DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Discussion specifically about the Overland Track should be posted in this subforum, including side trips and the Cradle Mountain day walk area. Alternative access routes and connecting routes belong in the parent forum.
Forum rules
Overland Track App
An electronic guidebook for planning and walking the Overland Track.
Download this app for loads of information about planning, gear, food, accommodation and much more about the Overland Track.
You will also find topo maps, terrain profiles and track notes for offline use.
$10 -- Discount to $3 until December 15
Image

DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Explorer_Sam » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 8:09 pm

G'day,

I am walking the Overland Track for the first time in November/December (first time in Tassie too). My friend is catching the ferry from Narcissus, but looking to save money where possible, I would like to wake up earlier and get a head start on him to walk back to the car.

I have a couple of questions:

1. How hard would the day be to walk Windy Ridge to Cynthia Bay in one day?

2. Is it worth the walk, are there many highlights, views, etc.? My friend says it would be a long and boring walk.

I look forward to the responses, and after that this thread can be a general discussion about "Day 7" on the Overland :D

Thanks,
Sam.
My Blog- Adventure and Nature Writing- www.sambochristie.wordpress.com
Explorer_Sam
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 319
Joined: Thu 01 Mar, 2012 8:33 pm
Location: Maryborough
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby RonK » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 8:55 pm

It's a easy downhill cruise to Narcissus. To Cynthia Bay would be a big day, doable for the fit.
The ferry ride is a worthy delight in its own right, however I think you cannot truthfully claim to have completed the OLT if you take the ferry.
As an alternative maybe walk to Echo Point, leaving only a short day to finish.
User avatar
RonK
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 859
Joined: Mon 31 Dec, 2012 10:33 am
Region: Queensland
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Snowzone » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 9:01 pm

Hey Sam, how's things? Did this section in snow in June in snow and it was very pretty then. But only did from Cynthia Bay to Echo Point 4 hours, probably 3 hours in good weather. A further 2 hours to Narcissus in good weather and 4 hours to Windy Ridge approx. So would be a big day. You would have no trouble if you went from Narcissus all the way to Cynthia Bay in a day. Cheers.
User avatar
Snowzone
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 533
Joined: Sat 11 Dec, 2010 12:10 pm
Region: Victoria
Gender: Female

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby MickyB » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 9:04 pm

G'day Sam, I did Windy Ridge to Cynthia Bay in a day and I'm not the fittest person. The walk around the lake is on the boring side compared to the rest of the OLT but worth it. And as RonK mentioned if you take the ferry then technically you haven't completed the whole OLT. Enjoy the walk. You'll love it :D
Sometimes, I use big words I don't always fully understand in an effort to make myself sound more photosynthesis.
User avatar
MickyB
Auctorita modica
Auctorita modica
 
Posts: 1426
Joined: Thu 28 Jun, 2012 7:50 pm
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Explorer_Sam » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 9:09 pm

Thanks for the responses. Very keen to complete the 'whole' OLT. Never thought of it that way. I am sure it would have been lovely in snow Vicki!

That's the confidence-inspiring post I was looking for MickyB, thanks very much!
My Blog- Adventure and Nature Writing- www.sambochristie.wordpress.com
Explorer_Sam
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 319
Joined: Thu 01 Mar, 2012 8:33 pm
Location: Maryborough
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby MickyB » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 9:17 pm

It was a big day Sam but I'm sure you'd be a lot fitter than I am so you shouldn't have any problems. The track is reasonably flat as well so the walking isn't too hard.
Sometimes, I use big words I don't always fully understand in an effort to make myself sound more photosynthesis.
User avatar
MickyB
Auctorita modica
Auctorita modica
 
Posts: 1426
Joined: Thu 28 Jun, 2012 7:50 pm
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby corvus » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 9:28 pm

G'day Sam ,
It is possible and the Lakeside track is my choice now, however I always stop overnight at Echo Point Hut as the walk from Bert Nichols Hut to Cynthia Bay is about 30k and around 8 hours so if you are you are pressed by time and money I would suggest from New Pelion you bypass Kiaora Hut and go to Bert Nichols that would be about 19k and it would only be around 7 hours giving you a jumpstart to CB,however you would be cutting it very fine and for a first time on the OLT I would not recommend it unless you are uber fit and very experienced.
Hope this helps :)
collige virgo rosas
User avatar
corvus
Vercundus gearus-freakius
Vercundus gearus-freakius
 
