The Overland Track is an equally stunning 65 kilometer trek. It beckons explorers to experience the breathtaking wilderness found in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This stunningly beautiful hike begins at Ronny Creek not far from Cradle Mountain and curves down to Lake St Clair. Hikers usually finish in around six days. As beautiful as the landscape may be and as tempting as the adventure may sound, the track is very challenging and would only be appropriate for experienced walkers.
Home to breathtaking scenery and unique biological communities, the Overland Track is one of the most visited areas in the country. However, recent tragedies make it clear that adequate preparation and a high level of precaution are essential. Local officials and outdoor recreation advocates say the trail is deadly. The romance can burn off faster than the morning fog, particularly with a shift in environmental conditions.
Understanding the Challenges
Local hiking expert and Tread Lightly! He notes that “there is a lot of climbing involved, especially in the first few days up and around the Cradle area itself.” With all of this elevation gain, the trek is physically strenuous as well.
Additionally, Wells cautions all hikers to pay attention to weather and other warnings. “Once you get above about 1,000 metres in elevation, you’re going to be exposed to very cold winds and the very real potential for snow,” he explains. The Bureau of Meteorology recently announced minimum temperatures of minus 2°C in the Mount Read weather station. Wind chill brought the temperature down to -10 degrees Celsius, a chilling testimony to how quickly life-threatening conditions can appear.
Emergency services have said they’ve seen an increase in the number of lost or stranded hikers this spring. A recent real-life example was a Queensland couple who set theirs off on their first day out. Authorities quickly realized that they were woefully unprepared for the demands of the hike.
Inspector Nick Clark responded to such situations with urgency, advising hikers to prioritize their safety. “If you’re out on a walk and things aren’t going quite right, have a contingency plan. Turn around and go back.”
Importance of Preparation
Respect the Track Preparation is key when taking on the Overland Track. The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service lists the trail as a rigorous adventure for experienced walkers only. Wells stresses the need for proper gear: “That’s why it’s really important to have warm clothing, an emergency bivvy or space blanket.”
The biggest mistake that hikers make is sticking to a schedule, which can result in poor judgment calls. Wells advises allowing for flexibility in schedules: “Give yourself an extra day or two because you may be tent-bound, or you may have to stay in a hut.” He cautions that failing to give room for unexpected complications can set the stage for dangerous downfalls. Most of the hikers that get into trouble do so because they run on an inflexible timetable.
He further elaborates on this point: “Not having any flexibility in their schedule and being forced to walk in dangerous conditions because they’ve got flights they’ve got to catch.” Such pressures can cause even the most vigilant hikers to overlook warning signs and push on in dangerous conditions.
Recommendations for Hikers
To have the best and safest experience on the Overland Track, experts say you should do your research before hitting the trail. Wells emphasizes this by stating, “Research your route. Make sure you know where you’re going, how tough the route is going to be and are you physically capable of doing that route. If you’re not, don’t do it.”
Beyond the physical preparedness, hikers need to be mentally prepared for the trek that awaits. The punishing terrain requires serious mental fortitude and the ability to adjust to rapidly changing conditions. Wells concludes with a reminder of personal responsibility: “There is an onus of responsibility on you to be able to look after yourself until help can arrive.”
The drive from Devonport’s Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal to the Cradle Mountain car park takes just 90 minutes. So Cradle Mountain is quite accessible, despite being in the wilds of a Tasmanian wilderness World Heritage site. Second, we should take heart in the advances that travelers will reap through their impending journeys.
