All activities / Trekking / Hiking / Cradle Mountain
Trekking / Hiking in Cradle MountainAU
The northern gateway of Tasmania's Overland Track: 65km of World Heritage wilderness walked one way, south, under a hard daily cap.
Why here
The Overland Track is a 65km, six-day traverse from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, run under one of the world's most structured trekking permit systems: in the booked season walking is one-way north to south, capped at 34 independent departures a day, and the summer permits sell out within hours of their July release. The discipline is the point; the track never feels crowded, and side trips to Mount Ossa, Tasmania's highest point, and a string of waterfalls stretch the fit. Licensed operators run parallel guided models from full-pack camping treks to the only private-hut lodge walk on the track, which is as close as trekking gets to first class.
Best months
The booked season runs October 1 to May 31, southern-hemisphere summer; December to February is peak and sells out fastest. Alpine weather bites year-round, and snow in November or March is unremarkable. The 2026-27 independent permits release on July 7 2026.
Getting there & around
Fly to Launceston or Devonport; transfers run to Cradle Valley. Independent walkers book through Parks and Wildlife Tasmania and carry full packs; the exit crosses Lake St Clair by ferry or adds a day's walk. Guided treks bundle permits.
Skill levels: intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Tasmanian Expeditions
OutfitterGuided six-day full-pack camping treks on the Overland from October to April, permits included; part of the World Expeditions group, operating since 1967.
Tasmanian Walking Company
OutfitterRuns the seven-day Cradle Mountain Signature Walk using the track's only private huts, with advanced ecotourism certification.