Overland Track
~4 days · 48.2 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Overland Track is known for
The Overland Track is Tasmania's best-known multi-day walk, running an official 65 km (Ridgefold's mapped route measures 77.6 km) through the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south. It passes glacial lakes, buttongrass moorland, waterfalls, and side trails to peaks including Mount Ossa, Tasmania's highest summit. It is a point-to-point, hut-supported track within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,438 ft to 4,131 ft over 48.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.8 mi · 25%
- Downhill 11.8 mi · 25%
- Flat 24.1 mi · 50%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Overland Track?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Overland Track scores 27/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: The regulated walking season runs October to May, when southbound travel and the booking system are in effect; winter walking is possible but far harsher and unregulated.
Permits: In season, walkers must pay for an Overland Track booking and hold a Tasmania Parks pass, walking in the mandated north-to-south direction.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Overland Track take?
Most backpackers hike the Overland Track in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 48.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Overland Track?
The Overland Track climbs roughly 7,477 ft total — about 155 ft per mile, topping out near 4,170 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Overland Track?
The regulated walking season runs October to May, when southbound travel and the booking system are in effect; winter walking is possible but far harsher and unregulated.
Do you need a permit for the Overland Track?
In season, walkers must pay for an Overland Track booking and hold a Tasmania Parks pass, walking in the mandated north-to-south direction.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.