Outside, winter is felt before it is seen. The air sharp, the light low, the land­scape more defined. Be drawn out this winter, into forests, rivers, snow and sky. Rug up and be a part of the elements – there’s so much waiting for you.

It’s all about how you settle in. This Off Season is an invitation to slow the pace and reconnect with the important people in your life, where shared moments take shape around firelight, comfort and unhurried time together.

For as long as we’ve been human, we’ve been drawn to the glow of a fire. And there’s no better time or place to huddle around and watch those flickering flames than Tassie in the Off Season. Maybe that’s roasting marshmallows with the kids, settling in with a glass of something local or simply the comfort of being near others, the fire still calls us in, just as it always has.

Baby, it’s cold outside! We love that crisp, cool air, kids’ rosy cheeks and the rawness of Tasmania in winter. We also love heading indoors. Winter has a way of drawing people together, as we gather in warm, welcoming spaces. Across the state, cosy corners and simple comforts offer the perfect excuse to slow down and settle in for the Off Season.

The historic town of Richmond, in the Coal River Valley, is the start of the Richmond Park Track to Brinktop Bushland Reserve, an easy three kilometre walk from the town.

The picturesque North West Bay River Trail, which starts at Sandfly, is classed as a moderate walk, on a slightly undulating bush track.

The hand reel fishing line was being tugged and my oldest son’s face lit up, it was possibly going to be his first catch. Despite the odds.

The Queens Domain is 230 hectares of bushland, parkland and cultural sites. We parked in Federal Street, North Hobart then walked to the pedestrian bridge over the Brooker Highway, in front of the former Hobart High School.

As we start to approach the cooler months, it’s easy to fall into the habit of staying home every weekend. And yeah, this writer gets it. It’s cold, it’s dark, and you’re not really feeling up to much. Home is where the heart is, after all, so why not stay somewhere warm, familiar, and full of your own stuff?

Waterworks Reserve in South Hobart has walks through forest, woodlands and parklands, beautiful views and is the habitat of a wide variety of birds.

The new extension to the Pipeline Track, from Waterworks Reserve to Ferntree, was opened by the Hobart City Council at the end of October 2025. Our walking group were eager to see the changes to a favourite walk. We were impressed by the wide, flat gravel track, clear signage, and interesting interpretation panels.

Cape Deslacs Nature Reserve Plant Trail, in the Clifton Beach Conservation Area, contains a wide diversity of native plants that have adapted to the light sandy soil and dry conditions.

With an adventurous spirit, you can turn any weekend into a mini getaway. From Hobart and Launceston you can take short flights to explore more. Sure, you can drive, but you can also splurge a little, save time, and enjoy a holiday!

The relaxing two kilometre walk, along Shag Bay Historic Trail, in Geilston Bay Regional Park, has both historic and scenic interest. The park is a twelve-minute drive from central Hobart, along East Derwent Highway, to Geilston Bay. The clearly-signed track starts from the carpark in DeBomford Lane.

Feeling the effects of a long, cold winter and a nasty bout of the flu, the school holidays were a welcome opportunity to get off the island for a week of sunshine and warmth in Cairns

I know how lucky I am to have been able to travel from time to time, and I don’t want to seem ungrateful. However, the older I get the more I acknowledge an inescapable drawback to long-haul voy­aging – the actual flight. If, like me, you’re condemned to sit in Economy.

The gradual climb to the summit of Echo Sugar­loaf Hill rewards with breathtaking views of val­leys, river, sea, distant hills and ragged mountains

Starting a break with the ocean stretching out in every direction, truly shakes off any whiff of routine and puts you firmly into holiday territory.

Age is no barrier to adventure.

Goats Beach is a secluded, tranquil beach on the South Arm Peninsula. It is approximately 25 kilometres south east of Hobart. Take the South Arm Road, then take the next turn left after Calverts Lagoon. There is good parking.

Beneath your feet in Tasmania, there’s an entire world most of us never see. A hidden, underground realm of sprawling cave systems with subterranean rivers, sharp mineral deposits that rise from the ground or dip from the ceiling, and caverns lit up by glowworms. They’re stunning, if you have a light to see them. They’re also pretty dangerous. We’re talking tight squeezes, sheer drops, and a kind of darkness that feels like it’s pressing in on you. It’s not exactly a walk in the park. And yet, some people are drawn to it, compelled to crawl into the earth, to explore these strange, alien spaces.

