We caught up with one of our PTMs, Lauren Heliotis, to hear about her experience walking Tasmania’s iconic Overland Track. From breathtaking alpine scenery to the challenges of the trail, she shares the highlights of her journey and what it’s really like to take on this unforgettable walk.
In February 2023 I walked the 6-day Overland Track with my soon to be fiancé, 67 year old Mum and my younger sister. The Overland Track is a 65km hike that starts at Ronny Creek Cradle Mountain and finishes at the shores of Lake St Clair. The hike takes you through the magnificent Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It’s known as Australia’s premier alpine walk and one of the best hikes in the world.
There are two ways to walk the Overland Track, independently by purchasing a permit from the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website, or by doing a guided tour with Tasmanian Walking Company. We planned our trek as an independent 8 night, 9 day trip as there was plenty of optional side trips we wanted to do, and it also allowed a rest day for my Mum at New Pelion Hut.
Day one & two- We spent the first two days in Launceston exploring the town and day two our first stop was Cataract Gorge where we walked along the gorge and then through the gardens before heading to Josef Chromy Vineyard for lunch.
Day three – our anticipation building, we finalised all our hiking equipment and packed our bags ready for our transfer to Cradle Mountain. Overland Track Transfers picked us up directly from the hotel, tagging our suitcases so they could keep them in storage until the end of our trip. On our way we stopped in the beautiful town of Sheffield to get some bakery treats and meet the local Alpaca before arriving at Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Day four – we walked from Cradle Mountain Lodge to the Visitor Centre where our hike was to start. Once we arrived we filled our water bottles and headed for the bus stop. After a short 15 minute bus ride we arrived at Ronny Creek, the official start of the Overland Track. With giddy excitement we set off on the 10.7km (plus 400m elevation) hike to Waterfall Valley hut. Next was a 7.8km plus 3km side trip to Lake Will. Then it was an easy stroll with a side trip to the picturesque Lake Will. I considered going for a dip but it was a bit fresh! We had lunch by the lake then continued on to Windermere Hut. As we neared the hut there was a late afternoon hailstorm, another reminder that Tasmania see’s all seasons in one day.
Day five – 16.8km, 200m ascent to 300 ascent. The journey from Windermere Hute to New Pelion Hut is the longest day of the trip but we had two rest opportunities that day and passed through dense forest, open plains, more rainforest and then descended down into Frog Flats. The last two hours of the day were mainly focused on observing as much of the pretty flora around us, trying to distract us from our aching feet.
Day six – this day was a well deserved rest day for Mum. We whipped out our collapsible hiking chair and set her up on the helicopter pad to enjoy the view while we geared up for the 4km walk up to Pelion Gap, where we would then turn right and attempt to summit Mt Ossa. We had clear blue skies and endless mountains in front of us. I started to feel a bit uncomfortable with the height and exposure and told Matt and Georgia I was done for the day. I sat down on some rocks , and saw Matt coming towards me.. I had a sneaking suspicion I knew what was about to happen. As Matt approached me, he got down on one knee and proposed, I said yes (of course)!
Day seven – 9.6km 270m ascent. Today we headed to beautiful Kia Ora Hut where we watched a magnificent sunset over Mount Pelion West.
Day eight – 9.6km 200m ascent 200m descent. This was an exciting day as we had multiple waterfall spots and a potential swimming opportunity.
Day nine – today was the last segment of the Overland Track for us and the track was mainly flat.
Day ten – this morning we were up and catching the early ferry to Lake St Clair where we picked up our transfer and headed to Hobart.
We had timed our journey so we would be able to visit the Salamanca Market whilst in Hobart, and it was well worth the planning. Another must-do is visit is the Australian Wooden Boat Festival and the Museum of Old and New Art.
By Lauren Heliotis, Personal Travel Manager
Lauren’s journey along the Overland Track is a reminder that some of the most unforgettable travel experiences happen one step at a time. For those dreaming of wild landscapes and rewarding challenges, talk to our Personal Travel Managers who have taken the journey and can guide you every step of the way.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
