Day 2

Waldheim to Barn Bluff Hut (Approximately 12km or 7 hours of walking)

After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to the trailhead at Waldheim. The walk begins with a diverse section of the track, venturing through ancient temperate rainforests and passing the dramatic glacially-carved Crater Lake [pictured]. Before lunch, climb the steepest section of the Overland Track. Every uphill step is rewarded at Marion’s Lookout (1250m), with staggering views over Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake (weather permitting).

The afternoon walk continues around the base of Cradle Mountain along the edge of a spectacular glacial cirque before dropping into Waterfall Valley. Beneath towering Barn Bluff, your private hut awaits - a welcome retreat after several hours of walking over the exposed alpine plateau.

Enjoy an inspired three-course dinner prepared by your guides before relaxing in front of the fireplace.

Overnight at Barn Bluff Hut.

Included: B - L - D

Day 3

Barn Bluff Hut to Pine Forest Moor Hut (Approximately 12km or 6 hours of walking)

Today you'll be walking across plains where glaciers once rested, slowly moving and scouring out shallow tarns. It's an undulating trek with a few sections of exposed moorland, but there are no significant climbs today.

Take your time venturing across vast button grass plains where ancient pencil pines fringe alpine tarns. Rising from the moors, the peaks of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff are behind you. Look ahead, and the stately Mt Pelion West comes into view.

Those looking for a challenge can take a side trip to Lake Will. Hugged by pencil pines and with its narrow quartzite sand rim, Lake Will is striking. Keep an eye out for gravel mounds along the way, remnants of Joseph Will’s coal mining efforts in the 1890s.

This evening at Pine Forest Moor Hut, enjoy the outdoor dining setting with views of Mt. Oakleigh in fine weather [pictured].

Included: B - L - D

Day 4

Pine Forest Moor Hut to Pelion Hut (Approximately 10km or 5 hours of walking)

This morning, venture through the beautiful myrtle-beech rainforest as you descend around the base of Mt Pelion West, down to the Forth River before it plunges into Lemonthyme Valley. Take a break at Frog Flats beside the Forth River, the Overland Track’s lowest point.

It's then a gentle ascent out of the valley, leaving a thick Eucalypt forest behind as the trees ahead part to reveal Pelion Plains. Uninterrupted views of Mt Oakleigh’s dolerite spires now appear.

The Pelion Plains area offers several side trips, hugged by mountainous terrain. There are excellent swimming holes, peaceful nooks to rest and abandoned copper mines to explore. You'll be nestled in the dry sclerophyll forest at Pelion Hut by nightfall.

Included: B - L - D

Day 5

Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut (Approximately 7km or 4 hours; with optional side trip to Mt Ossa summit)

Today begins with an almost 300m climb to Pelion Gap through the stunning rainforest. Pelion Gap is a plateau stretching between Mt Pelion East and Mt Ossa, affording fantastic views in all directions.

There’s plenty of time for side trips from Pelion Gap, including the option to summit Mt Ossa. At 1617m, it is Tasmania’s highest peak. There are other less challenging climbs, including Mt Doris.

From Pelion Gap, it's two hours of gentle downhill walking to the hut. Today, choose to keep things relaxed or challenge yourself to stand atop the island’s highest point. Once we arrive at Kia Ora Hut, enjoy a Tasmanian wine with spectacular views of Cathedral Mountain.

Included: B - L - D

Day 6

Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge Hut (Approximately 9km or 4 hours walking)

Day five is about icy-flowing waterfalls. You'll depart Kia Ora hut and walk about an hour to Du Cane, where a 1910-built hut remains from the long-gone days of animal trapping. Du Cane Hut is a fine spot to rest, surrounded by native gardens and the spectacular Du Cane Range.

From here, wander through some of the oldest forests in the National Park, with King Billy pines as much as 2000 years old. Now, you are above the Mersey River, which descends deeply northward towards Bass Strait, spilling down cliff faces.

There are three major sets of waterfalls in the area. You'll visit one or more of these, choosing the best spot to enjoy lunch depending on the conditions. In the afternoon, the group makes its way over Du Cane Gap, before descending beside the spectacular Falling Mountain to Windy Ridge Hut. Tonight is a celebratory one, your last evening on the Overland Track.

Included: B - L - D

Day 7

Windy Ridge Hut to Lake St Clair (Approximately 10km or 4 hours of walking)

Our destination today is Australia’s deepest natural lake – Lake St Clair – shaped by glaciations over two million years. Birdsong helps on this final day as you walk through flowering dry sclerophyll forests.

The group will arrive at Narcissus at the northern end of Lake St Clair in time for lunch, before a spectacular 17km cruise back to Cynthia Bay.

The return trip to Launceston is through the trout fishing mecca of the highland lakes, descending the rugged Western Tiers. The transfers takes in the broad plains of the Northern Midlands, via the rural townships of Cressy and Longford.

The journey concludes at the Red Feather Inn, with a drop-off service to Launceston available.

Included: B - L