Clifton Beach is backed by an interconnected set of three formally declared reserves: Clifton Beach Coastal Reserve; Cape Deslacs Nature Reserve and Pipe Clay Lagoon Reserve. These reserves have varied microclimates, ranging from beach, saltmarsh, heathland, grassland, forest and woodland, and offer interesting, easy walking.

Ever find yourself wondering, where’s a happy hour near me in Tasmania? We’ve rounded up the best happy hours in Hobart, Launceston, and around the island.

If your family is after action and adventure, Tasmania in winter delivers. From kayaking on crystal-clear waters to world-class mountain biking and snow-covered slopes made for play, there’s something for every kind of explorer. We’ve rounded up some top family-friendly adventures across the island to try in the Off Season. Fun, and far from ordinary.

Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin is a leading expert on jellyfish (she’s discovered more than 200 new species!), and fascinated by everything in nature that glows. From bioluminescent waters to glowing snails, Tasmania quite literally lights up during the Off Season and is fast emerging as a hotspot for bioluminescent phenomena. Dr Lisa-ann shares her insights into this natural wonder, her epic Glow Tour based in Hobart, and why winter is the perfect time to experience it.

Hear the roar of the engine, feel the power of mechanical parts working in harmony, and experience the rush of winter wind through your hair. From boats and cars to trains and more, Tasmania offers a range of thrilling ways to hit the road, rail and sea this Off Season.

Winter is an ideal time to visit Tasmania’s historic sites, where the stories might just be as chilling as the night air. As you explore, it’s hard not to speculate about what life may have been like for the brave souls from days past, who faced the cold without heaters or puffer jackets. It’s a memorable way for young minds, and their grownups, to connect with the past while making the most of the Off Season magic.

Tasmanians don’t slow down in winter and neither does our wildlife. Our isolation has sent evolution down some fascinating paths, and winter offers a chance to meet the unique creatures shaped by this place, along with some from much further afield. Rug up, head out, and meet Tasmania’s remarkable wildlife this Off Season.

The popular Alum Cliffs Track follows the coastline from Kingston to Taroona, with panoramic vistas. Kingston is a fifteen minute drive from Hobart.

As Tasmanians, we take great pride in being an island set apart from mainland Australia. Well, we’re here to shatter those illusions.

As we head deeper into winter with crisp days and longer nights, Tasmania’s Off Season reminds us that this season has something special to offer everyone.

Tasmania has got a thing for cabins, especially in winter. Picture sipping wine by the crackling fire, curling up with a book in a cute reading nook, or hanging out with farm animals, all while taking in the fresh country air. Bet you’re booking that annual leave right now. Find your winter hideaway in these charming cabins, cottages, and farms this Off Season.

The newly constructed and recently opened track traversing Single Hill is a walk not to be missed. The return walk is approximately five kilometres. Single Hill is located at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, at the end of the Esplanade. A regular Metro bus service runs from Hobart.

Make the most of the longer days this summer with adrenaline-fueled adventures and nature-rich experiences, right on your doorstep.

Long summer days plus school holidays equals time for some epic family adventures. Whichever part of the state you’re in or travelling to, there is plenty on offer for the kids and the young at heart.

In today’s world, where screens are  constantly in our faces and we’re always  plugged in, getting a good night’s sleep  is like winning the lottery. That’s why  hotels around the globe are embracing the  growing trend of sleep tourism – curating  experiences specifically designed to help  guests enjoy a full, restful night’s sleep.  With nearly half (48%) of Australian  adults reporting at least two sleep-related  issues (according to the Australian  Institute of Health and Welfare), it’s  no surprise sleep tourism is gaining  momentum. If you’re planning a holiday  off the island in 2025 and want to prioritise  rest during your stay, here are some  hotels in Australia and beyond that have  jumped on the trend.

The beautiful Myrtle Gully Falls are situated in the foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington. The falls, on the Guy Fawkes Rivulet, are some fifteen minutes from the city centre.

In choosing to explore the North South Track, on the north-east slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, our small walking group discovered beautiful and interesting flora, which ranged from open woodland to subalpine vegetation. We walked through a varied landscape, which included caves, impressive weathered sandstone cliffs and cascad­ing mountain streams, whilst enjoying panoramic views over Glenorchy, the Derwent River and the Eastern Shore.

The Art Farm Birchs Bay (AFBB) is located at Channel Highway, Woodbridge, a pleasant 45-minute drive south from Hobart.

As this year’s very chilly winter begins its farewell tour, I find myself yearning for the spring sun. There are few better ways to welcome the return of warmer days than with a trip to the coast, and my desti­nation of choice is Eaglehawk Neck.

