Must-do winter adventures in Tasmania

Fewer travellers, incredible alpine views and cheaper airfares. If you love alpine landscapes and crisper cool air, then a trip down south of Australia over winter will fuel your outdoor adventure dreams.

Check out our guide to epic snowshoeing and trekking expeditions below, including what to expect on the frosty trails, reasons to visit over the cooler months and how to bag a bargain. If you thought Tassie was wild, wait 'til you experience it in winter!

When is Tasmania's winter season?

Tasmania's winter season is between June and August – and sometimes into early September. During these months, many of Tasmania’s peaks are blanketed in snow, and the all-white landscape creates a picture-perfect Winterland that few people explore.

July can bring lovely crisp, clear days that bring the majestic snowy landscapes to life, a beautiful sight that stays with you long after you return home.

Trekking during these months can be one of the most exciting and most challenging times to trek the Overland Track or in the Walls of Jerusalem Park, with average maximum temperatures of 4.9°C and overnight temperatures as low as -9°C. Don’t rule it out just yet though!

In the months leading up to and during winter, the remote trails of Tasmania turn into areas of sublime beauty, adorned with frozen lakes, winter grasses and snow-covered trails.

The crowds are fewer, the silence serene and the colourful Aurora Australia (or Southern Lights) pay a visit.

What to expect exploring Tasmania's parks during winter

While winter may be the coldest months, it can also be one of the most rewarding times to trek. You’ll likely have the trail to yourself and the landscape is transformed into a white winter wonderland, which can sometimes see you wading through waist-deep snow and crossing winter grasses.

Many of the park’s lakes freeze over during winter, creating unique photographic opportunities that few trekkers are able to experience. And with fewer people on the track, the snow-covered trails are much quieter and the environment more serene and tranquil.

From frosted landscapes to the excitement of trekking through challenging alpine conditions, a winter trip in Tasmania is nothing short of inspirational.

Unique ways to experience Tasmania over winter

If you're up for a challenge, why not test your limits in glacial conditions? It may be harsher than other seasons with variable weather, but know that you'll walk out a more resilient and enlightened person than when you first stepped foot on the track. 

Our Overland Track and Walls of Jerusalem treks are tough in winter, especially when geared with a full pack. However, you'll always be in safe hands thanks to our experienced guides.

While it is equally rewarding to explore these tracks over the autumn and summer periods, a winter exploration along these top Tasmanian trails is a must-do experience.

SNOWSHOEING

The chance to snowshoe is an increasingly popular style of alpine travel and will add to the winter wonderland experience.

Think of it as an extension of hiking where you'll wear special shoes to help you cross snow conditions.

If you've never snowshoed, it's the perfect opportunity to try it in Tasmania's incredible landscapes. Our experienced guides will help bring the track to life and teach first-timers the finer points and techniques of this style of winter adventuring. 

Depending on the weather, our Walls of Jerusalem Winter Experience itinerary aims to explore the heart of the "Walls" and climb Mt. Jerusalem, King Davids Peak and possibly reach the remote outer areas known as Golden Gate and Zion Vale by either foot or on snowshoes.

The four-day adventure provides an ideal introduction to winter camping without the commitment of carrying full backpacks for two days with a comfortable base camp location set up for you to return to after exploring the trails during the day. Plus, food drops and a lightweight tent will keep your backpacks as light as possible.

ALPINE TREKKING

Whether you choose a winter adventure along Tasmania's most iconic walking trail in the Cradle Mountain National Park or a series of spectacular day walks exploring the alpine wilderness of the Walls of Jerusalem by foot and via snowshoe, the excitement of trekking in a winter wonderland will definitely bring a physical challenge. 

As long as you are fit, prepared to camp in winter and have the right equipment, trekking in Tasmania in winter is simply stunning.

This is especially true on the Overland Track where during the peak season heading to the top of Cradle Plateau for incredible views of Dove Lake and climbing Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617m, which can be somewhat tarnished by other tourists clambering to do the same.

With the trail (almost) all to yourself, you’ll have unique photographic opportunities that few trekkers are able to experience.

Crisp, clear days in July and August bring the majestic snowy landscapes to life, a beautiful sight that stays with you long after you return home. Best of all, with fewer people on the track, the trail is much quieter and the environment more serene. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather. As they say in Tassie, you can often experience all four seasons in one day.

On our Overland winter trek, we allow for a contingency day in case of bad weather. We recommend bringing a pack of cards or a good book as a necessary aspect of winter adventure is often sitting out the worst of the weather and enjoying some warmth and conversation in one of the huts. If the weather is fine, you'll use the day to enjoy some of the extraordinary side trips along the track.

The rewards of appreciating the grandeur alpine setting, with a spread of snow and frozen lakes, is a unique and remarkable experience in itself.