Serene ChanYou dread the sweltering heat in tropical sunny islands. You are also afraid of the freezing cold in winter countries. Every now and then, you wish to escape to a country boasting perfect sweater weather while remaining relatively close to home. Does this sound familiar?
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
If it does, you must visit Tasmania this year optimally either in Autumn (March to May) or Winter (June to August). You will love the cool temperatures that reign supreme during these periods. From March to August, the Apple Isle –Tasmania’s unique sobriquet – offers pleasant ambience for exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sampling amazing Tasmanian produce and fully immersing in Tassie-style festival vibes.
Aside from the lovely, chilly temperatures, here are five reasons why every traveller – be it a foodie, adventure junkie or art enthusiast – should visit this unique heart-shaped island.
Be wowed by great walks with picturesque views
From Cradle Mountain to the Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania brims with great walks that feature gorgeous, postcard-perfect sights bound to take your ‘gram game to the next level.
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
To marvel at Tasmania’s fiery autumn spectacle, trek up to the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Vivid hues of red, yellow and gold will blanket the Fagus trees, creating a spellbinding seasonal display.
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
During winter, embark on a scenic one-hour walk to Walk Cataract Gorge, the world’s longest single-span chairlift and experience the floods in its most spectacular fashion!
Nuzzle up close with local wildlife
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
Tasmania is a sanctuary with abundant unique wildlife which can often be seen roaming around their natural habitat. To see the little creatures up close, drop by Tasmania Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you get to feed a cute wallaby, cuddle a wombat and even pat a Tasmanian devil.
Otherwise, hop aboard a tour boat for an extraordinary dolphin-watching experience or catch sight of the majestic humpback whales between May and July on the east coast, as they migrate towards mainland Australia.
Feast on authentic Tasmanian produce
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
When it comes to the best whiskey and wine as well as quality local produce like artisan cheeses, black truffles and fresh seafood, you can certainly rejoice in Australia’s foodie haven.
Aside from gastronomic experiences in the bistros and restaurants, food and wine festivals are widely celebrated in Tasmania during Autumn and Winter. Satisfy your guilty pleasures and binge eat all things chocolate, from chocolate pastries to chocolate-made board games, at the Chocolate Winterfest on 12 August 2018. You can visit Tasmanian Whisky Week the day after to wash down your food with a pint or two. If you enjoy self-drive trips, embark on the 180km Great Eastern Drive to hunt for the freshest seafood and drop by the vineyards for the most elegant wine.
Immerse in local arts and culture
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
Arts aficionados, winter is the best time for you to visit Tasmania. Revel in the vibrant arts scene of the Apple Isle as a passionate community of artists, designers and performers shine brightly at the highly-anticipated winter festivals. Highly-recommended winter festivals to attend include Festival of Voices, Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival and Dark Mofo, an annual music and art all-night festival in Hobart.
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
If art is not your thing, go off-the-beaten-track to uncover the secrets of Australia’s most well-preserved convict settlement, Port Arthur Historic Site. Located an hour southeast of Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula, this 40-hectare World Heritage Historic Site has over 30 historic buildings, heritage gardens and restored houses. You can also sign up for the nightly Ghost Tour to explore real-life spooks with fellow ghostbusters at Port Arthur’s infamously haunted ruins.
Relax and chill in Tasmania’s unique accommodation
Whether you are an avant-garde traveller or an adventurous, fuss-free backpacker, Tasmania has all kinds of accommodation to suit your needs – from luxurious boutique lodges to rustic fairytale-like cottages and cosy camping hamlets.
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
One of the most highly-rated places to stay in Tasmania is the Thousand Lakes Lodge, a three-month-old boutique lodge located in Central Highlands. This piece of paradise showcases Tasmania’s natural splendour along with glimpses of local wildlife at Walls of Jerusalem National Park, a nearby UNESCO-listed site.
Image credit: Tourism Tasmania
You might want to consider the newly-launched Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilions as well – a stellar designer hotel with elegant pavilions and suites nestled within the lush greenery of Freycinet National Park.
If these five reasons are not enough to entice you, read on and be convinced: 17 Breathtaking Photos of Tasmania that Will Make You Pack Your Bags Right Now.
Information extracted from press release issued by Tourism Tasmania
