Bushwalk Australia

I will be attempting the overland track from 24 June. May i know how is the weather like at the region now?

oh dear

At the moment - Cold (below 0 at night & single figures in the day), wet, windy, bit of snow and ice about mainly (but not only) on the peaks and their approaches.
Of course by the 24th of June it may be much better with still sunny skies and crisp clear days. Alternatively it could be blowing like crazy with constant rain, hail and snow, who knows! Good luck

Phil wrote:oh dear

Phil - thats not like you
G'day Wilson wh, at this time of year you can expect anything and everything and should be prepared for it. It will definitely be cold and wet, very high chance of snow, wind and general clag - you would need to know your stuff if attemting peaks.
Try to keep a day or two up your sleeve (and provision for this) to hole up if neccessary - if you don't need them then that gives you longer in the south of the park. If you are prepared for any weather and can cope with it, you will have a brilliant time - a lot of local Bushwalkers love this time of year for walking- if not you could have a miserable time.
Having said that, you may strike a few days of crystal clear days - who knows. (it will still be cold and wet underfoot though).
Where are you from?
Anything else just ask.
Geoskid

geoskid wrote:

Phil wrote:oh dear

Phil - thats not like you
G'day Wilson wh, at this time of year you can expect anything and everything and should be prepared for it. It will definitely be cold and wet, very high chance of snow, wind and general clag - you would need to know your stuff if attemting peaks.
Try to keep a day or two up your sleeve (and provision for this) to hole up if neccessary - if you don't need them then that gives you longer in the south of the park. If you are prepared for any weather and can cope with it, you will have a brilliant time - a lot of local Bushwalkers love this time of year for walking- if not you could have a miserable time.
Having said that, you may strike a few days of crystal clear days - who knows. (it will still be cold and wet underfoot though).
Where are you from?
Anything else just ask.
Geoskid

Thanks everyone for the reply and advice. I am from Singapore and will be in Tasmania for the month of June for 10 days. Will be attempting the overland track with another friend. Although i have been to treks in tropical country, this will be my first time trekking in such climate. Therefore a lack of experience in such terrain. I know that it is advisable to have at least a week for overland track but i only planned for a five days trip because i have to reach hobart by 30July to catch a flight. Do your guys think i should reconsider completing the whole overland track?

I would say 'Yes' from the sound of your plans, no experience, time constraints... could be at the least an 'uncomfortable' experience. Are you aware that heavy snow can either stop or delay progress? There will be few other people (and little assistance on hand) after leaving Cradle MT.

I would also say "Yes" - instead , hire a car and see a bit more of Tasmania. Take in some days walks around the state and then return another time for a more relaxed Overland Track trip. I would hate for you to come and have a lousy time in what could be a wet cold miserable time of the year. By all means go to Cradle Valley and climb Cradle Mountain and look over the future walk south - you might even get a good day! Then head east to the Freycinet circuit or south to Hartz Mountains or Mt Wellington.

Plenty of options for some great walking (whilst picking the regional weather)

you would have to be 'stark raving bonkers" to attempt the overland track in 5 days without any previous winter bushwalking experience.... you might be better off on the east coast....maybe Freycinet ......cheers....obb

I was up at Cradle last weekend, and from about 1100m upward it was covered with snow and/or ice, and cloud from about 1200m upward.

Have fun, and don't forget the EPIRB!

Cant see the EPIRB doing you much good when your lost in a blizzard dying from exposure....may as well let the devils eat you, Ive heard they are a bit peckish this time of year.....

wilson wh wrote:
Thanks everyone for the reply and advice. I am from Singapore and will be in Tasmania for the month of June for 10 days. Will be attempting the overland track with another friend. Although i have been to treks in tropical country, this will be my first time trekking in such climate. Therefore a lack of experience in such terrain. I know that it is advisable to have at least a week for overland track but i only planned for a five days trip because i have to reach hobart by 30July to catch a flight. Do your guys think i should reconsider completing the whole overland track?