Karin Koch is the creator of the Pooseum in Richmond, a science museum dedicated entirely to the intriguing world of animal droppings. She got the idea from reading about a small caterpillar that can launch its poo up to 1.5 metres away.

Born and raised in the serene Upper Derwent Valley, a sanctuary she still calls home, horse enthusiast Stef Gebbie now stands on the other side of the planet. Literally. Amid the vast expanse of Canada, the second-largest country in the world, Stef is embarking on a mighty exhibition: a journey spanning over 6000 km on horseback, a staggering number that puts Burke and Wills to shame.

A favourite walk on kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the Organ Pipes Track to The Chalet, via the Pinnacles Track. This walk starts at The Springs. The track has a well-formed surface. Some gradual climbing is required, but this is not overly challenging. The views vary from overlooking the city centre and surrounding settlements, to spectacular long views of the Derwent Estuary. 

We travel largely to enjoy new experiences, to delight in different cultures and learn new ways of being and doing. But we also take pleasure in revisiting favourite haunts. Likewise, it can be fascinating to encounter something we know very well, but in a different environment – to unexpectedly come across something Tasmanian or from wider Australia while overseas.

The Clarence Coastal Track from Cremorne to Mays Beach, is a distance of 4.5km, with panoramic coastal views along the entire distance. This track is well maintained, signed and is a reasonably easy undulating walk with a few slightly challenging climbs.

On kunanyi / Mount Wellington is a network of bush tracks and trails in Hobart’s backyard. We walked the 100 year old Zig Zag Track to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington on the day it reopened after several years of reconstruction.

Knocklofty Reserve is native bushland in the backyard of West Hobart and Mount Stuart, two kilometres from the centre of Hobart.

Sometimes on a Sunday morning in the warmer months we like to head to a beach. You have to make the most of it while the weather is remotely warm and the water temps aren’t so arctic. On a Sunday recently, we decided to head toward Carlton Beach, not knowing we were about to spend a whole day exploring.

Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this exhilarating coastal trail.

If you enjoy a tranquil walk on sandy terrain, an abundance of wildflowers, scenic ponds, and maybe even a sighting of an elusive forty-spotted pardalote or an eastern barred bandicoot, then head for the Peter Murrell Reserve. The 260-hectare Reserve stretches behind Kingston, Tinderbox and Blackmans Bay, with access points in these suburbs. It is a 20-minute drive south from Hobart.

With the summer holidays around the corner, many will crisscross their way around our state, either to visit family or to spend some quality time away from home. Depending on where you live and where you’re headed, you may even come across one of the Big Things Tassie has to offer.

Fancy getting away from it all for a night in the country? The historic Twamley Farm is about 46 km from Hobart, on the Tea Tree Rivulet just outside of Buckland. Here you can step back in time to stay in one of several delightful and comfortably renovated historic buildings.

The Pipeline Track from the Waterworks Reserve in South Hobart to Fern Tree, nestled in the foothills of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, is a pleasant 3.5 kilometre walk.

Tasmania has become a mecca for mountain bike riding in recent years, with local councils spending on upgrading infrastructure and trails all over Hobart. Our rugged trails have attracted tens of thousands of mountain biking tourists keen on exploring Hobart’s bushland, while injecting millions of dollars into Tasmania’s economy. However, us locals are pretty keen on the sport too, and with the newest trails opening at our three mountain bike parks, mountain bike fever is running high.

My first ski was at the age of about 16 at Ben Lomond. We only had one day up there and it was a literal crash course in skiing.

After too many wet days cooped up inside, a walk was needed to blow away the winter cobwebs.

It’s exhilaration I feel as I stand at the Edge of the World, my hair whipped into a crazy wind-dance as I gaze out upon the endless sea.

Have you wandered any of the tracks of the Bicentennial Park at Mount Nelson?

Around this time every year, I try and think about where to take mum for her birthday. It’s cold, it’s wet and it’s usually gloomy, but I’m always determined to get her out of the house, even for just a few hours. And while I sit and rack my brain for somewhere new to take her, an old faithful always pops up and to this day, continues to always put a smile on my mum’s face.

Nothing beats Kingston Beach for an interesting stroll. We walked along Osborne Esplanade on a sunny day when the river views sparkled, the water and the sky merged into a blue shimmer.

Easter Monday was the perfect day for a relaxing walk along the New Town Rivulet Track to Wellington Park.

