For my Mum’s 60th birthday my parents were out in Australia and I organised for us all to spend 6 days in Tasmania hiking the 79km Overland Track. It was my parents first multiday hike, both at the age of 60 and my first thru hike with a group. Everyone had a great time. There is already lot of information out there on the Overland track, so I’ll be a little brief on route etc, it’s more about hiking as a group and with the older generation.
This is a beginners track. With huts and lots of people including large groups. The atmosphere was very different to how I’m used to. People where more segregated and there was less camaraderie amongst the parties. This could have been because I wasn’t traveling solo, but I have a feeling it more to do with how commercialised and busy the track is. Many people did not understand or follow hiking etiquette. We stayed in the huts the whole trip as it was warmer. I would recommend taking a good tent and planning to camp outside as then you can have more of your own space. We went in February, peak season, possibly planning a trip during a little quieter period could help.
Our Route – We took it easy and did the recommended route. Plus how we got to and from the route and getting permits.
Planning – The extra little things I had to be aware of prep for a group walk with my parents. – COMING SOON
Five Things I Learned Doing Food For Three – What I discovered from having to plan food for other people.
Photos – Some pictures of our trip
Rambling on at 60 – My Mum’s reflections on the walk. Both Mum and Dad smashed this walk easily, but having the confidence to go was probably the biggest achievement.