Your goal is not impossible by any means.
What gear do yo have?
Do you have transport organised?
Is your flight at the end flexible if needed?
How set are you on the O/land track?
Lost in a Blizzard? - only if you keep moving. Depends on your gear. It is possible to do this. Would you be prepared to turn back and make alternate travel plans to the airport if necessary.
Have you researched the walk?
It is not the terrain that is the potential problem, it is your gear, your attitude, your confidence, the possible big dump of snow, unpredictable weather etc etc.
In the absence of info like this - people here will say dont do it, and I would agree.

geoskid wrote:

wilson wh wrote:
Thanks everyone for the reply and advice. I am from Singapore and will be in Tasmania for the month of June for 10 days. Will be attempting the overland track with another friend. Although i have been to treks in tropical country, this will be my first time trekking in such climate. Therefore a lack of experience in such terrain. I know that it is advisable to have at least a week for overland track but i only planned for a five days trip because i have to reach hobart by 30July to catch a flight. Do your guys think i should reconsider completing the whole overland track?

Your goal is not impossible by any means.
What gear do yo have?
Do you have transport organised?
Is your flight at the end flexible if needed?
How set are you on the O/land track?
Lost in a Blizzard? - only if you keep moving. Depends on your gear. It is possible to do this. Would you be prepared to turn back and make alternate travel plans to the airport if necessary.
Have you researched the walk?
It is not the terrain that is the potential problem, it is your gear, your attitude, your confidence, the possible big dump of snow, unpredictable weather etc etc.
In the absence of info like this - people here will say dont do it, and I would agree.

Actually i have transport ready for me from launceston to cradle mt on 24June, early in the morning. The chartered coach will pick us up at 7am and reach the park by 9am. For the transport at the end of the walk, i have decided to take the tassielink bus service from lake st claire to hobart on 29 June, 11am. That is the reason why i have 5 days to do the track. Equipment wise, i will say sufficient. Will def be bringing a tent. As for research on the walk, i have done stuff like the dist from hut to hut, timing required.

Definitely what worrys me most is the weather. Do you guys think it is advisable that i give it a try from ronny creek to waterfall valley for the first day. If we feel a lack of confidence and discomfort in carrying on the trip, we will turn back.

Hi Wilson,

We might just bump into each other if you're faster and we're slower. My group and I (4 of us) are starting on the 23rd. Word on the streets is that there'll be another group of 14 schoolkids leaving ronny creek on the day we're starting. Might just have to beat them to the huts! =D

Julafreak wrote:Hi Wilson,

We might just bump into each other if you're faster and we're slower. My group and I (4 of us) are starting on the 23rd. Word on the streets is that there'll be another group of 14 schoolkids leaving ronny creek on the day we're starting. Might just have to beat them to the huts! =D

Not sure if u are referring to these group of students. http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/current/outed/track.html

wilson wh wrote:Equipment wise, i will say sufficient.
Definitely what worrys me most is the weather.

Hi Wilson - Not nit picking, just trying to make sure. I know these two statements were taken from different parts of your post , but they go together. Absolutely nothing wrong with having doubts - it's what keeps you thinking - but if your gear is sufficient, the weather can do whatever it likes and you will be OK.
Good Idea to start and see what the weather is doing, and be prepared to turn back. To do it in 5 days you are going to have to skip a hut. If you start and the weather is good - go to Windemere or even to Pelion if you have the legs and puff.
Take care and use your noggin'
geoskid

Edit - @#$t, Wilson , please tell me you are young and fit and not old with a heart condition.

geoskid wrote:

wilson wh wrote:Equipment wise, i will say sufficient.
Definitely what worrys me most is the weather.

Hi Wilson - Not nit picking, just trying to make sure. I know these two statements were taken from different parts of your post , but they go together. Absolutely nothing wrong with having doubts - it's what keeps you thinking - but if your gear is sufficient, the weather can do whatever it likes and you will be OK.
Good Idea to start and see what the weather is doing, and be prepared to turn back. To do it in 5 days you are going to have to skip a hut. If you start and the weather is good - go to Windemere or even to Pelion if you have the legs and puff.
Take care and use your noggin'
geoskid

Edit - @#$t, Wilson , please tell me you are young and fit and not old with a heart condition.

