Rediscover your nomadic ways in a truly amazing place. Step by step along Tasmania’s 36-mile Overland Track, among its serene mountains, calm lakes and dark forests, the pace of life will slow.

The Cradle Mountain Huts six-day walk is a fabulous journey within Tasmania’s World Heritage Area. Following the famous Overland Track, the walk extends from Cradle Valley to Lake St. Clair through a variety of spectacular landscapes.

INCLUSIONS:

• 6 day guided walk
• 5 nights accommodation with private facilities
• Round-trip transfers from Launceston
• Ferry trip on Lake St Clair
• Use of backpacks, rain jackets and sleeping bags
• Experienced guides
• All meals on the walk including wine at dinner

ITINERARY

Day One
The first day begins with a drive from our walking base near Launceston through the historic countryside of Deloraine and Sheffield to Cradle Valley. The walk begins at the romantic Waldheim Chalet in Cradle Valley, where you are greeted by inquisitive wallabies. You climb onto the alpine plateau with spectacular views of Dove and Crater Lakes. Lunch is held below the spires of Cradle Mountain or at Fury Gorge. In the afternoon you walk the rim of the glacial cirque before passing through Waterfall Valley. The night is spent at Barn Bluff Hut which nestles beneath this majestic mountain. Walk approximately 6.84 miles, 5 hours

Day Two
Crossing the sedgeland moors, you pass many glacial tarns. Lunch is usually on the shores of Lake Windermere. In the afternoon you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Lemonthyme Forests from the Forth Valley lookout. The Pine Forest Moor Hut is located on the edge of the forest. Walk approximately 7.46 miles, 6 hours

Day Three
The walk follows the historic Innes Track sheltered below Mt. Pelion West, mainly through rainforest. A stop is made at Frog Flats at the headwaters to the Forth River. The final section of the day’s walk is on to the Pelion Plains where Pelion Hut is located. Walk approximately 6.21 miles, 4 hours

Day Four
Views to the South-West wilderness are possible from Pelion Gap, and it is from this point that you can elect to climb Mt. Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak). The afternoon walk is to Kia Ora Hut located below Cathedral Mountain.  Walk is approximately 5.6 miles, 4 hours (3-4 hours extra to climb Mt. Ossa).

Day Five
This day begins with a visit to the beautiful ‘Leatherwood Garden’ at the historic Du Cane Hut. The middle section of the day is spent meandering along the Mersey River visiting the spectacular waterfalls including the D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls. The hut at Windy Ridge is reached through magical myrtle forests. Walk approximately 5.6 miles, 4 hours

Day Six
The northern shores of Lake St. Clair are reached through superb eucalypt forests. Here you are met and taken on a 17km boat cruise along Tasmania’s deepest and most spectacular lake. Leaving the Overland Track behind you as you pass over the waters of the lake is a memorable way to conclude your walk. The return trip to Quamby Estate is through the trout fishing mecca of the highland lakes, descending the rugged Western Tiers, past the majestic Quamby Bluff and through Golden Valley.  Walk approximately 5.6 miles, 3 hours

FITNESS LEVEL:

The walk is graded “moderate” by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. If you are medically healthy and participate in some form of physical activity on a regular basis, then you should enjoy our walking holiday. Needless to say the best preparation for walking is walking, with a pack if possible. If you follow the gear list, your pack can weigh as little as 7.5kg. The average walking time each day is 6 hours. The Overland Track is rugged under foot and muddy in sections, it is therefore essential that you have good lace-up walking boots with treaded soles and firm ankle support. All the suggested gear is provided for your comfort and safety.

GROUP SIZE:
Walking groups consist of a maximum of 10 and a minimum of 4 people, plus 2 qualified guides.