This is a 6-day Overland Track adventure; you’ll carry a large pack and learn to adapt in the wilderness. With this adventure departing in the main walking season from October to May, conditions are generally good for camping and walking. The roughly 65km Overland Track starts at Cradle Mountain in Tasmania’s central northwest and finishes at the northern shores of Lake St Clair. As you head south, you will pass through an array of unique Central Highland landscapes such as moss-lined Jurassic-looking forests, low alpine moorlands, eucalyptus woodlands and scenic mountain plateaus and passes. Along the way, there are also side trips where you will visit pristine lakes, beautiful waterfalls and historic landmarks, and weather permitting, climb Mt Ossa, the highest mountain in Tasmania. It’s hard not to see why this iconic track draws walkers from all over the world to experience the beauty of this Wilderness World Heritage Area.
DIFFICULTY
Medium
FITNESS
Medium-High
DURATION
9 Days Total
COST
From $2,700.00
Be amazed by the Jurassic looking rainforests and landscapes of this World Heritage Listed region
Enjoy spectacular views of Crater lake and Dove Lake from the famous Marrion's Lookout
Explore famous Cradle Mountain and Kitchener's Hut on the way to Waterfall Valley
Encounter on your adventure diverse species of native wildlife that call the Overland Track home
Explore and enjoy panoramic views from the summit of highest mountain in Tasmania, Mt Ossa
The Tasmanian Central Highlands are renowned for some spectacular sunrises and sunsets
Enjoy two nights accommodation in Launceston prior to the trek, and one night post to celebrate
Visit some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Tasmania such as Harnett Falls and D'Alton Falls
Tasmania's National Parks are home to some of the best trekking facilities in Australia, if not the world
Immerse yourself in the pristine landscape and be amazed by the weathered character of the flora
Departure Dates
Only a 30% deposit is required to secure your position unless the departure date is within 60 days, and then the full payment is required. If the date is not guaranteed to depart yet, please do not book flights until we have confirmed the date as guaranteed in the box.
Overland Track Overview and Itinerary
ADVENTURE OVERVIEW
Join us on this 6-day fully supported, professionally guided adventure through the iconic Overland Track during the regular walking season (October – May). All walks during the regular season walk north to south from Cradle Mountains to Lake St Clair, opposite our exclusive winter traverse.
The regular season of warmer months can deliver some of the best weather opportunities to explore this spectacular region fully. Many native flora and fauna inhabiting this world-class wilderness area thrive and are active in warmer conditions. Each day will bring a new adventure and experience as you traverse the ever-changing and beautiful landscapes as you make your way to your new overnight camp.
While there are some long days of walking, rough track sections and challenging climbs, this Overland Track adventure is graded moderate. Most of the walk is on established tracks and boardwalks suitable for adventurous and relatively fit people and healthy first-timers looking to get into more serious overnight walks. Given the Overland Track is one of Australia’s most beautiful and iconic wilderness multi-day walks, you will take home many unforgettable memories, as well as make some new lifelong adventure friendships.
Highlights
- Stunning views of the Central Tasmanian Highlands
- Complete one of Australia’s most iconic wilderness walks
- With the right conditions, summit Ossa, the highest mountain in Tasmania
- Explore the incredible beauty of this World Heritage Listed area
- Side adventures to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and historic landmarks
- Enjoy close encounters with some of the local and diverse native animals
- Learn to become more confident in the wilderness
- Get back to outdoor basics with this camping and multi-day adventure experience.
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN LAUNCESTON
Day 1 – Arrive in Launceston, Tasmania
Meals Included: meals at your own cost
Accommodation: hotel – twin share
You will arrive at Launceston Airport in Tasmania and make your way to your hotel in beautiful central Launceston. Your rooms won’t be available until around 2:00 pm, so if you arrive early, you can store your luggage at the reception. The Peak Potential Adventures Team will already be at the hotel, so arrive at your convenience, but an earlier arrival in Launceston will mean that we can use some of Saturday to sort out your equipment and complete gear checks. Earlier arrival may also mean you will have some free time to look around Launceston. That night we can head out for some team dinner.
