TASMANIA
"COME DOWN FOR AIR"
BEST TIME TO GO
Tasmanian weather in 5 words or less? Four seasons in one day!
Tasmania is Australia’s most southerly State, and when there’s nothing between you and Antarctica you know you’re going to be in for the occasional wild ride.
But you know what? Despite the glee on a Tasmanian’s face when they tell you about “That time it snowed on Christmas day“, in the next breath they’ll be saying how amazing autumn days can be – fresh and crisp like a Tassie apple – the delightful smells of spring, and the long, temperate days of summer.
The best time to visit Tasmania? It depends! And that’s why we’ve created this guide. Keep reading to find out the best time for you to visit Tasmania.
AUTUMN IN TASMANIA
A lot of visitors to Tasmania think they need to visit in summer, or risk freezing to death.
Nothing could be further from the truth, and we think autumn – March to May – is actually the best season to visit Tasmania!
Cool, dry days and crisp nights. Eggshell-blue skies and the slow creep of red, gold and orange as the leaves start to turn. Seeing the uniquely Tasmanian ‘turning of the fagus’ is a must!
WINTER IN TASMANIA
Winter in Tasmania is a very special time of year. As the daylight hours shorten and the temperatures fall, a hint of wood-smoke tickles the nostrils and people come to together across the state to celebrate in festivals of light, food and artistic splendour.
Mt Wellington, Ben Lomond and the Tasmanian highlands often receive dustings of snow – road trip disruptions are very unlikely – and you’ll find you have much of the State completely to yourself.
Rainfall is highest during winter – especially on the West Coast – but there’s something quite wonderful in experiencing the mossy glades and dancing waterfalls of Tasmania’s ancient rainforests with the sound of rain tapping on the leaves around you.
SPRING IN TASMANIA
Spring is the time for change. From September through to November the land begins to wake from its winter slumber. Flowers and orchards bloom and the valleys of Tasmania are awash in more shades of green than you have ever seen in your life!
As temperatures rise you may also notice periods of strong winds – they don’t call them the ‘Roaring 40s’ for nothing! But they don’t normally hang around long – a day or two at the most – before being replaced by still days and sun showers.
If you can’t get there in autumn, we think spring is the second best season to visit Tasmania!
SUMMER IN TASMANIA
December through to February are the warmest months in Tasmania with daily average temperatures ranging from the low teens to the low/mid 20s (celsius) across the state. It’s also the driest time of year and experiences the longest daylight hours anywhere in Australia – up to 15 hours!
As you can probably guess, it is also the most popular time of year for visitors to Tasmania – including many cruise ships that temporarily inject thousands of visitors onto Hobart’s historic waterfront.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Separated from mainland Australia by the 240 kilometres (150 miles) stretch of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart – a green island of wild, mountainous and beautiful landscapes; friendly, welcoming people; temperate climate; quality cool-climate wines and food; a spirited history; and a creative arts community – all wrapped up in a relaxed lifestyle.
More than 40 per cent of the island is protected as World Heritage Area, national parks and reserves. And because Tasmania is so compact it is easy to walk through an ancient alpine meadow in the morning and be on a pure white beach in the afternoon.
TRAVEL TIPS
1. What to wear in Tasmania?
Due to the varying climate no matter when you come to Tasmania bring a warm jacket. If you are coming in the cooler months, it’s best to bring clothing you can layer because even the winter sun can be quite warm.
2. Shopping Hours
Tasmania has seven day trading, however not all shops are open on Sundays. There are many great markets held on weekend’s right around the state - ask us for details when booking.
3. When to travel?
Each season in Tasmania has its own appeal, making anytime a great time to visit! During the summer months it is festival time and can be very busy. Autumn is the best time to sample some of Tasmania’s renowned fresh produce at events like the Taste of the Huon or Agfest. In Winter, cosy up in front of a log fire or indulge at the Chocolate Winterfest in Latrobe. Winter is also a cheaper time to travel in Tasmania and crowds are smaller. In Spring, come to see the lush green country side and the magnificent heritage gardens in bloom.
4. Just go, you won't regret it!
Many visitors to Australia never visit Tasmania, which is a pity as it is a charming island with plenty to see and do. It's also very easy to navigate by yourself, because nothing is very far from anything else. If you love breathtaking views, unspoiled landscapes, and unpolluted air, Tassie is a must-visit destination.
