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O.T Overland Track (Tassie) in Winter 31-Jan-2013 At 9:04:27 PM jamesmc

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Did the southern half in May about 25 years ago, and the whole lot in July about 10 years ago. Both times were excellent. On the second occasion, the track was under water for the full width of Frog Flats, except for the bridge. And there was a lake between Mt Oakleigh and the track. Both times very wet, but you get to dry off in the huts at the end of the day.

I understand that the O/T has become quite popular in winter since they started charging big $ and limiting numbers in summer. You really want hut space, so I'd suggest avoiding school holidays.

A friend who has done it quite a few times in winter recommends "boot chains" for icy duck boards. Take snow shoes, as otherwise you might have some serious post holing. Also a good rain coat and a good umbrella that won't get wrecked by the wind.

And a good sleeping bag. The heating in some of the huts can't keep up with the cold temperatures, especially if idiots hang their wet rain coats over the heaters, and they can run out of fuel in winter.

Also, I suggest you delay deciding what direction to do it in until the last minute, if that's possible. Best to have fine weather in the north, so start there if the weather forecast is good, or start in the south if the weather forecast is bad.

JamesMc