Posts: 5538
Joined: Mon 23 Apr, 2007 7:24 pm
Location: Devonport
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Explorer_Sam » Thu 20 Aug, 2015 10:08 pm

corvus wrote:G'day Sam ,
It is possible and the Lakeside track is my choice now, however I always stop overnight at Echo Point Hut as the walk from Bert Nichols Hut to Cynthia Bay is about 30k and around 8 hours so if you are you are pressed by time and money I would suggest from New Pelion you bypass Kiaora Hut and go to Bert Nichols that would be about 19k and it would only be around 7 hours giving you a jumpstart to CB,however you would be cutting it very fine and for a first time on the OLT I would not recommend it unless you are uber fit and very experienced.
Hope this helps :)


Thanks heaps Corvus, I appreciate the advice. I'll assess my options. I have to keep the other team member happy too, so if worse comes to worst I will be waking up really early at Bert Nichols to get a head start on my mate who will be catching the ferry. This will be his first time too, so after it I'll be able to tell him that I completed the OLT, he just walked part of it :wink:
My Blog- Adventure and Nature Writing- www.sambochristie.wordpress.com
Explorer_Sam
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 319
Joined: Thu 01 Mar, 2012 8:33 pm
Location: Maryborough
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby DanShell » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 12:55 am

I walked from Bert Nichols to Cynthia Bay on my last day of the OLT.
I'm on my phone so I can't find the thread but I did a trip report which may have some more info on it.
User avatar
DanShell
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1261
Joined: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 11:23 am
Location: Central
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby dingelberry » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 7:11 am

Do the walk its worth it you can always go back again for the boat ride . I think its all about walking the whole track at lest once ( just my thoughts) . Like sam I always walk the lakeside track some of the trees along the walk have to be seen to be appreciated its a nice way to finish a great walk I have done it from bert nichols quite a few times its a long day but can be done enjoy .
dingelberry
Atherosperma moschatum
Atherosperma moschatum
 
Posts: 71
Joined: Wed 14 Aug, 2013 7:11 am
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: n/a
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Tortoise » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 8:35 am

Explorer_Sam wrote:2. Is it worth the walk, are there many highlights, views, etc.? My friend says it would be a long and boring walk.

Hey Sam,

Glad you're coming for a taste of Tassie. Watch out, or you might find yourself living here one day too. :D

I've never quite understood why some people think the lake walk is boring. Maybe if they have to have broad vistas the whole time and don't like forests or something. For me, it's a more interesting forest than many others I still enjoy.

If (when!) you do it, make sure you check out the little side tracks to the lake. One of them might have been all of 6 metres long. All the other people had gone thundering past, while I stopped to have a look. I was rewarded with a lovely little spot and a beautiful view of the mountains we'd come from (Acropolis etc) - complete with dramatic stormy skies. Eventually I dragged myself away from the changing light on the lake and mountains. *Sigh*

Cheers
User avatar
Tortoise
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 5136
Joined: Sat 28 Jan, 2012 9:31 pm
Location: NW Tasmania
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Female

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Explorer_Sam » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 9:10 am

Thanks for the responses Dan, Dingleberry and Tortoise!

I would love to have a read your trip report Dan, I'll see if I can dig it up, if not, you might be able to point me in the right direction next time you're on a computer.

Thanks Tortoise, if Tassie is as good as I hear it is, I will end up living there for sure ;)
I am more keen to walk the Lakeside Track after reading your post. That sounds absolutely beautiful, I hope I can have a similar experience, but I doubt I'll get the dramatic stormy skies. Thanks for the advice!
My Blog- Adventure and Nature Writing- www.sambochristie.wordpress.com
Explorer_Sam
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 319
Joined: Thu 01 Mar, 2012 8:33 pm
Location: Maryborough
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby DanShell » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 9:14 am

Explorer_Sam wrote:I would love to have a read your trip report Dan, I'll see if I can dig it up, if not, you might be able to point me in the right direction next time you're on a computer.



Ok, Insert shameful plug.............

