Frequently asked questions

Our Signature walks depart daily from 1 October through to 1 May each season, and our 4-day trips depart on selected dates during the same period.

Adventure walks depart on selected dates between November and March.

Our Expedition walks are only available from June to September.

Please consult our booking calendar for available dates.

Our groups have exclusive use of the only private hut accommodation along the Overland Track.  Each hut has been discreetly located off the main trail and offers hot showers, a drying room and a dining and lounge area.  The huts have 6 twin rooms with comfortable beds.

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk & Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk

Each trip requires a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 guests. All accommodation is twin share.

If you book on as a single walker or in an odd-numbered group and the trip fills to capacity, you will share a room with another walker. 

Cradle Mountain Expedition Walk

Each trip requires a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests. All accommodation is twin share.

If you book on as a single walker or in an odd-numbered group and the trip fills to capacity, you will share a room with another walker. 

As long as you exercise regularly, are capable of walking an average of 10 km for six consecutive days, and are comfortable with varied terrain, you’ll be fine!  For training ideas please refer to the track notes.

There are steep sections and terrain can be quite uneven and slippery underfoot, however, this is part of the whole experience.

If you are interested in doing more of the side trips (such as Mt Ossa), you may want to partake in extra training to accommodate the additional challenge.

If you are joining an 'Adventure' or 'Expedition' departure, a higher level of fitness is required, you need to be capable of walking an average of 10 km for eight consecutive days. There will also be additional mountain climbs, challenging terrain and side trips on most days.

If you have any concerns about fitness, please call 03 6392 2211 and speak with one of our friendly Reservations staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

During your gear check, the guides will ensure you have suitable gear and help you reduce pack weight.

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk & Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk

If you adhere to our gear list and choose lightweight gear, your pack will likely weigh between 8.5 and 9.5 kg. With special attention to reducing pack weight, your pack and its contents can weigh as little as 7.5 kg. The pack and Gore-tex jacket that we provide have a combined weight of 2.5 kg, leaving 5- 7 kg for all your essential gear.

Cradle Mountain Expedition Walk

If you are travelling on an 'Expedition' walk, your pack will likely weigh between 12-15kg.


Please note: This weight is based on the recommended water capacity for this walk. If you choose to carry more water, your pack weight will most likely weigh upwards of the estimated amount

Each person must carry their lunch, wet weather gear, spare clothes for the hut, thermals, and warm clothing, plus any extras, such as a camera. For details please refer to the gear list.

If you are joining us on an 'Expedition' walk you will carry the gear above plus an emergency mat and thermos as well as a sleeping bag (dependent on weather forecast) - These will all be provided by us.

Please refer to the guide below for recommended footwear for this walk.

Download Footwear Guide 

If you have any questions about footwear, please contact our team on (03) 6392 2211 or bookings@taswalkingco.com.au

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk & Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk

We strongly recommend travel insurance. Consideration needs to be given to our cancellation policy, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Please see our Booking Terms & Conditions for details and contact us if you have any questions.

Cradle Mountain Expedition Walk

Travel insurance for this walk is mandatory. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Our guides are passionate outdoor enthusiasts, educated interpreters and fantastic cooks all rolled into one. Two knowledgeable guides accompany the Signature departures, with three guides leading guests on Adventure and Expedition departures. This allows plenty of time for interpretation at interesting points along the track, photo opportunities, rest breaks and walking at your own pace.

The guides prepare scrumptious meals each night which are served with a selection of Tasmanian wines. We are quite happy to cater for special dietary requirements. We just need to know in advance.

For example, here is the dinner menu served at Kia Ora Hut:

On arrival at the hut:
Grazing plate

Main course:
Forest mushroom and pea risotto with parmesan

Dessert:
Creme Brulee

*Please note in the best interests of our guests and staff we promote the responsible service of alcohol.

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk & Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk 

At the start of your walk: we ask that you be at our walkers' base at our walk base at Red Feather Inn (42 Main Street, Hadspen) no later than 5:00pm, so you can check in before your walk briefing at 5:30pm.

The conclusion of your walk: your walk will conclude at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 6pm with airport drop-offs at 6.15pm and Launceston drop-offs at 6.30pm.

 

Cradle Mountain Expedition Walk

At the start of your walk: we ask that you be at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 11.30am for a briefing. Our shuttle will collect guests from Chalmers Church (5A Frederick St, Launceston) at 11.10am.  At our walkers' base, you will meet your guides, and have a gear check and briefing. Lunch on day 1 is following gear check and briefing, before heading up to the Cradle Valley. 

The conclusion of your walk: your walk will conclude at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn at 6pm with airport drop-offs at 6.30pm and Launceston drop-offs at 7pm

Quamby Homestead Staying in Launceston?

For hotel options in Launceston, please visit our Walker Benefits page for a range of special rates available to our guests.

Cradle Mountain Signature Walk & Cradle Mountain Adventure Walk 

The minimum age for guests walking with us is 12 years old.  There are no upper age restrictions, however, for guests walking with us who are 69 or above, we do require a GP to sign off on a letter we provide.

Cradle Mountain Expedition Walk

Please enquire with our team for minimum age requirements. There are no upper age restrictions, however, for guests walking with us who are 69 or above, we do require a GP to sign off on a letter we provide.

We are committed to inspiring positive change and preserving the wild places we walk through for generations to come. That's why we launched the Tasmanian Walking Company Foundation in 2020, so we can focus on supporting environmental and community projects close to our hearts. 

You can support the foundation in a number of ways:

Tasmanian Walking Company Foundation Shop

From merino shirts, to drink bottles and art. We sell a range of outdoor and hiking gear at our walker bases and in our online shop. 100% of proceeds from sales go directly towards projects that the Tasmanian Walking Company Foundation supports.

Shop online→

Give today - Help support the delicate areas we walk through

100% of your donations go directly to our projects. All administrative costs are paid for by the Tasmanian Walking Company and Australian Walking Company. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Give today→

Read and share stories

Head to our website and read about the issues affecting the areas we walk through. Tell a friend and get them involved, or simply keep an eye out next time you're on the track! 

Learn more→