KEY ATTRACTIONS AND
ACTIVITIES
HOW TO GET AROUND
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Hike around Cradle Mountain
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MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
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Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, the Trowunna Wildlife Park or the Tasmania Zoo to see Tasmanian Devils
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World Heritage-listed Port Arthur
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Bruny Island
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Salamanca Market
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Mount Wellington
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Freycinet National Park at the iconic Wineglass Bay
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Bay of Fires
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Cataract Gorge
Hiring a car & having your own transport is definitely the best way to see the Island State, as particularly in regional areas, public transport can be limited.
Self-drive holidays are made easy in Tasmania with good roads, light traffic and short travelling distances between major towns and cities. Most people chose to travel in a loop around Tasmania which avoids the need to backtrack and provides the opportunity to visit the majority of Tasmania’s main highlights. We can organise you luxury transport during your stay in Tasmania, just speak to your Luxury Travel Planner.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT Tasmania
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The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. The “Tasmanian devil” is only found in Tasmania, and is the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. Officially listed as an endangered species, new research shows that Tasmanian Devils are developing a resistance to the facial tumour disease that has heavily influenced the decline of the species by more than 80% since first found 20 years ago.
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Over 20% of Tasmania is Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. At least one fifth of Tasmania is world heritage area. The area which covers 1.58 million hectares includes national parks, marine, and forests reserves. This means that 20% of the land is World Heritage Area, which extends far south of Tasmania to the Cradle Mountain in North West, and many of the remote destinations that are untouched and unspoilt are only accessible by foot!
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Tasmania has the world's cleanest air. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world, monitored by the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station. The lack of pollution is due to the position of Tasmania in the Southern Ocean, far from other land masses. The Cape Grim station is located in the path of the Roaring Forties, which are strong westerly winds that carry pollution-free air thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean.
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The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. The “Tasmanian devil” is only found in Tasmania, and is the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. Officially listed as an endangered species, new research shows that Tasmanian Devils are developing a resistance to the facial tumour disease that has heavily influenced the decline of the species by more than 80% since first found 20 years ago.
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Tasmania has the oldest trees in the world. Huon pine trees located in Western Tasmania some of the oldest living things on earth. The Huon Pine tree grows very slowly; a 20-meter tree could be thousands of years old. While the oldest individual tree or stem on the site now may be 1000 to 2000 years old, the organism itself has been living there continuously for 10,500 years.
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Tasmania has over 2000km of walking tracks and 18 national parks. With over 2000 km of walking trails you can experience world heritage, beautiful coastline, and amazing scenery of ancient rainforests on a variety of walking tracks that range from 9 hours to 9 days. Whether you explore the south of Tasmania’s South Coast Track, the iconic Overland Track in the centre of the state, or visit the lush rainforest region of the Tarkine, or the stunningly rugged coastline of the East along the Three Capes Walk, there are a number of ways to explore Tasmania by boot.
LUXURY HOTELS TO STAY
get $50* off when booking hotel with
Nestled in the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront, MACq 01 is a luxurious hotel that combines premium accommodation with unforgettable storytelling. It is just a 5-minute drive from the city centre and famous Salamanca Square. There is an on-site restaurant at the property and private parking is available.
Guests can choose from luxurious suites and rooms at MACq 01 Hotel. Each of these rooms are linked to a real character central to the story of Tasmania, such as heroes, villains, explorers, inventors, convicts and more. The rooms are also equipped with a flat-screen TV, coffee machine and free WiFi.
Throughout the halls and walls of MACq 01, guests will find engaging stories and pieces of Tasmanian history and can enjoy the beautiful views of the Derwent Estuary from the hotel.
Pumphouse Point
In the middle of Tasmania, on the southern hemisphere's deepest lake, awaits a brand new wilderness experience: Pumphouse Point. Walk deep into the fjord-like surrounds of Lake St Clair, explore the giant myrtle forests, tread softly on the moss-covered understory and forget the world you left behind.
At day's end, return to the sanctuary of the Pumphouse to share tables and tales with fellow guests before drifting away by the log fire. Surrounded by some of the most dramatic natural landscape on the planet, the scene is set for your new favourite memory.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Located in one of the world’s most precious parks is one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Most Extraordinary Places To Stay. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is right on the edge of World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Your Cradle Mountain Accommodation overlooks a hinterland filled with birds, plants and ancient forest.
