Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek
Adventure Destination

Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek

The Overland Track in Tasmania is a 65 km multi-day hike through diverse terrain, including alpine meadows and temperate rainforests. Moderate difficulty with well-marked trails, huts, and stunning wildlife sightings. Best hiked spring to fall with necessary permits and preparations.

Hiking9.3/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Situated in Tasmania's rugged Central Highlands, the Overland Track is one of Australia's most renowned long-distance wilderness trails. This 65-kilometer trek winds through diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows, ancient rainforests, moss-covered buttongrass plains, and glacially-carved valleys. Hikers traverse well-maintained boardwalks and dirt tracks that navigate alongside pristine tarns, rushing rivers, and panoramic mountain peaks like Cradle Mountain and Mount Ossa, the highest point in Tasmania. The region provides a unique habitat for endemic wildlife including wombats, Tasmanian devils, and the rare orange-bellied parrot.

What makes the Overland Track exceptional is its dramatic geological variety shaped by ancient Gondwanan elements and glacial activity, offering a rare chance to witness Tasmania’s wild heart. The trail is located within the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, emphasizing its global conservation significance. Originally mapped in the early 20th century, it has since become a bucket-list pilgrimage for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. The hike typically takes 6 days to complete, with designated huts and campsites along the way, blending rugged adventure with accessible comfort.

This iconic trek invites visitors to experience some of Australia's most pristine natural settings, with cool temperate rainforests, alpine flora, and sweeping views that change dramatically with the weather. Its mix of natural features, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage provide a deeply memorable wilderness journey unlike any other in the southern hemisphere.

Editorial Assessment

This location scores high for its unique environmental features, world heritage status, and exceptional hiking experience. It is rated well above average due to its pristine wilderness and ecological importance, making it one of the most iconic natural trails worldwide.

Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek

Adventure Guide to Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek

1

Experience Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek

  • Special Features:

    The Overland Track in Tasmania is a 65 km multi-day hike through diverse terrain, including alpine meadows and temperate rainforests. Moderate difficulty with well-marked trails, huts, and stunning wildlife sightings. Best hiked spring to fall with necessary permits and preparations.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Best time to visit is during Spring to Fall. Bring adequate water, appropriate outdoor gear, and camera.

  • Directions:

    Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia

2

Exploring Near Launceston, Tasmania

  • Local Insights:

    Offers direct access to top trails, protected natural reserves, and picturesque viewpoints across Launceston, Tasmania.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Check local regulations, trail conditions, and weather before heading out.

3

Photography and Wildlife

  • Special Highlights:

    Watch for native wildlife including Wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Orange-bellied Parrot, Echidnas.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Arrive in early morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting and quieter trails.

Reviews

L
Larry Wilsona month ago

Incredible experience! The views and natural scenery at Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek are unforgettable. Well marked trails and a fantastic outdoor getaway.

P
Peter M.3 months ago

Clean trails with great directions. Once you arrive, there are multiple scenic vantage points to explore. Highly recommend visiting early in the morning.

D
David Pestana6 months ago

One of my favorite destinations in the region. Sunset here transitions into an unforgettable evening with shifting light on the landscape.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

General Entry/Day Keeper Tours20.7 mi
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

General Entry/Day Keeper Tours

Step into the world of Tasmanian devils and quolls at Devils @ Cradle near Cradle Mountain. This all-day sanctuary visit features Keeper-led tours that reveal the natural behaviors of these fascinating native animals.

20.7 miView Trips & Details →
Day Feeding Tours20.7 mi
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Day Feeding Tours

Join Devils @ Cradle for an engaging guided walk and a thrilling Tasmanian devil feeding session in Cradle Mountain. Discover wild behavior and conservation stories up close.

20.7 miView Trips & Details →
VIP Tours30.1 mi
Mole Creek, Tasmania

VIP Tours

Experience Tasmania's native wildlife up close with a private VIP Tour at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. Gain unique insights into conservation in this intimate, animal-focused adventure.

30.1 miView Trips & Details →
The Trowunna Experience30.1 mi
Mole Creek, Tasmania

The Trowunna Experience

Dive into a hands-on wildlife encounter at Tasmania’s premier conservation sanctuary. The Trowunna Experience offers a customized half-day adventure connecting you with native wildlife in Mole Creek’s scenic wilderness.

30.1 miView Trips & Details →
Devil Tug‑of‑War: A Close‑Quarters Showdown with a Tasmanian Predator30.1 mi
Mole Creek, Tasmania

Devil Tug‑of‑War: A Close‑Quarters Showdown with a Tasmanian Predator

An off‑season, adults‑only encounter at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary where guests hand‑feed a Tasmanian devil then test their grip in a supervised tug‑of‑war—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

30.1 miView Trips & Details →
Hand‑feed a Tawny Frogmouth in Mole Creek’s winter hush30.1 mi
Mole Creek, Tasmania

Hand‑feed a Tawny Frogmouth in Mole Creek’s winter hush

A short, intimate 30‑minute hands‑on encounter at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary running during the 2026 off‑season, with bookings by phone or email.

30.1 miView Trips & Details →