Cradle Mountain Tasmania

Did the Overland Trek via Cradle Mountain. 80km. We covered it in about 9 days. It was very tough, esp. at the start when we had to climb each step of the way with our packs filled with food. Advisable only for experienced hikers. Its tough and you're guaranteed to lose 10kg by the end of the whole trip.

The best time to go is during Summer: January - February. Be careful climbing the mountains like Barns Bluff, and Mt Ossa cos when the weather turns nasty- it gets dag nasty wet, cold, and windy very quickly. The wind chill can be deadly. Nearly had a bad accident climbing Ossa due to this.

Avoid taking canned food - like stewed beef - its mostly water and you have to carry the cans out of the reserve- and they weigh a ton.

Salami would be good- hard crackers too - plenty of coffee, lemonade, tea, milo, and horlicks satchels would be essential. You're going to be drinking a lot.

Confectioneries like gum drops - (sour) fruit pastilles- the Rowentree Blackcurrent jellies - really help. They moisturize the mouth and prevent it from getting dry- and provide some welcome relief. On the other hand, chocolates, mars bars, didn't taste so great after the 3rd day.

Bring your own stove with a mini-portable gas heater- open fires are not allowed in the Park.

Every 10 km there will be a resting cabin where you can find fresh rain water - in tanks. No flush toilets tho but they provide rice husk... ya, gross.

A topography map of the place - would be useful too. I bought mine at the Wilderness Shop for $10.

Due Diligence: best to trial your hiking buddies first before attempting this hike. You never know how they can turn out on such long journeys. Half way thru I was carrying two big tents, 3 sleeping bags - and ended up very pissed off. One of the dudes had an "ankle injury" and got me to carry his stuff, including his tent. But it did look very sus (suspicious) when he ran straight up Mount Ossa. I promptly dumped his kit after that - together with the other personal stuff I was carrying for the rest of my "team".

I learnt to take plenty of time to just chill out and not rush so much.

The Overland Trek- and indeed Tasmania- is a beautiful place to hike in. But to me the experience is only as good as the company you keep. Otherwise it can leave you feeling very hollow.