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Wildlife along the Overland Track - The Overland Track Family, Australia
Wildlife along the Overland Track  | Matt Horspool
The famous boardwalks on the Overland Track - The Overland Track Family, Australia
The famous boardwalks on the Overland Track  | Matt Horspool
Wildlife in camp on the Overland Track - The Overland Track Family, Australia
Wildlife in camp on the Overland Track  | Matt Horspool
Discover the Overland Track's World Heritage wilderness - The Overland Track Family, Australia
Discover the Overland Track's World Heritage wilderness  | Matt Horspool

The Overland Track Family

Australia
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 10 reviews

6 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: OTF
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 6 Days
Activities
  • 6 days trekking with a full pack
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 5 nights camping
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

18kg of CO2-e PP per day

(90kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Overland Track Trip highlights

  • Complete the internationally famous Overland Track
  • Discover rich bio-diversity; sublime rainforests, beautiful sub-alpine plateaus and spectacular highland landscapes
  • End each day at scenic campsites in the remote wilderness
  • Summit Tasmania’s highest peak, Mt Ossa (weather dependent)
  • Enjoy close encounters with native animals, birds and stunning endemic plants

Overview

The Overland Track is one of Australia’s greatest wilderness experiences — and on these special family-friendly departures, it becomes an unforgettable adventure for active families with children aged 12 and over. Designed to balance challenge, comfort and connection, this six-day full-pack trek allows families to explore Tasmania’s most celebrated trail with expert support and all the essentials provided.

Starting beneath the towering crags of wulinantikala/Cradle Mountain and finishing at the rainforest-lined shores of liyawulina/Lake St Clair, you’ll walk through a spectacular tapestry of landscapes — glacial valleys, mossy Myrtle forests, alpine meadows, and ancient dolerite peaks, including the chance to summit Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain. Along the way, expect to spot wombats grazing near camp, echidnas on the trail, and wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead.

This trek includes full-service camping each night, with all group gear, tents and even sleeping bags, mats and backpacks provided — making it easier and more economical to prepare, and perfect for first-time bushwalking families. With food drops to lighten your load and two experienced wilderness guides leading the way, every detail is taken care of — from delicious hot meals and snacks to stories that bring the landscape to life.

It’s more than just a walk — it’s a shared family adventure where resilience is built, memories are made, and the digital world feels a thousand miles away. Safe, supported and truly immersive, this is the ultimate family trek through the wild heart of Tasmania.

Itinerary

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We pick you up early this morning in Launceston, from one of our two pick up locations. Our first pick up point is at 6:45am from the Grand Chancellor and our second pick up point is at 7:00am at the Penny Royal. We then drive 2.5 hours to Waldheim, ‘forest home’, where our Overland Track trek begins. The morning is spent walking up past lakes and tarns to the top of the Cradle Plateau where we are rewarded with views of Dove Lake and an endless horizon of impressive mountain ranges. The views of the iconic wulinantikala/Cradle mountain will be uninterrupted for hours as we trek across the plateau before making our way to Waterfall Valley for our first night under the stars. Walking Distance: 10.7km | Walking Time: 6 hours. *You will need to arrive in Launceston the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the pre-trip briefing.

Meals: L,D

After breakfast at our campsite we continue south to Lake Windermere. A leisurely day that offers time for a side trip to Lake Will – named after a coal prospector in the 1800s. There is opportunity to have a relaxing lunch and swim from the sandy shores of Lake Will. Returning to our packs we head back across the rolling buttongrass plains to our stunning campsite. We spend the afternoon kicking back with a hot drink taking in the fabulous views from camp, and perhaps having another refreshing swim. Walking Distance: 7.8km + side trips | Walking Time: 3 hours + side trips

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a wild day of moorlands and mountain views. We don our packs and walk across Pine Forest Moor with spectacular views across the massive Forth River Valley to the lofty heights of Mt Oakleigh and to today’s destination at its base. We descend around Mount Pelion West to a popular lunch spot at Frog Flats. After lunch we walk up through tall, lush forest onto the great expanse of Pelion Plains. We have the option of a short side trip to Old Pelion Hut to gain a deeper appreciation of the park’s rich history. Walking Distance: 16.8km | Walking Time: 7 hours