DAY 2 - LAUNCESTON
Day 2 – Prepare for Trek in Launceston
Meals Included: meals at your own cost
Accommodation: hotel – twin share
We will use the morning to organise our food requirements for the trek, as well as sort out any last-minute personal equipment requirements. We will be mostly using dehydrated and pre-packed rations to keep your overall pack weight down during the trek. We will have a food drop walked into Pelion Plains, which is the halfway point of the trek. We will aim for pack weights to be less than 15kg, so there may be some gear rearranging required. We will assist you with this task. Any gear that you won’t be taking on the trek can be left at the hotel as we will be returning to the hotel after the trek. Please leave your remaining gear at the hotel in a locked duffel bag or suitcase. Sunday night will be a free night.
DAY 3 - BUS RIDE TO CRADLE MOUNTAIN - TREK TO WATERFALL VALLEY
Day 3 – Bus Ride Launceston to Cradle Mountain (Ronny Creek) and trek to Waterfall Valley
Walking/Travel Time: 5-6 hours and 3-hour bus ride
Distance: 10km
Meals: camp meals
Accommodation: camping in two-person tents with facilities at Waterfall Valley Hut
Our Overland Track adventure begins with a two-hour private bus ride from Launceston to Cradle Mountain. From here, we will trek to Waterfall Valley, which is a 10km trek or around 5-6 hours.
Today we will pass some of the most beautiful scenery on the track. We will trek up Marion’s Lookout, which has spectacular views back to Dove Lake and Crater Lake, which are the subject of so many beautiful photos of this region and then past Cradle Mountain. At the top of the Water Valley escarpment, before we descend into the valley, you will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views to the south of The Overland Track and across the Central Tasmanian Highlands, which we will be traversing over the coming days. Waterfall Valley is nestled below the sweeping hills of the Bluff Cirque.
DAY 4 - LAKE WINDERMERE
Day 4 – Trek Waterfall Valley to Lake Windermere
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8km plus side trips
Meals: camp meals
Accommodation: camping in two-person tents with facilities at Windermere Hut
As we head off, located close to Waterfall Valley, are several spectacular waterfalls. Surrounding the waterfalls are alpine rain forest, including the rare and ancient pencil pine native to Tasmania. Pencil pines date back more than a thousand years old and are remnants from the ancient forests that covered the earth over 60 million years ago. After exploring the waterfalls, we begin crossing undulating alpine plains that open out as we pass one of the largest lake systems in the National Park, Lake Will. The side trek to Lake Will has a beautiful view of Barn Bluff. Next, we cross alpine moorland before arriving at Lake Windermere Camp, located on the southern side of the lake. Lake Windermere provides an excellent opportunity for a refreshing swim.
DAY 5 - PELION PLAINS
Day 5 – Trek Lake Windermere to Pelion Plains
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 17km
Meals: camp meals
Accommodation: camping in two-person tents with facilities at New Pelion Plains Hut
Today will be the longest of the trek to Pelion Plains. Today begins with a walk through lightly timbered forests and across buttongrass moorlands to the beautiful lookout at Forth Gorge. In the distance from Forth Gorge lookout, you can see the peaks of mounts Ossa, Oakleigh, Pelion East and West, as well as Du Cane Range. From here, we pass over some undulating pine forest moor on our way to Frog Flats, which is a low lying wet section that is crossed by the River Forth. This low lying section of the track is home to some beautifully coloured mosses and fungi. From Frog Flats, we will ascend through thick forest to Pelion Plains, where the Forth Valley Track diverts off to the Old Pelion Hut. From here, we only have a short walk along to Pelion Plains, which is home to the largest of the track’s huts and sits at the junction of the Overland and Arm River tracks. We will also receive a food resupply at Pelion Plains.
