When is the Best Time to Visit Tasmania?

Updated on November 7, 2025

The BEST time to visit Tasmania is?

There is something to see and do during all seasons in Tassie, whether it’s indoors at the Mona Art Gallery in Hobart on a chilly winter’s day or hiking the Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair National Park during summer or Autumn.

Tasmania can experience freezing temperatures and extreme weather at any time. Snow falls and biting winds can occur in Summer. Hobart has had snow during the summer months and across the southern region and mountains. Having stated that, Melbourne can be the same. Our first log fire up in the Dandenong Ranges (just on the edge of Melbourne) was on Christmas Day 2006!

Springtime in Tasmania and the little island really shows off! Poppies, tulips and hundreds of acres of flowers from one end of the state to the other. The Table Cape region is especially renowned for its tulip displays, and the northeast boasts the world-famous Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm.

Summertime in Tasmania does not generally experience extremely high temperatures, although many days are hot and humid. The island boasts some of the world’s best beaches, and any time of year can be fantastic for a beach walk.

Autumn is fabulous, it is my favourite time in many places. Days are getting cool and crisp, fewer crowds, and hiking can be the best.

Late spring/summer/early autumn are considered the best seasons to visit Tasmania. Tasmania does not get as crowded as many mainland states during peak holiday seasons, except perhaps for Mt. Wellington, Cradle Mountain, and Wineglass Bay.

Sept – November

Min Average Temp: 8C / 46F

Max Average Temp: 17C / 62F

December – February

Min Average Temp: 12c /52f

Max Average Temp: 21c / 70f

March-May

Min Average Temp: 9C /  48F

Max Average Temp: 17C / 63F

June – August

Min Average Temp: 5C / 41F

Max Average Temp: 12C / 54F

Getting There – Spirit of Tasmania Ferry

Travellers have two ways of travelling to Tasmania. Most flights go to Launceston & Hobart, which is a quick option, and some fabulous deals can be found with Jetstar and Tiger Air.

Driving straight onto the Spirit of Tasmania with your own wheels is our first choice for a family holiday to the little island with so much to see.

Booking Tickets on the Ferry to Tassie

The online booking system is relatively straightforward, with options to cross the Bass Strait as foot passengers or with a vehicle. Day sailings run during the summer months and do not require passengers to book a cabin or seat, as time can be spent wandering the different areas onboard. Overnight sailings do require a cabin or aeroplane-style seat to be booked and paid for.

It is often much cheaper to book during the offseason, and it is worth looking for some good deals. You can book online directly here.

Onboard the Spirit of Tasmania

Boarding the ship is simple. Foot passengers will be directed from the departure lounge. Driving a car is very straightforward. Follow the instructions of the staff.

• All car passengers remain in the vehicle during boarding.
• Tickets and keys to cabins (if booked) will all be handed to the driver on the way through.
• Once parked, take out any items you will need during the voyage, as passengers are not allowed access to cars during the sailing.
• Lock your car and make a note of the deck level and colour so you can return easily.
• Head upstairs and explore the levels, restaurants, information centre, kids games, and cinemas!

Dogs can Travel on the Ferry to Tasmania

We took our little dog with us to Tassie and bought a pet carrier for her to have a blanket in, etc., whilst in the kennel provided on the ship. There is a small fee for the kennel, though the animal can travel free of charge.

• We were all rather distressed about leaving our little dog alone in the kennel, even though she was in her familiar carrier with blankets, food, toys, and other essentials.
• It definitely impacted the voyage, thinking of her down there, alone and afraid, with all the noises!

Something we wish we had known earlier about taking a dog on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry!

• It is not compulsory to put your dog in a kennel on the Spirit of Tasmania!
• All the decks are well ventilated.
• Dogs can be left in a locked vehicle if preferred.
• Ask to sign a waiver when boarding your car to leave your dog inside.
• Really simple.

The return journey was so much better for knowing our little dog was sleeping in our car. She knew we would be back there and was much less stressed. The windows were down a little way, there is plenty of ventilation on all car decks and no fumes at all.

It is a long time for a dog to be left alone, though employees do patrol the decks. We chose the day of sailing, which is 9 hours, plus an hour or so for boarding before departure.

• Another advantage of leaving a dog in a car is that you will not be sitting longer when boarding, waiting to be parked on one of the two decks that have kennels to access!

Final Thoughts

The Spirit of Tasmania is a fun trip to make. Day passengers can book a cabin to use which, in hindsight, is not a bad idea. We travelled during the peak Christmas holiday period and by the time we had boarded with our car and headed upstairs the majority of the seating was already taken with some people laying down or putting their feet up to keep areas to themselves.

Recliner chairs can also be booked quite cheaply, so there is a guaranteed spot to relax, although these are aeroplane-style and not exactly enticing.

It is, nonetheless, an ideal way to visit and explore Tasmania. Having a car with all the gear required for a 5-week family holiday made it a wonderful experience.

Road Trip to Tasmania

Tasmania is absolutely bursting at the seams with stunning vistas, the West Coast Wilderness, history, beautiful cities and more. A road trip of at least a week is required to begin sampling all that the little island has to offer.

After 5 weeks of touring and camping, we still need to return to see things that we missed!