Ronny Creek to Lake Rodway
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4 h to 6 h
10.5 km
oneway
Climb: 547m
Descent: 491m
Very challenging
Walk from Ronny Creek to Lake Rodway (Scott-Kilvert Hut and camping area). During Summer 2019/20 this is the recommended first leg of the Overland Track whilst Waterfall Valley Hut and area is upgraded. Start from the bus stop and car park at Ronny Creek, then wander for a few hundred meters through the buttongrass plains beside Ronny Creek. After this the uphill starts, it is very steep in places, take your time and enjoy the views. You will pass Crater Falls in a lovely rainforest before emerging at the mouth of the glacier-carved Crater Lake. The climbing continues up from here, with chains to assist one short rock scramble up to Marion's Lookout and the amazing views over Dove Lake. Continue along the Overland Track to Kitchen Hut (a great lunch spot) where there is the potential side trip to Cradle Mountain. The Overland Track then continues 'behind' Cradle Mountain before then deviates from the spine of the Overland Track by turn left to head down to Lake Rodway. Follow the steep track downhill to find the Hut and camping areas not far from the shores of the lake. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
From the Visitor Center at Cradle Mountain catch the Parks bus towards Dove Lake, but get off about halfway at "Ronny Creek". There is a small carpark and small shelter here as well as the signposted formal start of the Overland Track.
| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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Start Ronny Creek - Cradle Shuttle Bus Start (a walking track). 
After 75 m pass the "Overland Track" (6 m on your left).
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The alternate access track to Waldheim Cabins on Connells Ave Details near bottom of page.
Turn left After another 650 m turn left. 
Then cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
Then head down the surface|wood steps (about 4 m long)
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Continue straight After another 5 m by following the "Crater Lake" sign continue straight. 
Then head up the steps (about 15 m long)
After another 590 m head up the steps (about 9 m long)
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Continue straight After another 6 m by following the "Overland Track" sign continue straight.
After another 6 m head up the steps (about 25 m long)
After another 410 m pass the "Crater Falls" (15 m on your right).
After another 35 m pass a seat (on your right).
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Boatshed After another 500 m pass the "Crater Lake Hut" (on your right). 
After another 285 m pass the "Wombat Peak" (155 m on your left).
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Turn right After another 105 m turn right. 
After another 25 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your left).
After another 335 m pass a seat (10 m on your left).
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Continue straight After another 80 m continue straight.
After another 205 m continue straight.
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Viewpoint After another 35 m come to the "Marion's Lookout" (40 m on your left).
Then pass the "Marions Lookout" (25 m on your left).
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Veer left
After another 1.6 km veer left. |
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Shelter
After another 370 m pass the "Kitchen Hut" (8 m on your right). |
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Continue straight After another 50 m continue straight. 
After another 35 m pass the "Kitchen Hut Toilet" (45 m on your right).
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An optional side trip to climb the famous Cradle Mountain. Very steep and slippery so not recommended in wet or icy conditions. There is some rock scrambling near the summit that requires extra care. Requires between 2-3 hours to enjoy this side trip. Details near bottom of page.
Continue straight
After another 65 m continue straight. |
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Turn left After another 2.9 km turn left.
After another 35 m pass the "Emergency Shelter" (90 m on your right).
After another 2.1 km come to "Scott-Kilvert Hut Campsite".
About 125 m past the end is a toilet.
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Turn around Turn around. 
After another 10 m come to the "Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut".
After another 10 m come to the end.
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| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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Start Start.
After another 275 m continue straight.
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Veer right After another 145 m veer right.
After another 60 m continue straight.
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Turn right After another 110 m turn right.
After another 20 m come to a toilet.
About 80 m past the end is a car park.
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The end
The end. |
| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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Start
Start. |
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Veer right After another 35 m veer right.
After another 860 m pass the "Smithies Peak" (145 m on your left).
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.1 km to the main route. |
Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley
Waldheim Cabins
Kitchen Hut
