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

Walk Launceston’s Wild Coast: Self-Guided Days from Devonport to Narawntapu63.2 mi
Launceston, Tasmania

Walk Launceston’s Wild Coast: Self-Guided Days from Devonport to Narawntapu

A fully arranged, 4-day (option 5-day) self-guided walking tour from Devonport that pairs coastal and national-park walking with village meals and wildlife encounters.

63.2 miView Trips & Details →
Inside Trowunna: Up Close with Wombats and the Tasmanian Devil Feeding at Mole Creek30.1 mi
Mole Creek, Tasmania

Inside Trowunna: Up Close with Wombats and the Tasmanian Devil Feeding at Mole Creek

General admission to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary includes a free interactive tour three times daily — a 45‑minute chance to meet a wombat and watch Tasmanian devil social feeding, no prior booking required.

30.1 miView Trips & Details →
Tastes of the Tamar: A Slow, Small‑Group Wine Day out of Launceston63.5 mi
Launceston, Tasmania

Tastes of the Tamar: A Slow, Small‑Group Wine Day out of Launceston

A relaxed, guided 6.5‑hour Tamar Valley minibus tour from Launceston that visits top cellar doors for cool‑climate tastings and an included lunch (Mon–Sat 11am start; $185 pp).

63.5 miView Trips & Details →
Into the Walls of Jerusalem: A Two-Day Crossing of Tasmania’s Central Plateau32.4 mi
Miena, Tasmania

Into the Walls of Jerusalem: A Two-Day Crossing of Tasmania’s Central Plateau

A fully guided 2-day/1-night overnight walk from Lake Ada into the Walls of Jerusalem National Park with all gear, transfers and gourmet meals—this guide explains the route, logistics and what to expect.

32.4 miView Trips & Details →
Four Days Through the Walls: An Exclusive, Fully Guided Grand Traverse of Tasmania’s High Country32.4 mi
Miena, Tasmania

Four Days Through the Walls: An Exclusive, Fully Guided Grand Traverse of Tasmania’s High Country

A private, four-day/three-night traverse of Walls of Jerusalem National Park led by local Miena guides—this guide explains the route, logistics, and what to bring.

32.4 miView Trips & Details →
Nine-hour sweep from Launceston to St Columba Falls and the Bay of Fires65.3 mi
Launceston, Tasmania

Nine-hour sweep from Launceston to St Columba Falls and the Bay of Fires

A single-day, 9-hour guided circuit from Launceston that visits Scottsdale, Derby, St Columba Falls and the Bay of Fires — this guide lays out the stops, timing and what's included.

65.3 miView Trips & Details →