We wanted to share a few points that we (and the overseas visitors we be-friended) encountered to help others who are looking to undertake this hike……

1) The Ida Ferry has increased the cost of tickets to $35pp and is not punctual (we were scheduled on the 930am service that did not arrive until 1025am) so don’t count on it arriving on time to meet transfers or lifts;

2) Pine valley was a v.popular side trip so make sure you have a tent unless you wish to sleep on the floor of the hut;

3) Narcissus hut currently has a mouse problem so sleep outdoors if you don’t want to be kept awake all night. Echo point has rats but Parks has installed rat proof cupboards for packs;

4) Mt Ossa side trip is well worth the climb if the weather is clear. There is one section near the summit where you’ll have to climb up and back down under a rock ledge which was a little tricky for someone with short legs! Walking poles made the descent much easier on the knees;

5) Tassielink will freight bags to Lake St Clair Lodge for $10 per bag so you can have some clean clothes to put on after a shower (a hot shower will cost you $1 for 6 minutes – cold showers are meant to be free but the taps only worked when paid for hot water – if you stay at the campsite $25 per site or in a hostel room $40pp you still have to pay for your hot shower:( );

6) Lake St Clair Lodge has changed management recently. Soap and shampoo can no longer be purchased so if you want a shower at the end carry a sliver of soap;

7) Lake St Clair Lodge kitchen closes at 430pm so dinner is not available despite the claim on their website that they are open in busy season and the sign at the till that outlines they stay open if you book – this is not the case. With no other food outlet on site and the insanely expensive taxi to get to Derwent Bridge Hotel (see comment below) we thought this stance was absolutely ridiculous particularly when there were little to no options at the so-called general store unless you felt like more two minute noodles:( ;

If you want to get to the Derwent Bridge Hotel the taxi service quoted $10 pp each way (one of the most expensive taxis you’ll ever catch for a 10km round trip) regardless of the number of people who wish to go:( ;

9) The Hotel closes at 8pm not sure what time the kitchen shuts but given the $20 taxi fare you may want to get there with enough time to order a meal; and

10) The only way to get back to Cradle Mountain or Launceston direct is by charter. Otherwise you’ll need to get a bus to Hobart, then one to Launceston and a third if you wish to get back to your wheels at Cradle.

Don’t get me wrong, we had a wonderful time on the trek.

Unfortunately the issues experienced at Lake St Clair left a sour note on ours and our overseas friends trip. We were actually embarrassed and found ourselves trying to convince others that they should not let this experience taint their view of traveling in Australia.

Despite these negatives, we would still return to the Overland trek to undertake the side trips that we missed due to bad weather although we’ll coordinate to meet the bus next time or stay at Fergys Paddock campsite (free) and once again freight a bag with some additional supplies in it.