When to Go

Cold weather–phobes beware: Tasmanian winters can draw freezing blasts from the Antarctic, so this is not the season to explore the highlands or wilderness areas. It's better in the colder months to enjoy the cozy interiors of colonial cottages and the open fireplaces of welcoming pubs.

Summer can be hot—bushfires do occasionally occur—but temperatures tend to be lower than on the Australian mainland.

The best seasons to visit are autumn, summer, and spring; early autumn is beautiful, with deciduous trees in full color. Spring, with its splashes of pastel wildflowers and mild weather, is equally lovely. Tassie really comes alive in summer, when it's warm enough to swim at the many gorgeous beaches, the fresh summer fruits are ripe, and the lavender is in bloom.

Tasmania is a relaxing island with few crowds, except during the mid-December to mid-February school holiday period and at the end of the annual Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race just after Christmas. Most attractions and sights are open year-round.