walking Company on (03) 6392 2211 or email bookings@taswalkingco.com.au.
- Or complete the below enquiry form.
- This walk cannot be booked in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.
Booking Terms and Conditions
These are in addition to our standard booking terms and conditions.
- All prices are quoted per person in $AUD including GST.
- A deposit of $500 per person and the Guest Information Form are due within five days of booking.
- The final payment is due 90 days before departure. For reservations made three months or less from the departure date, full payment is due at the time of booking.
- Cancellations
- more than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance of payment refunded;
- between 90 and 60 days prior to departure, you will be charged 50% of the full trip cost with the balance refunded; or
- within 60 days of departure, no refund is available. Bookings are transferable.
- Travel and pre and post-trip accommodation expenses are not included.
- This walk cannot be booked in conjunction with any other offers and discounts.
- Single supplements are not available on this walk.
- The group may include guests not walking for Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania.
Peace of Mind Booking Assurance
Inclusions
- Return transfers between Launceston and the walk base.
- Accommodation each evening in one of our five private huts — twin share.
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines.
- National Park and Overland Track passes for the duration of the walk.
- Boat transfer across Lake St Clair (on Day 6 of the six-day walk only).
- Use of a backpack and Gore-Tex jacket for the duration of the walk.
- Sleeping bags, pillows and a comfortable mattress at each hut.
- Sleeping sheet and pillowcase to carry with you.
- Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk.
Enquire
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