Experience the magic of winter on the Overland Track with a 5-day walk starting at Waldheim and ending at Arm River. Often overlooked during the colder months, winter unveils a stunning landscape for those willing to embrace the chill. Snow enthusiasts will find themselves in a picturesque winter wonderland throughout this journey.
Cover the first half of the Overland Track, with highlights such as Marion’s Lookout, Cradle Mountain, ancient rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, all set against a breathtaking snowy backdrop.
After a day of exploring, retreat to our cozy private huts tucked within the national park, complete with hot showers and a selection of fine Tasmanian wine. Come join us for a winter adventure!
On the first day, we’ll embark on a relaxed journey to Cradle Valley. We plan to reach Cradle Mountain Hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 PM, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and settle in for the night.
Please arrive at Red Feather Inn by 11:30 AM for a briefing. Our shuttle will depart from Chalmers Church in Launceston at 11:10 AM, providing a short transfer to our walk base. Once there, you’ll meet your guides, complete a gear check, and enjoy a communal lunch before heading up to Cradle Valley.
Approximately 7 hours walking (more in challenging weather)
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 that our journey begins at Waldheim in Cradle Valley, where Weindorfer’s story unfolds. As we set off on the track, we traverse ancient temperate rainforests and pass the dramatic, glacially-carved Crater Lake.
Many consider this the most challenging day, as we tackle the steepest section of the entire Overland Track. The climb to Marion’s Lookout (1250m) takes about an hour, with steps aiding us through the steepest parts. If the weather permits, the reward is a breathtaking view of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake, making every uphill step worthwhile.
If the weather is favorable, we’ll stop for lunch by the serene Plateau Creek. We then continue for about four more hours, skirting the base of Cradle Mountain and along the edge of a spectacular glacial cirque. We descend into Waterfall Valley, cross it, and finally reach our hut at the base of the towering Barn Bluff (1559m), having completed the steepest part of our journey (excluding side trips).
After several hours of traversing the exposed alpine plateau, our hut is a welcome retreat. On clear days, the views are stunning, while in rough weather, the howling wind adds an exciting and sometimes challenging element to our trek.
Approximately 6 hours walking (more in challenging weather)
Today, we'll traverse plains once shaped by glaciers, which slowly carved out shallow tarns. Despite being an undulating trek with some exposed moorland, there are no significant climbs today.
We'll take our time crossing vast button grass plains, where ancient pencil pines border alpine tarns. Behind us, the peaks of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff gradually fade from view. Ahead, the majestic Mt Pelion West comes into sight.
For those seeking an additional challenge, a side trip to Lake Will is available, weather permitting. Encircled by pencil pines and featuring a narrow quartzite sand rim, Lake Will is truly striking. Along the way, keep an eye out for gravel mounds, remnants of Joseph Will’s coal mining efforts in the 1890s.
This evening, at Pine Forest Moor Hut, enjoy our outdoor dining area with views of Mt. Oakleigh, weather permitting.
Approximately 5 hours walking (more in challenging weather)
Today, we start with a gradual descent around the base of Mt Pelion West, leading down to the Forth River before it cascades into the Lemonthyme Valley. After a break at Frog Flats by the Forth River, we embark on a long, gentle ascent out of the valley onto the stunning Pelion Plains, offering spectacular views of Mount Oakleigh (1252m).
If the weather permits, there are numerous side trips in the Pelion Plains area. You can explore the surrounding mountains, visit abandoned copper mines, or find serene and humbling spots to rest quietly.
Approximately 6 hours walking (more in challenging weather)
Today, we head east, crossing Pelion Plains and skirting the southern shore of Lake Ayr, mainly meandering through open eucalypt forests and across button grass plains. We then follow a gentle incline along the Innes Track before stopping for lunch near Wurragarra Creek.
From here, Mount Pillinger and peaks along the Overland Track dominate our view. After lunch, we pass the mirror-like waters of Lake Price before making a sharp descent into the Mersey Valley near the Arm River. Here, our shuttle bus will be waiting. Our return trip to the walk base at Red Feather Inn takes us through the Mole Creek Karst area and the rural township of Deloraine.
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Walk with us into a World Heritage site. A seven-day guided walk along the iconic Overland Track, retreating each evening to the comfort of the only private accommodation along the trail.
Ready for a challenge? Join us for a seven-day guided alternative to our Signature walk, with challenging side trips and mountain climbs. Unwinding each night in our private huts on the trail.
A challenging eight day guided walk along the iconic Overland Track in winter, climbing through a breathtaking snowy landscape and staying in our private huts along the trail.
Cradle Mountain Signature Walk (4-day) is a shorter alternative to our six-day guided walk, walking from Waldheim to Arm River along the iconic Overland Track and retreating each night in our private huts on the trail.
5 Days
Grade
Private Huts
51KM