DAY 6 - KIA ORA
Day 6 – Trek Pelion Plains to Kia Ora
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9km plus side trips
Meals: camp meals
Accommodation: camping in two-person tents with facilities at Kia Ora Hut
Today we head up towards Pelion Gap, where we will have the chance to potentially summit Mt Ossa, the highest mountain in Tasmania with a height of 1613m. The side trip to Mt Ossa is completed without your large backpack. On a clear day, Mt Ossa is a spectacular viewing platform with beautiful sweeping panoramic views of this World Heritage Area. You can see as far north as Cradle Mountain and south to Lake St Clair, where the Overland Track finishes. After our climb of Mt Ossa, we head back to Pelion Gap, where we will descend through Pinestone Valley before climbing a small ridge to arrive at our overnight camp, Kia Ora.
DAY 7 - BERT NICHOLS
Day 7 – Trek Kia Ora to Bert Nichols Hut
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10km plus side trips
Meals: camp meals
Accommodation: camping in two-person tents with facilities at Bert Nichols Hut
After leaving Kia Ora and not too far up the track, we will reach Du Cane Hut. Du Cane Hut was built in 1910 by King Billy Pine by a trapper as a support base for his trade. From there and not too far down the track, there are side trips to see the D’Alton, Fergusson, and Hartnett falls, which flow into the mighty Mersey River. The track then climbs steadily up to Du Cane Gap (1070 m), where you are rewarded with spectacular views of Mt Geryon, and the Acropolise Peaks, which are part of the Du Cane Range. The track then descends through eucalypt forests to Bert Nichols Hut, where we will spend our last night.
DAY 8 - TREK TO LAKE ST CLAIR - BUS RIDE TO LAUNCESTON
Day 8 – Walk to Narcissus Hut, ferry ride to Lake St Clair and bus ride to Launceston
Walking/Travel Time: 3-4-hours trekking and 3-hour bus
Distance: 9km
Meals Included: camp meals morning and then meals at your own cost from Lake St Clair
Accommodation: hotel – twin share
Today is the final day of your Overland Track adventure. As we leave Bert Nichols Hut, the track descends through a valley of temperate rain and eucalypt forests to the Narcissus River. We continue to follow the track to a suspension bridge that traverses over the Narcissus River, where the finish Lake St Clair is now insight. Lake St Clair is the deepest natural lake in the Southern Hemisphere, and from here, you’ll also have views of Mt Ida and Mount Olympus. From here, we will have a 30-minute ferry ride to the Lake St Clair visitors hut, where we can have a celebratory lunch and drink before we board the bus to head back to Launceston. We would arrive in Launceston late afternoon.
DAY 9 - DEPART LAUNCESTON
Day 9 – Depart Launceston for Home
Meals included: meals at your own cost
Today you will book out of your hotel in Launceston and make your own way to Launceston Airport for your return flight home. Some of you may be staying on to participate in other holiday activities in Tasmania.
Additional Information
WHY WALK WITH US
Peak Potential Adventures operates small group adventures both in Australia and overseas and was founded by a group of experienced adventurers who have built a solid and well-regarded reputation. Our experience outdoors has been built from the ground up over many years. Adaptability, planning, logistics, transparency and professionalism are our strengths and qualities. Our priorities are meeting your expectations, servicing your needs, keeping you safe, and delivering value for money adventure experience. Taking on an adventure can sometimes seem a bit daunting, so one of our most important qualities is that we are approachable and always available to answer any questions or provide advice – with us, you’ll always get a personalised level of service.
- We provide experienced and professional guides with local knowledge experience through the track
- Our Overland Track normal trek has a maximum number of 12 people or less
- We offer some flexibility with the itinerary options
- We only work with the best operator and supplier in Tasmania
- You’ll get a very high level of service because you are guided and looked after by the business stakeholders
- We are qualified personal trainers and can get you ready for your adventure with an individual training program
- All our guides hold first aid qualifications and can provide wilderness rescue
- All our adventures have formulated operational plans for emergencies or evacuations
- We are fully licensed and accredited in the areas of our adventure operations.
