Windy Ridge to Narcissus
Palawa Country

3 h to 4 h

10 km
oneway segment

↑ 77 m
↓ -215 m

Moderate track
Starting from Windy Ridge this walk gently descents through the open eucalypt forest and buttongrass plains, following the Narcissus River valley. After about 5km you pass the signposted intersection with the Pine Valley Track. The walk continues along the valley floor crossing the only swing bridge on the main spine of the Overland Track before coming to Narcissus Hut and camping area. Narcissus Hut is a short walk from the northern tip of Lake St Clair and the ferry jetty. 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.
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 & Bert Nichols Hut Toilet Track (-41.9320361,146.0891234)
Finish (-42.012519,146.1017848)
Mode (end)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Overland Track & Bert Nichols Hut Toilet Track Start heading along Overland Track (a walking track).
Find the Bert Nichols Hut at the start.
After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Optional Sidetrip to Pine Valley. This is best done as an overnight side trip giving you time to also explore the Labyrinth or the Acropolis. The walk of the valley through a lovely and mossy high rainforest, a different vibe from the rest of the Overland Track. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 5.6 km (at the intersection of Overland Track & Pine Valley Track) continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
After another 3.2 km cross the Narcissus River Swing Bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 1.2 km come to a toilet.
Continue straight.
After another 10 m come to the "Narcissus Hut" (on your right).
About 35 m past the end is "Narcissus Hut campsite".
W:www.parks.tas.gov.au
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Track to the ferry wharf. If you are catching the ferry to Cynthia Bay, or just want to wander down and enjoy the Lake St Clair. The wharf is a nice place to enjoy a sunset dinner or a swim for those who want to brave the cold water. 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 end.

Optional Sidetrip to Pine Valley. This is best done as an overnight side trip giving you time to also explore the Labyrinth or the Acropolis. The walk of the valley through a lovely and mossy high rainforest, a different vibe from the rest of the Overland Track.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Pine Valley Track & Overland Track Start heading along Pine Valley Track (a walking track).
After another 2.4 km cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
After another 2.4 km come to "Pine Valley Hut".
About 30 m past the end is "Pine Valley Hut Toilets".
About 10 m past the end is "Pine Valley Hut Tent Platforms".
Campsite managed byParks and Wildlife Service.
About 50 m past the end is "Labyrinth Registration Booth".
Continue another 0 m to find at the intersection of Pine Valley Track & Pine Valley Hut Toilet Track at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 4.8 km to the main route.

Track to the ferry wharf. If you are catching the ferry to Cynthia Bay, or just want to wander down and enjoy the Lake St Clair. The wharf is a nice place to enjoy a sunset dinner or a swim for those who want to brave the cold water.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the Narcissus Hut at the start.
After another 300 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 310 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Windy Ridge to Narcissus


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 10 km
Time 3 h to 4 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 6.5 km apart with the largest gap of 10.4 km.

Hut: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.9 km apart with the largest gap of 10.4 km.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 6.5 km apart with the largest gap of 10.4 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Hut
9 mBert Nichols Hut
Hut
5.6 km + 4.8 kmPine Valley Hut
Toilet
5.6 km + 4.8 kmPine Valley Hut Toilets
Camp site
5.6 km + 4.8 kmPine Valley Hut Tent Platforms
Hut
10 kmNarcissus Hut
Toilet
10 km[toilet]
Camp site
10 kmNarcissus Hut campsite
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Windy Ridge to Narcissus
A short and and gentle stroll down the glacially carved valley to Lake St Clair.
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
Pine Valley Hut
Not on the main spine of the Overland Track, but a lovely side trip up through a mossy rainforest.
Narcissus Hut
On the bank of Narcissus River and not far from the northern tip of Lake St Clair.
Transport
Options for transport at the start and end of the walk
Lake St Clair Lodge
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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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