It’s the season to sip warm mugs of mulled cider, made from fresh Tasmanian apples; to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book beside a crackling fire; or to brave the chill and slip into an outdoor bath, to let your worries melt away as steam dances in the cool night air.

From floating saunas, wellness retreats, astrotourism ventures, agritourism, and luxury romantic getaways complete with private chefs – there are plenty of exciting winter offerings. And industry heavyweights say a shift in the tourism market means there’s never been a better time for Tasmanians to get out and enjoy a “staycation”.

Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark says figures show winter visitation to Tasmania was increasing in the lead up to the pandemic, and Tasmania experienced a big winter in 2022 as borders reopened and cashed-up Australians travelled domestically.

Winter in 2023 saw domestic visitation slightly decrease, while international visitation increased as international borders reopened.

Tasmania is yet to see a “normal” winter period post Covid. And given the rising cost of living – which has many people across the globe rethinking their travel plans – combined with tougher competition between states as they all step up their winter marketing to vie for a slice of the tourist dollar, Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Alex Heroys predicts visitation will drop in Tasmania this winter.

“As far as the cost of living crisis goes, travel does obviously tend to be a discretionary spend,’’ Heroys explains.

“Travel is still a strong priority for a lot of people, they just have to recalibrate spend in that space.’’

So, many people who would traditionally travel overseas are opting to travel within Australia, and many who would usually travel interstate are looking to explore their home state.

“Tasmania does offer some of the best tourism products in the country and (winter) is a great opportunity to highlight that to the local Tasmanian market,’’ Heroys says.

He says there has been huge growth in astrotourism as the night sky becomes more difficult to experience in bigger cities around the world.

But Tasmania, with its wild places, smaller cities and lack of light pollution, is perfectly placed for showcasing the night sky – last weekend’s spectacular Aurora Australis display was a perfect example of this.

Heroys says winter is a great time to visit iconic places like Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay, or make the ferry trip to Bruny Island, without the crowds.

He says travellers are increasingly looking for “hidden gems” and savvy travellers can get more bang for their buck this winter as properties drop prices, offer free nights or add value by including dinner or breakfast.

“Places in the Central Highlands and Southern Midlands – those sorts of areas – are really special at this time of year, with misty mornings and the potential for snow,’’ Heroys says.

“Places like Great Lake Hotel, Curringa Farm, Bowhill Grange. And Mt Field is another very special place in winter. There’s nothing better than having a cool bracing walk out in the wilderness, followed by a fire and whisky hospitality experience – you need the cool to appreciate the warm.

“Now more than ever I’d encourage Tasmanians to spend their money locally and support local businesses through what might be a slow winter.’’

It’s a sentiment echoed by Clark who says winter is the ideal time for Tasmanians to tick a few things off their bucketlists, whether that’s trying cold water immersion for the first time or checking in to a luxury hotel they’ve dreamt of visiting.

“There’s a special magic about Tasmanian winters,’’ she says. “In Tasmania, winter isn’t just a season, it’s an invitation to explore your own backyard.’’

Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season campaign launched in 2021 to help drive winter visitation, and will promote more than 500 unique experiences and offers between May and August.

“We’re seeing more and more Tasmanians exploring their own backyards, taking nearly 1.7 million overnight trips within the state last year, with nearly half (800,000) being holidays, staying on average 2.4 nights,’’ Clark says.

“Tasmanians also love a day out, taking over 5 million day trips in 2023, highlighting the proximity of great experiences on their doorstep.’’

On overnight stays and day trips, Tasmanians spent $1.89b in Tasmania in 2023, the highest on record.

Despite rising living costs, people are finding ways to travel within their budget.

“We’re seeing luxury being redefined with a focus on wellness and adventure, which Tasmania is perfectly positioned for,’’ Clark says.

“No longer does luxury just mean five-star hotels, it can mean eco-resorts where guests can switch off and reconnect with nature, multi-day hikes, and immersive local experiences.

Agritourism is also a big drawcard for travellers, and Tasmania is becoming world renowned for our local produce, wines, whisky, restaurants and farm gates.

“We’re seeing back of house at the forefront, with visitors not only wanting to experience the products, but meet the makers behind them.”

And popular culture and social media have a role to play.

“There’s no doubt entertainment-inspired travel continues to influence travellers, whether it be an experience they have seen on social media, those ‘Instagrammable destinations’ or popular TV shows such as Bay of Fires that are bringing visitors out to the regions.’’

So, get excited about winter and start planning your next getaway with our guide to some of Tassie’s best – and newest – getaways to suit all budgets.

STARGAZING

Stay a night at Devil’s Laireco-cabinatMcHenry Distillery at Port Arthur and after you’ve enjoyed a whisky or gin on your private deck, use a telescope to view the night sky, at the property’s stargazing observatory.

Photography enthusiasts can learn the art of photographing the night sky with photographer Luke O’Brien as part of The Tasman hotel’s Skygazer package, which is exclusively for hotel guests and includes transport to prime photographic locations to chase auroras, while being treated to hot apple cider and a Waverley Mills merino scarf.