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
- Local Australian professional guides with extensive outdoor and adventure experience
- Transport to and from The Overland Track by private minibus
- 3x nights twin share accommodation in a very comfortable four-star hotel in Launceston – two nights before the adventure and one night after the adventure (Please contact our team if you would like to pay extra for a single supplement room)
- All food on the track in the form of ration packs
- 2 person tent per team of 2, or a 1 person tent in some cases
- A lightweight stove, cooking pots and fuel for the 6 days
- Overland Track guide book by J & M Chapman
- Lake St Clair ferry ride to Narcissus Hut to end the trek
- Porter walk into Pelion Hut with group food resupply
- Ongoing fitness training, support and advice
- Full equipment advice and personal shopping trips if required
- Emergency remote communications and group first aid kit
- All national park permits.
ADVENTURE EXCLUSIONS
- Return domestic airfares to Launceston, Tasmania
- Most equipment can be hired in Launceston. (Please also let us know what gear you have so we can work out if it is better for you to hire or purchase)
- Travel insurance (It’s not compulsory to have travel insurance for this adventure). Please refer to the FAQ section)
- Personal expenditure
- Additional hotel room charges.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Testimonials of others are important when you are considering taking on an adventure either here in Australia or in another part of the world. We pride ourselves on not just ensuring our clients succeed in fulfilling their adventure dreams safely, but we also ensure they have a positive experience from the time they sign up for one of our adventures, to when they arrive home.
Please refer to the customer reviews page on our website.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Terrain Difficulty: High
Fitness Grade: Medium-High – You should be able to walk at least 8-10 hours with a large pack of up to 18kg. This adventure requires no prior overnight walking experience. A moderate to a high fitness level is needed, as most days will involve walking and carrying a large pack. The route is non-technical but will significantly undulate up and down along the track.
Support
With any adventure, preparation is vital for success. Peak Potential Adventures provides an ongoing training and equipment support program during the lead-up to the adventure. Regular contact and support will be provided through the Peak Potential Facebook page, as well as by email, phone and personally as required. We strongly suggest you find a local training and walking partner to undertake this adventure with you. This will go a long way in providing vital ongoing motivation for training and support, not just leading up to the adventure but during it.
Fitness Preparation
Sticking to a fitness program in the months before walking the Overland Track is a vital part of preparation. It is true that attempting to become as fit as possible may not ultimately help; the training that is done with your endurance and large pack build-up will make the most difference. Training on both up and down hills will be the best training for completing the Overland Track successfully.
Other than building up your endurance, activities such as jogging, cycling, swimming and boxing all increase the heart rate and improve your cardiovascular (CV) fitness. The best option is to attempt to include activities that you enjoy, which will improve the chances of actually continuing with a fitness program. Performing the same exercise every time is not recommended, as sooner or later, the body becomes accustomed to the training and is thus no longer challenged by it. Effective methods of training include cross-training and interval training. Cross-training involves performing at least two different forms of exercise in one session, whilst interval training includes varying your effort level substantially every couple of minutes during a single session. Both of these techniques keep the heart challenged on an ongoing basis, ensuring that your CV fitness is constantly on the increase.
The closer it gets to the adventure, the longer cardio sessions should last. Ideally, a month before the adventure commences, you should be training for around 45 minutes at least three times a week. Closer to the commencement of the adventure, it is advisable to include activities such as steep hill climbing with your large pack with a moderate weight of up to 15kg and long hikes to build up your endurance. Any training similar to the Overland Track and carrying a large pack will be beneficial, even a short hike every second weekend. Purchasing a large pack in advance and taking it on ‘practice runs’ will help to prepare your body for the conditions it will experience during the adventure. If you cannot get out into the mountains regularly, find a gym that has a summit climber in their equipment line-up. These machines work the climbing muscles that will be used during the adventure. Also, as previously mentioned, try and do the Overland Track adventure with a partner. An adventure partner is not only a great source of motivation leading up to the adventure, but you will be a great support for each other during the trip – making the whole experience more enjoyable. Purchasing a weighted vest that allows for a build-up in weight will also help in the early days of preparing to carry weight over distance.
