Bushwalk Australia

Hello everyone,

Looking at having another go at the overland track beginning on the 1st or 2nd July. Completed the track about 4 years ago during warmer months so I know it will be a very different experience. Interested in any thoughts or advice related to completing the track at this time of year. Not sure if I should take hiking poles or not. Also not sure about what to expect weather wise. Looking at it now it appears that it is ranging from -2 to 8 degrees over the day. I am sure that it could get colder on the mountains. Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers,

Unless you get some snowfalls in the next three weeks, don't bother with snowshoes. Take microspikes - there are some sections that will not get direct sunlight for months at this time of the year, and they will be very icy and very slippery. Poles will help with balance also.
Do not depend on there being gas at the huts to run the stoves. There are more and more people doing the track off-season and too many of them run the stoves as long as possible without regard for the lack of resupply over winter.
Days are short and the walking may be harder than summer in many sections - especially the aforementioned icy bits - so having a tent (even if you don't plan on using it) is even more important. Your sleeping bag and mat must be able to deal with subzero temps.
It's not a bad idea to take more fuel for cooking and more food.

Good layering is the key to weather protection in winter. Keep the down for camp use, ditto with one set of clothing (thermals, warm socks, light footwear like crocs), but make sure what you have for walking will keep you comfy over a wide range of temps. Even in the clear weather we've had so far this month it seldom gets into double figures in the higher country this time of year.
Gloves and beanie are essential for walking.

Great advice from NNW.

Make no assumptions - on gas, weather, coming across other walkers. You may walk for a week and see no-one.

Obviously carry a PLB, but be as self sufficient as possible - in winter weather, it could take several days for a weather window to allow helicopter access.

You need to be able to manage say, a broken leg, for several days.

Thank you for the tips and advice. definitely a few things to think about.

north-north-west wrote:...Do not depend on there being gas at the huts to run the stoves. There are more and more people doing the track off-season and too many of them run the stoves as long as possible without regard for the lack of resupply over winter.
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When did they start supplying gas in the huts on the Overland Track to fuel stoves?

Heaters rather than personal stoves. Hut heating is provided by coal or gas.