Australia’s most iconic bushwalk, the Overland Track in the Tasmanian World Heritage wilderness, will re-open to walkers on the 3rd of February, after devastating bushfires forced its temporary closure.

General Manager of specialist Tasmanian walking operator, Tasmanian Expeditions, Heidi Smith, says the Overland Track was only closed as a precautionary measure.

Ms Smith says all fires in the state are now under control and it’s safe for walkers to return.

“We’re encouraging those walkers who were planning to undertake the 65 kilometre Overland Track before the bushfires, to still do so,” she said.

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“While the recent fires devastated some parts of the state, the regions the Overland Track winds its way through were unaffected.”

“Overland Track walkers will still experience all the grandeur of the walk that was available to them pre-fires.


How do you want to experience the Overland Track?

Snaking its way from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair in the celebrated Tasmanian World Heritage wilderness is a 65km graded track that is consistently mentioned when outdoor magazines name their top walks of the world – the Overland Track.

It’s a bucket-lister for any keen bushwalker and if you haven’t done it yet this article might just help you decide which way is best for you.

Self guided, small groups, winter, summer, camping, hut based – there are many options available.
The best time of year is between October and May, and if you’ve left it a little late you’ll be pleased to know that there is still a chance to squeeze it in this season.

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Image: Lachlan Gardiner

Autumn is arguable one of the best times to visit thanks to the changing colours of the fagus, Australia’s only true winter deciduous tree. As the days get shorter the twilight evening’s flicker on the reds and oranges of the fagus to provide an autumnal experience that you simply don’t get on the mainland. The days are also cooler, making the walking delightful, and if you are lucky a small sprinkle of snow will add even more intrigue to those who view your holiday snaps.

For those who like to organise their own trips you’ll need to secure your own park fees, figure out how you’ll feed and water yourself for the week and, the most costly part of a solo trip, organise your transport to and from the walk. Too hard basket?

If you’re up for a good walk but would prefer to spend your time enjoying your holiday rather than worrying about logistic, then consider an organised trip along the Overland Track. The first question to ask yourself, camping or huts?

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Image: Lachlan Gardiner

You’ll likely know immediately which camp (excuse the pun!) you sit in. If you’re sitting on the fence though it’s good to know why you would choose either. There is no doubt the hut based trips are more comfortable, and worth every penny when you delight in the warm and cosy atmosphere of great food and welcoming beds after a day on the trail. For those ready to camp, you’ll be open to a generally quicker group pace which ultimately provides more opportunities for the many side trip, like an ascent of Tasmania’s tallest peak, the 1617m Mt Ossa.

A good guide can make or break a trip. They will provide half the memories of your group based travels and the safety, comfort and reassurance they provide when it may be getting too tough is welcoming. If deep in the Tasmanian wilderness is not a place you typically hang out, guided trips should be a preferred option.

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Image: Lachlan Gardiner

But if you’re fit, comfortable with camping and relish a challenge in the outdoors, and would love to leave the logistics to someone else, you can save a lot of time and hassle by trying an organised Self Guided trip instead where everything – including EPIRBS and lightweight meals – but your clothes and a guide are provided.

It’s Australia’s most famous walk and you have choices in how you experience it. Take advantage of them and experience the Overland Track exactly the way you want.


If this has got the enthusiasm flowing head to Tasmania Expeditions for more information and to book your trip.

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Image: Lachlan Gardiner

 

About The Author

Brad Atwal is an adventure travel junkie having worked for World Expeditions for over 15 years on three continents. His ambition to showcase the world’s wildest places was inspired by an early visit to his dad’s village in India and he counts himself as one of the lucky ones to be able to wax lyrical about destinations from the Arctic to the Outback. When he’s not seeking out inspirational places to share with others you’ll find him paddling up a creek, with a paddle, with his three young daughters near his home in Coffs Harbour.

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