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63-769: The Overland Track is an Australian bushwalking track, traversing Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park , within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area . It is walked by more than nine thousand people each year, with numbers limited in the warmer months. Officially the track runs for 65 kilometres (40 mi) from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair however many choose to extend it by walking along Lake St Clair for an extra day, bringing it to 82 kilometres (51 mi). It winds through terrain ranging from glacial mountains, temperate rainforest, wild rivers and alpine plains. There are several well known side tracks, including walks to

126-411: A snow cave . It has thermal properties similar to an igloo and is effective both at providing protection from wind and low temperatures. A properly made snow cave can be 0 °C (32 °F) or warmer inside, even when outside temperatures are −40 °C (−40 °F). It is constructed by excavating snow so that its entrance tunnel is below the main space in order to retain warm air. Construction

189-574: A 30-pound (14 kg) pack, loads his knees with 555 pounds (252 kg) of stress per step. Backpacking camps are usually more spartan than campsites where gear is transported by car or boat. In areas with heavy backpacker traffic, a hike-in campsite might have a fire ring (where permissible), an outhouse , a wooden bulletin board with a map and information about the trail and area. Many hike-in camps are no more than level patches of ground free of underbrush. In remote wilderness areas hikers must choose their own site. Established camps are rare and

252-415: A journey that can last months. It is, however, similar to bikepacking , bicycle touring , canoe and kayak camping, and trail riding , with saddlebags . Backpacking is an outdoor recreation where gear is carried in a backpack . This can include food, water, bedding, shelter, clothing, stove, and cooking kit. Given that backpackers must carry their gear, the total weight of their bag and its contents

315-696: A large base tilted towards the SSW and most exposed in the northern half of the track. Later, there was some mineralisation forming tin and copper deposits, and in the Permian Era marine deposits left shellfish fossils and sedimentary layered cliffs at about 900m. In the Jurassic period, dolerite intruded through the crust, forming columns that cap every major mountain range in the national park. North-south valleys were formed as Gondwana broke up, and they were further carved and deepened by glaciers during

378-777: A nature reserve. The creation of an Archaeology Section within the service followed the passing of the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975 . In the following year Precipitous Bluff was incorporated into the Southwest National Park . Controversy in 1979 over the proposed Lower Gordon hydro-electric power scheme, which would have flooded the Franklin River , led to the creation of the Franklin-Lower Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in 1981 (construction of

441-418: A safe manner, and a weighted carry is as beneficial for the cardiovascular system as a light run, and for exercise, a weighted carry helps avoid injuries. A differential exists between a man running in comparison to a man walking while carrying a backpack. A 175-pound (79 kg) man running, without a backpack, loads his knees with 1,400 pounds (640 kg) of stress per stride. The same person, carrying

504-522: A staff of 59 under inaugural Director Peter Murrell. The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 had made new provisions for the conservation of fauna and flora and the establishment and management of national parks and reserves. Existing national parks at the time included Ben Lomond , Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair , Freycinet , Mt Field , Rocky Cape and Southwest . Former wildlife sanctuaries Mount William , Maria Island and Narawntapu were set up as national parks and Macquarie Island designated

567-405: Is Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processed food, which has its moisture retained and merely needs heating with a special, water-activated chemical reaction . Specialized cookbooks are available on trailside food and the challenges inherent in making it. Some focus on planning meals and preparing ingredients for short trips; others on the challenges of organizing and preparing meals revolving around

630-449: Is a primary concern of backpackers. Backpacking trips range from one night to weeks or months, sometimes aided by planned resupply points, drops, or caches. Carrying loads appears to have differentiated humans from other animals. A weighted carry from backpacking taxes muscles. A weighted load stresses the shoulders, delts, back, abs, obliques, hips, quads, hamstrings and the knees. Humans can carry weight under 50 pounds (23 kg) in

693-427: Is a recreational activity that combines ultralight backpacking with running , and, on steep slopes, hiking . It is a multi-day adventure that usually takes places along long distance trails . A sleeping bag is carried and other essential backpacking items, and often a tent or similar shelter, if places to stay are not available. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

