Walking Tasmania’s Overland Track – Winter 2015

This years adventure is taking a slightly different approach to ‘Overland Adventure’. It’s still Overland, just not as we usually do it.

The Overland Track is Australia’s most well known, multi-day alpine walk. It’s a 65 km, six-day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The stunning scenery and the physical challenge of the Overland Track have assured it a national and international reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks.

The trip came about because my friends Simon and Edwina decided it was a good idea to do this in winter. With less people on the track there would be more wilderness for us to enjoy. Sure its going to be harder with the cold weather and snow but it will be worth it.

The nature of the trip demands that you carry all your gear and supplies for the 6-7 day duration. In winter the bulk of down sleeping bags, clothing and fuel for the stoves soon adds up. My estimated bag weight currently sits at 20kg which includes snow shoes.

On the lead up to the trip I have been watching the weather and track reports with a close eye. The weather has become increasingly inclement with Tasmania experiencing its coldest and most snowbound winter since the 80’s. Many roads have been closed across the country and there have been snow drifts of 60cm reported at Cradle Mountain with temperatures around -5˚c. Still, we are keeping optimistic and hoping the track will remain open when we arrive later next week.

We arrive into Launceston on the 15th August and hopefully getting the bus to Cradle Mountain on the 16th. With all being well we finish the walk the following Sunday and leave Hobart on Monday 24th.

Keep an eye on Facebook and Instagram for updates and photos as I am sure this is going to be another eventful trip for Sirocco Overland!