Kia Ora to Windy Ridge
Palawa Country

3 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min

9.5 km
oneway segment

↑ 369 m
↓ -353 m

Hard track
Starting from Kia Ora Hut and the bubbling cascades you will explore the dense rainforest as you want to the historic Du Cane Hut. Not too far past the Du Cane Hut are some very worthwhile side trips to D’Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett Falls. These are spectacular waterfalls in the dense rainforest and a great place for lunch. Then the track climbs up towards Du Cane Gap and then steeply leads down to the large Bert Nichols Hut and camping area at Windy Ridge. Let us begin by acknowledging the Palawa people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Photo by admin, 2018.
Downloads GPX PDF
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Segment This is part of longer journey and can not be completed on it is own.
Full Journey The Overland Track
Start At the intersection of Overland Track & Kia Ora Hut toilet track (-41.8920618,146.0815091)
Finish (-41.9319992,146.0889934)
Mode (end)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Overland Track & Kia Ora Hut toilet track Start heading along Overland Track (a walking track).
Find the Kia Ora Hut public camping platform at the start.
W:www.parks.tas.gov.au
Find the Kia Ora Hut at the start.
After 75 m pass the "Kia Ora Falls" (on your left).
After another 410 m (at the intersection of Overland Track & Paddy Hartnett Track) continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
Then pass the "Two nails wodden (old)" (on your left).
After another 2.1 km pass the toilet (30 m on your right).
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Overland Track & Du Cane Hut toilet track) veer left, to head along Overland Track.
After another 50 m pass the "Du Cane Hut" (on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to Dalton Falls on Mersey River. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to Fergusson Falls on Mersey River. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.7 km (at the intersection of Overland Track & Dalton & Fergusson Falls Track) turn sharp right, to head along Overland Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to the tallest of the falls - Hartnett Falls. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Overland Track & Hartnett Falls Track) turn right, to head along Overland Track.
After another 4 km continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
After another 50 m continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
After another 55 m (at the intersection of Overland Track & Windy Ridge Ranger Hut Track) continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
After another 10 m (at the intersection of Bert Nichols Hut Toilet Track & Overland Track) turn right, to head along Bert Nichols Hut Toilet Track.
After another 10 m come to "Bert Nichols Hut".
About 25 m past the end is a camp site.
W:www.parks.tas.gov.au
About 45 m past the end is a toilet.
The end.

Side trip to Dalton Falls on Mersey River.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Dalton & Fergusson Falls Track & Overland Track Start heading along Dalton & Fergusson Falls Track (a walking track).
After another 270 m (at the intersection of Dalton Falls Track & Dalton & Fergusson Falls Track) continue straight, to head along Dalton Falls Track.
After another 135 m come to "Dalton Falls".
About 10 m past the end is "Dalton Falls".
Continue another 0 m to find Dalton Falls at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 410 m to the main route.

Side trip to Fergusson Falls on Mersey River.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Dalton & Fergusson Falls Track & Overland Track Start heading along Dalton & Fergusson Falls Track (a walking track).
After another 270 m (at the intersection of Fergusson Falls Track & Dalton Falls Track) turn right, to head along Fergusson Falls Track.
After another 170 m come to "Fergusson Falls".
About 20 m past the end is "Fergusson Falls".
Continue another 0 m to find Fergusson Falls at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 440 m to the main route.

Side trip to the tallest of the falls - Hartnett Falls.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Hartnett Falls Track & Overland Track Start heading along Hartnett Falls Track (a walking track).
After another 700 m (at the intersection of Harnett Fall Bottom Track & Hartnett Falls Track) turn left, to head along Harnett Fall Bottom Track.
After another 8 m pass the "Hartnett Falls" (15 m on your right).
After another 295 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1 km to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Kia Ora to Windy Ridge


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 9.5 km
Time 3 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.2 km apart with the largest gap of 9.5 km.

Hut: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.2 km apart with the largest gap of 9.5 km.

Shelter: There is one 2.6 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.2 km apart with the largest gap of 7 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Camp site
6 mKia Ora Hut public camping platform
Hut
6 mKia Ora Hut
Toilet
2.6 km[toilet]
Shelter
2.6 kmDu Cane Hut
Hut
9.6 kmBert Nichols Hut
Camp site
9.6 km[camp site]
Toilet
9.6 km[toilet]
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Kia Ora to Windy Ridge
Walk around the base of Falling Mountain via the historic Du Cane Hut and three waterfall side trips.
Kia Ora Hut
A lovely hut and camping area nestled beside Kia Ora Creek with bubble cascades and a waterfall
Du Cane Hut
A historic hut perfect for a morning tea break.
Bert Nichols Hut (Windy Ridge Hut)
The largest hut on the Overland track with lovely views across the valley and of the Du Cane Range
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Reviews & Feedback
Share your experience
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Weather & Alerts
Check forecasts & closures
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Alerts and Closures
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Other Journeys
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