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756-489: Is energy intensive. It is essential to bring enough food to maintain both energy and health. The weight of food is an important issue to consider. Consequently, items with high food energy , long shelf life , and low mass and volume deliver the most utility. Taste and satisfaction are issues that are of varying importance to individual hikers, as they consider whether it is worth the effort (and trade-off against other gear) to carry fresh, heavy, or luxury food items. The shorter

819-464: Is exceptionally heavy. It is impossible to carry more than a few days' supply. Therefore, hikers often drink natural water supplies, sometimes after filtering or purifying. Some hikers will treat water before drinking to protect against waterborne diseases carried by bacteria and protozoa . The chief treatment methods include: Water may be stored in bottles or collapsible plastic bladders. Hydration bladders are increasingly popular. Backpacking

882-611: Is generally unstable, with temperatures ranging from hot (in excess of 35 °C or 95 °F) in summer to below 0 °C (32 °F) in winter. Snow can fall at any time and is common during the winter, especially on the Cradle Mountain Plateau and around Mount Ossa . Rain is very common, sometimes torrential though often settling to days of drizzle. Additionally, the climate varies significantly between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, with Cradle Mountain subject to almost twice as much annual rainfall despite having

945-502: Is important as a representative protected area in north-central Tasmania for those species. Large segments of the track pass across buttongrass plains, a landscape that is unique to Tasmania. It has been theorised that the extent of buttongrass plains could be due to Aboriginal fire-stick farming before European settlement. Some wildlife, especially possums, currawongs and quolls have become to associate humans with food and are quite adept at stealing from tents, huts and packs. Although

1008-493: Is known for its remote, interesting and challenging wilderness, and in bushwalking circles the Overland Track is considered a comparatively accessible way of experiencing this part of the world. The walk covers 65 km with most walkers covering approximately 12 km per day and staying over nights in and around the main huts. Public huts have room for 16-36 people, and there are numerous platformed tent sites around

1071-418: Is simplified by building on a steep slope and digging slightly upwards and horizontally into the snow. The roof is domed to prevent dripping on the occupants. Adequate snow depth, free of rocks and ice, is needed — generally 4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m) is sufficient. A quinzhee is similar, but constructed by tunneling into mounded snow rather than by digging into a natural snow formation. Fastpacking

1134-423: Is the government body responsible for managing protected areas of Tasmania on public land , such as national parks, historic sites and regional reserves . Historically it has also had responsibility for managing wildlife, including game. The National Parks and Wildlife Service was set up on 1 November 1971 after controversy surrounding the proposal to flood Lake Pedder and the unsuccessful attempts to prevent

1197-464: Is widely available, but can be expensive. Materials can include carbon fiber, lightweight alloys, specialty plastics, and impregnated fabrics. Backpacking has been a historically white male-dominated outdoor recreational activity. With official backpacks for the sport being patented since 1878, it is indicative of the demographics that the first backpack designed for and marketed towards women wasn't invented until 1979, over 100 years later. Backpacking

1260-809: The Appalachian Trail . Another example is the High Sierra Camps in the Yosemite National Park . Long-distance backpacking trails with huts also exist in South Africa, including the 100 km plus Amatola Trail , in the Eastern Cape Province. Backpacking is also popular in the Himalayas (often called trekking there), where porters and pack animals are often used. Backpacking gear depends on

1323-592: The Forth River at Frog Flats, before ascending to Pelion Plains. The track crosses the saddle between Mount Ossa and Mount Pelion East, and descends toward Kia Ora Hut. The next section crosses into the Du Cane Range, formed by cirque glaciers and surrounded by several waterfalls, then descends to cross the Narcissus River and meets the north side of Lake St Clair. From here, walkers either catch

