Wherever you come from, you'll need some kind of transport to get to the start of the track and then also back home. We've listed a couple of options to help you with planning.
From Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre you can take a free park shuttle bus for the 7 km to Ronny Creek, the start of the Overland Track. In the summer, the bus leaves about every 10-15 minutes starting at 8am, but at other times of year it runs less often. The bus also stops at Snake Hill and also continues to Dove Lake.
IDA CLAIR regularly makes the 28 km round-trip from Cynthia Bay via Echo Point to Narcissus Bay and back three times daily, seven days a week during the Summer months. The voyage takes 30 mins.
Ferry Bookings
If you are planning to walk the Overland Track and intend to use the Ferry for the final leg from Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay it is best to pre-book your place as many people take this option rather than walking the length of Lake St Clair so the ferry does fill up. A booking will give you the peace of mind of knowing you have a spot on the day you have selected. However, we still recommend that you confirm you're ready to be picked up using the radio at Narcissus Hut.
If you finish early or are delayed (or did not make a booking) use the two-way radio in Narcissus Hut, there are instructions with the radio.
Please remember to radio through to Ferry Base to confirm just prior to the Ferry departure time from Cynthia Bay so that the Ferry Master knows passengers are awaiting transport.
To pre-book call 03 62 891 137 or email sceniccruises@lakestclairlodge.com.au.
https://www.lakestclairlodge.com.au/about-lake-st-clair/lake-st-clair-ferry/
Transport hubs
Launceston, Lake St Clair
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
Equipment
Storage, gear hire, shop.
Cost
$$
About
Three daily regular services available – Launceston to Cradle Mountain departing Launceston at 7:00am, Lake St Clair to Launceston departing Lake St Clair at 2:30pm and Lake St Clair to Hobart departing Lake St Clair at 2:30pm each day of the hiking season (1st October to the 31st May). No Winter services available. Overland track transport ticket is for a day either side of your booking if there is space.
Contact
0474 172 012
https://www.overlandtracktransport.com.au/
admin@overlandtracktransport.com.au
Transport hub
Hobart
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
Cost
$$
About
Personalised tours and transport options.
Contact
(04) 1919 7516
https://heartoftasmaniatours.com/
kyle@heartoftasmaniatours.com
Transport hubs
Launceston, Hobart
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
Equipment
Gear hire
Cost
$
About
Transports are fully customisable - they'll work around your time schedule.
Contact
(04) 9999 4246
https://wildislandadventure.com/
wildislandhire@gmail.com
Transport hubs
Launceston, Devonport
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
About
7 Days a week Pre-booked or on demand. They operate 364 days a year. They offer direct transport from Lake St Clair to Cradle Mountain.
Contact
(03) 6427 7626 or 0448 800 599 (After hours only), https://www.cradlemountaincoaches.com.au/
bus@cradlemountaincoaches.com.au
Transport hubs
Launceston
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain
Equipment
Storage, gear hire.
Cost
$$
About
A non scheduled “on demand” service.
Contact
0408 918 249
https://www.outdoortasmania.com.au/
info@outdoortasmania.com.au or griggpaul@hotmail.com
Transport hubs
Launceston
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain
Cost
$
About
Transport Launceston to Cradle Mountain in the mornings and Cradle Mountain to Launceston in the afternoon. The transport goes daily 1 September - 30 April, and Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri from 1 May to 31 August. Launceston / Lake St Clair / Launceston - charter on application.
Contact
(03) 6330 3717
https://mcdermotts.com.au/
sales@mcdermotts.com.au
Transport hubs
Launceston, Devonport
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
Cost
$$
About
They offer direct transport from Lake St Clair to Cradle Mountain or back, and self-guided tours with organised transport and gear hire over summer months.
Contact
(04) 9966 0120
https://wildernessexpeditions.net.au/
info@wildernessexpeditions.net.au
Transport hubs
Hobart
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
Equipment
Gear hire, shop
Cost
$$
About
They also offer shuttles from Cynthia Bay to Cradle Mountain shuttle, (Cynthia Bay, Lake St Clair) to Hobart or back.
Contact
(04) 7748 0383
https://www.twe.travel/
info@twe.travel
Transport hubs
Launceston, Hobart
Trackheads
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
Cost
$$$
About
Transfers from the Derwent Valley and New Norfolk to Hobart Airport.
Contact
(04) 3873 0204
https://www.eguide.com.au/overland-track-transport
david@eguide.com.au