A Merry Tassie Mid-Winter
While everyone is heading north to find some winter warmth, why not take a different direction and enjoy a real winter experience in Australia’s most southerly state? Winter in Tassie means snow on the highlands and romantic fireside evenings. Get rugged up and enjoy the crisp winter weather – down here the air is the freshest in the world and there are more sparkling sunny days than in Sydney or Melbourne. There are less crowds in winter too and a greater choice of accommodation and tours.
Here are some great reasons to head to Tassie for a mid-winter break:
Fewer people to share the walking trails - if you’re into long treks or would like to try the famous Overland Track in winter, then you’re guaranteed a bed in an overnight hut.
Enjoy some of Tassie’s winter wildlife - Southern right, humpback, pilot and occasionally minke whales visit during winter. See fairy penguins and fur seals in their
natural habitats and have friendly encounters with possums and wallabies when they come fossicking at night. Check out the famous Tasmanian Devil and lots of other unique animals at a wildlife park.
Spend some time at Cradle Mountain. If it’s fine then take one of the excellent walks in the area and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. If it’s not, then you’re in the perfect place to relax indoors. There’s a selection of accommodation to choose from in this unique wilderness area - chalets, cottages, cabins, luxury spa retreats, Cradle Mountain Chateau and Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Go walking on the coastal heathlands - fresh sea air, fabulous views and acres of bright pink heath.
Go skiing without the crowds - Tassie has great ski fields at Ben Lomond, an hour from Launceston, and Mt Mawson in Mount Field National Park, an hour and half from Hobart. Visit Cradle Mountain for some exciting and challenging cross country skiing.
www.ski.com.au
Visit Tasmania’s most popular tourist attraction, Port Arthur Historic Site. Start your visit with an Introductory Historical Walking Tour, then spend the rest of the day exploring the buildings, ruins and restored period homes on this peaceful 40ha site.
www.portarthur.org.au If it’s cold and rainy then shelter in a winery, historic pub or cozy tea house – there’s no shortage of these in Tassie. Tour the Heritage Highway where the convict era buildings are now art and antiques galleries, museums, wine bars and restaurants. The perfect way to browse away a winter’s day.
Spend an evening with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra – their exciting winter concert programme has something for everyone. Check it out online at
www.tso.com.au.
Finish the day with a glass of wine in front of the fire. Tasmania leads the country in B&B accommodation, so you can experience warm hospitality and home comforts away from home.
www.tasmanianbedandbreakfast.com
Useful websites