5 reasons to visit Tasmania over winter

The remote trails of Tasmania turn into pieces of sublime beauty during the winter season. Passing along frozen lakes and crossing winter grasses and snow-covered trails makes winter trekking in Australia's south island state a truly spectacular experience.

We list five reasons why it's worth a visit over the colder months between June and early September.

1. Enjoy fewer crowds

Wherever you go in the world, a major benefit of travelling in the shoulder seasons or off-seasons is fewer tourists, and the same applies to Tasmania.

Feel as though you have Tasmania's most popular trails to yourself with travellers few and far between on famous trails like the Overland Track. The off-peak season offers a more serene environment, giving you more solitude on the trail, uninterrupted views and a generally more peaceful experience at your campsite.

Winter in the World Heritage sub-alpine wilderness | Aran Price

2. Better bargains

You'll save more bang for your buck when travelling between June and August by avoiding high season surcharges, especially when it comes to flights and pre and post-accommodation.

3. Challenge yourself on an alpine adventure

Never snowshoed? Now's your chance! Our experienced guides will help bring the track to life and teach first-time snowshoers key techniques and pointers for this fun style of alpine travel. It's growing in popularity for a reason.

Blue skies over a snow covered Cradle Mountain | Valda Gillies Scenery around the Cradle Mountains | Paul Maddock Hikers on the Overland Track during winter Barn Bluff in winter | Luke Tscharke Winter Trekking in the Walls of Jerusalem becomes a very alpine experience | Chris Buykx Walking in Cradle Mountain | Aran Price
When not geared with the special snowshoes, trekking through glacial conditions, especially in Tasmania's variable weather will definitely bring a physical challenge. However, experiencing the soft touch of snow that transforms the wilderness areas is something truly sublime.

4. Witness the Southern Lights

Nights are longer over winter down south, meaning you have a longer window of opportunity to not only see a dark, starry night display but also have the chance to catch the colour light phenomenon of Aurora Australis – or the Southern Lights.

A rare light show colours the sky over Cradle Mountain | Pierre Destribats

Often the equinox is timed in September, however, this may vary. You can follow specific Aurora Australis Facebook groups that post tips and sightings.

5. It creates unique photo opportunities

Not only are the Southern Lights a unique spectacle to capture, but so is the winter wonderland landscape. Many of the park’s lakes freeze over during winter and the frosty environment blanketed by snow creates unique photographic opportunities that few trekkers are able to experience.

Snow capped Cradle Mountains, St Clair National Park, Tasmania | Paul Maddock