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1386-713: The Kent Group National Park and, in 2005, marine protected areas were created there and at Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour . The Parks and Wildlife Service was separated from the DPIWE following the 2002 state elections, becoming part of the Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts (DTPHA), while the Resource Management and Conservation Division remained part of the DPIWE. In April 2006

1449-711: The ethos is to " leave no trace " when gone. In some regions, varying forms of accommodation exist, from simple log lean-to's to staffed facilities offering escalating degrees of service. Beds, meals, and even drinks may be had at Alpine huts scattered among well-traveled European mountains. Backpackers there can walk from hut-to-hut without leaving the mountains, while in places like the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales in England hill-walkers descend to stay in youth hostels , farmhouses or guest houses . Reservations can usually be made in advance and are recommended in

1512-400: The 1910s Gustav and Kate Weindorfer began campaigning for the area from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair to be a national park. It was declared a scenic reserve in 1922, a wildlife reserve in 1927 and its current designation of national park from 1947. During this transition, former trappers began building huts and guiding bushwalkers, including Paddy Hartnett, Weindorfer and Bob Quaile. It

1575-551: The 1998 state elections with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and the Government Analytical and Forensic Laboratories (GAFL) coming on board, creating the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE). The Parks and Wildlife Service was split into two separate divisions: the Resource Management and Conservation Division had responsibility for natural and cultural resources, and

1638-522: The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The park's alpine vegetation is very diverse and has largely escaped forest fires that have caused neighbouring regions to suffer. The most common fauna are Tasmanian Pademelons (native), possums and small rodents most of which are native. Also decidedly present, but not necessarily seen, are quolls , echidnas , tasmanian devils and wombats . There are also

1701-780: The DTPHA incorporated the Environment Division from the DPIWE, becoming the Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment and, subsequently, in March 2008, the Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts (DEPHA). In 2007 the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund was established. Tour company operator Robert Pennicott, founder of Bruny Island Cruises and Tasman Island Cruises, came together with environmental group WILDCARE to establish

1764-521: The Department of Lands, Parks and Wildlife split to become the Department of Environment and Planning and the Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, which managed Crown land as well as the reserves, and with duties to conserve wildlife and historic heritage sites. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority also became part of this new Department. In

1827-415: The Overland Track. It is Australia's oldest endurance race and has run annually from 1980. Entrance is highly controlled due to environmental concerns. The men's race record of 7:25 is held by Andy Kromar and the women's race record of 8:13 is held by Hanny Allston . Backpacking (wilderness) Backpacking as a method of travel is a different activity, which mainly uses public transport during

1890-541: The Parks and Wildlife Service covered Tasmania's parks, reserves and World Heritage Areas. In April 1999 an existing reserve on Flinders Island, known since 1967 as Strzelecki National Park , was formally named as such. In August 2000, state waters surrounding sub-antarctic Macquarie Island were declared a marine protected area around 747 square kilometres (288 sq mi) in area. In December 2001 three Bass Strait islands, Deal, Erith and Dover, were declared part of

1953-635: The area from the 1860s until the collapse of the fur trade in the 1950s, although hunting in the park was declared illegal after 1927. They established huts, including Du Cane and Pine Valley, and burned the land to encourage fresh growth and game. During the same timeframe Pelion Plains was used by sheep and cattle for grazing in the summer, and wild cattle lived in the area until 1948. The cattle were reportedly quite aggressive, and known to attack early bushwalkers. Both Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain were regarded by European settlers as beautiful tourist destinations, with tourist lodges at each location. In

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2016-599: The area. Aboriginal Tasmanians were persecuted by the European settlers upon their arrival , and the last free Aboriginals in the area were seen between Barn Bluff and Lake Windemere in 1836. Europeans first explored Cradle Mountain in 1827 and 1828 with Joseph Fossey and Henry Hellyer surveying for the Van Diemen's Land Company . Lake St Clair was sighted by surveyor William Sharland in 1832, with George Frankland leading an expedition to it three years later. During

