Tasmania secrets winter seasons

tasmania winter secrets

The air may be crisp, but in Tasmania, winter definitely doesn’t put a freeze on activities. Celebrate the solstice in Hobart or ski in Ben Lomond National Park. Trek the snow-coated highlands of Cradle Mountain or snuggle fireside in a lodge in Wineglass Bay. Whatever you do, don’t miss this special window on Tasmania’s rugged natural beauty.

Tasmania is Australia’s last stop before Antarctica – a fact it celebrates in the Antarctic Mid-Winter Festival each June. Designed to raise awareness of the work of Antarctic scientists, the festival draws more than 40,000 people for ten days of ice carving, dog sledding, Antarctic films and science shows. Traditionally it kicks off in Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place, with a candlelit parade marking the mid-winter solstice and dwindling countdown to spring.

Of course, spring will be the last thing on your mind if you’re an avid skier. You’ll be high-fiving winter when careering down or across the powdered slopes of Legges Tor in Ben Lomond National Park. Its regal, rocky peaks are just an hour’s drive from Launceston in the state’s north. Further south, it’s a scenic 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart to Mount Mawson. Sitting in Mount Field National Park, this small, friendly ski area has slopes for all levels of experience, and some of the steepest runs in the country.

If you’d rather stroll than ski, head to the Narnia-white wilderness of Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park. The famous Overland Track can be treacherous in winter, but many shorter walks wind you safely through the scenery. Follow the Enchanted Walk through rainforest bejeweled with frost. Or take an hour or two to wander around shimmering Lake Dove beneath the black spires of Cradle Mountain. On the southern side of the park, you can do the 18km circuit around icy Lake St Clair – Tasmania’s deepest natural freshwater lake.

Winter in Freycinet National Park is another well-kept secret. The brisk days are perfect for bushwalking the picturesque coastline. Climb across the jagged pink Hazards, past sea birds, Tasmanian wildflowers and detailed rock pools. From the top, look out over the vivid blue-green curves of Wineglass Bay. At night, huddle next to a roaring fire or beneath a blanket and a sky ablaze with stars.

This winter, head to Tasmania for an action-packed holiday of festivals and firesides, strolling and snow


tours tasmania winter secrets