These comforting words are the first that greet you on the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service webpage dedicated to the Overland Track. When Third Brother and I embarked on the trek, I went in with about nine or ten hikes under my belt. Mostly two or three hour jaunts into the Blue Mountains, carrying a backpack weighed down with chemistry and physics textbooks.
I didn’t understand the risks of walking in a remote alpine area, couldn’t fathom that the weather could change so drastically so quickly and had never been on an overnight camping trip, forget the six day hike we were getting ourselves into.
While there was a visit by the rescue helicopter on day two of the trip, it wasn’t for me. Or Third Brother.
We did the whole thing as part of a small group with two guides, so that I wouldn’t be held responsible if we got lost or collapsed midway. It was one of the best experiences of my life to date.
The Details
The Overland Track is nothing to sneeze at. The path through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park clocks in at 65 kilometres (40 miles) through a variety of terrains. The World Heritage Area has a ‘no campfire’ policy and whatever you take into the park needs to come back out with you. That includes rubbish.
| Bring socks. As many as you can fit. |
Ā
Cradle Mountain
That apprehension of the first day was not helped by the misty rain as we rolled up to Dove Lake. The lake sits in Cradle Valley and even with a 20kg (40 pound) pack on your back, you want to stand and stare for a while.
Moving up the mountains slowly, the damp button grass and vegetation began to give way to rocky pathways. Getting used to balancing all of that camping gear on your back while steadily moving higher is no mean feat. Especially when you get to a chain anchored into the rock above you. The way is so steep that your grip on the chain is about the only thing keeping you on the side of the mountain.
| The Cradle. You can see why. |
It sounds scary because, as a person with a mild fear of heights, I was absolutely petrified. But the snow, and the view from the top, were so worth it. Dove Lake stretches out below you, Cradle Mountain glistens to your right, and there’s just valley and snow as far as you can see.
Changing Terrain
Injury
Walk On
We made it to Pelion Plains, where the views are supposed to be spectacular. There was horizontal rain there waiting for us though, and stingingly cold winds. We couldn’t see anything for the mist and no one was keen to hang around.
By the time we reached our camp I couldn’t feel my hands. My whole hands, not just the fingers. The idea of setting up camp in the pouring rain was not an attractive one. I still don’t know how we managed to do all of those fiddly snaps and get our tent up. I had a bit of a sook and retreated to my sleeping bag at 5pm to be cranky and get warm. Also to wonder what I had gotten myself into and why I thought I could handle six days in the wilderness.
**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links you don’t pay a cent more, but I receive a small commission, that is put towards the running of this blog.
I've often wondered about this track – so will be waiting for next weeks instalment. I recently did Milford Track & day 3 was a personal hell day – & we weren't camping!
We want to do this, but just the daywalks from the lodge…I know I couldn't do 6 days in the wilderness!
Wow, Cradle Mountain looks beautiful! I've always wanted to visit Tassie, not sure I could do a trek though, haha.
Di from Max The Unicorn
Picture of the Cradle Mountain is beautiful!
A friend and her hubby and kids did the Overland Track. They had to do a fair bit of preparation for it. They did it all … camping out etc. I admired them!
It looks fantastic. Your picture are gorgeous
This looks challenging but Cradle Mountain is beautiful. I went on a 4 day walk through the Blue Mountains a few years ago. It was lovely being in nature with only the sounds of the bush. My friend is taking a walking trek at Maria Island this month. Loved your pictures they have inspired me.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
I love Tassie. We went there for our honeymoon over 20 years ago and did four hour walk around Cradle Mountain. I was ready to collapse after that! Love the images and glad you enjoyed the experience.
This is an exciting journey, but not for me. I am not sure if you lost me at snow or tents, but neither appeal. While your photos are lovely, you do look cold and possibly wet. And that poor guy who needed the rescue and had to walk 3 hours on the injury. However, I have a daughter who would love this. Thanks for taking us along somewhere I will probably never see for myself.
You are such an adventurer. I look at this and go, 'awesome view' now where is my hotel room? I think its great you and your bro experienced this. So much to see and do in our lovely country for sure! Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek 10/52. Next week: My Favourite Colour.
…thanks for taking me along, I'll take the easier path.
Great journey š Lovely photos too
Congrats on an amazing achievement with this trek. Cradle Mountain is simply stunning.
SSG xxx
Wow, you're hardcore! The scenery looks ah-mazing but I'm way too much of a princess for six days of tents, drop toilets and no showers. I think I'd last a day! I can't wait for part 2 – I hope you got some good weather!
Incredible, I would be terrified of those heights too!
Maybe Day 3 is just the day where everyone hits the wall? I hope so, I felt like such a baby, my little brother had to tell me to suck it up and stop being such a killjoy!
I'll have to look up Milford Track, I haven't heard of it before!
You get some great views on those day walks from the lodge. And I'm kind of disappointed that we didn't stay at the lodge first. Or afterwards. I needed about three days of recovery spas š
Despite all of the scary and tough bits (mostly in my own head) it was gorgeous and totally worth it!
Thanks Klara, it's really difficult NOT to get a great picture of Cradle Mountain.
Holy BeeGees. They did the track with kids? What absolute legends! Please tell them that they are my camping Gods the next time you speak to them.
Thanks Sue, I love the sound of your Blue Mountains walk as well. Did you go with friends or did you do it on your own? I'm always afraid of getting lost in the mountains, I find that the trails aren't always so well marked.
What a great spot for a honeymoon Ness! Really tranquil and beautiful. Nice choice. I have to say that the day we did 17km was absolutely epic and I wanted new legs after it.
