Bushwalk Australia

Hey there!

So, I was planning on hiking the Overland Track in late-September to early October. I'm looking at the week of September 28th, but nothing is set in stone yet! But, seeing as I'm a newbie when it comes to back-packing, I'm not too sure I could do it alone. So if anyone else was looking to hike it around that time, please be sure to let me know! If anyone else has any advice for a new backpacker attempting the trail, either with a partner or solo, please do let me know!

Thanks a ton,
Kimberly

The only (best?) advice could possibly offer is whether this is an appropriate time of year for a beginner? Heavy snowfalls are common in September - requiring a great deal of both experience and suitable equipment.

I haven't walked the OT myself, so cannot comment more specifically, but this is definitely the first thought that comes to mind when discussing September bushwalking in any alpine area of Tasmania.

As Strider said not a time and place for a new backpacker.

If you start after the 30th Sept you are up for the $200 booking fee.

Used to do the top half and return in October before they extended the booking season. Last year decided to set off on 30th September (last day before bookings and day after the AFL grand final) arrive Cradle only to find road to Dove Lake closed because of snow (200-250mm). Decided to start the walk from the old visitors centre. Spent over 2 hours walking from the old visitors centre to Dove lake and the another 2hours plus going up to Marions Lookout. At this stage there no way I am going to make Waterfall Valley hut that day. Options stay at Kitchen Emergency Hut (holds 6 not pleasant - 30 people planning to start walk that day), camp on the plateau in the snow or turn round. Decided on the last option.

If planning to visit Tasmania at that time suggest something like Freycinet may be a better option or leave it till summer and pay the Overland booking fee.

I am starting the OT on the 22nd with a group of 4. I know its not the best time of year but it's hard to make schedules match at the best of times so this is our only option. Anyways, you are welcome to start with us.

Am also doing the overland track solo in late September, starting from lake St Clair. It's my first time there and I'm certainly no expert on Tasmanian alpine conditions, but I think you will be fine, if your cold weather gear is good quality and you don't mind being really really cold at times! From what I have heard, the huts are the key to it - they may be cold but at least you can stay dry in them. I have bought the best quality boots, gloves, thermals and jacket that I could afford (and then some!) and I'm sure you have done the same, so in my humble opinion you will be fine. Am really enjoying getting ready for this trip - the preparation is half the fun! Good luck, and I hope you really enjoy your walk.

Are any of you taking snow shoes? This recent topic suggested they are pretty much essential this time of year.

viewtopic.php?t=14483

MichaelJ wrote:Am also doing the overland track solo in late September, starting from lake St Clair.

You would be better off starting from the Cradle End rather than Lake St Clair.

Reason being that the most difficult/exposed part of the overland track is the northern part. Thus you can get update to date track and weather information before you start and tackle the hardest part of the walk. Starting from Lake St Clair means you will be relying on reasonable weather and track conditions a number of days hence.

MichaelJ wrote: From what I have heard, the huts are the key to it - they may be cold but at least you can stay dry in them.

Hi Michael J.
Heading South to North is a great way to do the Track,
If you are not taking a tent, you need to get to the huts early pm, as you have no idea how many people are coming the other way.
I strongly advise that you take a tent, you may need it between huts, emergency etc.
Regards Overlandman

Thanks,Overlandman. Yes, I've already bought a good little tent - hope not to use it at all, but as you say, it's necessary for emergencies or full huts. Glad to hear that you think south-north is an OK way to go; I planned it that way originally so I could meet up with my wife at Cradle Mountain lodge at the end of the walk, but I love also kind of like the idea of starting out with the easy walk out around Lake St Clair, which is supposed to be beautiful.
Regards,
Michael J

Really its random. Last year I did it September 8-14th and it was fine, a little bit of rain and mud, but nothing too bad. then on the last day, driving out of the Lake St Clair carpark it started snowing. Turns out we got out at the exact right time seeing as part of the road was then closed because of so much snow.

Hi Kimberly,

I'm looking at departing on Sunday 29th September and finishing Friday 04 October. Do these dates suit you at all?

Hi Kimberly
I'm heading up to Cradle Mt, staying in accommodation on Monday 23/9 then heading out on OLT on Tuesday AM. If you still want an offsider, happy to chat further
Tanya

Im heading up from st clair in the morning (21st sept-27th )if i was on the ball more would have yelled out earlier, suppose ill see the few making their way south search for the purple beanie

Seeing how terrible the weather is over southeastern Australia at the moment, I'm keen to find out how everyone went.

Looks like some decent wintry blast happening soon:

icefest wrote:Looks like some decent wintry blast happening soon:

Where is this graphic from?

mountain-forecast.com

we had blizzard conditions all day last Thursday at Waterfall Valley Hut, then a good covering of snow over the cradle cirque on Friday.

I finished Wednesday from waterfall, sth-nth, weather was awesome winds were cray before cradle, then got hit by hail hard before it started snowing just after bairns bluff turnoff round 1030(spelling) (mind you I was laughing my head off only due to it only happens on the last day) in misty weather, my left side froze up nice and icy, but finished the cirque with nice sunshine from the look out point (forget name at present).... btw im over boadwalks...gimmie snow mud rain just even dirt anyday, (I have a video which ill upload when i return home of this day perfect alpine conditions hahaha