Enjoy one of Australia’s most famous treks and take in some of Tasmania’s most stunning scenery. During this 6 day tour, you’ll make your way through rainforest and groves of eucalypts, alpine moors and valleys, skirting bright blue lakes and taking in views of waterfalls and towering peaks in the distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Camp on the edges of historic huts under star-filled skies, wake up to dramatic landscapes and take the chance to tackle side trips like summitting Cradle Mountain and the island’s highest peak Mt Ossa.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This active adventure is with Intrepid and is one of the best ways to take in this iconic trek and landscape.&nbsp;

Cradle Mountain Overland trek | by Intrepid

Welcome to one of Australia’s greatest walks. Your adventure begins at 7 am. Make your way west from Launceston, to start your walk at Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley. Cross a small grass plain, passing Crater Creek, Crater Lake, and make your way up to Marion’s Lookout for sweeping views, where you can see the iconic Cradle Mountain and the curved Dove Lake.&nbsp;
&nbsp;The track continues past the historic Kitchen Hut and you’ll traverse the shoulder of Cradle Mountain surrounded by Tasmanian snow gums.&nbsp;
Continue to the Cradle Cirque, passing the turnoff to Barn Bluff, and descend into Waterfall Valley, where you will camp for the night.&nbsp;
If weather and time allow, there is also the opportunity to summit Cradle Mountain today.&nbsp;
Distance: Today’s walk is approximately 10 kilometres for 4-5 hours.&nbsp;
Note: The pre-departure meeting will take place at 3pm the day before departure at Macpac: 22 Kingsway, Launceston, Tasmania 7250.&nbsp;
Pick-up will be on day 1 from 7am from your accommodation. Please advise our team of your preferred location prior to departure.&nbsp;

Day 1: Launceston - Ronny Creek - Waterfall Valley

Above Waterfall Valley is Barn Bluff, which juts out of the landscape in a distinctive cone-shaped peak. This morning you’ll have the opportunity to climb the bluff if the conditions are right, continuing on to Lake Windermere in the afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Waterfall Valley is full of beautiful cascades, myrtles and snow gums. Look out for Tasmanian Devils, echidnas and wombats.
As you crest the moorland you’ll get a view across Lake Windermere. Make your way around the shore of the lake to tonight’s campsite, nestled in a scattered forest.&nbsp;
Distance: Today’s walk is approximately 8 kilometres, 3-4 hours, not including the optional side trip to climb the bluff.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley - Lake Windermere

Today is the longest walk of the trip.
Begin with a walk through the forest and across button grass moorlands to the lookout at Forth Gorge. In the distance the peaks of mounts Oakleigh, Ossa, Pelion East and West, as well as the Du Cane Range, pepper the horizon. Follow some small descents into the forest glade of Frog Flats, a wet section of forest crossed by the River Forth that’s home to some beautifully coloured mosses and fungi.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Climb through forest to Pelion Plains, where the Forth Valley Track diverts off to Old Pelion Hut. Continue along the shore of Douglas Creek to New Pelion Hut, the largest of the track’s huts, which sits at the junction of the overland and Arm River tracks.&nbsp;
Distance: Today’s walk is approximately 17 kilometres, 6-7 hours.

Day 3: Lake Windermere - Pelion Hut

Begin with a gradual climb up to Pelion Gap. Here, the track hits a crossroads with Mt Pelion to the east and to the west towering Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617 metres. If the weather’s right, there will be the option to climb either of the peaks today. Both summits boast amazing views of the national park and beyond its boundaries and are well worth the extra effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;
From the Pelion Gap crossroads, the track passes through the glaciated Pinestone Valley and on to Kia Ora Hut, which sits on a creek of the same name and is nestled below the Ducane Range and Cathedral Mountain on the opposite side.&nbsp;
Distance: Today’s walk is approximately 9 kilometres, 4 hours. Allow 3-4 additional hours for the Mt Ossa or Mt Pelion East side trip.

Day 4: Pelion Gap - Kia Ora Hut

Leave Kia Ora Hut and make your way through Myrtle Beech rainforest to Du Cane Hut. Further down the track you will see the falls of D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett, which tumble into the Mersey River in spectacular fashion.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Back on the main track, the path climbs steadily to Du Cane Gap, where Mt Geryon and the Acropolis of the Du Cane Range are the peaks that dominate the views. From here the track descends through eucalypt forest to Windy Ridge Hut, the newest hut on the track and your spot to share stories on the final night of the trip.&nbsp;
Distance: Today’s walk is approximately 10 kilometres, 5 hours.

Day 5: Kia Ora Hut - Du Cane Gap - Windy Ridge Hut

Welcome to the final day of your Overland Track adventure.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Leaving Windy Ridge Hut, descend down the valley to the Narcissus River. Pass the path which splits off to take walkers to the base of the Du Cane Range and Pine Valley Hut, the base for access to the Acropolis and the Labyrinth. Follow the track down to a suspension bridge over the Narcissus River and the end is in sight – Lake St Clair and the finish of the Overland Track.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Give yourself a huge pat on the back and your legs a rest with a ferry ride across the lake to Cynthia Bay. Jump back in the van for the ride back to Launceston, where your trip comes to an end, arriving around 6pm this evening.&nbsp;
Distance: Today’s walk is approximately 10 kilometres, 4 hours.

Summary

Cradle Mountain Overland trek | by Intrepid

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