Combining days on the overland track

[ChenniChenChen]

Hi,

My partner and I booked in to do the Overland in December. We need to complete it in 6 days, but we'd also like to do the Lake St Clair leg at the end (just so we can say we've done the whole thing )

I've been looking at the suggested itinerary here: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=36854 and I'm not to enthused about walking 26.5km on the final day, even if it is all easy, so I'm looking for advice for combining two of the other days. From the timelines given, it seems most sensible to either:
1: combine days 4&5 (i.e. travel straight from Pelion to Windy Ridge, skipping the night at Kia Ora), or
2: combine days 5&6 (i.e. travel from Kia Ora to Narcissus, skipping the night at Windy Ridge).
With either option we would walk the final Lake St Clair leg on day 6.

Does anyone have any comments or suggestions regarding this? Are the side trips on day 4 much more spectacular than those on day 6, and therefore we should take option 2? Or vice versa? What if instead of option 2, we did Kia Ora to Pine Valley on day 5 and then Pine Valley to LSC on day 6?

An advice appreciated!

[icefest]

Skip Windy Ridge.

It's an awful monstrosity of a hut.

TBH, just walk as far as you can each day, and only stop at the huts for a short break. You'll need to be careful picking a spot, but you'll have much more time to see things and can maybe fit a side-trip to pine valley.

[norts]

If you are planning on climbing Mt Ossa dont combine Kia oara and Windy Ridge.
Pine Valley to LSC is a big day.
What about. Your biggest day would be W/fall to Pelion
day 1 Waterfall Valley
Day 2 Pelion( Waterfall to Windermere is a half day)
Day 3 Kiaora - Do Ossa as side trip
Day 4 Windy Ridge - do waterfalls on Mersey Also you dont have to stay in the horrible hut, the platforms are nice to camp on
Day 5 Echo Point (Windy Ridge to Narcissus is only half a day)
Day 6 LSC

Roger

[dee_legg]

I agree with norts! The Waterfall Valley to Windermere is a super short day in itself (only 2 hours really) so it can easily be combined with the section on to Pelion. That itinerary gives you the opportunity to climb Ossa (very much worth the effort) and ensures you have time to check out the waterfalls around Kia Ora (also worth it).

Enjoy the track!

[RonK]

Waterfall Valley to Pelion would be a huge day.

Unless you have a thing about waterfalls there's not much point visiting all three - had lunch at Harnett Falls and then continued on to Narcissus after finding myself at Windy Ridge quite early.

It's all downhill from Windy Ridge and very good trail so easy peasy.

BTW - it's good to know you walked full track but the boat trip is worthwhile in its own right, whilst the walk along the lake is somewhat anti-climactic.

After three crossings I've concluded that south to north would be a better walk, saving the best 'til last.

[Mechanic-AL]

The day from Pelion hut to Kia Ora is my favourite day. Heaps of changing scenery and crossing the natural amphitheatre of Pinestone Valley on a clear day is stunning. I wouldn't want to rush that one.
Skipping Waterfall Valley and spending the first night at Lake Windermere makes more sense.
The weather can play havoc with even the best laid plans though so having a degree of flexibility is a must.

If you really have to do it in 6 days I don't think this will be a problem....you just might regret not having given yourself a bit more time by the end of it.

Hope you enjoy it!
AL.

[icefest]

If you leave early skipping waterfall valley is a good idea.


Edit: Removed fragile area

[RonK]

The day from Pelion hut to Kia Ora is my favourite day. Heaps of changing scenery and crossing the natural amphitheatre of Pinestone Valley on a clear day is stunning. I wouldn't want to rush that one.

Yes, and a night camped on the platforms at Kia Ora, with that stunning landscape all around is not something you'd want to miss either.

[dee_legg]

Interesting Ronk. I reckon Waterfall to Pelion is pretty cruisy, especially considering all the track work that has been done in the last two years.

[RonK]

Interesting Ronk. I reckon Waterfall to Pelion is pretty cruisy, especially considering all the track work that has been done in the last two years.

Perhaps it was the snow - Windemere to Pelion is the furthest day on the track. I've always thought it the hardest day too and certainly wouldn't be looking to make it longer.

[MickyB]

it's good to know you walked full track but the boat trip is worthwhile in its own right, whilst the walk along the lake is somewhat anti-climactic.
.

