There are many reasons why the Overland Track is Australia’s most famous multi day bushwalk and why every Australian bushwalker should experience it at least once.
Three people share their memories of Tasmania’s best known long distance walking trail.
Ian Trevaskis
I walked the Overland Track in 2015 with members of the Border Bushwalking Club, several of whom had completed it before and insisted it was a hike every walker should have on their list. It was my first time on the trail and although I have not yet returned it remains one of my most memorable walks.
The terrain varied from long stretches of boardwalk to well formed paths, rocky ground and muddy tree root covered sections. Good hiking boots and full length gaiters were essential. We carried all our own equipment and at sixty seven years of age I felt every part of the twenty kilograms on my back. The advice to take all my wet weather gear was wise because the first day brought strong winds, sleet and wet snow.
Although we all carried tents, most nights we stayed in the huts. One hut was crowded so I pitched my tent on the verandah to stay out of the rain. At Bert Nichols Hut I decided to sleep under the stars but it rained all night, leaving me with a wet tent to pack while everyone else stayed dry. My one luxury was a small tablet with a couple of novels. After a dehydrated dinner there was nothing better than settling into my warm sleeping bag and reading for an hour.
Standing on top of Mount Ossa was one of the highlights. The day before we had taken shelter at Kia Ora Hut because of heavy rain, but the following morning was clear and sunny which allowed us to safely scramble to the summit. The views were magnificent. For anyone planning the walk I suggest getting as fit as possible, joining a local walking club and checking the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website for useful information. In my view the Overland Track is one of the finest multi day walks in the country.
Sean Robson
I have walked the Overland Track twenty three times in both summer and winter, beginning in the late nineteen nineties when I was a teenager. On my first trip we saw only four other walkers all week and climbed Mount Ossa in perfect conditions. I was hooked from then on.
In those early years the trail was very muddy even though some planking had been installed in the worst sections. It felt much more rugged. Today the track is in excellent condition thanks to extensive maintenance. I remember meeting the track builders at Pelion Gap about ten years ago while they were working on the stone steps through the Japanese Gardens. They told me it would take at least three more seasons to complete that section.
These days I usually walk the track in winter and stay in the huts. With fewer people around there is always plenty of room and the newer huts are very comfortable. I have many good memories, including my first Mount Ossa summit when two wedge tailed eagles circled only metres above us as we sat eating lunch. I also value the people I have met over the years. I still keep in touch with several of them and expect to meet more on future trips.
My best advice is to take as much time as you can. It is possible to rush through the walk but it is far more enjoyable to slow down. Do not fall into the habit of waking up and racing to the next hut. Aim to arrive in the late afternoon and fill your days with side trips and time in nature rather than long hours of cards in the huts.
Tanya Shaw
In March 2023 a severe weather warning was in place on the day we started. It was freezing cold and the rain was coming sideways but after two years of planning we were determined to begin. Looking back it was a harsh introduction. The first day felt like survival and nothing else.
The trail was clear except at the top of Marions Lookout where visibility was so poor we had to climb over rocks and hope we were heading the right way. Underfoot we encountered boardwalk covered in wire to prevent slipping, rocks, mud, puddles and tangled tree roots. Even in fog and rain the scenery was beautiful and the changing plant life kept it interesting.
Because of the weather we stayed in the huts which were well designed with plenty of space, water tanks, a gas heater for drying clothes and stainless steel benches for cooking. On the third morning we woke to snow which forced us to remain in the hut for a day. The children played cards and the rest was welcome after two difficult days.
I would never go without a hiking pole as it provides balance, helps judge the depth of water or mud and is useful for pushing branches aside and removing leeches. The hardest part is carrying a heavy pack. Practise hiking with your pack fully loaded and be prepared for rapid weather changes. A sunny day in the lowlands means little in the mountains where conditions can change instantly.
For more info on the Overland Track click here.