Trip Report
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=19871

And here is part one of the youtube videos if you have a spare few hours and you need help sleeping ;)
User avatar
DanShell
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1261
Joined: Mon 18 Mar, 2013 11:23 am
Location: Central
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Explorer_Sam » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 10:02 am

Thanks Dan, what a wonderful trip report. Very glad you shared that! Licking my chops at the OLT now, and the last day doesn't look to bad at all, albeit tiring.

I'll watch the videos later on when I get a chance.
My Blog- Adventure and Nature Writing- www.sambochristie.wordpress.com
Explorer_Sam
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 319
Joined: Thu 01 Mar, 2012 8:33 pm
Location: Maryborough
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby GPSGuided » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 10:35 am

Has anyone walked back from Narcissus via Cuvier Valley? That could be interesting.
Last edited by GPSGuided on Fri 21 Aug, 2015 12:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Just move it!
User avatar
GPSGuided
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 6968
Joined: Mon 13 May, 2013 2:37 pm
Location: Sydney
Region: New South Wales

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby norts » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 11:10 am

It is a very nice walk but alot harder than the Lake walk. The track is not maintained. In places it is very muddy also in the open button grass it has just about disappeared. It is a big day if you try and do Narcissus to Cynthia via Cuvier in one day, alot bigger than around the lake.
Lake Petrarch is a beautiful spot to camp. I think it is the best way to finish the OLT! Done it 3 times that way.

Norts
User avatar
norts
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2012
Joined: Wed 01 Aug, 2007 10:45 am
Location: Germantown Tas.
Region: Tasmania

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby north-north-west » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 5:21 pm

norts wrote:It is a very nice walk but a lot harder than the Lake walk. The track is not maintained. In places it is very muddy also in the open button grass it has just about disappeared. It is a big day if you try and do Narcissus to Cynthia via Cuvier in one day, a lot bigger than around the lake.
Lake Petrarch is a beautiful spot to camp. I think it is the best way to finish the OLT! Done it 3 times that way.

+1

To do the OT via Cuvier, you want to allow an extra day. Windy Fridge to Petrarch, then out to Cynthia Bay the next day. Weather permitting you can do the sidetrip up Byron on the way through as well.
"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."
User avatar
north-north-west
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 15069
Joined: Thu 14 May, 2009 7:36 pm
Location: The Asylum
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: Social Misfits Anonymous
Region: Tasmania

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Champion_Munch » Fri 21 Aug, 2015 10:08 pm

Tortoise wrote:I've never quite understood why some people think the lake walk is boring. Maybe if they have to have broad vistas the whole time and don't like forests or something.


+1! The lakeside track is far more interesting than the ferry ride, particularly the section between Narcissus and Echo Point. From Echo point onwards the scenery becomes a bit more drab, and the apparently 'flat' track actually winds up and down a lot so you will definitely be feeling it by the time to get to the end.

Couple of trip reports from walking the first section in the dry: http://sirkingchampionmunch.blogspot.co ... ut-to.html and in the wet: http://sirkingchampionmunch.blogspot.co ... ey-to.html.
Champion_Munch
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 347
Joined: Wed 30 Apr, 2014 9:49 pm
Region: Queensland

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby canthardlywait » Sat 22 Aug, 2015 10:27 am

I walked from Pine Valley to Echo Point, stayed at Echo Point the night and then out to Cynthia the next day (July,2015). Staying at Echo Point is a great way to finish the OLT. It's a beautiful, secluded hut, and if you're game you can go for a swim, and run back in to a nice toasty hut (one of the few with coal heaters).

I definitely wouldn't say the walk is boring, it's just different to what the OLT is predominately like. Much more forest, quite muddy in sections, lots of fungi growing and some beautiful views of the lake.

Windy Ridge to Cynthia Bay would be achievable in one day, it would be big but the walk is most flat down to Narcissus, then a few up and downs to Cynthia but nothing crazy. Although I think it would be more enjoyable to stay at Echo.
canthardlywait
Atherosperma moschatum
Atherosperma moschatum
 
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu 18 Jun, 2015 1:56 pm
Region: Queensland
Gender: Female

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Drew » Mon 01 Feb, 2016 11:28 am

I'm doing the OLT over Easter. I'm wondering if on my 7th day I might go from Pine Valley to Echo Point, after doing either Labyrinth or Acropolis in the morning? Could be a fairly big day I imagine. We'll be getting the bus from Cynthia Bay at 11:45 on the 8th day, so staying at Echo Point is ideal. Otherwise I guess we could stay at Narcissus and get the ferry in the morning (although I'd much prefer to "complete" the OLT!).