Meanwhile photographer Luke Tscharke runs four-day workshops for small groups on Bruny Island out of Cloudy Bay Villa, teaching people to photograph the landscape and the night sky.

Consider a stay in the foothills of kunanyi/Mt Wellington, at a location like Pipeline Chalet, which is the perfect base for taking a guided after-dark stroll on the mountain with Walk on Kunanyi to learn more about the night sky. If relaxing is more your style check out Old Bishop’s Quarters in Hobart, where beautifully refurbished historic cottages have a mix of indoor and outdoor fires and baths – some rooms even have a retractable glass roof, so you can laze in bed, watch the stars above and slide open the roof if you’re wanting to feel the crisp air, without leaving the comfort of your bed.

OUTDOOR BATHING

Another great vantage point for stargazing is from the comfort of a steaming outdoor bathtub in the depths of winter. And there are bathing experiences to suit every budget. Book a glamping tent or eco-pod at Aquila Glamping at Richmond and watch sheep graze in the rolling hills as wedge-tailed eagles soar overhead, or get toasty in a wood-fired hot tub at The Roundhouses at Cygnet.

Luxury domes including Luna Lodge (Wattle Hill), Gleneagle (Riana), or Domescapes (Sidmouth) have beautiful bathtubs, while Port Arthur Holiday Park has astargazing safari tent complete with an outdoor bath. At Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilionsyou’ll find sleek timber pavilions with outdoor baths, nestled among the forest in Freycinet National Park. Other destinations include Cradle Mountain Lodge’s King Billy suites, Aerieat Tinderbox (where there’s a hot tub, sauna and wilderness deck), Cedar Cottage eco-cabin at Meander, Villa Two Five Six near Devonport, Shore House on King Island and Left of Field camping and caravan park in the Derwent Valley which has a wood-fired outdoor bath.

Ease into a cedar hot tub while staying in a converted stable at Twamley Farm at Buckland or visit Eagles Nest Retreat in the state’s North West, where there’s a 12-jet farmer’s bath, a lakeside spa bath, a mountain view bath or a milk-vat bath with views of Mount Roland. And don’t forget Thalia Haven, near Swansea, a hotspot for romance and indulgence, where you can relax in the Insta-famous outdoor bathtub while watching whales frolic in the distance.

WELLNESS

Perched on ancient granite foothills overlooking the outer islands of the Furneaux Group, Faraway on Flinders Island is a three-bedroom boutique retreat which is offering a winter wellness package with yoga, mindfulness, cold water immersion therapy, bushwalking and local island cuisine in “a fulfilling blend of self-care, relaxation and rejuvenation’’.

On Tasmanian’s East Coast, visit Still, a new, architecturally-designed Nordic retreat sleeping up to 10 people. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the cosy, contented, Hygge way of living and have exclusive use of the sauna, outdoor shower and reading room, although other offerings include a massage menu, private chef, yoga, pop-up picnics, cheese and charcuterie boards, reflexology or walking tours. Prepare for three days of Wim Hof Method ocean plunging, journalling and guided breathwork at an alcohol-free retreat at The Cove at Don, in the state’s North West.

Be guided through mindful meditations and yoga and explore the Three Capes Track in a different way with a four-day limited edition Women’s Winter Yoga Walk, run by Tasmanian Walking Company.

Barnbougle, in the state’s North East, isn’t just a haven for golfers, but it’s also wellness retreat, with a massage menu and a bubbling Vitality Spa which allows you to relax tired muscles in mineral-rich water overlooking the ocean. At Lake Derby reap the health benefits of the famous wood-fired Floating Sauna then test your bravery and take a refreshing dip in the lake.

Wington’s Glamping, beside the Tamar River, has a wood-fired sauna and seawater plunge pool. At Bass Lodge on King Island you can relax in a glass-fronted red cedar barrel sauna with sweeping ocean views, or try a Wilderness Saunas barrel sauna overlooking a vineyard at Premaydena on the Tasman Peninsula.

A new floating sauna – Kuuma – recently opened at Margate Marina, giving groups of up to 10 guests the opportunity to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a sauna on a floating pontoon boat.

ADVENTURE

Southern Sea Ventures is running a new four-night Three Capes Kayak, Hike and Whale Watch Escape during peak whale migration season (June to October).

The trip combines sea kayaking, hiking and a private whale watching boat trip, as well as premium accommodation with meals and drinks showcasing Tasmanian produce.

SNOW

Ben Lomond is home to about 25 lodges and mountain huts, and while the majority are members-only lodges, there is commercial accommodation available, with Creek Cabins, Tasmanian Rover Ski Club and Northern Tasmania Alpine Club offering accommodation for visitors.

There are numerous B&Bs nearby – like The Cedar Church at Blessington – and Evandale is only an hour away. At Mt Field, base yourself at Mt Field Retreat, with self-contained accommodation on the edge of the national park for easy access to waterfalls and snowfields during winter.