The Peak Potential Adventures Team will be available leading up to the trek to provide training advice and ensure you are physically prepared. They will also provide valuable advice on your mental preparation and what to expect when completing the Overland Track in the main walking season.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
After you have booked, the Peak Potential Adventures team will discuss your requirements and budget.
The extra luggage you will not be taking on The Overland Track can be left in a locked storage room at the hotel in Launceston for no extra charge. We also suggest taking a bag you can lock with a combination lock for additional security. The Peak Potential Adventures team will discuss your equipment requirements to determine your budget and potential future use to decide whether to hire some equipment in Launceston or purchase it before the adventure. Our team is very familiar with most outdoor equipment brands and their performance suitability for a multi-day adventure like this in Tasmania. Peak Potential Adventures will provide a 2-person tent (or 1 person in some cases), a small stove, lightweight cooking pots and enough fuel for the trek.
Points to Remember
- This walk is fully self-sufficient, so what we take in, we will have to carry, so you need to think lightweight and minimalist
- There will be a basic food resupply at Pelion Hut at the halfway point
- The approximate pack weight should be no more than 18kgs
- Pack size should be circa 65-75 litres, and have a comfortable harness for carrying loads; make sure it has a rain cover, and a detachable daypack is an advantage for side trips
- A two-person tent will be shared and carried between two team members and provided by Peak Potential Adventures (a one-person tent will be supplied in some cases)
- Peak Potential Adventures will provide a lightweight stove, pots and fuel
- Peak Potential Adventure will provide water purification drops, but please feel free to bring your own
- Store electronics in sealed, waterproof zip-locked bags
- Wrap clothing in plastic bags or waterproof stuff sacks (large outdoor garbage bags work well as a pack liner).
Luggage
- Large backpack around 65-75 litres. The pack is better to be too large than too small, and make sure it has a rain cover
- Plastic outdoor garbage bags or waterproof stuff sacks
- Combination lock.
Note: The easiest way to travel is with a large suitcase or 120-litre wheeled duffel with your 65-75 litre backpack that you will use on a walk inside it, with your other gear and use a daypack as carry-on luggage. You can leave your large suitcase or 120-litre wheeled duffel at the hotel, locked with any gear you won’t take on the walk.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to discuss.
Clothing
Note: You want your inner layer to be wicking material – not cotton. The next layer should be insulating and warm like fleece, and the top layer should be waterproof but breathable like Gortex or Event. You can get away with cheaper, non-breathable wet weather gear, but it is not ideal for long days as it sweats and you can become wet from the inside. We also suggest an insulated down jacket/vest with a hood that you can wear during breaks or at night, as it can get cold.
- 2x long trekking trousers with belt (zip-off legs can be handy for hotter days)
- Pair of short/long-legged compression shorts/pants (any brand of compression shorts/pants are good)
- 2x wicking polyester shirts (one short sleeve and one long sleeve works well)
- Thermal pants and top (merino wool or polypropylene are best)
- Fleece jacket (medium weight)
- Light fleece trousers (nice to get into around the camp to let your trekking pants dry off or air out)
- Down jacket/vest with a hood or synthetic equivalent for colder temperatures and wind chill
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, and ensure the jacket fits over your down jacket/vest. Breathable material like Gortex is better. Also, make sure your waterproof pants can be put on without taking off your boots
- Gloves or mittens (waterproof is an advantage; one thin pair and one thick pair that can be layered together works well)
- Woollen beanie or balaclava and neck warmer (buffs are good as neck warmers)
- Sun hat.
Footwear
Note: Please ensure to break in your boots well before the walk!