Meals: B,L,D

From camp we continue walking south through Myrtle forest, past tufted Pandani trees, then up to the saddle (1113m) between Mount Pelion East and Mount Ossa. This is the perfect place for a well deserved rest. In fine weather climbing Mount Ossa – Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617m – is without a doubt one of the highlights of the Overland Track. With magnificent views in all directions we continue south into Pinestone Valley to our creek-side campsite overlooking the grand spires of Cathedral Mountain. Walking Distance: 8.6km + side trips | Walking Time: 5 hours + side trips

Meals: B,L,D

Today we walk through towering rainforests of Leatherwood and Sassafrass trees, heading towards three of Tasmania’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls. The first we visit is Fergusson Falls, named after a former ranger at Lake St Clair, followed by Dalton Falls. The third of these enchanting falls is the spectacular Hartnett Falls, named after Paddy Hartnett, an eccentric Irish bushman who was rarely seen without his bowler hat. We walk up through Du Cane Gap then descend to our campsite at Bert Nichols. Walking Distance: 9.6km + side trips | Walking Time: 4 hours + side trips

Meals: B,L,D

Today we pack our backpacks for the final day on the track, which takes us through mixed eucalyptus and stands of temperate rainforest to the shore of liyawulina/Lake St Clair, the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere. As we near liyawulina/Lake St Clair we can gaze up to the peaks of Mt Ida and majestic Mount Olympus. We catch a 30 minute ferry across the lake, providing spectacular views back upon the mountains we’ve walked past, and a wonderful conclusion to our Overland Track trek. After time to explore the visitor centre and a celebratory lunch, we board the bus for our return drive across the Central Plateau to Launceston. We will return to Launceston at approximately 5pm, our two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal. Walking Distance: 9km | Walking Time: 4 hours

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 28 Dec 2026 and 4 Apr 2027.

  • Departs 28 Dec 2026 – ends 2 Jan 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 4 Apr 2027 – ends 9 Apr 2027 (6 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • 5 nights camping
  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners snacks and hot drinks
  • Food drop provisions along the track
  • Transport by private minibus
  • Lake St. Clair ferry passage
  • National Park fees
  • Overland Track Permit
  • Tent, backpack and gaiters
  • Sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit

Not included

  • Travel to and from Launceston
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature - alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser
Overland Track Guided Trek - What You Need To Know

Reviews (10)

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The website is very accessible and very user friendly

Boaz|Elsternwick, VIC
23 Apr 2025
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Very well managed and guides Mr Jessie and Mr Liam were good at there job and motivational.

Shyam Sunder|Phillip Bay, NSW
22 Apr 2025
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This April school holidays, my 75 year old grandpa, my dad, and I, went on the Overland Track, along with my dad’s friend and two other people. We were accompanied by guides Jessie and Liam from Tasmanian Expeditions. The guides aided us the entire way, whether it was going up steep inclines, cooking food, or keeping possums from stealing our snacks! Overall I learnt a lot from our highly knowledgeable guides: Tasmanian Botany, setting up tents, good gear for other adventures, and about the wildlife and landscape. I would certainly recommend doing this trip with Tasmanian Expeditions, as they optimise the Tasmanian hiking experience.

Sabal (13)

Sabal|Phillip Bay, NSW
22 Apr 2025
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Jessie and Liam were fantastic guides, very knowledgeable and happy to share information, very helpful with advice on camping and hiking, very attentive to needs of the guests and very good cooks! The food was very appropriate for the trip and not lacking in quantity. They were also very good with attending to minor medical issues with guests. I cannot recommend the trip and the whole experience highly enough, Tasmania is truly an unspoilt gem....

Carlo|South Perth, WA
22 Apr 2025
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We walked the Overland track as a family (parents and 3 teenagers) with guides Bel and Liam. We couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Everything was well planned and organised. The food was excellent and abundant. The equipment was all just right. In their expert hands and with their guidance and encouragement, we were free to enjoy walking, swimming and climbing our way through this stunning environment.

