Tasmania Travel Tips

Climate

Tasmania has four distinct seasons. The warmest months are December, January, February and March. Autumn generally has clear, sunny days and Winter can be cool, depending on the region that you are in. However, because we sit in the Southern Ocean and have a maritime climate, temperature can vary greatly on any given day.

Autumn	March - May	9 - 18°C
Winter	June - August	5 - 13°C
Spring	September - November	8 - 18°C
Summer	December - February	12 - 24°C

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.

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.

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.

How to get to Tasmania

By Air

You can fly direct to Tasmania from Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth (direct Canberra flights also available with Link Airways) with Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar as part of your holiday package. Interconnecting flights are also available from all other capital cities and major metropolitan areas. To get the best deal on airfares we recommend booking your flights direct with the airline. For flights to King and Flinders Island please contact our team for flight prices with Sharp Airlines.

NEW - Direct flights to Hobart from Auckland, New Zealand are now available with Air New Zealand.

By Sea

There are nightly sailings between Melbourne and Devonport and vice versa aboard the Spirit of Tasmania, enabling you to bring your own vehicle. Over the peak season day sailings are also available. Bringing your own car has many advantages. The extra space for luggage, the fishing rods or golf clubs will add to your holiday experience. The journey across Bass Strait takes between 9 and 11 hours. TasVacations has the latest prices and special offers on Spirit of Tasmania when purchased in conjunction with accommodation. Ask your TasVacations consultant for more details.

It doesn't take long to get here!

Direct flights to Tasmania

Best way to get around Tasmania

Whether you hire a car, campervan or take your own vehicle on the Spirit of Tasmania, having your own transport is definitely the best way to see our 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.

Time & Distance Chart

Tasmania at a glance

Hobart + South

Launceston + North

East

West

North West

Central

King + Flinders

Hobart + South

Hobart & the South

With the River Derwent at its heart and Mount Wellington rising above it, in Hobart the tranquillity of a city from a bygone era coexists with the vibrancy of a pocketsized modern metropolis. Hobart’s European beginnings are evident everywhere, from quaint settlers’ cottages to the lofty porches of colonial mansions. Once bustling with whalers and entrepreneurs, 19th-century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside cafés, artist’s studios and restaurants, where you can enjoy excellent cuisine and fine wines. Discover Australia’s history in the nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), enjoy classical and modern music in a variety of venues, or catch a show at the Theatre Royal - Australia’s oldest theatre.

Highlights

Explore Sullivans Cove on Hobart’s waterfront, where settlers first came ashore in 1804
Visit Salamanca Place (markets every Saturday) and Battery Point with its Georgian cottages, art and craft shops and restaurants
Take a harbour cruise to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Peppermint Bay, or join an eco-cruise around the region
Drive The Huon Trail south of Hobart or join a day tour of this rich farming and forestry region. Stay overnight in one of the many accommodation options in the region and enjoy local produce
Take the ferry to Bruny Island and stay overnight to experience local wilderness and wildlife, fresh produce and island life or alternatively join a tour to the island
Visit World Heritage listed Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. Alternatively, take a break from driving and join a day tour to the region
Visit wineries in the Coal River Valley and Huon Valley

Launceston + North

Launceston & the North

Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’ of Launceston was established in 1806 by free settlers. It has fine Victorian buildings from the 1870s and 1880s and elegant contemporary architecture.

The unique attraction of Cataract Gorge is a natural wonder only a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The famous J Boag and Son Brewery is another must do. Also within easy walking distance is the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, and right next door is Aurora Stadium, Hawthorn Football Clubs Tasmanian home ground.

The tidal River Tamar flows north from Launceston to George Town and Bass Strait, past forested hills and pastures, lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards. Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essence of the new Launceston and the North experience.

Highlights

Explore some of Tasmania’s finest wineries on the Tamar Valley Wine route
Visit Seahorse World, Platypus House and the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, all of which can be combined into a Tamar Triple Pass to save
Walk the cliff path into Cataract Gorge - a tranquil inner city reserve with the longest single span chairlift in the world
Visit George Town to view colonial buildings and the lighthouse precinct at nearby Low Head
Feel the wind in your hair as you glide through the treetops at Hollybank Treetops Adventure
After dark, join the 90 minute Launceston City Ghost Tour
Choose from a number of cruise options on the Tamar River with Tamar River Cruises
Explore Launceston’s fine galleries including The Design Centre and the Queen Victorian Museum and Art Gallery.

East Coast

The East Coast

Tasmania’s East Coast is home to pristine beaches(Wineglass Bay is regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world), pure aqua waters and picture-postcard coastal villages. It’s a coastline that’s perfect for a relaxing break – no wonder it is a favourite with the locals. Whether they are fishermen, wine makers or walking-guides, you will hear a different life story from friendly locals whose values are shaped by the rhythms of nature, and the stunning beauty of the east coast.

