The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is recognised as a wilderness area of outstanding world value. It is one of the last few remaining temperate wilderness areas in the world and is best compared to the other two southern hemisphere sites - South West New Zealand and Los Glaciares in Argentina. All these are rugged glaciated mountainous regions, unique yet united in the evolutionary history of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, displaying strong floristic and faunal links and providing evidence of past continental formations and environments.At 1.38 million hectares, the World Heritage Area is one of the largest and most important reserves. Natural values of international significance include extensively glaciated landscapes, pristine catchments, a profusion of threatened rare and endemic plants, a complex mosaic of vegetation - moorland, rainforest, alpine, eucalypt and riparian communities, undisturbed stands of millenia old endemic pines, a collection of the world's largest carnivorous marsupials (Tasmanian devils and quolls), and two of the only three surviving species of monotremes - the most primitive group of mammals in the world (platypus and echidna).In the mountainous heart of this amazing area, Cradle Huts has built five comfortable, well-appointed huts. Hidden in forest along the Overland Track, they are the only private huts allowed in the area.We believe that it is a special privilege to operate in this delicate and immensely important environment, so we observe minimal-impact track and hut practices. We tread lightly and leave nothing and our huts are designed to be ecologically sustainable. Services are non-polluting and self- contained and we use careful waste management practices. This minimal-impact use of the wilderness means that the values of this fragile environment are preserved for the future, while enabling it to be enjoyed and understood now by a small number of people.Your tripThe relaxed company of other walkers will be a memorable feature of your Cradle Huts experience - your companions on the track will share your adventurous spirit and your love of wild, natural places.Your guides, enthusiastic Tasmanians with a combination of bush skills and diplomacy, will enhance the journey with their knowledge and understanding of the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Overland Track and the wonders of the World Heritage Area. In the words of one traveller "...their love of the wilderness was obvious in the gentle way they encouraged us to care for it as much as they did themselves. Their leadership was superb - allowing distance where indicated and closeness and words of encouragement where needed. The trip would always have been memorable. With the extra input by the guides it became fantastic."On the track, you will not be rushed. There is always the opportunity to take a break for scenery, tea, explanation or just for you. But with lots of energy you might want to do some of the many side-trips available each day (including to Mt Ossa - the top of Tasmania). You'll enjoy and discover good times, great memories and the special friendships of the bush.Warm ShelterAt the end of each day's walk, your private hut is a haven of warmth, shelter and comfort. It's a place to relax, rest and be refreshed after the pleasant exertions of a day on the track.First, a steaming hot shower and fresh-baked afternoon tea - then enjoy the simple pleasures of life in a bush hut. Mellow gaslight and candles. Strong-brewed coffee. A good book from the small collection. Sitting by the potbelly heater. Warm, dry socks.Later on, the rustic dining table is the focus for convivial company - a hearty three-course meal prepared by your guides, fine Tasmanian wine and cheerful conversation.At the end of the evening in your private twin-share room, a soft bed and sound sleep will prepare you for the discoveries of a new day.True shelter, something which gives protection and refuge, simple and sustainable, clean and comfortable.