GET ARTY

At Beaumaris Beach Guest House visitors not only enjoy a restful stay on Tassie’s beautiful East Coast, but can also indulge in winter cooking, printmaking, painting and craft workshops.

Photography enthusiasts should check out beautifully appointed luxury apartment Wahroonga on Bourke in Launceston – check in for two nights this winter and you’ll receive a film camera and a photography lesson, before heading out into Tassie’s wilderness. Then venture into the darkroom and get hands-on with developing your unique souvenirs. You can also slip into a fire-warmed claw-foot bath on your private terrace.

ADULTS-ONLY LUXURY

Hunter Huon Valley, at Glen Huon, was architecturally-designed to encapsulate and celebrate winter. Three luxury cabins have big windows facing the wilderness and warm fires. There’s no TV or Wi-Fi – guests are encouraged to properly switch off and relax, with gourmet local food and a bathtub with a view.

At The Keep – a luxury couple’s retreat perched upon a 650m rocky pinnacle overlooking Tasmania’s North-East – you can indulge in a long, hot outdoor bath, enjoy a forest walk, or watch flames flicker in the handmade granite fireplace.

Meanwhile guests are greeted by a welcome plate of house-made cakes, and seasonal menus are served in the spectacular conservatory restaurant at The Islington, a stately 1847 homestead that operates as a luxury 11-room hotel, minutes from Hobart’s CBD, with sweeping winter views of snow-capped kunanyi/Mt Wellington and sleep meditations on the in-room iPads.

At Pumphouse Point, an intimate retreat in the heart of Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness at Lake St Clair, guests can pour drinks from the honesty bars, find picnics in their rooms, glide away on electric bikes or rowboats, or enjoy exclusive wilderness tours.

Saffire Freycinet is Tasmania’s most famous all-inclusive lodge – and while it’s not strictly child-free, children are a rarity. Pluck fresh oysters from the ocean, meet the resort’s resident Tasmanian devils or learn the art of beekeeping when you’re not dining on custom menus or admiring the picture-perfect granite peaks of The Hazards mountain range. A 25 per cent discount applies for stays of three nights or more from now and the end of September.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Meet friendly goats and chickens during a family stay at Paradise Road Farm at Sheffield, or take a farm tour at Curringa Farm at Hamilton, where you can pat farm dogs, highland cows, horses, chooks, and see plenty of sheep.

For those wanting to ride some of the state’s world-class mountain bike trails with family and friends, check out Dales of Derby, a contemporary, 24-berth self-contained guesthouse.

Mandala Bruny Island is a spacious, self-contained, waterfront holiday home near Alonnah, with easy access to nature plus a games room, table tennis and a cubby house.

Harveys Farm is a family-friendly coastal retreat at Bicheno – read more about this beautiful slice of Tasmania here.

Young kids will enjoy a winter stay at Launceston’s Peppers Silo Hotel (or nearby Peppers Seaport Hotel) – both close to Riverbend Park – with the added bonus of meeting Archie, the Silo hotel’s black labrador. And don’t forget Hobart’s Hotel Grand Chancellor– kids will love a dip in the sun-drenched indoor pool and a buffet breakfast at Tasman Restaurant and you’ll feel like you’ve had a getaway without venturing far from home.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Enjoy opulence in the heart of Hobart at Sanctum Boutique Apartments, where an 1850s cottage has been split into three-bedroom Sussex House (complete with cosy fireplace) and one-bedroom studio The Forge.

At historic hotel The Ship Inn at Stanley guests can stay three nights for the price of two during winter. At Stillwater Seven, a refurbished historic flour mill on Launceston’s waterfront, guests can take advantage of a Warming Up Winter package, staying three nights for the price of two, while also receiving a bottle of Tassie wine, a three-course dinner at Stillwater restaurant, in-room breakfast provisions, a tour of Launceston Distillery (and a selection of drams to take home), plus a blanket from Waverley Mills. Winter is also the perfect time to enjoy newly-refurbished Triabunna Barracks, where 1840s sandstone barracks and stables have been transformed into luxury suites with heated floors and decadent bathrooms.

FOODIE HEAVEN

Immerse yourself in two nights of luxury at The Pickers Hut at Broadmarsh – located on Invercarron Farm with huge windows in every room to capture the view – with a winter stay complete with fresh local produce, a bespoke mulled wine kit, and two bottles of pinot noir, which you can enjoy by the fire pit with a slice of homemade apple pie under the stars. Hunt for truffles and cook up feasts during an immersive two-night experience at Truffledore farm stay at Barrington.

If you’re after a lavish experience on King Island, check out Kittawa Lodge – an award-winning luxury retreat where you can enjoy a four-course dinner served in your lodge, take a guided birdwatching or beef farm tour, or enjoy a romantic bathing experience – or Ettrick Rocks, which has spectacular views over the water and the option of a private chef.

For more Tassie travel ideas and winter deals visit discovertasmania.com.au/off-season