Highlights

Fishermen will love St Helens, Tasmania’s game fishing capital
Enjoy a local ale at the Ironhouse Brewery at Four Mile Creek or head inland for pancakes at St Marys
Stop at Douglas Apsley National Park for a short walk before heading into Bicheno to join the Bicheno Penguin Tour
Explore the quiet, sheltered beaches of the Freycinet National Park and take in the breathtaking views from the Wineglass Bay lookout
Join a Wineglass Bay Cruise for stunning scenery and an array of wildlife in their natural habitat
Enjoy Pacific Oysters and Tasmanian Blue Mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm
Call in for some delicious homemade ice-cream and fruit at Kate’s Berry Farm south of Swansea
Stop at the convict-built Spikey Bridge just south of Swansea (c1841)

West Coast

The West Coast

Tasmania’s West Coast is wild, rugged and lush – and unlike anywhere else in Australia. Once prosperous towns such as Tullah, Rosebery and Zeehan tell the story of the regions rich mining history. From the harbour-side fishing village of Strahan, you can cruise, sail, fly or paddle through World Heritage Wilderness.

Highlights

Journey through the rugged terrain on the West Coast Wilderness Railway and learn about our pioneering history.
Experience Tasmania’s true wilderness aboard a cruise on the Gordon River which takes you into Macquarie Harbour, past the convict ruins on Sarah Island and into the Gordon River - lunch is included.
In Strahan, watch the sun set over Ocean Beach, visit People’s Park for a short walk to the waterfall, or shop for Huon Pine products in the village.
Take the rare opportunity to visit Bonnet Island and get up close to little Penguins.
Learn about the mining history of the area at the West Coast Pioneers Museum at Zeehan.
Take in the scenery as you venture through the small towns of Rosebery and Tullah before the rugged west coast wilderness gives way to the sub-alpine forests of Cradle Mountain.
Stop at the rejuvenated highland town of Tarraleah.
Visit Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair, the southern end of the famous Overland Track.
Be amazed by the Wall in the Wilderness, a massive Huon Pine carving in the making.

North West

The North West Coast

Tasmania’s North West Coast stretches from wildlife rich Narawntapu National Park to the Tarkine - Australia’s largest temperate forest. This region is considered to be Tasmania’s food bowl and farmers markets thrive here. The region’s riches are also celebrated at annual events such as tulip and chocolate festivals. Look out for farm-gate bounty, from handcrafted cheeses to raspberries and produce fresh from rich, red soil. At Latrobe see tempting chocolate truffles rolled by hand then savour the chocolate maker’s favourites in the tasting room.

Highlights

Spend some time in the far north west. The historic fishing village of Stanley offers an array of accommodation choices, arts and crafts, history, wildlife and amazing natural beauty.
Take a cruise on the Arthur River or experience the cleanest air in the world at historic Woolnorth.
Join a guided tour of the Tarkine with Tall Timbers Tasmania Tarkine Wilderness Tours to discover the largest cool climate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere.
In Burnie, visit the Makers Workshop to see local artisans at work. Whisky lovers will love Hellyers Road Distillery.
Enjoy the rich farming countryside as you drive between Launceston, Burnie or Devonport.
Stop for local taste sensations including Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Ashgrove Cheese and House of Anvers Chocolates.

Central

Central Tasmania

Central Tasmania is a diverse area that includes some of our iconic World Heritage Areas, historic pastoral properties and heritage towns. Cradle Mountain itself is a must do, if only to see the iconic sight of Cradle Mountain reflected in Dove Lake. It’s a place of ancient Gondwana landscapes, dense forests, wild rivers that tumble through steep gorges and wide deep lakes. The jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain marks the boundary of this wild and ancient area.

Highlights

Stop at Oatlands for Georgian buildings and Callington Mill, the only authentic working 19th century mill in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ross is a must stop for its intricately carved convict built bridge and nearby Wool Centre providing fascinating local history.
Follow the Convict Brick Trail at Campbell Town, a town also popular for a refreshment stop.
Visit some of Australia’s most significant colonial properties, World Heritage listed Brickendon, a colonial farm village and Woolmers Estate and National Rose Garden at Longford.
Visit the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre for local information before taking a short walk to Dove Lake and visiting Waldheim Chalet, home of the area’s first pioneer.
See Tasmanian Devils in their natural habitat on a night feeding tour at Devils@Cradle.
Visit the Wilderness Gallery at Cradle Mountain Hotel for stunning nature photography.
Take a walk to the impressive Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park.

King + Flinders

King Island

King Island lies in the path of the Roaring Forties, the ever-present westerlies that circle the world’s southern latitudes. It’s an island of long, empty beaches and clean, fresh air, offshore reefs, rocky coasts, lighthouses and more than 70 shipwreck sites.

