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Day
One
Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley -10 km
The Overland Track begins at Ronny Creek car park. From there,
we ascend the spectacular and steep track to Crater Lake.
The ascent continues until we reach the plateau surrounding
the base of Cradle Mountain. We traverse around the base of
Cradle Mountain exploring the unique alpine vegetation including
King Billy Pines and the ground hugging Cushion Plant communities.
From here, the rest of the day's walk is reasonably gentle
across an alpine plateau to our campsite at Waterfall Valley.
On the way, we encounter a stand of the unique Richea Pandanafolia,
the world's largest heath plant, which is only found in alpine
Tasmania. The final descent into Waterfall Valley provides
views of the track heading south, a preview of the days to
come.
Day
Two
Waterfall Valley to Windermere Hut - 8 kms
We depart Waterfall Valley Hut at around 9am. Located close
to Waterfall Valley are a number of spectacular waterfalls.
The waterfalls are surrounded by alpine rain forest including
the rare Pencil Pine. These ancient trees are up to one thousand
years old and are remnants of the ancient forests that covered
Gondwana, over 60 million years ago. After a short exploration
of the water falls, we begin crossing undulating alpine plains
before climbing to an open alpine moor. The camp is located
on the southern side of Lake Windermere providing an opportunity
for those who wish to refresh themselves with an invigorating
dip in the lake.
Day
3
Rain Forest to Mountain Ranges Windermere Hut to New Pelion
Hut -16kms
This day's walk is the longest for the trip so we depart Windermere
Hut for New Pelion Hut at around 8:30am. After approximately
one hour, we arrive at the Forth River Lookout. The glacial
valley of the Forth River is cloaked in giant Eucalypt forest.
After a short break we continue onto Pine Forest Moor. During
this section of the track we encounter varying vegetation
including both short rain forest and tall rainforest comprised
of Leatherwood, Sassafras and Myrtle.
Day
4
Pelion Gap and Mt Ossa Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut - 9kms
We depart camp at around 9.00am and head towards Pelion Gap.
Today, we have the chance to ascend Mt Ossa, the highest mountain
in Tasmania at 1613m. The side trip to Mt Ossa is competed
without a back pack. On a clear day, Mt Ossa is an amazing
platform for viewing the southern section of the Cradle Mountain
- Lake St. Clair World Heritage Area. The alpine vegetation
includes Cushion Plants, ancient Pines and Scoparia. After
descending through Pinestone Valley we climb a small ridge
and arrive at Kia Ora Hut.
Day
5
Waterfalls, Huts and Mountain Ranges Kia Ora Hut to Windy
Ridge Hut - 10kms
We depart Kia Ora Hut at 9.00am and continue walking south.
After one hour of walking, we reach the first of the two side
trips for the day. The first is a short walk to D'Alton Falls.
Depending on recent rainfall, the Mersey River can be literally
thumping through these waterfalls. Depending on the speed
of the group, lunch can be enjoyed either at D'Alton Falls
or further down the track at Fergusson Falls . After lunch
we pass through Du Cane Gap, walking through tall Eucalypt
forests before arriving at Windy Ridge hut.
Day
6
Pine Valley Windy Ridge to Pine Valley Hut - 9kms
We
depart at 9.00 am continuing south on the Overland Track to
the turnoff to Pine Valley. The track meanders through ancient
King Billy Pine forest that is lined in a carpet of deep green
mosses and lichens. As we get closer to the Pine Valley hut,
the trail weaves its way alongside deep, tannin colored creeks.
For over 60 million years, these unique forests have survived
in isolated pockets in Tasmania. Our campsite is nestled amongst
King Billy Pine forests. We spend the next two nights at this
campsite.
Day
7
Labyrinth Day walk to The Labyrinth - 6kms
The day walk to The Labyrinth can be completed backpack free.
The walk is a steep climb through moss covered forest to an
undulating alpine plateau. The Labyrinth is a fairy-land of
Pencil Pines, streams and alpine cushion plants. The area
is a photographers' dream. Spectacular mountain peaks dominate
the horizon. Make sure you save some film for this.
Day
8:
Lake St Clair Pine Valley Hut to Narcissus Hut, boat cruise
across Lake St. Clair and return to Hobart - 9kms,
We depart at 8:30am to allow time to reach the ferry pick
up point for lunch. This day is a nine km stroll alongside
the Traveller Range, down the Narcissus River to Lake St Clair,
the deepest lake in Australia at 220m. The ferry takes around
25 minutes before reaching Cynthia Bay. The trip takes us
past the rain forest-flanked banks of the lake, providing
a prime viewing position of Mt Olympus. On arrival at the
National Parks and Wildlife Service Visitors Centre, we have
a look around and have a hot cup of tea/coffee before departing
for Hobart.
Arrive.
The drive to Hobart takes around three hours arriving at approximately
6:30pm to take you to your accommodation or transport i.e.
bus or airport.
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