He was seeking advice on alternate walks in Tasmania to the Overland Track – spots are tight on the Overland Track and we are not sure if his budget extends to paying the Overland Track fee.

Mike  suggested the Penguin Cradle Trail as an option, and while familiar with this track, we had never (until now) explored it.  On further investigation it looks like a great option.

Penguin Tasmania - The start (or end) of the Penguin Cradle Trail

What is the Penguin Cradle Trail?

• It is a six day walk from Penguin in the north of Tasmania to Cradle Mountain
• Total length is 80 km
• In 1998 it was recognised as one of  Tasmania’s eight great bushwalks
• It can be walked in sections as some parts are near access roads
• It is designed for people with some experience in bushwalking and who have knowledge of the dangers of the Tasmanian bush.

Resources:

• The best information has been created by the North West Walking Club in Tasmania who have had responsibility for maintenance of the track for the last 20 years.
• They have produced an excellent free trail guide, including full colour maps.  It is highly recommended reading, incredibly detailed and informative.  A credit to the Club.

Things to think about before deciding (from the NWWC guide):

• The Leven Canyon section has side streams that are subject to sudden flooding after heavy rains and could result in a delay of up to a day or so.
• In this same section there are short lengths of track where people with a fear of heights may have difficulty.
• The Black Bluff and Pencil Pine sections are mostly at an elevation above 900m, therefore can be subject to fog, snow and strong winds.

Have you hiked the Penguin Cradle Trail?

Do you have any firther resource that Mike (or others) may find helpful?

We would love to hear about them, just leave a reply below.

Image: Mellychan on Flickr