2079-413: The areas. There are also private huts for guided tours. The track is mostly well defined and adequately marked. The track condition, however, varies greatly. There are long sections of duckboard (boardwalk) which consist of split logs embedded in the ground, held together with wire and nails. Where there is no duckboard, the conditions can sometimes be very muddy. In winter, the mud is frozen solid early in

2142-409: The body, both particularly dangerous in cold weather. Winter backpackers stick to wool or synthetic fabric like nylon or polypropylene, which hold less moisture and often have specialized wicking properties to dissipate sweat generated during aerobic activities. Layering is essential, as wet clothes quickly sap body heat and can lead to frostbite or hypothermia . A winter bivouac can also be made in

2205-402: The bulk rationing prevalent in extended trail hikes, particularly those with pre-planned food drops. Some people seek out lighter equipment for long-distance hikes, as it is easier to carry, reduces physical strain, and allows for ease of long distance travel. Ultralight gear has become increasingly more commonly used in past years as it reduces the strain on the hiker. Specialist ultralight gear

2268-551: The dam was stopped by a Federal Court ruling in 1983). The Walls of Jerusalem National Park was also created in June 1981. Until 1987 the service operated relatively independently and, since then, has had a chequered history within the structure of the Tasmanian bureaucracy, being initially merged in that year with the Department of Lands, to form the Department of Lands, Parks and Wildlife, and relocated to new premises. In 1989

2331-424: The famous Tasmanian leeches. The track traverses areas of many types of vegetation, including Myrtle Beech forest, Eucalypts forest, Button Grass plains, alpine herb fields, and shrubs and mosses. The park has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it provides habitat for 11 of Tasmania's endemic bird species, as well as for the flame and pink robins and the striated fieldwren . The IBA

2394-401: The ferry across the lake, or walk the 17 km to Cynthia Bay. There are a number of side trips that can be undertaken while on the Overland Track. From north to south these are: The track has many huts, enabling hikers to stay indoors every night. There is no booking system for huts, so it is mandatory for hikers to carry a tent in case there is no space available or there is an incident on

2457-616: The fund. While operating separately to the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, the fund is used to provide funding to the Parks and Wildlife Service to assist in environmental protection and conservation projects in Tasmania's National Parks. From July 2009, the DEPHA ceased to exist, and the Parks and Wildlife Service became part of the new Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE). From December 2021

2520-547: The high season. In the more remote parts of Great Britain, especially Scotland, bothies exist to provide simple (free) accommodation for backpackers. On the French system of long distance trails , Grande Randonnées , backpackers can stay in gîtes d'étapes , which are simple hostels provided for walkers and cyclists. There are some simple shelters and occasional mountain hut also provided in North America, including on

2583-416: The last ice age . Cirque glaciers formed around most major peaks, giving Cradle Mountain its iconic shape. The Overland Track is listed as one of the best treks in the world by Lonely Planet and contains "craggy mountains [and] beautiful lakes and tarns". The scenery is often described as spectacular, with walkers noting the mountain scenery, forests, alpine plains, lakes and waterfalls. Tasmania in general

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2646-517: The late 19th century there was an effort to build a railway to the west coast of Tasmania, which at the time was only accessible by boat. Railway engineer Allan Stewart began surveying a route which led up the Mersey Valley up to what is now the middle of the Overland Track, but ran out of money before it could be completed. Parts of his trail were used by the Innes track (est. 1897), which led to

2709-616: The mining town of Rosebery . The Overland Track itself follows the original Innes track across Pelion Plains. These tracks encouraged prospecting, and several mines were set up including coal near Barn Bluff, copper in Pelion Plains, Lake Windemere and Commonwealth Creek, tin in Mount Inglis, and tungsten in the Forth Valley. Lake Windemere and Old Pelion huts were established during this mining effort. Trappers worked in

2772-457: The morning, however offsetting this is the problem of slippery ice on the duckboard. The mud is not nearly as frequent or deep as hikes in the southwest, due mainly to the duckboard. Inexperienced walkers are advised to undertake the walk in summer when the days are longer and the weather milder. During this time the number of visitors is controlled by the 'Overland Pass' a limited number of which are available, with revenue going towards maintaining

