Apr 2-7, 2006

The Tasmanian Overland Track is one of the world's great treks! We are planning a six day guided walk along the Overland Track through the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park, 2-7 April 2006.

Each day you walk about 10 km from one private hut to the next. Along the way there are opportunities to visit waterfalls, climb mountains, and relax in rainforests. Every day you will experience the diversity of this incredible World Heritage Area. Awaiting you at the end of each day is a cosy hut where you can warm yourself with a hot shower, relax by the pot belly stove while the guides cook up a delicious three course meal and tempt your taste buds with the smells of freshly baked bread.

Following are some FAQs from our trek provider, Cradle Huts:

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
As long as you exercise regularly, or are moderately fit and feel capable of walking 10km for six days over varied terrain, you'll be fine! Obviously there are steep sections, however this is part of the whole experience. Each day there is plenty of time to sit and rest as well as exploring, so you won't feel rushed!

HOW MUCH WEIGHT DO WE CARRY?
Before the trip the guides will carry out a thorough gear check to Make sure you don't carry any more than you need to! Also to ensure you Have suitable gear. Ultimately your pack will weigh around 8 - 10kg in total.

WHAT DO WE CARRY?
Each person must carry their wet weather gear, spare clothes for the hut, thermals, and warm clothing, plus any extras such as a camera. We also have a gear list available.

HOW MANY GUIDES?
Two guides accompany each trip, which helps distribute the groups walking pace, and allows plenty of opportunities for photos and rests.

HOW ABOUT FOOD?
The guides carry fresh meat & vegies and cook up scrumptious three course meals each night. We are quite happy to cater for special dietary requirements.....we just need to know in advance.

WHAT TIME DOES THE TRIP COMMENCE AND CONCLUDE?
You are required to meet at our Evandale office (Pleasant Banks) at 7.00am on the morning of departure. There will be a shuttle bus departing from Peppers Seaport Hotel (in Launceston)at 6.20am sharp. This allows an hour for coffee, introductions and a gear check before departing for the Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park at 8.00am. On completion of the walk, the group will then arrive back at the office at Evandale at approximately 5.00pm. There will be a shuttle bus departing at 6.00pm which goes via the airport and arrives back at Peppers Seaport Hotel at 6.30pm. Alternatively you can arrange your own transport to the airport which is a 5-10 minute drive from Pleasant Banks.

More information about the Overland Track may be found at:

Top Ten Treks
Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service

For general information about Tasmania, see: www.discovertasmania.com

If you are interested in becoming a member of IP-Trek, please contact us, or if you are already a member and wish to join us, please contact Annette at afreeman@sprusons.com.au for further information and a booking form.

Photos by Annette Freeman.