Hi geoskid.

Thanks for your advice. Dun worry. I am very open to all comments since i am kinda new to this environment. Got to know more and learn more. Yea both my friend and i are in our early twenties. I guessed the first day will be really impt to judge if we are suitable for the terrain and weather.

wilson wh wrote:

geoskid wrote:

wilson wh wrote:Definitely what worrys me most is the weather. Do you guys think it is advisable that i give it a try from ronny creek to waterfall valley for the first day. If we feel a lack of confidence and discomfort in carrying on the trip, we will turn back.

Sorry for the initial sarcastic response.

If it was me, I'd be going in the direction of your thoughts as above - plan for the whole trip but re-assess if/when you get through to Waterfall Valley hut. You might have a good run and complete the track; otherwise you can turn back and wander through to Lake Rodway and spend a night at Scott Kilvert hut. Day 3 could then be out via Twisted Lakes.

Phil

If you're from Singapore, have you spent much time in temperate climates in Winter? In highland snow-bound country?

If not, this might possibly be a serious shock to get used to, and has the potential to make it very difficult for you indeed.

The strategy to walk to Waterfall Valley and being prepared to bail out and walk back out the way you came in is very sensible. Even if you get to Waterfall Valley safe, comfortable and happy, and the weather has not been windy, rainy and snowing, you must keep in mind that is is most likely going to get a lot worse during the rest of the trip.

Ie, it is very unlikely that you'll have 5 days of good weather in a row at this time of year on the Overland Track, so if you start off in reasonable weather, you should expect it to get worse for at least a couple of days, and quite possibly for the entire trip.

The schoolkids are from a local school from Hobart. I was speaking to one of the teachers yesterday. It sounds like they are very well equipped, and are breaking it up into 2 parties. They shouldn't cause too many problems.

As for the weather, the current forecast is in your favour, and I would think that 5 days is by all means achievable, but up there anything can happen, so I think a backup plan is a good idea.

pazzar wrote:The schoolkids are from a local school from Hobart. I was speaking to one of the teachers yesterday. It sounds like they are very well equipped, and are breaking it up into 2 parties. They shouldn't cause too many problems.

As for the weather, the current forecast is in your favour, and I would think that 5 days is by all means achievable, but up there anything can happen, so I think a backup plan is a good idea.

Knox Grammar that was referred to earlier in the post is a Sydney school. Hope for wilson's sake he doesn't get caught up with two lots of school kids

wow. I'll make sure I pack in my tent.

What time are you leaving Julian? If you leave early enough, with a bit of luck with the weather, you could skip a hut. Depends on the experience in your group though. I think as long as you get there first you will be fine. The huts sleep much more than 14.

Hi Wilson,
I would probably agree with oldblackbilly and taxtrax about looking at other parts of Tassie instead. IF the weather is clear, it will be beautiful, although very cold and icy, but if the weather is like it has been here the last few days, it will just be thoroughly miserable and potentially dangerous. I would think twice about doing the OT in winter, and I've been bushwalking here a long time. Mind you I do find the cold hard to deal with.
Cheers,
TR

Son of a Beach wrote:If you're from Singapore, have you spent much time in temperate climates in Winter? In highland snow-bound country?

If not, this might possibly be a serious shock to get used to, and has the potential to make it very difficult for you indeed.

The strategy to walk to Waterfall Valley and being prepared to bail out and walk back out the way you came in is very sensible. Even if you get to Waterfall Valley safe, comfortable and happy, and the weather has not been windy, rainy and snowing, you must keep in mind that is is most likely going to get a lot worse during the rest of the trip.

Ie, it is very unlikely that you'll have 5 days of good weather in a row at this time of year on the Overland Track, so if you start off in reasonable weather, you should expect it to get worse for at least a couple of days, and quite possibly for the entire trip.

