We ventured south to Tasmania in December 2023. The draw of this was to visit family and we’d managed to get a walking permit on the Overland Track - a 6 day trek across the alpine region. I’d hiked this track a few times many years ago, so it was great to have the opportunity again.

Photo Gallery: https://elly.net.au/tasmania-2023

Arrival in Launceston allowed us to have an explore of the area, walk up Cateract Gorge, and stock up for our upcoming hike.

An early morning bus picked us up from hour hotel hours later we were dropped off at the visitor centre of Cradle Mountain. Despite being in December (summer) some wintery weather greeted our arrival - strong winds, rain and sleet. We had our hike briefing at the visitor centre which involved a gear check to ensure we had everything required for a range of weather. Then off we went!
Overland start
The months leading up to our trip we had trained with 20kg packs and it paid off as we had the steep hike up past Cradle Mountain as the weather closed in. Also our gear was great - we remained warm and dry as some seriously strong winds came in, blowing us off our feet on occasion. However at least there were some breaks in the cloud so we could see the majestic Cradle Mountain. It was definitely too windy to continue up the mountain, so we followed the main track around the side and to Waterfall Valley hut. It had been very wet in the days leading up to our hike so there was plenty of mud. 

Overland Track - Cradle MountainCradle Mountain lookout

Arrival later in the day at Waterfall Valley hut where the rain closed in again. Having hiked this trail many years ago, I was expecting to be setting up our tent but one of the excellent new huts had been built at Waterfall Valley, and even better there was room for us inside. Heater and everything. So that was a great way to warm up and dry out from our stormy start to the hike.

Overland Track - Waterfall Valley Hut