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Tasmania officially turned me into a winter person – and it could do the same to you (500+ ways, in fact)

Think you hate the cold? Tassie’s Off Season is here to win you over

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Nightsky
Photograph: Jeremy Button | Bay of Fires
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Think you hate winter? So did I, until I visited Australia’s coldest state during its coldest month last year. From floating saunas and fungi foraging to truffle feasts and dark-sky dinners, Tasmania shows off its coolest side when the temperature drops.

In good news for winter lovers (or winter wannabes), the state has just launched its award-winning Off Season campaign, featuring more than 500 winter-only offers and events. So yes, take this as your sign to finally book that Tassie trip!

Running from March 30 to August 31, this mega campaign is quite literally designed to inspire Aussies to “become a winter person”. The program is absolutely jam-packed with 500 experiences across the state – from Hobart and Launceston to Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain, the Huon Valley and hidden gems you’ve probably never even heard of.

Tasmania’s dramatic landscapes will light up with dark-sky cruises, bioluminescence tours and stargazing by the sea. Just imagine catching it all under the Aurora Australis!

Tasman Island aerial
Photograph: Jarrad Seng

For adventure seekers, there are winter cycling retreats, sunrise hikes, glow worm tours, twilight joey encounters, after-dark penguin spotting tours, scavenger hunts, and even farm goat and wine dog escapades.

Those who like to get their hands dirty can join workshops in photography, sculpting, carving, knitting, stone painting and scent-blending. And of course, there’s the food: mystery picnics, long-table lunches, truffle degustations, ocean-to-plate seafood and fireside whisky tastings.

Floating sauna boat on water
Photograph: Supplied | Kuuma - Nature Sauna

When it comes to staying the night, you can snag free nights and exclusive experiences at cosy, luxe or off-grid accommodations. Picture glamping with wombats in St Helens, a birdwatching retreat on Bruny Island, a sauna in the snow at Cradle Mountain or a private stay at an olive grove with guided tastings.

There’s honestly too much for us to cover here, so you can explore Tasmania’s full Off Season program here.

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