DestinationsRecommendations for adventures, tastes, experiences and new accommodation in Tasmania.

Show Tassie some love this Autumn and Winter

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Whisky tasting at Belrove Distillery.
Whisky tasting at Belrove Distillery. Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania
While Tasmania has plenty to offer, whichever time of the year you choose to visit, the Australian island state offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in either autumn (March-May) or winter (June-August). 

If you need help convincing your clients to holiday in this unique heart-shaped island, read on for five reasons:

1. Great walks with picturesque views
From Cradle Mountain to the Freycinet Peninsula, there are many walks offering spectacular scenic views not seen anywhere else in the world. Autumn provides the uniquely Tasmanian sight of fagus trees turning into vibrant hues of red, yellow and gold, while winter offers spellbinding sights of ice-carved peaks and snow-capped alpine lakes in national parks such as Ben Lomond and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair.

2. Nuzzling up close with local wildlife
Tasmania is a natural haven for Australian wildlife such as wallabies, wombats and Tasmanian devils. See these creatures, including the platypus and echidna, in their natural habitat or up close in wildlife sanctuaries. In Tasmanian waters, dolphins can be spotted from a tour boat, while humpback whales can be sighted on the east coast as they migrate northward towards mainland Australia between May and July.

3. Feasting on authentic Tasmanian produce
Tasmania is a foodie paradise, offering the best in whiskey, cider and beer that Australia has to offer, as well as quality local produce such as artisan cheeses, black truffles and fresh seafood. A good time to visit would be in August when the Tasmanian Whisky Week (August 13 to 19) and Chocolate Winterfest (August 12) take place.

4. Immersing in local arts and culture
Tasmania has an active community of artists, designers and performers whose creativity continues to shine bright even in winter. One of the most highly anticipated winter festivals is Dark Mofo (June 15-24), Hobart’s two-week festival of music and art with highlights for this year including performances by international musicians and artists, and the annual Nude Solstice Swim where brave souls plunge into the icy cold river, in the nude.

5. Staying in quality accommodation
If you just want to relax and chill in Tasmania, the island state offers all kinds of accommodation suited to your mood and holiday needs. Recent openings include Apartments on Fraser Bicheno, a 30-minute drive from Freycinet National Park; Thousand Lakes Lodge, a boutique lodge that was once an Australian Antarctic training camp; and Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavillions, featuring personal private decks and outdoor bathtubs within the Freycinet National Park. 

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