2835-431: The newly formed Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service after the controversial flooding of Lake Pedder and commercially guided tours were reintroduced. The Overland Track has been managed by Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service since 1971, with the purpose of both improving access, and conserving World Heritage areas. They manage track maintenance, hut maintenance and upgrades, toilet waste removal and staff rangers along

2898-430: The project going ahead. A Select Committee formed from the interested parties recommended the establishment of a professional park service to properly manage the natural environment in Tasmania, and to replace the former Scenery Preservation and Animals & Birds Protection Boards, previously responsible for scenic reserves (including national parks) and wildlife sanctuaries respectively. The new service initially had

2961-423: The same number of rainy days. This informed the practice (now policy) of bushwalkers departing from the north. The Overland Track traverses Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, which is a significant habitat for Tasmania's endemic species. An estimated 40–55% of the parks documented alpine flora is endemic. Furthermore, 68% of the higher rainforest species recorded in alpine areas in Tasmania are present in

3024-836: The same year the Douglas-Apsley National Park , important for its dry sclerophyll forests, was established in the east of the state. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area was expanded to include the Central Plateau Conservation Area . With other additions the World Heritage Area increased to 13,800 square kilometres (5,300 sq mi), approximately 20% of Tasmania's land area. In 1991, Tasmania's first marine protected areas were established at Maria Island , Governor Island , Tinderbox and Ninepin Point , and

3087-593: The service to fund projects aimed at visitors including visitor centres and official trails. In 1995 several areas of land previously managed by the service were transferred to the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania and an Aboriginal Heritage Unit was created to provide training for Aboriginal community members, to help facilitate their advising on Aboriginal heritage management. In 1996 the Mole Creek Karst National Park

3150-434: The service's original Director, Peter Murrell, retired. Also in that year, an existing reserve known since 1951 as Hartz Mountains National Park was formally named as such. On 3 February 1993, the Department once again merged, this time becoming the Department of Environment and Land Management (DELM), with the Parks and Wildlife Service functioning as a separate division. In that year the introduction of park fees allowed

3213-445: The summits of Cradle Mountain and Mount Ossa , the tallest mountain in Tasmania and a group of tarns called The Labyrinth. Known for its pristine environment and beauty, the Overland Track is listed by Lonely Planet as one of the best treks in the world. The walk can be done independently, with six main public huts maintained by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife and five private huts for commercial groups only. Bushwalkers usually complete

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3276-416: The terrain and climate, and on a hiker's plans for shelter (refuges, huts, gites, camping, etc.). It may include: Proper hydration is critical to successful backpacking. Depending on conditions - which include weather, terrain, load, and the hiker's age and fitness - a backpacker may drink 2 to 8 litres (1/2 to 2 gallons), or more, per day. At 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) per 1 litre (1.1 US qt) water

3339-607: The track and visitors must walk from the north to south. The walk is not challenging provided that walkers are adequately prepared with proper equipment. The track is covered by the Tasmap Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair 1:100000 map. The main track crosses starts from Ronny Creek (or Dove Lake ) and crosses the Cradle Mountain Plateau to reach Waterfall Valley. It then descends across heathlands to Lake Windermere and through rainforests to cross

3402-472: The track during the summer. During their tenure the popularity of the track increased dramatically, with the number of walkers increased from 1500 to 8800 between 1971 and 2004. The demographics also shifted away from being mostly locals to 35% international, 57% from the mainland, and 8% from Tasmania. In 2005 a booking system was implemented to manage its increased popularity, and restrictions were placed on walkers. In 2024 it costs $ 295 AUD for an adult to walk

3465-479: The track from October to May (inclusive), not including the National Parks Pass, and walkers must travel from north to south on a prebooked starting date. The track was in poor condition by the 1980s with significant mud and erosion, with 29% of the track impacted by knee-deep mud and track widening. In 1982, major Tasmanian national parks were recognised as a World Heritage Area , and federal funding