- Boots for hiking during the day (they must be warm, waterproof, and with ankle support – not too light or heavy. Have a look at Salomon or Hoka boots like the X Ultra 4 GTX or Hoka Anacapa
- Comfortable sandals for lounging in the evening to let your feet breathe (Crocs are good, or rubber thongs)
- Gaiters (long gaiters are best that reach to just under your knees)
- Wool socks for colder conditions (2x good pairs should be enough if one pair gets wet).
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (Rated -05 or more degrees Celcius (comfort rating) (down jacket or vest makes a great pillow)
- Light inflatable mat with a suitable R-Value for colder conditions (¾ mat is good to consider to save on size and weight).
Other
- 2x 1litre water bottles, or Camelback 2-3 litres
- Microfibre towel
- Earplugs for sleeping
- Small vacuum flask of around 500ml for hot drinks during the day
- Lightweight knife, fork and spoon.
- Sunglasses (preferably polarised)
- Walking poles (not necessary, but some people prefer them)
- Headlamp and a small torch
- Camera or phone for taking photos and videos
- Bring enough batteries for your headlamp/flashlight or a portable battery to charge your phone
- Playing cards for around the camp at night or on shorter days
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Toilet paper (preferably biodegradable)
- Baby wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste. (small travel items are good)
- Small bottles of hand sanitisers (sanitisers bottles with a small carabineer are great to hang off your pants or pack)
- Small talcum powder (great for drying out your feet at night)
Note: Some items above can be purchased in Launceston before the walk.
First Aid
Note: One of the expedition leaders will carry a medium first aid kit for the group that will contain all of this medical equipment, but we highly recommend that you carry a small personal first aid kit containing these basic items.
- Ibuprofen or Panadol
- Throat lozenges.
- Large and small band-aides
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm (small sunscreen with a carabineer is handy to hang off your pants or pack)
- Small antiseptic cream
- Antihistamines
- Diarrhea medication.
Food and Snacks
Note: Ration pack will be provided by Peak Potential Adventures for the duration of the trek. We design the ration packs and use a mixture of dehydrated and wet rations for main meals and energy and carbohydrate snacks throughout the day on the track. We suggest taking some of your favourite comfort snacks as a fill-in for what is provided. The pre-trek days in Launceston will also be used to perform equipment checks and pick up any last-minute equipment you may need. This time will also be used to become familiar with the stoves and tents.
Please contact the Peak Potential Adventures team to discuss any equipment you may be looking at purchasing to ensure that it will be suitable for the walk. To make it easier, please email a link to the item so we can assess its technical aspects. The three main pieces of equipment we emphasise most to ensure a comfortable trek are a warm down jacket/vest with hood, boots and a comfortable load-carrying backpack.
SAFETY AND REGULATIONS
Safety and Regulation Requirements
All Peak Potential Adventures leaders who guide the Overland Track are first aid qualified.
Our team uses short- and long-range communication equipment that includes UHF radios, EPIRBs, and satellite devices like Garmin Reach or satellite phones for more remote adventures.
Peak Potential Adventures is approved as an authorised operator by the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service to lead commercial treks into Tasmanian national parks and undergo ongoing compliance requirements to hold this authority.
FURTHER INFORMATION?
If you have any further questions or would like more information about our Overland Track winter trek
You can contact our team at [email protected]
You can also get in contact with us on our Facebook and Instagram feeds
Alternatively, please click here to go through to our contact page.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Please ensure that you read our booking terms and conditions below.
FAQ’S
If there’s a question that we haven’t covered for you, we are just an email or phone call away.
Adventure Dates
How often do you run the adventure?
At this stage, we will only be operating two Overland Track adventures a year during the main walking season from October to May. Conditions will still be cold in Tasmania in the earlier part of main season, but we intend to operate more between November and February, depending on commercial availability. Having a smaller number of adventures also ensures proper training and preparation to ensure you are ready for the adventure and have been doing the proper training to carry a larger hiking pack. We pride ourselves on delivering a premium service because it is a big investment for you, so we want you to enjoy the experience. And for us, it's all about quality, not quantity.