Cheers
Drew
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 777
Joined: Fri 13 Jan, 2012 11:16 am
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby campearce » Mon 01 Feb, 2016 12:47 pm

Drew wrote:I'm doing the OLT over Easter. I'm wondering if on my 7th day I might go from Pine Valley to Echo Point, after doing either Labyrinth or Acropolis in the morning? Could be a fairly big day I imagine. We'll be getting the bus from Cynthia Bay at 11:45 on the 8th day, so staying at Echo Point is ideal. Otherwise I guess we could stay at Narcissus and get the ferry in the morning (although I'd much prefer to "complete" the OLT!).

Cheers


I did the same back in 2007 - so my memory is a little rusty, but I'm fairly sure that after doing the Labyrinth first thing, we made it back to Pine Valley for a latish lunch, and then moved on to Narcissus from there (about 3 hours), and then pushed on to Echo Point (took about 2 1/2 hours)- getting there about 7ish.

So it is very doable - however a bit tired after that walk (and doing the Labyrinth), but it made the last day out to Lake St Clair very easy and we were out by about 11 am (I think it takes about 3 hours).

Having said all that, I'm doing the same again in a few weeks time, so can let you know how it goes.

Cheers.
campearce
Nothofagus cunninghamii
Nothofagus cunninghamii
 
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu 07 Jan, 2016 6:45 am
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Drew » Mon 01 Feb, 2016 1:58 pm

Having said all that, I'm doing the same again in a few weeks time, so can let you know how it goes.


That'd be great, thanks! Enjoy it.
Drew
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 777
Joined: Fri 13 Jan, 2012 11:16 am
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby north-north-west » Mon 01 Feb, 2016 3:48 pm

I've done Pine Valley, Acropolis, Pine Valley, Windy Fridge in late autumn (April) and made it well before dark. Echo Point isn't much further.
"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."
User avatar
north-north-west
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 15069
Joined: Thu 14 May, 2009 7:36 pm
Location: The Asylum
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: Social Misfits Anonymous
Region: Tasmania

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby canthardlywait » Thu 04 Feb, 2016 11:15 am

Definitely doable, you have long days and lots of sun. Start early and you'll be right.
Absolutely loved Echo Point hut!
canthardlywait
Atherosperma moschatum
Atherosperma moschatum
 
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu 18 Jun, 2015 1:56 pm
Region: Queensland
Gender: Female

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Drew » Thu 04 Feb, 2016 6:11 pm

Thanks NNW and canthardlywait. Sounds like it's worth trying. And if it's too much we probably have the backup option of staying at Narcissus and getting the boat.
Drew
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 777
Joined: Fri 13 Jan, 2012 11:16 am
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Rick » Thu 04 Feb, 2016 8:28 pm

Yep Pine Valley to Echo Point shouldn't be a problem. On our OLT trek we walked from Burt Nichols hut to Echo Point without any dramas. Then from Echo Point to Cynthia Bay the next morning was a dream.

Echo Point is one of the prettiest places I have ever camped. Beautiful!
User avatar
Rick
Atherosperma moschatum
Atherosperma moschatum
 
Posts: 99
Joined: Fri 09 Jan, 2009 1:55 pm
Region: Tasmania

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Explorer_Sam » Wed 02 Aug, 2017 7:55 pm

G'day everyone,

I am doing some writing on the Lakeside Track, Lake St Clair, for a website. The only photo I forgot to take was of the ferry, the IDA CLAIR. If anyone has a good photo of the ferry that they are willing to let me use, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sam.
My Blog- Adventure and Nature Writing- www.sambochristie.wordpress.com
Explorer_Sam
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 319
Joined: Thu 01 Mar, 2012 8:33 pm
Location: Maryborough
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: DAY 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay via Lakeside Track

Postby Explorer_Sam » Thu 03 Aug, 2017 10:00 am

Don't worry about the above, I have managed to secure a photo. Thanks all the same!
My Blog- Adventure and Nature Writing- www.sambochristie.wordpress.com
Explorer_Sam
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 319
Joined: Thu 01 Mar, 2012 8:33 pm
Location: Maryborough
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male


Return to Overland Track and Cradle Mountain

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 14 guests