Tasmania’s Off Season: Finding warmth on winter nights

When temperatures start dropping, Tasmania’s Off Season heats up. It’s not just the crackling log fires that keep things cosy: it’s the warmth of locals who don’t just endure winter, but embrace it. Whether your taste in accommodation leans towards luxury or more rustic retreats, these stays are true winter warmers.

Settle into a salt-tinged hideaway

Relax and unwind in the comfort of Triabunna Barracks, where historic charm meets modern comfort. Credit: Stu Gibson

Who doesn’t love getting out of bed on a chilly morning and feeling your feet land on a heated floor? That’s just one of the modern touches at Triabunna Barracks, a boutique retreat tucked into rough-hewn Georgian buildings conveniently located near the Maria Island ferry.

The former barracks and stables contain three spacious suites, each with a kitchenette and a soaking tub, a lounge and communal dining area. Just an hour’s drive from Hobart airport, Triabunna Barracks is a great base for exploring Tasmania’s east coast highlights including Maria Island, where you can spot wombats and wallabies and marvel at natural island beauty either on foot or on a bicycle.

Feast with friends on a gourmet getaway

Looking for a slow stay that lets you and your group warm up from the inside with the best local flavours? Then head to Ghost Rock Winery on the north coast near Devonport and kick back at Vineyard House, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom retreat perfectly positioned to discover the mouthwatering flavours of a Tasmanian winter.

Savour the rich culinary delights of the Ghost Rock Winery.Credit: Oscar Sloane

Spend a lazy afternoon grazing on a selection of regional cheeses, or go retro and toast some marshmallows over the fire. Remember to leave time for a stroll to the cellar door to try the award-winning minimal-intervention wines. For a truly comforting experience, be sure to visit the Eatery on-site and indulge in Ghost Rock’s warming lamb and potato dinner.

Bliss out in Hobart, old-school style

No other Australian city lets you soak up the heritage vibe quite like Hobart, where cobblestone streets wind past a captivating mix of architectural styles, from elegant Georgian warehouses to striking Victorian and Gothic influences that tell the story of its past. And no other part of town offers quite as much old-world charm as Battery Point.

That’s where you will find Maud’s Cottage, a delightful wooden hideaway with the best of Hobart within strolling distance, including Battery Point’s many inviting eateries (the scallop pies at Jackman & McRoss are a must-try). Maud’s secret weapon is a copper bathtub under a retractable roof. Soaking in a hot bath on a cool night, stars blazing above you: now that’s a relaxing way to end a day of Off Season adventures.

Soak up the serenity in a stunning copper bathtub, courtesy of Maud’s Cottage. Credit: Ros Wharton

Discover the delights of the north

For some, Blakes Manor is all about the rooms, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Housed in one of Deloraine’s oldest buildings, each of the self-contained suites in this boutique property is opulently furnished. A favourite is the Blakes Mews Suite, with its rich red velvets and its antique brass bed.

What is loved most about Blakes Manor, however, is the custom itineraries hosts Georgia and Peter have created for guests. From bushwalks at Cradle Mountain and the marvels of the Marakoopa Caves to tracking down the area’s best provedores (don’t miss Ashgrove Cheese and The Honey Farm), they will help design your perfect winter trip. Picture the crisp, invigorating air accompanying your explorations, followed by the warmth and luxury awaiting you back at Blakes Manor. Whether you dream of a snowy hike or indulging in local delicacies by a crackling fire, Blakes Manor is perfectly situated to provide an unforgettable winter escape with local experts at your fingertips.

Hole up in a high-style haven

Experience the breathtaking Tasmanian night sky from Kittawa Lodge, where the vast expanse of stars creates a truly unforgettable and secluded escape.Credit: Jason Charles Hill

Now here’s a surprise. King Island is known for its majestic landscapes where striking natural beauty unfolds along its captivating shores, but this also happens to be where you will find one of the most stylish stays around.

Kittawa Lodge is tucked away in the island’s south-west, comprising over 750 metres of coastline and filled with an abundance of grassy dunes, private valleys, forested nooks and natural-spring dams. Your stay at the lodge crafts elements of luxury with the peaceful embrace of outdoor connection, with the seclusion to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views in the comfort of your own privacy.

Unwind in a bush retreat

In Tasmania, it is easy to get away from it all. Take St Martin’s, a beautiful heritage-listed stone church nestled in the fishing village port of Dunalley. Transformed into a boutique home and events space, the design masterfully blends the striking Japanese ‘shou-sugi-ban’ charred timber technique with a beautifully modern kitchen and bathroom, creating a truly unique ambience. St Martin’s serves as an ideal base for exploring the region’s culinary delights, including the personalised tours to meet local food and wine producers around Dunalley.

Just a short 30-minute drive from Hobart airport, the Tasman Peninsula boasts a collection of remarkable vineyards, including Bangor, Cape Bernier, and Bream Creek. These vineyards contribute to the peninsula’s exquisite offerings, easily accessible for visitors staying at locations like St. Martins.

This Off Season, explore seasonal offers and events, regional guides, winter travel tips and must-do experiences. Become a winter person in Tasmania between May–August. Uncover even more winter activities at Discover Tasmania.