We got so much more out of the experience than we would have if we had gone on our own. Thanks!

Helen Donovan|Newport, VIC
27 Jan 2025
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What an amazing trip with this company. The guides are fabulous and they did their utmost to ensure that our experience was the best it could possibly be. Of course, we had the best and worst of Tassie weather thrown at us, yet the challenging changing aspects were circumvented by expert guidance, great food, awesome campsites and jaw dropping scenery. I thank Tasmanian Expeditions for their outstanding service and would recommend them highly to any keen adventurers.

Michael Tabrett|Riverview, NSW
6 Jan 2025
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Had a fantastic trek on the Family Overland trek. Guides Ryan and Jess were brilliant, and ensured a great trip.

Gregory Barton|Brighton, VIC
21 Jan 2024
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My 16 year old son and I had an amazing time walking the Overland Track with Tasmanian Expeditions. I'm 65 years old and I had not done a lot of trekking in recent years, so I wanted to be sure I was with a capable team. Our guides Ryan and Jess were fabulous in so many ways: from providing great food, advice, knowledge and keeping our group of 7 walkers cheery and supported. I cannot recommend Tasmanian Expeditions highly enough.

Peter Solness|Bundeena, NSW
16 Jan 2024
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Phillip Akins|Bethesda, MD
14 Jan 2025

Responsible Travel

Reconciliation Action Plan
The cultural conversation at Standley Chasm will teach you more about Arrente country | Luke Tscharke
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
 
As an Australian-owned and operated organisation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing custodianship of the land, waters and culture for over 60,000 years.
 
In April 2024, we launched our inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Our vision is to create cultural safety within the community, our organisation, and on all the lands we are privileged to share, through collaboration, meaningful engagement, and continuous learning while respecting the wisdom of Traditional Custodians.
 
For nearly four decades, we have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to curate immersive adventure experiences across Australia. Every journey begins with a meaningful Acknowledgement of Country, and most of our Australian multi-day itineraries include cultural engagement with local Traditional Custodians.
 
Our Australian Walking Holidays, Tasmanian Expeditions, and Blue Mountain Adventure Company divisions hold Triple Certification from Ecotourism Australia, including the Respecting our Culture Certification, underscoring our dedication to cultural authenticity, responsible business practices, and acknowledging the profound spiritual connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land and water.
 
Read our RAP

Extra trip info

AccommodationTrail surfacesWill My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us
Campsite on Overland Track | Brad Atwal

Wilderness Camping

The 5 nights of the tour will be spent camping along the track at designated commercial campsite areas. These areas have timber platforms for our tents to be pitched on and nearby rainwater tanks and composting toilet facilities. The camps have a basic kitchen prep area however there is no other shelter or seating available.

Camp setup on the Overland Track

Wilderness Camping

Tasmanian Expeditions provides strong, 2 person, bushwalking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. Our tents weigh approx 3kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant. We use a range of high quality 3-4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered on our adventures.

The Overland Track, Tasmania's most famous walk | Mark Whitelock

Boardwalk

The boardwalks are synonymous with the Overland Track but note that it does not extend for the entire walk. The start of the walk offers well maintained boardwalks and as you get further into your hike they will be less common. During some sections you'll encounter the original boardwalks, which do not have any extra wire on them to protect against slipping. In some places the boardwalk is quite wide and in others it is a little thinner. Walking poles are recommended.

Tree roots cover alot of the trail | Brad Atwal

Tree Roots

Much of the trail is not covered by the famous boardwalk, or it has old boardwalks that are not maintained. You will encounter alot of tree roots, which can be slippery. For this reason we recommend high cut boots, for extra protection against rolling your ankle. Walking poles are strongly recommended as you will need to walk over tree roots in many places along the Overland Track as you ascend and descend hills along the trail.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be rough and steep in sections. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, through muddy sections and if you choose some of the side trips you will scramble over rocks.

We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.

We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.

You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You will be carrying a full pack of around 15-17kg and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. The terrain is rugged and remote. This trek should not be underestimated as it can be tough and challenging.