Totally agree with this. We walked around the lake but I found it extremely boring compared to the rest of the OLT. IMO you would be better to catch the ferry so can fit in a few extra side trips and enjoy the rest of the track without feeling too rushed. Having said that we were warned that the stretch along the lake was boring but we also wanted to walk it it to say we had completed the whole thing.

[north-north-west]

it's good to know you walked full track but the boat trip is worthwhile in its own right, whilst the walk along the lake is somewhat anti-climactic.
.

Totally agree with this. We walked around the lake but I found it extremely boring compared to the rest of the OLT. IMO you would be better to catch the ferry so can fit in a few extra side trips and enjoy the rest of the track without feeling too rushed. Having said that we were warned that the stretch along the lake was boring but we also wanted to walk it it to say we had completed the whole thing.

If you find that too boring, there's always the Cuvier Valley option.
(Yes, I am being a smartarse here. No, I don't think they should. But it certainly is a more 'interesting' walk than the Lakeside track.)

[ChenniChenChen]

Wow thanks for the responses everyone! Many options to consider.

One thing I didn't mention was that we unfortunately won't be able to start until late on day one- probably not till about 1 or 2pm*. So we were thinking of back tracking to do Barn Bluff (or even Cradle Mountain) on day 2. Does that sound do-able? It would rule out doing Waterfall Valley to Pelion though.

The boring-ness of the lake walk is handy to know. I guess we need to prioritise the self bestowed kudos of walking the whole thing against the convenience of not messing around with the recommended itinerary and being able to take our time!

*we're coming in to Devonport on the ferry at 6 in the morning, driving straight to LSC, then getting a bus back to CM to get started. When we booked the ferry and the walk we didn't realise how long the drive from LSC-CM was. But now it's all booked in, so too bad, so sad. We're just going to have to find a way to make it work. Has anyone else made this same mistake?

[RonK]

Wow thanks for the responses everyone! Many options to consider.

One thing I didn't mention was that we unfortunately won't be able to start until late on day one- probably not till about 1 or 2pm*. So we were thinking of back tracking to do Barn Bluff (or even Cradle Mountain) on day 2. Does that sound do-able? It would rule out doing Waterfall Valley to Pelion though.

The boring-ness of the lake walk is handy to know. I guess we need to prioritise the self bestowed kudos of walking the whole thing against the convenience of not messing around with the recommended itinerary and being able to take our time!

*we're coming in to Devonport on the ferry at 6 in the morning, driving straight to LSC, then getting a bus back to CM to get started. When we booked the ferry and the walk we didn't realise how long the drive from LSC-CM was. But now it's all booked in, so too bad, so sad. We're just going to have to find a way to make it work. Has anyone else made this same mistake?

I've used the bus service and it arrives in good time to walk through to Waterfall Valley.

But why drive to Launceston when the bus goes through Devonport?

It's quite common to walk to Waterfall Valley and leave packs at hut for a quick ascent of Barn Bluff next morning, but it would be a significant backtrack to Cradle Mountain.

[ChenniChenChen]

Oh sorry, I thought LSC stood for Lake St Clair! We're bringing our car across on the ferry, and after the Overland Track heading to Hobart to do the east coast.

[RonK]

Ah, my misunderstanding. In that case I'd definitely consider starting at Lake St Clair and getting the bus back under no time pressure.

You could work a better itinerary with no backtracking and with the scenery getting better and better as you go.

[icefest]

If you do go in reverse, check the weather both at ossa and at windermere, so you know if bad weather is coming.

[north-north-west]

Ummmmmmm, I thought north to south was mandatory for through walkers in the booking season. One more reason I won't do it during that period.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

Yes, I think Norts has a good plan.

Day 2 is fairly short. The side track to Lake Will is the most over rated one on the whole track, I wouldn't bother... Although it is less than an hour return.

And if you can't quite make it from Waterfall to Pelion in one day, you can stop at Frog Flats and camp there instead of going on to Pelion - watch out for ants at the clearings to the east of the river if you decide to camp there.

Backtracking up to Barn Bluff and then going through to Pelion would be a huge day which many couldn't manage.

I also agree with going through to Echo Point Hut for your last night. It's a much more beautiful spot than Narcissus, and it makes the last day shorter.

