Snakes in Overland Track April/May

[protik]

Hi guys,

We are thinking of doing OLT between April 24 - May 4, 2013 and just wanted to ask how likely we are to come across snakes in this period? Snakes are usually timid but we would prefer to do the hike in a season when we are unlikely to see any (i.e. in cold weather). For this purpose, would we be better off pushing our trip towards mid/late May? We don't mind cold weather as long as the tracks are still accessible.

Also, in regards to food preparation, are we better off doing groceries in LST (day 1) or is this something can we do after arriving at Cradle Mountain (day 2)?

DAY 1 (April 24 - Wednesday): Syd - LST (4PM - 5:45PM)
Day 2 (April 25/ANZAC DAY - Thursday): LST - Cradle Mountain (8:45AM - 12PM)
Day 3 - 10 (April 26 - May 3): OLT 8 days/7nights
Day 10 (May 3 - Friday): St. Clair - Hobart (8PM - 10:30PM)
Day 11 (May 4 - Sat): Hobart - Sydney (8:20PM - 10:05PM)

Thanks in advance!

[protik]

Sorry, by mid/late May I meant to say we are just trying to decide between the below travels dates for OLT:

24 - 4 May, 2013 ($354 return x 2 + luggage)
1 - 11 May, 2013 ($314 return x 2 + luggage)
8 - 18 May, 2013 ($254 return x 2 + luggage)

Cheers.

[philm]

Unlikely you will see any snakes in May. We walked the track in late April and did not see any. By this time it is generally colder. Always good policy to watch where you are walking and keep you eye out!

In terms of shopping best to do this before you go to Tasmania and then finish the shopping with any items in Launceston - taking into account restrictions on bring certain foods into Tasmania. Not much shopping at Cradle.

[protik]

Unlikely you will see any snakes in May. We walked the track in late April and did not see any. By this time it is generally colder. Always good policy to watch where you are walking and keep you eye out!

In terms of shopping best to do this before you go to Tasmania and then finish the shopping with any items in Launceston - taking into account restrictions on bring certain foods into Tasmania. Not much shopping at Cradle.

Hi, thanks heaps for this info! Was it really muddy in late April by any chance? Had a look at BOM and May seems to be like the wettest month.

[pazzar]

May can be quite wet. I wouldn't be too concerned about it being muddy. The bits that are going to be muddy are generally always muddy year round.

[philm]

Yes just accept the mud and walk straight through it. Most of the treack was great the worst area was between Pelion and Kia Ora Hut but compared to other parts of Tasmania this was nothing. May will be a great time to walk although be prepared for the rain and wind!