Tasmania’s Overland Track is not for the feint-hearted. It’s 65 kilometres of hiking – sometimes it feels like we were just hiking uphill to go down and then up again. I know that nature doesn’t really have any regard for my legs and feet, but I wouldn’t have minded a few more flat kilometres on the trail.
It’s safe to say that
day three was not my favourite. Traipsing those 17 kilometres through rain that was horizontal at times, and driving wind that chilled to the bone was not my idea of fun.
But waking up on day four to see the sun creating shadows on the tent was enough to make me grin like an idiot while slipping into my decidedly damp socks. Oh, I didn’t mention that? Parts of the track were submerged in water and like the nursery rhyme goes, we had to go through it. So our all of our socks were soaked by the time day four rolled around. There’s nothing quite like the squelchy feeling of slipping into cold, wet socks.
It’s sunny though, so who cares? That sun puts a spring in your step. It makes your backpack lighter. That’s a scientifically-proven fact, in the laboratory of my mind. You get to take off so many layers and notice so much around you.
Day four was a dream and it went by in a flash because it was so lovely. We saw more pademelons, echidnas and lots of beautiful birds. Of course I needed to get inside a hollow tree-trunk, along with the spiders and all the bugs.Hence my supremely uncomfortable posture.
By this stage, we’re all dreaming about what we’re going to eat once the hike is done. Everyone’s dreaming of steaks and burgers, chips and chocolate. Our guides seem to be culinary geniuses though. To this day I don’t know how they pulled off cooking for the ten of us every day and making delicious meals after full days of walking with heavier packs than we had.
Day five was probably the most spectacular day by far. It was waterfall day and there were no shortage of falls to visit. We hit up Fergusson Falls first, and we could have swum if we were really desperate for a shower but we’d have to brave the freezing water. Fergusson Falls is named after a former Lake St Clair ranger. It’s a popular stop on the trail because of the spectacular photos you can get.
We also visit Hartnett Falls, named after an eccentric Irish bushman named Paddy Hartnett. The bowler-hatted Paddy was one of 14 children and took people through the bush around Cradle Mountain in the early 1900’s. He was a charismatic guide, hunter and bushman, but alcohol was his undoing.
For our last night we camp at Windy Ridge and go exploring while our dinner is cooked. I’m excited to get to Dove Lake on day six and head off at the front of the pack for the relatively short trek to the end. We were warned that most injuries happen on the last day because people are tired and happy to almost be at the end of the track.Of course I feel the need to prove the guides right on this last leg. Even with my hiking poles I tripped over a tree root and went for an amazing tumble, ending up like a beetle – stuck on my back on top of my pack flailing around helplessly. It was funny more than painful and I was very lucky that Third Brother was feeling generous enough to help me back up. Luckily by that stage, there was no food left in my pack so nothing was harmed.
It was such a relief to finally make it to Dove Lake – a beautiful, crisp, calm lake that’s as gorgeous as it is deep. Lying on that jetty waiting for the boat to pick us up was great but I was absolutely itching for a shower.All in all, The Overland Track was a fantastic experience that I’d recommend to anyone wanting to take on a challenge. Don’t let your fear hold you back.
Linking up with The Rabbit Hole #109, and:
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wow— I love that first waterfall shot.
It's my waterfall pride and joy shot. š
I would love to do this although it does look challenging. Tassie is on my bucket list but I don't think I could convince hubby to do a trek. I have done a 4 day trek through the Blue Mountains which was so peaceful I just loved it.! thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond.