Yeah it's not for everyone Rhonda, and I'm not sure that I'd do such a long trip again, but it was a great experience. Hahaha, those photos are from day three maybe, when I was at my coldest, most miserable. It gets better. Really it does.
I know, that poor guy! He'd done so many long hikes before as well. And it was lucky that we had an orthopedic surgeon in our group who spoke to the rescue helicopter guys, because they took a lot of convincing to come out and pick him up.
Hahaha, you say adventurer, I say crazy person who leaps before she looks.
I think your approach is a much saner one – and you get a nice comfy bed at night to go with it!
Hahahaha, well played sir.
Thank you! It was heaps of fun and heaps of complaining š
I'm glad that I can say that I've been there. And also that there was too much snow for us to climb it. Because that would have been truly scary.
I think hardcore is when you get out the crampons and do some rock climbing. That is totally not for me, just the thought of it gives me butterflies.
Just don't look down Kristy. I think that's the key.
Wooow..that's one great adventure indeed…and you nailed it! Bravooo
It looks equal parts challenging and rewarding, thanks a ton for pointing me towards this adventure!
I first thought that the whole trek would have a neat wooden track like that and wondered how it could be so demanding š I get that the weather can be dangerous, same here in Norway. I've never hiked for more than half a day but I'd like to do a trek one day that's easy. Like really easy! š
What a beautiful hike… that view of Dove Lake would be worth it for me alone! Can't wait to read part 2, hope it gets better! #wanderfulwednesday
Thanks Indah, I just have to learn to not get all cranky on Day 3 š
Challenging is a very good word. It was a challenge that I can now say that I've conquered… and I never have to do again (although I might).
Yeah, my pictures really are very deceiving. The wood track was excellent but it probably makes up 1/4 of the track. If you're lucky. There were LOTS of ankle-deep parts to wade through.
Thanks Christine! It totally gets better. I'm actually smiling in some of the photos for next week! š
Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to drop by my place today. Been to you other part of the world and loved it. Not to crazy about San Francisco.
Those mountains are gorgeous!! But daaaaaaaang that looks cold!!
Thank you for the lovely photos! San Francisco isn't for everyone, but I'm glad that you like Australia!
At the end of OCTOBER! Imagine winter. OMG, I shiver at the thought.
I hiked the Overland track back in Dec 2014-Jan 2015. While it didn't snow on Day 1, it started raining on Day 2 and was pissing down on Day 3 along with heavy winds and the cold. I too couldn't feel my hands that day on our way to Pelion and didn't stop to enjoy any of the scenery. Must admit, after hiking the Overland, I was a bit scarred from overnight hiking…it was too many days without a shower for me.
You rock girl! This hike is no joke but it is so rewarding. Tasmania is so full of natural beauty. #PhotoFriday
Wow this sounds like amazingly tough work, but those views are amazing! Heads up to you, I couldn't do such a trek! #FlyAwayFriday
I'm starting to see a pattern here! Day 3 is awful for everyone. I had the opposite reaction to you though. I kind of thought that if I managed those six days, I can handle any overnight or weekend camping trips easily. The shower thing isn't nice though.
Thanks Ruth! It's definitely not for the feint hearted! But its worth all of the cold for the beauty.
I didn't think I could either Keri. But I did. I think you've just got to ignore that little voice in your head that says you can't, and just go for it.
This sounds like quite the expedition. Challenging but stunning. Can't wait to read the second bit… #flyawayfriday
Thanks Moira! I guess I'd better start writing it š
I'm ALL about the lodge!! š
That was meant to be under your response to my comment – still one coffee shy of functioning!
Yep. Kids were in their early teens though I think. One may have been 12 and the other 13. Also had to prepare for it by carrying backpacks full of rocks around their local hills etc before they went.
Sounds amazing and I feel for the person who had to get flown out. My partner and I have been talking about hiking lately but I think we will start with something a little easier!
Well, it definitely sounds like an intense hike! As much as I love hiking, I've never done anything more than a day hike. I've always been quite nervous to do a proper backpacking trip. Having a guide & going with a group would be a great option for me.
Can't wait to read the rest of the story!
#FlyAwayFriday
Ah I never ever get bored of hearing about or seeing mountains, never. They are nature at it's best!
This hike sounds like like something I'd sign up for and then once it started raining get whiney and cranky too haha. I love hiking and camping and can't wait to read part 2 next week!
We all felt bad for him, luckily he had travel insurance to cover the helicopter and hospital visit. That would have been a nightmare otherwise. Haha, you may want to start off with something a bit shorter first š
I'm the same Courtney, I'd never embark on a trip like that without a guide. I would totally get lost. It's not even a possibility that I might get lost, I WOULD get lost and have to use an EPIRB or something to be rescued. Thanks for reading!
Mountains and waterfalls are pretty spectacular Marcella!
Haha, so you're the same as me then! I kept my cool for the entire day's rain at least, that's got to count for something!
I may have just hitched a ride out with the rescue helicopter. I would be pretty upset to hike 3 days to a point that was supposed to have great views and see nothing! #FarawayFiles
Hahaha, believe me, I was thinking about it. But, we did get such great views everywhere else, so I didn't feel ripped off at all.
I can definitely remember long walks across Dartmoor and the New Forest in the pouring rain, Kat! Just gritting my teeth and hoping the rain wouldn't drip down my hood anymore than it was already. Thank goodness the sun came out for you on the second day and you got to see this amazing landscape in all its glory! #FarawayFiles. Third time lucky!!
Oh gee, you're persistent! You deserve a free coffee for that effort at least!
Hahaha, your description of rainy walks is so spot on to how I felt at the time. Trying to keep your pony tail behind you under your hood so that it doesn't run water down your back!