Plan your
Off Season

Winter in Tasmania is packed with wild, weird and warming experiences.

Tasmania’s Off Season runs from May–August every year. During these cooler months, the island’s Off Season offers are a wake-up call from hibernation for visitors and locals alike – expect bespoke picnics by the fire and hot-tub indulgence at your accommodation, limited-edition feasts and curated drink tours, starry night experiences and wellness workshops.

Sound good? Start booking your trip now: secure your transport and nab your dream accommodation to avoid missing out. Once that's sorted, finesse and fine-tune your winter itinerary with Off Season offers.   

Travelling to Tasmania during the Off Season (May–August) benefits both you and the communities you visit. Winter travel supports local Tasmanian businesses to operate all year-round, helping sustain jobs and strengthen the local economy during quieter months. It's also a more sustainable way to travel in Tasmania – with fewer visitors, there's less pressure on infrastructure, natural attractions and local communities, making it a naturally ecofriendly approach to travel in Tasmania. 

Browse this year’s Off Season offers where you can filter by interest, region and travel dates to find your ideal Tasmanian winter experience.

Travelling to Tasmania during the Off Season (May–August) benefits both you and the communities you visit. Winter travel supports local Tasmanian businesses to operate all year-round, helping sustain jobs and strengthen the local economy during quieter months. It's also a more sustainable way to travel in Tasmania – with fewer visitors, there's less pressure on infrastructure, natural attractions and local communities, making it a naturally ecofriendly approach to travel in Tasmania.

For you, the Off Season means a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds at popular attractions, better availability at accommodation and restaurants, and the chance to connect more meaningfully with locals. 

In Hobart and Launceston, average winter temperatures hover around 13°C or 14°C – but crisp blue skies are common (chilly in the shade, mild in the sun). Things get frostier in the mountains: Cradle Mountain tops out at around 8°C in winter.

Perhaps surprisingly, Hobart is Australia’s second-driest capital city (after Adelaide), with an average June rainfall of 43mm. Rainy days are more likely in the west (hence all the rainforests), producing an earthy scent and moody atmosphere.

Read our guide to weather, must-do activities and travel tips for  Tasmania in winter.

Occasionally, it snows at sea level in Tasmania. Locals scramble to throw snowballs before it all melts. But the mountains tell a different tale. Tasmania’s Central Highlands are blanketed through much of winter. There’s often snow at Cradle Mountain in the north west; at Ben Lomond, an hour from Launceston; and at Mount Field, 90min from Hobart. Even closer to Hobart, the 1271m Kunanyi / Mount Wellington sees snow on winter days. There’s even a couple of ski fields across the state to keep you busy.

You’ll find some of the best snow activities in Tasmania on the ski fields at Ben Lomond and Mount Mawson in Mount Field National Park. Mount Mawson has towropes for beginners through to advanced skiers; Ben Lomond is more reliable, with snow-making machines, established runs and local snow gear hire.

The key to dressing for the Off Season is layers: be ready for anything, at anytime. Melbourne may have four seasons in one day, but in winter in Tasmania, you can cram them all into one thrilling hour.

The ubiquitous black puffer jacket – the 'Tassie tuxedo' – will no doubt find its way into your wardrobe. Other useful items to pack for Tasmanian winter are gloves, beanies, scarves and thermals, but check the forecast each day before you smother yourself in garments. 

You will need warm, waterproof walking gear for protection from cold, wet and windy conditions if you’re planning adventures in Tasmania’s alpine areas.

Heading for the high country? Check weather forecasts with the Bureau of Meteorology before you set out – weather and road conditions can change fast in winter.

• Fog, rain and shorter daylight hours bring added risks, so drive slowly in cold conditions and leave plenty of driving time to enjoy the ride.
• Keep your headlights on for max visibility.
• Leave at least a four-second gap between you and the car in front.
• Watch out for ice and snow on the road. Slow down when you’re cornering – particularly early in the day.
• Hire snow chains if you’re driving into Ben Lomond or Mount Field.
• Ditch the wheels and take a shuttle bus to Cradle Mountain, Ben Lomond or Kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
• Slow down
• And remember: you’re sharing the roads with native wildlife, so watch out for animals – especially between dusk and dawn.

Visit Tasmania Police for community alerts and road closures and TasALERT for official emergency information. Get where you’re going safely with our driving safety tips.

Winter walks are a Tasmanian tradition: here’s how to walk safely and responsibly. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is your best bet for bushwalking advice, alerts and closures and stay up to date with emergency warnings via TasALERT.

Check the weather forecast regularly and be ready for rapid changes – sunshine and snow can be minutes apart. Survey the scene in advance via webcams on Ben Lomond, Mount Mawson (at Mount Field) and Kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

• Warm layers and waterproof outerwear are essential (even in summer).
• Avoid cotton – once it gets wet, it won't dry out in the winter air.
• Keep rest stops short and sweet, so you don't cool down.
• Boardwalks and boulders can get icy: watch your step.
• Consider hiking poles for extra stability (they might stop you busting your ankle).
• Only take on trails that suit your fitness and outdoor experience level.
• Be flexible: if conditions deteriorate, turn back or seek shelter.
• Avoid hiking alone and tell someone your plans before you go.
• Join a guided walking experience with the experts.