Known internationally for its fine produce, King Island is the perfect destination for foodies who want to get close to the source. Succulent local beef, rich cream, handmade cheeses and even Cloud Juice (bottled water from unpolluted rain) are some of the produce receiving accolades around the world.

Flinders Island

Flinders Island is the main island of the Furneaux group, a collection of 52 islands that stretch across Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia.

On Flinders Island you can get away from it all in an inspiring world of sparkling beaches, rugged ranges, abundant wildlife and flora, and clear sapphire waters. With a pleasant climate throughout the year and activities from boating, climbing and fishing to exploring historic sites, Flinders Island has much to offer.

The Island is also a wild and natural refuge for abundant wildlife – wombats and wallabies, possums and pademelons to name a few. Two hundred species of birds, ranging from the tiny Superb Fairywren to the giant Wandering Albatross, have been recorded as visiting or living on Flinders Island. This also includes the endangered Fortyspotted Pardalote.

Tasmanian Public Holidays

Queen’s Birthday	14 Jun 2021	Eight Hours Day	14 Mar 2022
Burnie Show^#	01 Oct 2021	Good Friday	15 Apr 2022
Royal Launceston Show^#	07 Oct 2021	Easter Monday	18 Apr 2022
Flinders Island Show^#	15 Oct 2021	ANZAC Day	25 Apr 2022
Royal Hobart Show^#	21 Oct 2021	Agfest^#	06 May 2022
Recreation Day^#	04 Nov 2021	Queen’s Birthday	13 Jun 2022
Christmas Day Holiday	27 Dec 2021	Burnie Show^#	30 Sep 2022
Boxing Day	26 Dec 2021	Royal Launceston Show^#	06 Oct 2022
New Years Day (Sat)	01 Jan 2022	Flinders Island Show^#	14 Oct 2022
New Year Holiday (Mon)	03 Jan 2022	Royal Hobart Show^#	20 Oct 2022
Devonport Cup^#	05 Jan 2022	Recreation Day^#	07 Nov 2022
Australia Day Holiday	26 Jan 2022	Devonport Show^#	25 Nov 2022
Royal Hobart Regatta^#	14 Feb 2022	Christmas Day	25 Dec 2022
Launceston Cup^#	23 Feb 2022	Boxing Day	26 Dec 2022
King Island Show^#	01 Mar 2022	Christmas Holiday	27 Dec 2022
#These Public Holidays are specific to a region, not statewide

School Holidays

TAS	03 Jul 21 – 19 Jul 21	24 Sep 21 – 11 Oct 21	16 Dec 21 – 05 Feb 22	15 Apr 22 – 29 Apr 22
NSW	28 Jun 21 – 09 Jul 21	17 Sep 21 – 05 Oct 21	20 Dec 21 – 27 Jan 22	11 Apr 22 – 22 Apr 22
VIC	26 Jun 21 – 11 Jul 21	18 Sep 21 – 03 Oct 21	18 Dec 21 – 30 Jan 22	09 Apr 22 – 25 Apr 22
QLD	25 Jun 21 – 12 Jul 21	17 Sep 21 – 05 Oct 21	10 Dec 21 – 24 Jan 22	02 Apr 22 – 18 Apr 22
SA	03 Jul 21 – 18 Jul 21	25 Sep 21 – 10 Oct 21	11 Dec 21 – 30 Jan 22	15 Apr 22 – 29 Apr 22
ACT	25 Jun 21 – 12 Jul 21	17 Sep 21 – 05 Oct 21	17 Dec 21 – 28 Jan 22	09 Apr 22 – 25 Apr 22
WA	03 Jul 21 – 18 Jul 21	25 Sep 21 – 10 Oct 21	17 Dec 21 – 30 Jan 22	09 Apr 22 – 25 Apr 22
NT	28 Jun 21 – 16 Jul 21	27 Sep 21 – 08 Oct 21	20 Dec 21 – 28 Jan 22	10 Apr 22 – 18 Apr 22
NZ	10 Jul 21 – 25 Jul 21	02 Oct 21 – 17 Oct 21	20 Dec 21 – 08 Feb 22	16 Apr 22 – 01 May 22

School Holidays may vary between schools. These dates are based on public schools and should be used as an indication only.

Tasmania Travel Tips

Climate

What to wear in Tasmania

Shopping hours

When to travel

How to get to Tasmania

By Air

By Sea

It doesn't take long to get here!

Best way to get around Tasmania

Time & Distance Chart

Tasmania at a glance

Hobart & the South

Highlights

Launceston & the North

Highlights

The East Coast

Highlights

The West Coast

Highlights

The North West Coast

Highlights

Central Tasmania

Highlights

King Island

Flinders Island

Tasmanian Public Holidays

School Holidays

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