Generally cooler than mainland Australia, Tasmania remains a year-round destination. With most international and domestic tourists flocking to its shores between December and February, when Tassie is at its warmest, you will find that, whilst the waters are warm enough for swimming and the ‘great outdoors’ is at its most hospitable, accommodation, especially small character properties, is booked up well in advance.
The winter months of June to September can be notoriously cold, wet and cloudy. However, they often pull out all the stops with clear, crisp, sunny weather, ideal for sightseeing and short bushwalks. The advantage of travelling just outside peak seasons, for example, between October and April, is that you are likely to catch fine weather.
Festivals
27 December-2 January: Sydney to Hobart yacht race
Dozens of boats depart Sydney on Boxing day and arrive between a day and a week later, celebrated with lots of noise, colour and festivities.
28 December-8 January: Hobart Summer Festival
Stretching over 12 days from the end of the Hobart boat race, this celebration of all things Tas includes the week-long ‘Taste of Tasmania’ food & wine festival.
2nd Tuesday in February: Regatta Day
Across the south of Tasmania, this public holiday is marked with two days of races, carnivals and other activities on and around the water.
Last Wednesday in February: Launceston Cup
The elegant city of Launceston plays host to the highlight of the Tasmanian horse-racing season, complete with fashion parades, competitions, parades and other entertainments.
Last weekend in June: Suncoast Jazz Festival, St Helens
Over the course of three days, this seaside setting is filled with over 16 hours of jazz of all kinds, attracting the best musicians from right across Australia.