Please also check our Facebook and Instagram feeds because we also announce new adventure dates there as well.
What if the fixed dates don't work? Can you organise a group custom adventure?
Yes, if the dates we have organised don't work, we can organise a custom date that would suit you, but the group would have to be 6 walkers or more.
What is the best time of year to walk the Overland Track?
We believe that the early and late winter season is the most beautiful season to be walking, but the cold can make the adventure more challenging, so anytime between October and May is generally lovely through the Tasmanian Central Highlands. Please contact us if you want to discuss doing the Overland Track adventure and see if it is right for you.
About The Adventure
How hard is the adventure?
The Overland Track is achievable with the right preparation and professional guides. The adventure has a food supply walked in at Pelion Hut, so we can reduce overall pack weight by carrying less food. However, the real success of this adventure is having the right gear and training and ensuring that you have not overloaded your pack so that you carry more weight than you require. We are very experienced in adventure activities, so we will work with you on your gear preparation and fitness training to ensure you are fully ready for the conditions. For this length of adventure with rations and equipment to be self-sufficient, you should not carry more than 16-18kg. We also spend time developing a team culture before the adventure so that we all help each other along the way.
What's the climate like?
We would expect conditions in the regular walking season to be nice, but being Tasmania, conditions can be unpredictable; we will ensure you have the right gear for the forecast weather conditions.
What is the typical day like on the track?
You will be woken up usually by the movement around the huts or campsite at around 6:30 AM. We would generally aim to be on track by around 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, depending on the day. The days differ in the distance, so we will make a judgment call each day as to departure time because the weather will also play a part in the day. How the team feels will also play a part, but 9:00 AM will be the latest because it is nice to get to the next campsite, plus some worthwhile side trips along the way on some days. You will, in most cases, have lunch along the way to the next campsite, and we will take regular stops to rest and take in the scenery and get some photos.
Can I stay on after the adventure?
Yes, you can extend your stay to explore more of Tasmania. These arrangements would need to be made by you and would be at your own cost. We are happy to discuss post-adventure ideas with you.
Food, Accomdodation & Facilities
What is the accommodation like in Launceston?
The accommodation in Launceston is a comfortable and clean four-star hotel and will be on a twin-share accommodation basis. If you would like to book your own room, please let us know when you book, but there will be an additional cost. However, if the group size is an odd number, there will be no additional cost if you end up in your own room.
What is the accommodation and food like on the track?
The accommodation on the track will be tents on purpose-built tent sites. We will be camped near accommodation huts. These huts are used by self-guided walkers. Over the years, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service has been upgrading many huts to sleep more and provide better facilities. Even though we are camping, we will still be able to use the toilet facilities and the huts in case of an emergency or dangerous weather conditions. Only one tent per team of two needs to be carried. If the team numbers are odd, we will work around that by using a one-person tent.
The food during the adventure will be pre-prepared ration packs. The ration packs are designed to provide enough nutrition and have been designed by some of Australia, and New Zealand's leading outdoor nutrition companies, such as Back Country Cuisine and On Track Meals and have been constructed to be light and compact. They will be a mixture of dehydrated meals and real food meals, as well as trail and energy snacks. We will organise a food drop at Pelion Hut, which will be limited to 30kg, so this will also assist in reducing your overall pack weight. Most of the food will need to be cooked on a portable stove, but obviously, foods like chocolate bars, muesli bars and lollies can just be carried throughout the day to snack on during rest breaks. You will only need to carry one stove per team of two, but if the team numbers are odd, the odd person will team up with the guides for the meal preparations.
Guides & Team
Why use Peak Potential Adventures?
Our guides and the way we run our adventures are second to none. You will only get very experienced guides on our adventures that you can trust. We pride ourselves on ensuring everyone has a positive, rewarding, safe experience. We leave nothing to chance in our preparation and always consider our client's safety and enjoyment during the adventure.