Hi Wilson,

Could I suggest that you post a list of the gear (clothing, equipment, etc) that you are planning on taking on your trip? That way people can let you know if it will be appropriate for the conditions that you are likely to encounter.

Cheers,

JB

pazzar wrote:What time are you leaving Julian? If you leave early enough, with a bit of luck with the weather, you could skip a hut. Depends on the experience in your group though. I think as long as you get there first you will be fine. The huts sleep much more than 14.

Hi Pazzar,

I'll be leaving as soon as we arrive at the info centre i suppose. Which will be a few hours after 8.45? (that's when the bus leaves launceston). Im considering bringing a very old pair of snowshoes (looks broken) I found in the uni club's store. Do you think its worth carrying it in? It's heavier than my sleeping bag tho. and do you think I could use a bivvy bag instead of a tent. I dont really know how these things work. just wrap yourself in it like a body bag??

Julian

I wouldn't worry about snow shoes, if its gonna be heavy snow, you aren't going to get through. I came across some pretty big snow drifts on Adamsons today, so my bet will be that there will be snow around. Don't bother with a bivy either - you will freeze in it. You will all fit in the huts, you will be fine. I understand its only 3 of you going now? If you need a hand sorting through gear tomorrow, pm me and i'll come and help you.

pazzar wrote: Don't bother with a bivy either - you will freeze in it. You will all fit in the huts, you will be fine.

Hi Pazzar - Just in the interest of clarity - If not a Bivvy, you would still advocate carrying a tent or other form of shelter though, right?

Yes I did mean to carry a tent as well, I was just suggesting that a tent would be better than a bivvy for this time of year.

From memory, national service is compulsory in singapore right?

Wilson, assuming you've spent 2 years in the army and you're in your early 20s, you would have done abit of survival training recently and be quite fit I gather?
everyone is different for example, i love the cold and am quite comfortable with only a t shirt at 18 degrees. a singaporean friend of mine was complaining of the cold at 22 degrees, so its all relative to what you're used to.

As mentioned, best thing to do, is post your gear list for some better advice if your gear is adequate.
just prepare yourself for sub zero nights if you're still planning to go this thursday.

Hi

Interesting reading on the comments from the various posters. I was up there on the long weekend. One day was light snow, the next was mild to non existent winds with snow falling back towards Lake St Clair. The last day was perfect weather. Two days before I believe were near blizzard conditions. Expect the worst and enjoy the best.

Not sure if you are familiar with their backgrounds but there are more than a few that regularly trek the area like Nuts so worth rereading their advice, as few, even on this forum would have covered the track as much as him. The wild card is snow and without too much, not a problem but with a decent dump all bets are off. It is impossible to explain to people that have not experienced Tassie snow (wet and soggy) how it can muck up plans. I would not recommend the trip unless you have done at least some cold weather walking to understand why the concern has been expressed especially by a few very knowledgeable people.

Your age and optimism means short of medical illness you will get through but rushing a clock can lead to bad decisions so never keen on people adopting a schedule that forces them to go out on a day that the most sensible option is to stay put. The important think is be ready to bolt if you struggle from Cradle to Waterfall Valley. Unless you are with Telstra mobile phone coverage does not exist. And even with Telstra reception is hit and miss. Also be aware that heaters have run out of gas in at least two huts and daylight ends before 5.00pm and walking in the dark is not a good idea unless you are familiar with the area and have an appropriate head lamp. Basically do not plan to walk past 4.00pm.

As for gear, a decent weather proof outer shell and warm inner material such as wool, or synthetic polar fleece is the go along with packs that can be made waterproof by liners, etc. For safety take a tent as likely you may never need it but if you do it might save your life. Important to have a dry sleeping bag as even the highest rating is near useless if soaking wet. Frankly I am not keen on such trips by people not familiar with winter walking but then plenty of people make the trip successfully. Maybe I worry a bit too much about the less successful trips.

Cheers Brett