Six Days Hiking The Overland Track

15 Jan Six Days Hiking The Overland Track

Most Queensland hikers despair at the inevitable approach of summer. When daytime temperatures  can rise to 30 Celsius plus and an afternoon thunderstorm rolls in sending everyone scurrying for cover. It can make hiking in the sunshine state less attractive. Yet, in some parts of the country hiking is at it’s best.  A trip to the island state Tasmania is a good place to be for summer hiking in Australia. The Overland Track has always been on my radar and 2017 was the year to tick that box and say, “I did it!”.  So a week before Christmas my husband Dan and myself flew into Launceston to walk the track.  The hike is located in Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.

We chose to walk with the guided Cradle Mountain Huts Walk. Which meant we had a little luxury at the end of the day with a shower, bed and a cooked hot meal. The huts were well equipped with reading material, good wine and a selection of board games and playing cards.

Day 1

Day 1 saw us start the walk in the Cradle Mountain Park we ascend the steepest terrain on the first day, which certainly got the heart rate elevated. However, each steep section we did on that first day was rewarded with outstanding views. This was Dan’s first multi-day hike walk so he was very thankful that he carried a lighter pack 10kg and not the 25kg pack that the guides had on their backs.

Day 2

Rising bright but not too early we were greeted with a wholesome breakfast and a good selection of food for our lunch box. On the second day, we made a side trip to Lake Will, which was misty and very reminiscent of walking the Scottish Highlands, across marshlands. On this day the Tasmanian wildflowers were prolific covering the landscape with blushes of purple, pink and white. It was spectacular!

Day 3

Ok, not so bushy-tailed on but thankfully not too early either.  We rise and set off along the track walking through gorgeous Myrtle Beech and Eucalypt Forest. It is a more leisurely day and, the rhythm of the trail was starting to settle into the body.  It was at this point I’m very thankful that we still have another three days of walking and lots more exploring to do.

Day 4

If climbing tickles your fancy then day 4 is just for you! Mt Ossa was on offer. Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617m, a five-hour return hike…who could refuse! It was a spectacular day with clear skies and high visibility. So our entire group except one set off on the climb. It was a beautiful hike on the way up with alpine gardens, magnificent rock formations, changing views and snow. Then we were further spoilt with a fantastic panorama, clear skies and lunch at the summit. To say the least, it was a long day.  I was so grateful to be greeted at the hut by our guide with a cup of hot tea. Bed never felt so good that night!

Day 5

Time was ticking, and we were fast approaching the end of our hike, with only two more days of hiking. But today was waterfall day! Two waterfalls were on offer to view if we were prepared to hike to them! And of course, we did. Who doesn’t love the sound and power of water rushing over the edge of a cliff, pounding to the water below? Not to mention the smell and feel of the fresh, misty air that surrounds you! And if you were game, a quick swim in the icy cold water, or a dip of your feet at the water’s edge! Then off to our final nights stay at Windy Ridge Hut, which was appropriately named.

Day 6

Our final day of The Overland Track was a short walk of about 3 hours to the Lake St Clair National Park and then a ferry ride to Cynthia Bay. Lake St Clair is Australia’s deepest natural lake. As we cruise along the a 17km ferry ride, I reflected on the past six days and wondered when ‘time’ would allow me to get back to this beautiful part of the world.

It’s nice to spoil yourself now and then and get away the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To spend six days in the mountains hiking ancient landscapes being in the wilderness with like-minded people is an experience to cherish and one not to be forgotten.