I was born and raised in Hobart, and for the last 20 years have designed and delivered interesting trips to Tassie that show visitors its unique and unusual aspects.
In these posts I will blend history, geography and current activities to help you gain some perspective on Tasmania before you arrive.
Tasmania has only matured as a destination over the last 10 years. Before this it was regarded as a bit of a backwater. Today it is enjoying a well earned reputation as a great place to spend a very interesting 10 days of your life (more or less is fine, too).
I will assume you are interested in visiting Tassie. Getting here is simple: you either fly (usually to Hobart or Launceston) or travel on the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. It is possible to ferry one way and fly the other if you are not taking your own car.
Tasmania delivers much to see and do year-round: festivals, water sports, mountain biking, food and drinks, historical day trips, and a wide option of hiking trails for your enjoyment. The natural State also boasts of no being home to no less than 19 National Parks, with some of the world’s most exotic and rare animals to discover. The temperature in Tasmania does fluctuate depending upon the time of year and where you are, so it is best to think ahead when planning, preparing, and packing for your trip.
Weather In Tasmania
Arguably the best time of year to visit Tasmania is in their summer, from December to February, when it is warm and dry. Maximum temperatures average between 20 Celsius to 24 Celsius along the coast, and the valleys west of Hobart (the warmest locations), regularly rise above 25 Celsius. The Central Plateau is the coldest Tasmania has to offer, with temperatures ranging from 4 Celsius, and rarely exceeding 17 Celsius.
Autumn
March to May brings in the autumn coolness and harvest time. Average highs are just above 20 Celsius in the valleys and 15 Celsius along the coast, with lows recorded around 11 Celsius to 7.6 Celsius. This is the best season for getting out to the farms and vineyards, as produce is at its peak and wines beckon for the tasting.
Spring
September to November ushers in the springtime with a spectacular burst of colour. It is a season of frequent change, and snowfall is still common in the mountains through October. This is also the windiest time of year. Average temperatures range on the high side from 15.4 Celsius inland and 19 Celsius coastal, to lows of 7 to 10 Celsius, respectively.
Winter
The winter months of June, July and August are the wettest and coldest, and there is considerable snowfall in the higher elevations. Temperatures are typically warmer than mainland Australia, and most of coastal Tasmania rarely drops below freezing. The average highs are from 12 Celsius(coastal) to 3 Celsius (inland), and the elevated inland areas average 0 Celsius.
How Big Is Tasmania?
It is 200 km’s from Hobart to Launceston and the drive takes roughly 2 and a half hours without hurrying or stopping. Hobart to Cradle Mountain is about 300 km’s and takes about 4 and a half hours.
Cradle Mountain to Strahan is also an estimated 4 hour drive, longer if you plan to stop and look around any of the old mining towns and stop for the spectacular views en-route. Allow about 5 hours to drive back to Hobart. These drive maps will help throw things into focus:
Hobart to Port Arthur Drive Map
Port Arthur to Freycinet Drive Map
Freycinet to Launceston Drive Map
Launceston to Cradle Mountain Drive Map
Cradle Mountain to Strahan Drive Map
For more information visit Tasmania.com.
Recommended Tasmania Self Drive Itineraries:
