Central Highlands Tasmania Walking Tour – Mt Field NP, Lake St Clair, Cradle Mountain

7 days of fantastic guided walking through the Central Highlands of Tasmania. Overland Track, Mt Field National Park, Cradle Mountain. Comfortable accommodation, all meals. – 7 days ex Hobart, most moderate terrain, Approx. 70km

Check availability / book now

Walk the iconic and picturesque tracks of the Central Highlands of Tasmania over 7 days. Includes the Overland Track, Mt Field National Park as well as some of the best walks in the Cradle Mountain area. Starting in Hobart you will travel up the Centre of Tasmania staying in comfortable accommodation in Madena, Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain. Each day you will walk with only a day pack and return to your accommodation each evening to relax and recap your days adventure.

Mt Field NP, Lake St Clair, Cradle Mountain walking tour at a glance:

  • 3-4 Star lodge accommodation.
  • 7 days
  • Includes the very best walks on the Overland Track and in Mt Field National Park
  • Tour starts in Hobart and finishes in Launceston Tasmania
  • Moderate to challenging walks, with some steep ascents and descents
  • Professional guide/s
  • Air conditioned mini bus
  • Small group size (maximum 12)

Want to see more of Tasmania? Check out your options to combine this tour with another one of our Tasmanian walking tours.

Pricing:
From $3,199.00 AUD per person
(single supplement $550.00)
Tour Length:
7 days
Distance walked:
Various distances
Difficulty:
Moderate to challenging; See FAQ
Dates:

7 - 13. Oct 2022
20 - 26. Nov 2022
8 - 14. Dec 2022

Itinerary

FAQ's

Ask us a question

Highlights of this walk

Incredible and varied scenic beauty – from mountain vistas to cool moss-covered forests and glacial landscapes, the Central Highlands of Tasmania has it all. The walks are mostly challenging, but with challenge comes the satisfying reward of achievement and splendid vistas that will buoy your spirit to remember. Also, there are echidnas and wombats.

 

 

Walking Tour Itinerary

Your guides will lead you through the mountainous and stunning Central Highlands of Tasmania, enhancing your understanding of the nature and history of the areas you visit, making sure that everything goes smoothly. Each night we stay in comfortable accommodation to enjoy a shower and a good night’s sleep. We will enjoy our evening meal in a local restaurant each night.

Please note, the plan may alter depending on weather conditions, accommodation availability and local advice.

Day 1: Arrival Day with welcome dinner

Day 1: Arrival Day with welcome dinner

Arrive at any time during the day and make your way to your first nights stay in Hobart. We will see you in the lobby of the hotel at 6pm for a tour briefing followed by a 7pm welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Meals:  D

Day 2: Mt Field NP, The Tarn Shelf Walk

Day 2: Mt Field NP, The Tarn Shelf Walk

16km

Departing early from Hobart we make our way to Mt Field National Park where we set out on the park’s flagship walk, the Tarn Shelf Walk. A steep drive up to Lake Dobson brings us to the start from where we will get up to and along the Tarn Shelf. A bit of a climb gets us up to the small mountain lakes, or tarns, of the Rodway Range, with magnificent views over the glacier-formed landscape.

You will think you are in the Lord of the Rings as we pass through this amazing country. Lunch will up on the tarn with great views, before we enter a more wooded part of the trail and back to the Lake Dobson. Todays walk is a challenging and quite long, but well worth the views and scenery of this absolutely stunning area. 

We’ll head to our accommodation at the Giants Table Cottages in Maydena.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3: Overland Track, Lake St Clair - Cynthia Bay to Echo Point

Day 3: Overland Track, Lake St Clair - Cynthia Bay to Echo Point

11.2km

It’s a couple of hours drive to Lake St Clair where we’ll take a nice walk on the iconic Overland Track.  We will take the ferry to Echo Point and walk back to the main settlement alongside the picturesque lake.  We walk through an enchanting temperate rainforest. Sassafras, myrtle, celery-top pine and leatherwood provide a thick canopy for the moses, lichens and fungi below.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is in the very nice cabins at Lake St Clair and we’ll eat together at the Lake St Clair Lodge and a local restaurant.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4: Lake St Clair - Mt Rufus Circuit or Shadow Lake Circuit

Day 4: Lake St Clair - Mt Rufus Circuit or Shadow Lake Circuit

22km or 12km

A challenging but amazing day walking the Mt Rufus circuit awaits us! This 22km walk takes us through a wide variety of vegetation and landscapes as we make our way up to the summit of Mt Rufus. From the summit the views over the surrounding mountain ranges are sensational.

