OTL transport/logistic questions

[seattlechewy]

Hello,
Just decided to do OTL hike while I am visiting Australia in end of January to early February (thanks to Outside magazine article in United States). Kind of last minute decision so haven't done as much research on it yet as I would like to. Also, I haven't booked anything yet either but looks like permits are still available for days I am looking into(31/1/14 or 1/2/14). Here is what I am thinking..

fly to Launcenton on 31/01/14, fly out of Hobart 07/02/14.
Tassielink to cradle mtn on 01/02/14 and start the trip.
Ferry back to Cynthia Bay, then Tassielink bus to Hobart on 06/02/14.
Fly out of Hobart on 07/02/14.

From what I've read so far, sounds like everything has to be pre-arranged before the trip starts (transit to/from OTL, ferry, and permit). So if any of these is not available, then I need to tinker with my plan. So which one should I look into booking first? Sounds like I should figure out the ferry booking first to see if it's available at 9:45am on 06/02/14?

Also, I chose the Tassielink transport because the fare seems reasonable (I am doing this solo) compared to other private operators. How is the Tassielink? Maybe better to go with private operator so that I start the hike starting 1/31 afternoon rather than spending a whole day at LST? This will give me extra time at OTL (and possibly avoid the ferry issue and just hike all the way out?)

Finally, looks like the I need to catch 9:45am ferry at Narcissus to catch the Tassielink bus? If so, is it reasonable to assume that it would take about 3 hours from Windy ridge to Narcissus (i am in decent shape and have done lot of backpacking in US and other parts of the world)

thanks in advance for you help, and please let me know if I am missing something obvious. Looking forward to this trip/Tasmania.

chewy

[north-north-west]

Tassielink are reliable and, unless you can find a group with whom to share, or you hitch, your cheapest option. Book the track pass first - if there's a spot available, because the summer slots are very popular- then take it from there. Bus is next.

The ferry is not usually (probably never) booked out weeks in advance. Seldom even days in advance. That can wait until you're here. In fact, many people don't even book ferry passage, they just turn up at the jetty and hope there's room and, if there is, they'll take you. But if you need to meet the bus a booking is best.
Three hours from Windy Fridge should be fine. It's mostly downhill and the track's good there. Just get away from the hut as early as you can and enjoy the walk, although it's a pity you aren't allowing for the side-trip into Pine Valley and the country accessible from there. It's one of the best things about the OT.

[seattlechewy]

Thanks for the information, North-north-west!

Got my OTL booking and bus rides confirmed. I will deal with the ferry when I get there per your suggestion.

If Pine Valley is worth the side-trip (and from what I have read so far, it sounds like it), then I will push my pace in the early stages. It's "only" 65km so I would think I should be able to gain a day somewhere along the way.