9 Epic Things To Do In Tasmania That Are Actually Better In Winter
Oh sure, it might be cold, but winter time in Tasmania is actually kind of better — all you have to do is lean in.
“Some people see winter as a time to hibernate and wait for the cooler season to end. We’re inviting Australians to get off the couch and embrace a wintery holiday in Tasmania,” explained Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald.
“Other parts of Australia might endure winter, but Tasmanians have a different way of doing things. We embrace the season like nowhere else – winter is when we thrive. Tasmanians revel in the season and get out and about seeking to be enriched, alive and connected”.
Don’t take our word for it though. We ask self-described “chef, author, kiwi, living in rural Tasmania”, Analiese Gregory, for her top nine tips on experiences that are only available, or actually better, in the winter.
1. Get weird at Dark Mofo
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Returning for 2021, this strange and unrivalled festival in the heart of winter should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. We’ve got the photos to prove it, and the tips to help you survive it.
2. Sip wine at Bottletops Festival
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On the Sunday of Dark Mofo — June 20 — Bottletops Festival is returning. It’s a day of wine, food and music. So honestly what else is there?
3. Climb Cradle Mountain
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“Go to the top of the mountain and play in the snow” suggests Analiese — and really, there aren’t many places in Australia where you can do this. While you’re there, check out Dove Lake and Lake St Clair.
4. Stay at Bruny Island tiny house
“Find a cabin with a woodfire and no internet, open a bottle of wine and get cosy,” says Analiese — and boy have I found you a goody. This tiny house on Bruny island ticks all the boxes.
5. Walk the beaches at Maria Island National Park
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Analiese recommends you “go for a walk on a cold but beautiful beach with no one on it”, and a very good place to start is with a boat ride to the stunning coastline of Maria Island National Park. Not to mention the wombats.
6. Sip whisky at McHenry Distillery
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“Drink whisky, stay warm and look out the window,” Analiese suggest for a cosy afternoon. McHenry Distillery is a perfect place to start — it also has gin and a brand new observatory where you can join in a Barley Silo Stargazing experience.
7. Eat fish and chips at Dunnalley or Bicheno
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“Rug up and go for fish and chips at either Dunnalley or Bicheno,” Analiese recommends. The Dunnalley Fish Market is a good place to start, or The Lobster Shack in Bicheno.
8. Graze all day at Tom McHugos
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Analiese reckons you’ll need more than a few hours if you head to this Hobart hotel. “Spend an afternoon at Tom McHugos where lunch can blend into dinner,” she says.
10. Get cultured for an afternoon
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There’s no shortage of culture in Tasmania, and that doesn’t change in winter. “Spend an afternoon indoors at either the State Cinema or Mona,” Analiese recommends.
(Lead image: provided by Tourism Tasmania / McHenry Distillery)
