The best things to do in Tasmania in the off season

Discover the top activities and attractions in Tasmania this winter. From cosy retreats to breathtaking landscapes, plan your perfect getaway now.

You may be chasing the sun, but the state that invites us to 'Come Down For Air' bristles with temptation and treats when the temperature plummets.

Dark Mofo returns

After being scaled back somewhat, Dark Mofo is back and is always one of the best things to do in Tasmania in winter. Highlights include the Winter Feast winter solstice dinner with over 70 stallholders over eight days with live music and roving performances.

There's also the Winter Solstice Nude Swim on June 21 when participants of almost all ages brave the frigid waters. Add a bunch of free events around Hobart and ticketed performances from Keanu Nelson, Clown Core and The Most Australian Band Ever (to mention just a few) plus tempting treats for food lovers and you'll discover one of the best midwinter festivals in Australia not just Tassie.

And of course, you need to drop by Mona (the Museum of Old and New Art) which gave birth to the annual spectacle.

Do you have the cheek to take part in the Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim Picture: Nikki Davis Jones.

Take in the Southern Lights

If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, save some travel time and dollars by looking south to the Aurora Australis. Between May and August, they set the sky ablaze on the South Arm Peninsula, Cockle Creek and even in Hobart.

The Aurora Australis ablaze in Tassie.

Raise a glass at Tasmanian Whisky Week

From August 4-10, the island that conquered the whisky world celebrates its skills with seminars, tastings and events at almost 50 bars and distilleries. Many of which have mastered the combination of adding a roaring fire to proceedings as well as local produce. A tempting reason to visit Tasmania in winter.

The famed Lark Distillery is just one of the participants in Whisky Week. Picture: Tourism Tasmania.

Go wild on Bruny Island

Sitting off Tasmania's east coast, this is where Tasmanians go when they want to get away from it all. Apart from Flinders Island that is. It has just enough infrastructure to make getting around easy, natural beauty galore, abundant birdlife in its natural habitat and lagoons teeming with wild brown trout if you fancy casting a line.

The dark skies and clear nights also make it ideal for stargazing while the Bruny Island Cheese Co delivers all sorts of creamy goodness. Sweet tooth? Chocolate lovers will adore the Bruny Island Chocolate Co.

The rugged magnificence of Bruny Island.

Hike Cradle Mountain National Park

People travel from around the globe to hike two national parks in Tasmania: Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park and Freycinet National Park. And we'll let you in on a secret: not only are both less crowded in the Tasmanian winter but we reckon they are even more striking and atmospheric.

You can deal with the chilly temperatures with an extra base layer or two and a waterproof jacket. In exchange, you get snowy peaks, wildlife conservation, enchanted walks through eucalyptus trees and the kind of dramatic landscapes that nature lovers adore.

The Tasmanian Walking Company's signature Cradle Mountain/Overland Track ramble will lead you through falling snow dusts and explore the vivid blue curves of Lake St Clair before setting up a bougie cam around a cosy open fire.

Tassie's north west really is something else - check out Dove Lake and the ancient rainforests too. Especially in winter when the snow covered landscapes are at their most haunting and they are the ultimate peaceful retreat.

Cradle Mountain is even more stunning with a dusting of snow.

Do an east coast road trip

If you're not the outdoorsy/hiking type, settle into a cosy car and set the GPS for the following locations: Wineglass Bay, Binalong Bay and pristine Great Oyster Bay. There are pristine beaches along the way and Freycinet National Park - the state's oldest - is a belter. Especially around the The Hazards Mountain Range (pictured).

Bunk down at Bay of Fires Bush Retreat or the charming town of St Helens. If you have an extra day and are keen on Australian history, start at the Unesco World Heritage Listed Port Arthur Historic Site.

Discover why it's called the Apple Isle in Huon Valley

The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival takes place half an hour south of Hobart and this year is on July 12 and 13. Few gatherings celebrate apple cider quite like this, nor do many highlight the region's apple growing history. 

All the festivals traditions are making a comeback including Burning Man, Tassie's best folk-funk bands, dress up comps and the Waissal ceremony where pots and pans are banged to release negative energy and make way for the new.

Another event we love is the Voices Festival - or to give it its proper name - the Festival of Voices. Running from June 27 to July 6 this year around Hobart, there is just too much fun and joy to squish into a week long festival.

Celebrating its 20th year, this event is all about the communion and happiness that comes with having a singsong with your mates, a formal choir or anything inbetween.

When is the off season in Tasmania?

The off season in Tasmania runs from May to August

How cold does it get in Tasmania?

The average daily temperatures for winter Tasmania average daily temperatures range from 5 - 12.3 degrees. Overnight temperatures can drop as low as three degrees.

Do you have to fly to Hobart?

No. There are plenty of options for flying into Tasmania. Aside from Hobart in the south, you can also fly to Launceston in the north with Qantas, Virgin and Rex. There's also Devonport with Qantas and Rex if you're heading to the northwest or catching the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

How does the Spirit of Tasmania work?

This decked out ferry - which has two cinemas and accommodation options such as four-bed cabins - leaves from Geelong. Adult fares start from $69 and kids from $35. It lands in Devonport. One of the key benefits is that you can take your car along and from May 1 to October 31 2025, you can do so for free!

Originally published as The best things to do in Tasmania in the off season