Overland Track With Kids – Why This Tassie Hike Should Be on Your Family Adventure List
Overland Track With Kids – Why This Tassie Hike Should Be on Your Family Adventure List
We recently hiked Tasmania’s famous Overland Track with our 11-year-old daughter Pippa—and spoiler alert: she nailed it! No injuries, no blisters, and no complaints (okay, maybe just a few about the steep bits). It was six unforgettable days of fresh air, mountain views, mossy forests, and bonding time that’s hard to beat. If you’ve ever wondered whether this iconic Aussie trek is doable with kids, here’s your sign. Absolutely yes.
Getting There: The Journey Begins
We started our journey with the awesome team at Overland Track Transport, who whisked us off to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Top tip: do your track induction the day before you hike—it’s informative and gets you excited (and you won’t have to rush it on Day 1).
After the induction, we took a short stroll through the bush to our overnight digs at the Cradle Mountain Hotel. The setting is stunning—think wombats and wallabies at your doorstep—and the staff are absolute legends. Friendly, helpful, and full of great advice.
Day 1: Trail Magic
Fuelled by a big hotel brekky, we walked to the Visitor Centre, jumped on the shuttle to Ronny Creek, and officially began our Overland Track adventure. Due to track works near Crater Lake, we detoured via the Lake Lilla and Wombat Pool track—worth it for the views alone.
Marions Lookout is the first real leg-burner, but Pippa powered up with some encouragement (and snacks). Low cloud added some mystery, but as we skirted around Cradle Mountain, the iconic west face peeked out through the mist.
We stopped at Kitchener Hut for a snack break—great spot to chat with day walkers from Dove Lake. Each day brought its own magic, with weather playing nice the whole time except for a brief 10-minute drizzle on Day 4 near Kia Ora Hut.
Nature, Glorious Nature
Tasmania really turns it on with the scenery: ancient myrtle forests, button grass plains, alpine tarns, and the ever-changing hues of the autumn fagus (aka Nothofagus gunnii)—Australia’s only cold-climate deciduous tree. Seeing the mountainsides slowly turn from green to glowing orange and yellow was unforgettable.
The fungi, mosses, and shrubs are next level. One minute you’re walking through misty, fire-affected forest that feels like a movie set; the next, you’re bathed in sun with mountain views and valleys below.
Track Conditions + Hiker Life
The track is a mix of everything—rock steps, gravel, boulders, boardwalks, and the occasional mud puddle. Fire-damaged areas have been repaired really well, but some tree-root sections near the end gave our ankles a good workout.
We carried about 1 litre of water each and topped up at crystal-clear streams, treating it with a UV light pen. Easy. We usually arrived at huts by early afternoon, giving us time to chill, meet other hikers, and soak up the surrounds.
The huts are a mix of new and old—some with double-glazed windows and heaters that make them very cozy (maybe too cozy!). Kia Ora Hut was a fave with a breezy kitchen. One hiker even relocated there to escape a sauna-like bunk room!
Toilets? Surprisingly good! Most have extractor fans and are odour-free. The sawdust one at Bert Nichols is being updated, but hey—just use it before the sun hits.
Side Trips + Pro Tips
We only did one side trip—to Lake Will—but we’ve left the rest for another time. The Arm River Track lets you return for a future summit of Mount Ossa and a few other goodies.
Must-pack items:
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Earplugs (not for snorers, but for squeaky camp mats)
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A quiet, comfy mat—we loved the new Nemo one (more in our gear blog!)
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Light pack for your kids… or they’ll end up stashing stuff in yours 😅
Pippa was our “pace car,” setting the rhythm and staying upbeat the whole time. We’re beyond proud. This track is absolutely achievable for fit, adventurous kids—and an amazing bonding experience.
The Finish Line
On Day 6, we walked the final stretch from Bert Nichols Hut to catch the 11:30am ferry at Narcissus Bay—around 3 hours. It’s rooty terrain, so watch your step (and your patience). The ferry across Lake St Clair is a peaceful way to end the journey.
We celebrated with a burger and cold beer at the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre, before hopping on our return ride with Overland Track Transport back to Launceston.
Favourite Moment?
No contest—switching off the work phone and just being with my family in this beautiful wilderness. No notifications. No stress. Just nature, laughter, and a really good reason to disconnect.
If you’re thinking about hiking the Overland Track with your kids—do it. You’ll get muddy boots, tired legs, and a heart full of memories. Totally worth it.
Trail Tees – Hiked It? Wear It, Brag a Little..
Stay tuned for our next blog where we share everything we packed and what we actually used!
OverlandTrack #TasmaniaHiking #HikingWithKids #FamilyAdventure #OverlandTrackWithKids #CradleMountain #LakeStClair #CampersPantryAdventures
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