Cradle Mountain Signature Walk

Journey through the heart of Tasmania’s extraordinary wilderness on this seven-day guided adventure along the iconic Overland Track. Travelling from World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain to the shores of Lake St Clair, the Cradle Mountain Signature Walk combines some of Australia’s finest alpine walking with expert guiding, fabulous Tasmanian food and the welcome comforts of exclusive private accommodation along the trail.

Your adventure begins at the historic Red Feather Inn in Hadspen, just outside Launceston. Meet your guides and fellow walkers for a comprehensive briefing and gear check before sitting down to a celebratory dinner prepared with local produce and paired with Tasmanian wines. Settle into your comfortable room for an early night before setting off into the wilderness the following morning.

Travel to Cradle Valley and Waldheim, where the walking adventure begins. The first day on the trail is also one of the most dramatic, climbing approximately 650 metres through a landscape of glacial lakes, alpine heath and rugged mountain peaks. Cradle Mountain dominates the skyline as you make your way towards Barn Bluff Hut, your first private wilderness retreat. After around seven hours on the trail, the prospect of a hot shower, hearty dinner and comfortable bed is particularly welcome.

The following morning, continue south as the landscape opens into sweeping alpine plains and moorlands. The Overland Track reveals Tasmania at its wonderfully wild best, with changing views across rugged peaks, button-grass plains and glacially carved valleys. Walk approximately 13 kilometres to Pine Forest Moor Standing Camp, discreetly tucked away from the main trail. As with the private huts, the camp offers hot showers, twin-share accommodation and a comfortable place to gather over dinner before another peaceful night in the wilderness.

Day four takes you deeper into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, travelling approximately 11 kilometres from Pine Forest Moor towards Pelion Hut. Follow the track through an ever-changing landscape of open moorland and ancient forest, surrounded by some of the region’s most distinctive mountains. Arriving at your private hut, settle in for another relaxed evening with your fellow walkers as your guides prepare dinner and share stories from the trail.

The next morning brings one of the journey’s great opportunities. Climb through beautiful rainforest to Pelion Gap, a high plateau between Mount Pelion East and Mount Ossa with wonderful views across the surrounding wilderness. From here, those looking for an additional challenge can attempt the summit of Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak at 1,617 metres, subject to weather and track conditions. Alternatively, keep the day at a gentler pace and enjoy the alpine scenery before descending to Kia Ora Hut. Come evening, relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine and views towards Cathedral Mountain.

Waterfalls and rainforest take centre stage the following day as you continue from Kia Ora towards Windy Ridge. This beautiful section of the Overland Track passes through wonderfully atmospheric forest, where ancient myrtles, moss-covered trees and rushing mountain streams create an entirely different character from the exposed alpine landscapes of the earlier days. After approximately four hours of walking, arrive at Windy Ridge Hut for your final evening on the trail.

Your last day on foot follows the track approximately 10 kilometres towards Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest natural lake. Descend through changing forest towards Narcissus Bay on the lake’s northern shore, leaving the mountains behind as the vast waters of Lake St Clair come into view. A boat journey across the lake provides a wonderfully scenic finale, with the opportunity to look back towards the wilderness you have spent the past six days crossing before returning to Launceston.

Covering approximately 65 kilometres over six days of walking, plus the introductory night at Red Feather Inn, the Cradle Mountain Signature Walk is graded moderate and is best suited to active travellers comfortable walking around 10 kilometres each day over varied terrain. The trail includes steep, rocky, uneven and potentially slippery sections, and Tasmania’s famously changeable alpine conditions add to the sense of adventure. Those hoping to tackle optional climbs such as Mount Ossa should prepare for an additional physical challenge.