Overland Track - Tasmania: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair NP Cicerone Cicerone | 9781786310132

Guidebook to Tasmania's iconic Overland Track. Described over 7 stages, the 80km trail from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair takes in glacier-carved valleys, vast buttongrass moorlands, mossy rainforests, rugged peaks, thundering waterfalls, alpine meadows and peaceful lakes. Adventurous side trips are also described. Seasons Summer (December, January, February) is the best time for hiking the track as many plants are flowering and the long days make sidetrips more feasible. Tasmania has four distinct seasons, however it's rare that an Overland trip doesn't include rain, hail or strong winds, and snow can occur even in summer. Centres Located in the Cradle Valley-Lake St Clair National Park, the Overland Track starts at Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley and ends at Cynthia Bay on Lake St Clair. Along the track are a series of basic huts and camping platforms. Difficulty The main track is well marked and maintained with a network of basic huts, boardwalks above boggy ground and bridges over creeks, which makes the track suitable for hikers of average fitness. There are plenty of challenges for experienced hikers too, with sidetrips to mountain peaks and into wilderness areas like the Labyrinth. Must See Jagged profile of Cradle Mountain across Dove Lake; panoramic views from sidetrip summits including Tasmania's highest mountain, Mt Ossa; dolerite columns of Mt Oakleigh; tranquil Lake St Clair; thundering cascades of D'Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls; mossy rainforest en route to Pine Valley Hut; eclectic range of endemic plants and animals including Tasmanian devils