I don't agree with the comments about getting the Ferry. The track around the Lake is hard, but rewarding. I've walked out twice and got the ferry once, and walking out is a much better feeling and end to the walk IMHO.

[RonK]

Ummmmmmm, I thought north to south was mandatory for through walkers in the booking season. One more reason I won't do it during that period.

Hmmm, you may be right there. I've never walked it during the regulated season.

[dee_legg]

Yep, you will definitely get stopped and turned back if you attempt to walk south to north during the booking season. That pad mentioned earlier that follows the Mersey is also considered off limits as it's a super fragile area and Parks monitor it quite closely to ensure people aren't walking it.

[Nuts]

The boring-ness of the lake walk is handy to know. I guess we need to prioritise the self bestowed kudos of walking the whole thing against the convenience of not messing around with the recommended itinerary and being able to take our time!

Yes! First world dilemma, forget the kudos, don't rush it.
However things sound or read, the standard itinerary is good, it has fallen into place from many subtle advantages (besides huts being where they are )

The most obvious skip is WFV but you won't have a lot of choice there. I'd suggest taking in all the usual side walks before thinking of additions.

[ChenniChenChen]

Thanks so much, everyone! We will consider all that has been said.

It is true that we have to walk north to south at this time of year.

It's quite common to walk to Waterfall Valley and leave packs at hut for a quick ascent of Barn Bluff next morning, but it would be a significant backtrack to Cradle Mountain.

Good to know. If we're starting at about 1 or 2pm on day 1, will that give us time to do the Cradle Mountain side trip that afternoon? Keeping in mind that we are travelling over the longest days of the year.

[MickyB]

It is true that we have to walk north to south at this time of year.

During the popular walking months, from 1st October to 31st May (inclusive) you must book your walk, pay a fee, and walk from north (Cradle Mountain) to south (Lake St Clair). During winter and early spring, from 1st June to 30th September, you do not need to book or pay, and can walk in either direction.

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=7771

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

Good to know. If we're starting at about 1 or 2pm on day 1, will that give us time to do the Cradle Mountain side trip that afternoon? Keeping in mind that we are travelling over the longest days of the year.

Given the long days in December it should be okay, but you would have to keep moving at a reasonable pace. Sunset is around 2030 in December, so you should be back down Cradle and leaving Kithcen Hut by 6pm at the absolute latest.

[north-north-west]

Starting at 1 - 2pmish it could be done - provided you are reasonably fit and have some experience at rock-hopping and pack-carrying. I would strongly advise against trying it otherwise.

Plus you have the option of stopping before WFV, if time gets away from you. While Kitchen is 'emergency shelter only', and camping is not supposed to be done inside the daywalk zone, if you have a tent there are places you can set up if absolutely necessary. Just don't plan on doing so.

[Nuts]

Yeah well, poor planning could lead to that. 7/8hrs to wfv via CM summit ccc, easy enough, there's always the head torch.

[Lophophaps]

You should factor in a day or so of bad weather when you may wish to stop to bag a peak when the weather clears. The tent platforms do not appeal in bad weather, as water runs down the boards. The platforms are badly designed. Windy Ridge Hut is an abomination, one of the worst hut designs I have seen. Another is Mac Springs on Mt Howitt in Victoria, quite horrible. From Narcissus the track is well defined at first, but sections to Cynthia Bay are a tad hard to follow. Just take care. Going via Petrarch is nice, real mud in places, and not much track.

[north-north-west]

Windy Ridge Hut is an abomination, one of the worst hut designs I have seen.

I think the only person who likes that monstrosity is the idiot architect who designed it. Have you read the rationale for it? When I was there I found some notes from the architect blathering on about all sorts of stupidities, the highlight being that the high ceilings were to avoid a feeling of claustrophobia. Never occurred to him that avoiding hypothermia is more of an issue.

[Mechanic-AL]

Windy Ridge can quite easily be skipped. If I had to skip a day and WFV was not an option then going from Kia Ora to Narcissus in a day ( even with a few waterfall visits included ) would be my next choice. That way you can just look in the other direction as you pass that freaking disgusting Windy Ridge Hut.
I had full confidence in the way the whole walk was being managed until I saw that thing. But that thing blew my trust completely.
What the hell were they thinking??

AL