3528-613: The track in five or six days, usually from north to south. The record time is seven hours and 25 minutes, achieved by Andy Kromar during the Cradle Mountain Run. The Overland Track spans the boundary between the Big River and Northern Tasmanian Aboriginal nations and may have been used as an access route. Several artifacts and campsites containing various stone types and tools have been discovered between Pelion Plains and Lake St Clair , and early surveyors reported huts in

3591-454: The track. Commercial groups are not encouraged to use the huts overnight and while one company operates from a set of five private huts, all other operators use the designated group camping areas near each of the main huts. Download coordinates as: Overnight use of these is prohibited except in an emergency The Cradle Mountain Run is an 82 km long Australian ultramarathon that follows

3654-871: The trip and easier the conditions the more feasible such treats become. In many cases, heat, fuel and utensils are used. Small liquid or gas-fueled campstoves and lightweight cooking pots are common. Campfires are sometimes prohibited. Some backpackers consume dried foods, including many common household foods such as cereal, oatmeal, powdered milk, cheese, crackers, sausage, salami, dried fruit, peanut butter, pasta and rice. Popular snacks include trail mix , easily prepared at home; nuts, energy bars , chocolate, and other energy-dense foods. Coffee, tea, and cocoa are common beverages. Package food in plastic bags while avoiding heavier jars and cans. Dehydrators are popular for drying fruit, jerky, and pre-cooked meals. Many hikers use freeze-dried precooked entrees for hot meals, quickly reconstituted by adding boiling water. An alternative

3717-582: The vast majority of people are against feeding wildlife, during a Tasmanian study 7.4% of people eating lunch in national parks were observed to feed animals in addition to currawongs scavenging food after they left. It is recommended that bushwalkers suspend food from the roof within huts, and store food in rigid containers inside tents as eating human food has caused lumpy jaw in wildlife. The oldest rocks in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park are quartzites laid down in Precambrian times , and form

3780-692: Was allocated to hut and track upgrades. This consisted of duckboarding vulnerable parts of the track. In 2015, the track condition was judged to be in vastly improved condition with only 4% considered "poor". the track is now free from erosion. Highland Tasmanian weather can be unpredictable and cause hazardous track conditions, however most injuries and deaths from 1990 can be attributed to slips. In 2014 an international student from Victoria died from hypothermia between Kitchen Hut and Waterfall Valley due to inclement weather and inadequate clothing. It led to stricter guidelines for bushwalker preparedness, and Chinese language information at trailheads. The climate

3843-656: Was created and South Bruny National Park followed in October 1997. Under the 1998 Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) an extra 3,960 square kilometres (1,530 sq mi) of public land were added to Tasmania's reserves, expanding the amount of public land in reserves by 17%. The RFA also expanded Mount William and Freycinet National Parks, and created Tasman and Savage River National Parks. Offsetting these gains were 700 square kilometres (270 sq mi) of reserves that were made available for forestry development. A further departmental merger occurred after

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3906-463: Was not until 1931 that fur trapper Bert Nichols blazed the Overland Track and by 1935 it was consolidated and used by independent walking parties. By 1937 it was officially named the Overland Track and the track had been upgraded to be used for guided tours and pack horses. Shortly after Kitchen Hut was built, now used as an emergency shelter. In the 1970s management of the park passed to

3969-710: Was popularized in the 1960's after the passing of The Wilderness Act . Since then, the majority of backpackers have been young, white, men. Studies surrounding the outdoor activity have reflected this. The effects on backpacking (hiking) on women wasn't studied until around 2004, and research is still lacking.    Winter backpacking requires a higher level of skill and generally more specialized gear than in other seasons. Skis or snowshoes may be required to traverse deep snow, or crampons and an ice axe where needed. Winter sleeping bags and tents are essential, as are waterproof, water-repellent, and moisture dissipating materials. Cotton clothing retains moisture and chills

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