My goodness girl, you do love a challenge that is physical dont you? Good on you I say. Not for me, never ever. But look at your conquests! Seeing so much of the world on foot….and sometimes the sky when you fall over right? Sorry, had to be Aussie in my humour. Thanks for linking up #lifethisweek 11/52 Next week: Autumn
It's challenging but totally doable. And I went with a basic company because I'm cheap. There are lots of other tour companies that have their own huts and will cook you meals and you sleep inside and they carry your stuff for you. It's not impossible! You might be able to convince the hubby! Thanks for visiting Sue š
Haha, I was going through my quarter life crisis. That was my red convertible. Each to their own right? Hahaha, totally, it's a new perspective seeing the sky like that! Dan got a great view of the entire fall, so he got a laugh out of it at least!
65km! But worth it for those amazing views right? Thanks for sharing such a beautiful trek with #MondayEscapes
I know, it sounds impressive right? I couldn't stop myself from throwing that in š Totally worth it Jo!
Your day three sounds a lot like my day one on the W Trek in Torres del Paine. Walking in horizontal rain is never fun! Not to mention my hiking boots weren't water proof …… big mistake haha .. But waking up to sun the next day is an incredible feeling isn't it?! Even with wet socks. š
I think even waterproof hiking boots aren't exactly waterproof because mine were supposed to be and my feet still got soaked! My condolences for your miserable rainy hiking day.
Those waterfalls though! I'm pleased you had good weather at the end. Did you socks dry out?!
Hahaha, not until we got back to Launceston and did the washing! That first shower and putting on clean clothes was so amazing.
beautiful nature:) #wanderfulwednesday
I would love to try trekking one day but I guess I should start with a 2 day tour instead š Those views are very pretty though!
It is gorgeous!
Yeah, maybe don't just jump into a 6 day one like I did… Two days sounds like a great plan!
Wow, I love that waterfall! As you know, I love a good hike, and so I enjoyed reading about yours too! š
Haha, happy that we could swap hikes today!
That looks amazing though I wouldn't have the stamina!
That looks beautiful but the size of your pack put me off (and the level of 'work' involved š
I'm not so sure I would want to do this walk in bad weather with wet feet. I've been itching to do the Three Capes Walk in Tassie. I think is sounds a little more manageable that what you described on the Overland Track. It is such a great way to challenge ourself however. Well done. š #TeamLovinLife
The good thing about going with a group is that they drag you along. Even if you aren't feeling it š
Haha, that was on the last day as well Lydia, so there was less food in there. More empty wrappers though!
I'll have to look up Three Capes. I've been thinking about the Walls of Jerusalem for a few years now… The wet socks are the worst, so just fill your pack with socks and you'll be sweet! š
Wow – what a fabulous hike that would have been! I visited Tasmania in 2015 and I loved it!. I walked around Dove Lake – isn't it beautiful! I took so many photo's! I would need to train first and get fitter to do what you did. Not sure how I'd cope with that heavy pack on my back, but gee I'd love the experience. Love nature. Love Tasmania! #TeamLovinLife
My hubby would absolutely LOVE to do this – he loved the movie Wild where Cheryl Strayed hiked the PCT and said he'd love to do something like that. I'll have to show him this post!
This trail looks gorgeous Kat. I'm loving the waterfall shot too š #TeamLovinLife
It was one of those experiences that I wouldn't have imagined that I could have done, but that I'm so very glad that I did. Tasmania is just gorgeous wherever you are though, right?
P.S. There are some companies that do the Overland Track and carry all your stuff for you. Or at least have their own huts so you don't really need much at all. š
I read the book but I STILL haven't seen the movie. I'm a bit worried that it'll ruin the book for me. Ooh, let me know if you two end up doing the Overland Track, I'd be interested to hear what he things of it.
A coworker is taking off five months to walk the PCT in April. I can't wait to hear how he goes!
Thanks Lyndall, that waterfall was a highlight! Thanks for visiting š
Oh yes, I remember that feeling of relief at Dove Lake. Did you do the optional trek up Mount Ossa? I did it but it nearly broke me as I am so short and really struggled up the boulders! Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles š
Great to read your post, everyone who has done the trek says how wonderful it is. I've done the bit up from a Dove Lake, it was quite steep and scary. Well done!!
