Proceedings of an International Year of Mountains - Australian Alps ...

Free independent walkers
This group can be divided into three sub groups:
1. Free independent walkers Overland Track route
Includes a range of individuals, couples and groups from mixed nationalities walking the Track
independently, carrying their own equipment and supplies and using huts and established camp sites. Social
contact at overnight stops forms an important component of the walk.
Management and anecdotal evidence and consultant observation suggests that a (small) proportion of this
group may be carrying limited survival equipment such as inadequate wet weather clothing, tents and stove.
Whilst the Australian walkers in this group have generally planned their trip well in advance, it appears
many of the walkers from overseas have heard of the walk in their own country, or whilst travelling in
Australia, or once they have arrived in Tasmania. The level of planning by these groups is more varied and
may be very limited.
2. Free independent walkers using only part of the Track for overnight walk or to access other walks.
Includes a range of more skilled bushwalkers that are familiar with the current use and experience provided
on the Overland Track that are seeking more remote or less crowded experience or are seeking to undertake
a specific walk including shorter walks or trips to specific peaks off the Overland Track. May access the
Track from Cradle Valley, from Lake St Clair, or from side routes (Arm River being the most popular).
A high proportion of Tasmanians within this group and generally people with considerable experience or
walking with experienced people with a preference for tent camping who are self sufficient. May plan their
trip in advance or at short notice.
3. Day walkers
Day walkers at either end of the Track may undertake sections of the Overland Track (eg from Cradle
Valley to Crater Lake, Cradle Mountain or Marion’s Lookout; from Lake Narcissus hut to Cynthia Bay or
Pine Valley).
Use of either end of the Overland Track by day walkers is likely to continue or increase due to the increased
interest in nature-based tourism, the popularity of walking as a recreational activity and the demonstrated
visitor interest in Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair as visitor destinations.
Approximately 50% of parties and walkers on the Overland Track are from other States of Australia. Of
those walkers approximately 70% are from Victoria and New South Wales. 2
Since 1997/98 records show that the proportion of overseas walkers has been greater than the proportion
of Tasmanians. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service note that this does not mean that the proportion of
Tasmanian parties is declining, but rather that the proportion of Tasmanians (and mainlanders) is
declining in the face of an increase in the number of people from overseas.
2
Note: The material presented in this section is based on walker registration material collected by Tasmanian National Parks Service,
unless otherwise referenced.
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Celebrating Mountains – An International Year of Mountains Conference
Jindabyne, New South Wales, Australia