Pelion to Kia Ora

   3 h to 4 h

8.5 km
oneway

Climb: 341m
Descent: 326m

Very challenging
Starting from Pelion Hut this walk gently climbs through the rainforest to Pelion Gap saddle with some very short side trips to some lovely cascades. If you have spare time and favourable weather you can opt for the side trip to Mt Ossa or Mt Pelion East. From the gap wander down through Pinestone Valley with stunning views of Cathedral Mountain to your left, before reaching the peaceful and sheltered Kia Ora hut, camping area and cascades. 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. 


Turn map Directions & comments
Start
Start heading along Arm River Track.

Find the New Pelion Hut at the start.
Then pass the "New Pelion Hut Toilets" (on your right).
Continue straight
After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Overland Track.

After another 90 m (at the intersection of Overland Track & Pelion Ranger Hut Track) continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
Side trip to Douglas Creek waterfalls. Details near bottom of page.
Continue straight
After another 1.5 km (at the intersection of Overland Track & Douglas Creek Falls Track) continue straight, to head along Overland Track.
Side trip to upper Douglas Creek waterfalls. Details near bottom of page.
Continue straight
After another 55 m (at the intersection of Overland Track & Douglas Creek Falls Track) continue straight, to head along Overland Track.

After another 2.7 km come to the "Pelion Gap".
Side trip to the top of Mt Ossa, Tasmania's highest peak. You will need 4-5 hours of daylight to the summit and return to Pelion Gap. Exposed rock scramble to reach the summit, very slippery in wet conditions, requires clear weather. Details near bottom of page.
Continue straight
Pelion Gap continue straight, to head along Overland Track.

After another 1.5 km cross the Pinestone Valley Bridge (about 20 m long)
Continue straight
After another 2.1 km continue straight, to head along Overland Track.

After another 450 m come to the "Kia Ora Hut group camping platforms" (20 m on your left).
Turn right
After another 8 m (at the intersection of Kia Ora Hut toilet track & Overland Track) turn right, to head along Kia Ora Hut toilet track.
Turn left
After another 4 m turn left.

About 20 m past the end is "Kia Ora Hut public camping platform".

About 35 m past the end is "Kia Ora Hut public camping platform".

About 45 m past the end is "Kia Ora Hut toilets".
About 75 m past the end is "Kia Ora Falls".
The end
The end.

Side trip to Douglas Creek waterfalls. Side trip to Douglas Creek waterfalls.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start
At the intersection of Douglas Creek Falls Track & Overland Track Start heading along Douglas Creek Falls Track (a walking track).

After another 25 m come to a waterfall.
The end
The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Side trip to upper Douglas Creek waterfalls. Side trip to upper Douglas Creek waterfalls.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start
At the intersection of Douglas Creek Falls Track & Overland Track Start heading along Douglas Creek Falls Track (a walking track).

After another 35 m come to a waterfall.
The end
The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 35 m to the main route.

Turn map Directions & comments
Start
Start heading along Mount Ossa Track.

Find the Pelion Gap at the start.
Continue straight
Pelion Gap continue straight, to head along Mount Pelion East Track.

After another 1.3 km come to "Mount Pelion East".
The end
The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.3 km to the main route.

Side trip to the top of Mt Ossa, Tasmania's highest peak. You will need 4-5 hours of daylight to the summit and return to Pelion Gap. Exposed rock scramble to reach the summit, very slippery in wet conditions, requires clear weather. Side trip to the top of Mt Ossa, Tasmania's highest peak. You will need 4-5 hours of daylight to the summit and return to Pelion Gap. Exposed rock scramble to reach the summit, very slippery in wet conditions, requires clear weather.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start
Pelion Gap Start heading along Mount Ossa Track (a walking track).

After another 2.7 km come to "Mount Ossa".
The end
Continue another 0 m to find Mount Ossa at the end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 2.7 km to the main route.