There is an option for those who want a shorter day to do the Shadow Lake Circuit. This reduces the walk by about 2 hours and cuts out most of the vertical ascent.

At the end of the day we can walk straight into our Lake St Clair cabins and enjoy a rejuvenating shower.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5: Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake Circuit

Day 5: Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake Circuit

6km

Today is a mixture of driving and walking. First up it’s a 3 hour drive to Cradle Mountain, a great time to recover after yesterday’s strenuous walk and get your energy back for your afternoon walk in Cradle Mountain.The views of the passing landscape are absolutely incredible as we drive.

At Cradle Mountain we will complete the popular and picturesque Dove Lake Circuit before heading to our accommodation.

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6: Overland Track, Cradle Mountain area

Day 6: Overland Track, Cradle Mountain area

Approx 5hrs

Depending on the weather and the energy levels of the group, there are a number of options for today’s walk. We’ll enjoy imposing mountain vistas, pristine glacial lakes, vast buttongrass plains and an all round fantastic day of walking. This is a fairly busy park – and we’ll see why!  This is the start point of the world renown Overland track.

It’s a short drive out of the park to our 2nd night at the Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7: Cradle Mountain to Launceston

Day 7: Cradle Mountain to Launceston

2hr Walk

There’s still time for one last walk this morning. With lots of options we will choose a walk based on the weather conditions.  We then say goodbye to the wild mountain country and head to our departure city of Launceston, arriving around 3pm, in time to catch an evening flight home.

Meals: B,L

Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc.
Details about accommodation, what to bring, transportation, food, etc.

Accommodation

During our time in Tasmania we’ll stay in variety of accommodation from comfortable, self contained cottages and cabins to motel style rooms. Accommodation is on a double or twin share basis. A limited number of single supplements are available – please let us know if you would like this option when booking.

 

1 night: Travelodge Hotel Hobart

Located in the heart of Hobart, we will stay here for the first night before an early departure for Mt Field National Park the next day. To celebrate our journey ahead we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Rooms are standard Twin share/Queen rooms with ensuites.

1 night: Giants Table Cottages

Basic but comfortable self-contained cottages and houses in the little mountain town of  Maydena, situated in the beautiful Derwent Valley region of South West Tasmania. We will spread out over two or three cottages, and enjoy dinner at the accommodation’s restaurant.

2 nights: Lake St Clair Cabins

Staying within a few hundred metres of the lake itself, this is a real gem! Rimmed by mountains and forest, Lake St Clair is a real highlight of Tasmania. We will spread out across a number of cabins in park grounds and enjoy dinner together in the lodge’s restaurant one night and the next at a local restaurant.

2 nights: Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park – cabins

Located on the perimeter of the World-Heritage listed Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, home of the famous Cradle Mountain in Tasmania’s Western Wilderness. We’ll spread out over a number of basic but comfortable self contained cabins. We’ll enjoy our evening meals at the Cradle Mountain Lodge tavern bar and bistro.

At all of the locations we will come together in one of the houses/cabins for breakfast and to make our packed lunches for the days walk. Dinner will enjoyed at a variety of  local restaurants for the the tour.

 

What to bring

We will send you a list of recommended clothing and equipment when you book.

Food

All meals are included unless indicated in the itinerary.

Breakfast comprises cereal, fruit, yoghurt, toast and spreads with juice, tea and coffee.

Lunch is self-made from supplied breads, salads and meats.

We’ll eat dinner at various local establishments close to, or at, our accommodation. Please let us know of any dietary requirements.

Each day we provide morning tea whilst out on a walk and fruit is available for snacks. You’re welcome to bring additional snacks (e.g. muesli bars, nuts) if you feel you need them. There will be some limited opportunity to purchase additional supplies and alcohol throughout the tour.

Your out of pocket expenses for this trip include snacks and alcohol.

Transport

We’ll use a comfortable 12 seat, air conditioned commuter bus for the tour.