The buddy system
We aim to set up a team of two 'buddy system' for a wilderness adventure like this. This will allow equipment to be shared to reduce weight and assist each other in the night and morning routines. We will help with establishing an efficient buddy routine during the adventure. As adventure buddies, you will also look after each other and share the workload as required.
How many people could be on this adventure?
This adventure is limited to a maximum of 10 clients on a 1 guide per 4 clients ratio.
What is the minimum age?
Because of insurance and liability reasons, the minimum age for adventure is 18.
Fitness & Equipment
How fit do I need to be, and can I get fit?
The Overland Track adventure can be completed by anyone who is relatively fit and those willing to get fit. A significant advantage in undertaking this adventure with Peak Potential Adventures is that our team are also qualified personal trainers. We have had significant experience in multi-day pack walking and fitness preparation, so we will provide you with ongoing personalised advice and support on your training and fitness requirements to ensure you are ready. Also, walking through the Overland Track is not all about fitness; it's as much a mental challenge and having the right equipment for the conditions. We will prepare you for the conditions, ensure you have the right equipment, and provide you with the necessary ongoing fitness and training advice to ensure you are ready for this multi-day adventure.
We recommend joining one of our local weekend Six Foot Track adventures or free Saturday morning free community walks to measure your current fitness and endurance levels.
What equipment will I require?
The equipment list is on the website under additional information. Once you have reviewed the list, we will discuss your equipment requirements and budget. Some last-minute equipment can be purchased in Launceston if required.
Medical Conditions & Allergies
Can I walk safely if I have allergies or a medical condition?
It all depends on the allergy or the medical condition, but we would strongly suggest that you speak to your doctor first before making a booking. The adventure is challenging mainly because you are carrying a large pack, so a moderate to high fitness level is required to get the most out of the experience.
If it is a food allergy, that will be no problem because that can be catered for because we will do all the food shopping before the adventure, so please let us know your dietary requirements when completing your booking, and we will make sure we avoid foods that may cause you problems or you can't eat. If you have allergies to bees or other insects etc., please ensure that you let us know of the severity and if you will be carrying an EpiPen to treat an allergy.
Fees & Payments
How much is the adventure?
The adventure cost, excluding flights, is $2,700.00
If you decide to book as a single supplement and have your own room for the pre-night before the walk and post-night after the walk, there will be an additional charge of $300.00
How much could I expect to pay for flights?
Flights can range for an economy flight to Launceston. Flights costs will also vary depending on your flight departure time and the location that you are flying from.
Can I pay a deposit and pay the rest before departure?
Yes, we only require a 30% deposit to secure your position on the adventure if the departure is more than 60 days out, with the full balance payable 60 days before departure. If the adventure departs within 60 days, full payment will be required when booking.
Is there a credit and debit card payment surcharge?
Yes, if you book using the credit or debit card Stripe payment gateway, there will be a 1.7% surcharge. You can avoid this 1.7% surcharge by doing a bank transfer in the payment option.
Cancellations & Travel Insurance
What happens if I need to cancel?
Please read our booking terms and conditions for specific policy details.
Do I need travel insurance to trek to the Overland Track?
No, it is a requirement to take out travel insurance for this adventure because it's a domestic location, but we would strongly recommend it because of the financial outlay. You never know what might happen after you book or during your adventure.
Travel insurance will insure you against:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Missed connection
- Travel delay
- Loss of baggage
- Medical emergencies
- Medical evacuation
Cover-More has a travel insurance policy that will insure Australian travellers for domestic holidays. You can read more about the Cover-More travel insurance policy here. We are not recommending this Cover-More policy; it's just general advice, so you will need to do your own research and refer to the product disclosure document to see if it's suitable for your needs.
Photos & Media Content
Will I get access to photos & media content?
Yes, photos taken by the Peak Potential Adventures team during the Overland Track adventure will be shared via our corporate Google Drive.
Only a 30% deposit is required to secure your position unless the departure date is within 60 days, and then the full payment is required.