If you are looking for Accommodation on Cradle Mountain with the services of a fine hotel, Cradle Mountain Lodge is both ideal and idyllic. The layout of the Lodge Cabins and Suites places you right amongst the alpine wilderness. Some even have a fireplace and each one is comfortable and cosy, from the intimate Pencil Pine or Spa Cabin to the spacious Spa and King Billy Suites.
HOTTEST RESTAURANTS RIGHT NOW
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CASUAL dining restaurant
Want to wrap your lips around an oyster that’s so fresh it’s like you’re being kissed by the ocean? Get on down to Bruny Island and drop into Get Shucked, a locally owned and operated oyster farm and bar. Our oysters are harvested, shucked and plated up daily just for you! You’d be hard pressed to find a fresher oyster or a more authentic experience.
Get shucked cultivates the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, it is native to the pacific coast of Asia.
Get Shucked now has a fully licensed oyster bar connected to the farm. Here you can grab a seat in the sun, a plate of your favourite oysters and immerse yourself in a true aquaculture experience
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Fine dining restaurant
At Franklin, our menus change depending on what’s at its best. Our chefs meet one-on-one with the bounty of independent Tasmanian producers who we champion daily. Foraging for the likes of wild rocket flowers or wild fennel (perhaps later folded through linguine with Bruny Island sea urchin), is a regular part of their work routine.
Our 10-tonne wood-fired Scotch oven is the linchpin of our open kitchen. It’s where whole just-caught flathead or Littlewood Farm’s finest lamb might be roasted slowly and plated up right before your eyes.
A made-from-scratch mentality (and curiosity) informs everything we do – whole beasts are broken down onsite, we bake our own bread, cure our own meats and craft our own cheese. If you’re lucky, your dinner might end on a taste of our house-made goat cheese, aged in Franklin’s own wine cellar.
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery
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Fine dining restaurant
The vision is to create a space where local, seasonal produce is celebrated. Where the diner experiences a true sense of place through the food they eat. Where the ingredients speak for themselves with little adornment. Our aim is to foster a community of local growers, farmers and fishermen through which the mainstay of our ingredients are sourced along with excess from the cooking school’s garden and farm. Fruit and vegetables enter the kitchen with remnants of leaves and soil attached, meat as whole carcasses to be hung and broken down when required.
In the kitchen, these ingredients meet the fire power of our handcrafted wood-fired oven, grill and hot-smoker, all built from old bricks off the Willow court site by master craftsman Dennis Benson.
Excess produce of the season receives special treatment of preservation being pickled, jammed, fermented, and cured in our dedicated preserving kitchen.
day tours to book before to leave
Posh Pit Mona
Join our expert guide on this one of a kind Berlin in a Day Tour. This tour is designed for guests who want to visit many of Berlin’s most notable sights, landmarks, and historical areas. We packed this tour with history and local Berlin.
This one of a kind tour encompasses many of Berlin’s most historical landmarks. Delves into the vast history of the city from its beginnings to the modern day. This tour is the best way to see everything most people see on their whole Berlin trip in one tour.
From:
$55
Bruny Island Foods, Sightseeing And Lighthouse Tour
Bruny Island Safaris Fully Guided Day Tour offering a premium experience – departs Hobart daily.
A spectacular tour with nature, wilderness, coast and heritage on Bruny Island, joining the car ferry in Kettering and crossing the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. A perfect opportunity to see Australian Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins that forage for food in the clear waters of the channel, keep your cameras handy or let our guides take your photo for you.
Skirt through the Mount Mangana rainforests searching for the wild White Wallaby, try the Tasmanian Pepper Bush and stand alongside some of the biggest Tree Ferns on Bruny Island. Explore the narrow sandy isthmus known as The Neck Lookout and Wildlife Reserve and climb the steps to the Truganini Lookout, Bruny Islands’ most photographed geological formation. Then onwards to the Cape Bruny Lighthouse Station and join Australia’s southernmost Lighthouse Tour which is included in the price of your day tour to Bruny Island. With any number of photographic possibilities at every point of the compass.
From:
$175
Skip-the-Line Pergamon and New Museum Guided Tour in Berlin including Museum Island Day Pass
Ensuring you see the best of Berlin’s Museumsinsel’s (Museum Island’s) vast collection can be a daunting task. Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Pergamon Museum’s and the Neues Museum's (New Museum's) highlights on a guided tour and enjoy skip-the-line entry to both museums on this cultural experience, which includes entry to all five of Museumsinsel’s museums. Travel back in time to the age of Enlightenment and admire classic artefacts including The Bust of Nefertiti, Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate. Receive personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.
From:
$98