For your expedition you will need to carry all equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90litres in capacity. Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be approximately 15-17kg.

The trip runs between October and April when we have the best chance for warmer temperatures, but you are likely to experience all sorts of weather while in Tasmania. Tasmania is known for it's rapidly changing weather. You will need to be prepared to walk in all weather conditions as winds, steady rain, and even snow in elevated areas, can occur at any time of year.

In Spring (October and November) you will enjoy fewer crowds and the wildflowers are in bloom. Spring marks the return of longer, warmer days while still being cool at night.

In Summer (December to February) you can experience ideal weather conditions. This is the most popular time to walk in Tasmania so you may encounter more people on the trail.

In Autumn you can experience calm, sunny days, and cool crisp nights. You can also witness some of the leaves and trees begin to change colours.

As the Overland Track is renowned as being a true wilderness walk, you cannot expect phone reception while on the trail. For trekkers who summit Mount Ossa and Cradle Mountain, there is sometimes sporadic phone reception. However, this cannot be relied upon. Our guides carry emergency satellite phones which allow them to communicate with our base in Launceston if any emergencies arise. Rest assured you are not completely alone in the wilderness.

Unfortunately there are no charging facilities at any of the huts along the Overland Track. We recommend bringing extra batteries or solar chargers for your phones. To conserve battery power on your mobile devices, turn your phones into flight mode.

You can either leave your excess luggage at the hotel that you stay at the night prior to the trip beginning, or alternatively, we can store it for you at our office in Launceston.

You will be returned to your accommodation at approximately 5pm on the final day of the trek.

This trek commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing at 2pm on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing and that you bring along all of the gear/clothing required for your expedition with you.

Yes, you will be provided with all of your gear for the trek at the briefing and pack your backpack and leave it with the guides for Day 1 of the trip.

We highly recommend that you have high cut hiking boots for this trail. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you may encounter mud along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability in mud or slippery tree roots. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

The day pack that we recommend for the Overland Track should be a small compressible day pack that folds down to as small as your hand if not smaller. This is only to be used when you do side trips, as you will leave your 70-90L backpack at the trail head and return to it after the side trip. It is not mandatory that you have the day pack, but we find that it is convenient to have one. An example of what we suggest for a daypack is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack

Unfortunately there are no shower facilities on the camping expeditions along the Overland Track. For those who are concerned about washing, the closest you’ll come to a bath are the alpine lakes that are accessible each day, where you can have a quick refreshing dip. However, for a real cleanse we recommend you bring baby wipes (remember to take them out with you as well!).

Tasmania prides itself on clean pure water and most of the water along the track is safe to drink without purifying. Fresh rainwater tanks supplied by Parks and Wildlife can be found at each of the campsites, and you can also fill up your water bottle at many of the springs along the way.

You’d be surprised how much food you’ll eat after a day’s trekking along the Overland Track. Our guides are experienced when it comes to preparing meals along the Overland Track. Thanks to a food drop on day #3, we are able to have fresh produce every night along the trail. Lunches usually consist of vegetable wraps with hams, chicken or salami, while evening meals can vary from curries, stroganoff and pastas. Desserts include improvised apple pie, and even a chocolate mousse if you’re lucky! Start your day with a hearty porridge or muesli, with snacks throughout the day including fruit and nuts, muesli bars and some fruit.

As this is a full pack adventure, each trekker is required to carry a portion of the group’s food, whether it be a couple of cucumbers, lettuce heads or a bag of pasta. All types of dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free, nut free etc.

It’s not uncommon to encounter leeches on the Overland Track, particularly in areas with a lot of leaf foliage and tree coverage. Leeches tend to breed in warm moist areas, so can be spotted during the summer months in marshy areas. Leech bites do not hurt, however if they bother you, we suggest bringing a salt solution to remove them from your skin if you come into contact with them.

  • Better food - food drops make it possible for first time bushwalkers
  • Great discounted price for children between 12 and 16
  • Lightweight tent and other essential gear provided
  • Have operated walks on the Overland Track since 1967

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