We didn't do Mount Ossa and I don't remember why. Maybe we were running late for the boat? I don't think I would have survived it from your description. I get really shaky on heights like that and just fall apart. Not a good thing in a group.
It seems to be one of those trips that is universally loved. Although you really can't go wrong in Tassie!
Oh, that waterfall … gorgeous.
This looks completely amazing – I'd love to do some Tassie walks with the boys when they are a little older. Will bookmark for later!
It's not bad… not bad at all.
Tassie has so many beautiful walks, you can't go wrong! Thanks for visiting š
I'm so happy that the sun came out for you, Kat, soggy socks or not! The scenery looks so beautiful. Sometimes it's worth going on a long walk just for the sheer joy of finishing and having the most fabulous meal and cup of tea! Actually, I think this hike sounds fabulous in any case. All that wonderful wildlife! Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
You're so right! The views and sense of accomplishment were always going to be worth it, no matter what. I can live with soggy socks for a while if I have bragging rights for the rest of my life š
Thanks for visiting!
I would like to stop by those waterfalls. They look so powerful and raw. Congrats to you for finishing such a wonderful hike (and having good food helps for sure). #wkendtravelinspiration
Sounds like a painful (I'm not a fan of continuous uphill!) but rewarding hike! I love your comment on how sun makes your backpack lighter – I totally agree!
As I was reading I thought to myself, wow three day trek that's pretty adventurous but I could probably do that. Then I realized there were three more days! Not so sure about that, but it does look like a beautiful trek. Thanks for linking up, see you next weekend! #wkendtravelinspiration
Thanks Ruth! I was very proud of myself for getting to the end and finally getting a shower. That may have been the best reward at the time.
Everytime we started going downhill I just knew it meant more uphill and I was not a happy camper. Hehe, but we all survived right?
Oh yes I tricked you with my Part Two Jim! Whoops. You could still do six days, you just need to think of it as two three day hikes, back to back š
What an incredible experience, it looks like a beautiful trek! Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes, I'll pin now;)
Thanks for having me š
Wow – 65 kilometres of hiking! You’re a hiking warrior! Sounds worth it, though, to spend so much time in nature like that. #flyawayfriday
It was awesome Ava, I wouldn’t say that I’m a warrior though. I whinged A LOT.
So impressed that you did this – some serious hiking! I loved Tassie when I visited last year and Dove Lake was one of my favourite spots. Absolutely stunning landscape.
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t like Tassie, it’s just so beautiful. The people are pretty alright too š
Thanks for visiting!
This looks great fun (even with soggy socks!) We have had to look up pademelon as neither myself nor my husband had ever heard of it! As we are soon moving to Australia this is important to know!! Definitely hope to visit Tasmania! #flyawayfriday
Don’t worry, I’d lived in Australia for most of my life when I took this hike and I’d never heard of a pademelon either. Best of luck for your move!
This sounds like such an awesome experience. And I totally relate to the dreaming of food while trekking, a few years ago while backpacking all I wanted were taco, and I’m pretty sure thats what motivated me to finish! haha
There’s nothing wrong with that! We all have our motivations and tacos are excellent!
Omg that looks like such an awesome time! I’m not a huge hiker though so I’m not sure I’d survive, haha! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday – hope to see you again this weekend! xo
Aw this is so pretty! I love the little animal too!! I’ve heard Tasmania is just beautiful and would love to make it down there!!
Hi – this was great to read! We live in Tassie and did the Overland in March. Best experience ever! (I was kinda glad there was no snow)
I had a chuckle over a few things as at the same point feeling about the same about a few things.
Day three was tough!!
We didn’t have a guide, but found it fine without. The scenery is stunning and we are hoping to do it again next March! (I think optimum weather!)
Waterfall photos are beautiful! Very different to my shots as there was a lot less water when we were there! Gorgeous!
Well done for getting out there and doing it!