Tasmanian Walking Company cancels Overland Track walks due to bushfires

A walking company who takes people on the fire-impacted Overland Track is feeling the heat after cancelling treks over safety concerns.

View from the summit of Mt Oakleigh showing the southern fire front on the flanks of Pelion West. The bushfire has now impacted the Overland Track in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Picture: Shaun Mittwollen

A walking company that makes up for one out of five people who walk the Overland Track say its closure has significantly impacted its business.

Bushfires forced the track’s closure and destroyed a hut that the Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC) uses as accommodation for guests.

TWC Head of Operations Heath Garratt said this time of year was their peak walking season.

“The safety of our guests and our team is always our top priority and our first point of concern. We are grateful no one has been harmed.

“That said, the fires have had a significant impact – not only on us but also on our team of guides and also on the local business community we support.

“This includes the bakers who supply the snacks and treats, the butchers who supply the meat, to the transport operators who transfer our guests.”

File image of Tasmanian Walking Company taking a walking ground through the Overland Track. IMAGE: Chris Crerar/Parks Tasmania

The cancelled walks have drawn the ire of some who took to social media, with one customer saying they were “so disappointed” with TWC’s refund policy.

“I get a credit for the approx $4600 to use on the trip at a later date but it only has a 2 yr expiry!” they wrote.

“Meanwhile I get to pay for another holiday so I don’t waste my flights, leave and other accommodation.”

Mr Garratt said he could understand the disappointment.

“We recognise that for many guests, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – one they may have trained for and eagerly anticipated,” he said.

“Our reservations team is proactively reaching out to all departing guests to advise that we continue to offer a Cradle Mountain experience while also providing other alternative options. “Some guests have opted for other TWC guided walks, such as the Bay of Fires, which also departs from Launceston.

“Guests who have recently returned from the modified Cradle Mountain walk these past few days have expressed appreciation for TWC’s swift alternatives against a fast-changing backdrop.”

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Mr Garratt said it only refunded bookings when the TWC initiated the cancellation of the walk.

“Once the full track reopens, we will resume our signature walk,” Mr Garratt said.

Fire ravages West Coast

Tasmania Fire Service members from the remote area team involved with the West Coast bushfires. Picture: Tasmania Fire Service

Fires continue to rage across the West Coast amid high temperatures and strong winds.

As of Thursday afternoon, emergency warnings were in place at Pieman Heads, Conical Rocks, Granville Harbour, Corinna, Tikkawoppa Plateau, and Duck Creek.

On Thursday, Tasmanian Fires Service Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Jeremy Smith said Thursday had been an “extremely difficult day” for firefighting.

“We are planning for a long-duration event, and we are bringing in additional resources from the mainland,” Mr Smith said.

“Currently, we’re setting up a 100-bed accommodation site at Tullah for new firefighting resources from the mainland.

“And we’re also bringing in some additional technical expertise to assist incident management.

“This already complements the additional aircraft we have in this state and brings in resources that can deal with these types of fires.

PWS liaison officer Brendon Clark said the Pine Forest Moor Hut on the Overland Track had been destroyed by fire.

The state government has activated emergency assistance grants for those impacted by the fires on the West Coast.

Grants of $250 per adult and $125 per child will be available, with a maximum of $1,000 for a family.

“These grants will help with the cost of essentials including food, shelter and other essential services for those who need to be evacuated, who are unable to return to their home, or who become isolated,” Mr Rockliff said.

“By activating these grants, we can ensure that those impacted have the support they need, now.

“We will continue to work closely with all levels of government to ensure that support is delivered where and when it’s needed as we move towards recovery efforts.”

Find the latest West Coast bushfire coverage here.