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Why you should consider visiting Tasmania in the shoulder-seasons
The peak, active adventure seasons in Tasmania are the blissful months between November-March, when the weather is warm, skies are generally clear, and conditions are at their best for trekking, cycling and rafting. However, these ideal conditions mean that areas such as the iconic Overland Track are busy with avid trekkers eager to explore Tasmania’s rich wilderness areas and take advantage of the conditions of the trail, weather and visibility. This is especially true on the Overland Track during peak season, when the magic of summiting Cradle Mountain to take in the expansive views over the Cradle Mountain National Park can be somewhat tarnished by all the other tourists clambering to do the same. But we'll let you into a little secret - the shoulder months in Spring and Autumn, particularly during the months of April and October, offer equally impressive experiences, with plenty to see and do, and a much quieter trail. In fact, you might be surprised by all the benefits of embarking on an active adventure in Tasmania in the shoulder-seasons and even the winter months!
Fewer crowds
Wherever you go in the world, a major benefit of travelling in the shoulder seasons or off-seasons is less tourists, and the same applies to Tasmania. Popular trekking trails are emptier, giving you more solitude on the trail, uninterrupted views and a generally more peaceful experience at your campsite. Additionally, travellers embarking on cycling trips down the east coast will find fewer cars on the road, making it feel like the long, sweeping and curving coastal roads have been reserved just for your cycle group.
Our Picks: Experience the South Coast Track, Flinders Island Walking Adventure or Cycle, Kayak Walk Tasmania trips in relative solitude by booking outside high season dates, and take advantage of expansive views with other travellers few and far between.
Unique flora and fauna
While summer travellers have the advantage of experiencing Tasmania in ideal weather conditions, travellers in autumn, winter and spring get to see a side of Tasmania few others than the locals do; the colourful fungus and turning of the trees in autumn that transform green rainforests into bursts of bright reds, oranges and yellows; the soft touch of snow during winter that turns wilderness areas into winter wonderlands, and the blossoming wildflowers in spring that can emit a floral scent that carries with the wind. These seasonal nuances are so special in their own right and not to be overlooked – and are one of the main highlights of travelling Tasmania in the shoulder-seasons.
Our Picks: Join the Overland Track and Walls of Jerusalem departures between March – May and enjoy stunning shows of colour as the fagus beech trees erupt in vibrant hues of reds, yellows and oranges.
Trekking in Winter
In the months leading up to and during winter, the remote trails of Tasmania turn into areas of sublime beauty, adorned with frozen lakes, winter grasses and snow covered trails. Between June and August, many of Tasmania’s peaks are blanketed in snow, and the all-white landscape creates a picture-perfect winterland that few people explore. With the trail (almost) all to yourself, you’ll have unique photographic opportunities that few trekkers are able to experience. Crisp, clear days in July and August bring the majestic snowy landscapes to life, a beautiful sight that stays with you long after you return home. Best of all, with fewer people on the track, the trail is much quieter and the environment more serene and tranquil. Our picks: Embark on the 7 day Overland Track Winter Trek or 4 day Walls of Jerusalem Winter experience, when the landscape is transformed into a tranquil environment blanketed by snow.
Better Bargains
If you want to stretch your budget and make every dollar count, travelling Tasmania in the shoulder-seasons can get you much more bang for your buck- especially when it comes to flights and pre-and post accommodation. General peak season travel occurs around October and finishes early April, so it’s worth considering that during these months you’ll be paying higher prices than you would from May to September, when there are some great deals running. Additionally, some trips such as the Cradle Huts Overland Track, Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and Freycinet Experience Walk have high season surcharges due to the high demand for spaces on their trips during peak periods – so do consider visiting outside of high season periods to save money on these select trips.
Our Picks: Book departures between April – December and avoid paying high season surcharges on the Cradle Huts Overland Track, Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and Freycinet Experience Walk