This walk includes

icon-meals
All meals, using fresh Tasmanian produce where possible

Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner are included each day throughout the tour. Some dinners may be at your own expense, as indicated on the itinerary

Excellent itinerary and planning

Drawn from 22 years experience.

icon-boat
Lake St Clair Ferry

We’ll take to the water to access the last days walk on the famous Overland Track

Minibus transport throughout Tasmania

Watch the scenery glide by from the comfort of our air conditioned vehicle

National Park entrance fees

icon-tour-guide
Two fun and professional Inspiration Outdoors guides

We'll feed you, tell you stories, help you achieve the walks safely and make sure everything goes to plan so that you don't have to worry about a thing

Tasmania Walks FAQs

How should I prepare for the walks in Tasmania?

Most of the walks on this tour are moderate to challenging - and are more challenging without adequate preparation. Tasmania seems to be made of hills, and we’re set to climb a lot of them, which can be hard on the knees, thighs and glutes. However, the walks are achievable to those of good fitness. Training prior to the tour will ensure you enjoy it and reduce your chance of injury.

The best way to prepare physically for the trip is to walk up and down hills or stairs, over a variety of surfaces. Try to walk frequently. By the start of our tour you should be able to comfortably walk 15 km and be confident up and down hills.

One great tip to prepare for the rocky surfaces is to step over a series of milk crates. The key with rocky terrain is to lift up your leg nice and high.

Posted in: Tasmania Walks FAQs

How hard are the walks in Tasmania?

By our estimation, most of our guests will find the tour roughly;

30% easy, 55% moderate and about 15% challenging.

For those who choose to do the summit of Mt Rufus (optional walk on the Central Highlands Tour), the percentage of challenge, would be slightly higher.

Posted in: Tasmania Walks FAQs

About Walking Tours In General

How hard are the walks?

The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.

When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call on (08) 6219 5164 and we can talk you through it.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?

Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won't always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?

We find a lot of people who haven't been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it's rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.

Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 - 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It's not a stroll but it's not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?

About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 - 75, but we welcome all adults on our tours. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?

We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Of course, if you like, you can indulge in some less nutritious treats as well - you're on holiday after all and the team bake some mean cakes. Breakfast, home-made morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets - please ask when you book.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?

Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature - bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don't need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we're always here to answer any questions or concerns.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs

Do I have to walk every day on tour?

Of course not - it's your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

What do I have to carry when I walk?

Very little. A water bladder or bottles, a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.

Posted in: About Walking Tours In General

Beautiful walks in the daytime, relax with fellow walkers each evening

As much as this walk is a fantastic outdoor experience, it’s also a social experience, giving you a chance to enjoy the companionship and support of like-minded people.

Enjoy a cuppa with morning tea and a fresh healthy lunch, surrounded by nature. Every day is finished off by a delicious dinner at a restaurant with the group.

Read more about what our customers have said

Pricing

From $3,199.00 AUD per person
(single supplement $550.00)

$350 deposit to hold your place

Money-Back Guarantee

Our number one priority at Inspiration Outdoors is to ensure our guests have a great experience on EVERY tour.

We can't guarantee the weather, bush fires or events beyond our control, but we do guarantee that:
- your guides are professional, friendly and hard working.
- your itinerary is well organised and thought out.
- the particulars of your tour (accommodation, transport, food etc), are as described on the website and in the tour notes.

We stand behind our guarantees. If you come on a tour with Inspiration Outdoors and we do not fulfil these promises, we will give you your money back.

Ask about this tour:

If you would like to book this tour, or just want to learn a bit more about it, please fill in the enquiry form below and we will get back to you to confirm availability or to answer your questions.

With multiple departure dates, write about your chosen month in the Question box

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.






Other ways to get in touch

Check availability / book now

What happens after I book?

After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.

Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.

Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don't hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.

What are my payment options?

Payment can be made by:

  • Direct deposit
  • Cheque
  • Credit card

Can I cancel my booking?

If you need to cancel your tour;

  • 85 days or more, you will be refunded all monies paid, less a $50 administration fee.
  • 42 to 84 days prior to departure, you will lose your deposit
  • 28 to 41 days: 25% of full tour cost
  • 14 to 27 days: 50% of full tour cost
  • less than 14 days: 100% of full tour cost, no refund

If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.

Check availability / book now

The 15 Bushwalking Essentials You Absolutely Must Know

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and then download our free guide to (almost) everything you need to know about bushwalking in Australia!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.