When I was thinking of a rejuvenating weekend getaway for our ten-year wedding anniversary recently, wandering through fields searching for fluffy, longhorned cows wasn’t what I had in mind. But as it turns out, that’s exactly what we needed. Nestled on a mountain top in Tassie’s central highlands is the tiny town of Tarraleah; the place that stole our hearts.

Since the Spirit of Tasmania terminal moved from Melbourne to Geelong late last year, a visit to Geelong has been on the radar.

In World War Two, young Australians were fighting in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Families with sons serving overseas waited for news, dreading the arrival of a telegram that meant the worst news. In 1942 and 1943, after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942, many feared Australia was in imminent danger of invasion. This fear was heightened when a Japanese submarine launched seaplane flew a reconnaissance mission over the Hobart area in March 1942.

On a recent trip to Sydney we decided to tack a few extra days on and explore the Blue Mountains. It had been a while between visits and we were surprised to find a whole host of new, creative busi­nesses and experiences to enjoy.

One of my favorite walks is the Clarence Coastal Trail from Roches Beach to Seven Mile Beach. This gentle walk, just a little over three kilometres each way, follows the coastline at the base of undulating hills. The views of distant coastlines, sea and sky uplift the spirits. The sky seems bigger, the colours more intense as we walk by the sea.

Anchored in a stretch of no man’s land between us and Victoria, King Island is an uber relaxed, grassy island, equally hugged and battered by its surrounding oceans. More of a fishing-like village than a commercial tourist hotspot, a recent four day trip was spent a little slower than anticipated, but like its wallaby and crayfish population, widely welcomed by all.

It was a wet night as we rolled into Launceston for a weekend of family fun and a soccer tournament.

With a four-day gap in both mine and my good friend’s calendar, it seemed like a sign from above to shoot over to South Australia for a long weekend.

It seems everywhere I turn someone is talking about or participating in cold water swimming right now.

Autumn sweeps into Hobart, filling our streets with colour. This is a sign that our own deciduous beech, fagus (Nothofagus gunni) is soon to burst into gold, and later dark red, before dropping its leaves entirely. It is the only temperate deciduous native tree in Australia, a descendant of ancient Gondwanic plants.

Feeling stifled from long days of mask-wearing? Luckily, in Tasmania we are never far from somewhere beautiful to escape to on our days off – and breathe in lungfuls of restorative fresh air, mask-free.

“If I can do it darling, you can,” I said to my seven-year-old son, who was hesitat­ing at the start of a mountain bike track.

There is something otherworldly about an island brimming with wombats, a bounty of hikes and gorgeous beaches to laze on.

The inquisitive noses of Biosecurity Tasmania’s (BT) detector dogs at Tasmania’s airports and seaports continue to sniff out restricted goods hidden away in luggage, despite the reduced number of incoming flights in recent times.

The half-day walk to Crescent Beach in the Tasman National Park offers so much- including epic sand dunes for surfing and incredible views.

You’ve heard it before, and we’ll say it again, Tasmanian produce is amazing. And winter is the perfect time to get out and eat it all. Explore the markets, head straight to the farm gates or expand your cooking skills across the island.

We know that staying indoors with the family isn’t always fun. And while it’s obviously cold outside, you’re only a puffer jacket and beanie away from being comfortable and ready to explore. There’s lots of family fun to be had in all sorts of weird and wonderful places across the state these school holidays.

This month, with Dark Mofo on and interstate visitors wander­ing the streets, it might not seem so quiet, but now is the time to mark some events and weekends in your calendar to keep you going through the rest of the ‘off season’.

After initial postponement due to wild weather, the sun is shining and the aerial views unsurpassable when we finally depart from Cambridge airport near Hobart, with Par-Avion.

At the special Q&A launch screening of The Truffle Hunters documentary recently at Hobart’s State Cinema, welcome memories of truffle hunts flooded back.

I nearly called my son Franklin. It was high up on my names list. I’ve always like the look of the word. The way it sounds. And while he ended up Francis (he’s Frankie for short), Franklin is still on my mind.

Keen on our geological, botanical or marine biological environ­ment, and are confident of tackling a moderately steep incline on foot? Then the Fossil Cove Conservation Area, just off the Tinderbox Road, and about three and a half kilometres south of Blackmans Bay, is worthy of a look.

Our colonial history is a common motive for exploring our many regions. One Victorian town so committed to the special theme of the colonial river trade is Echuca.

With various interstate trips vanishing before her eyes thanks to covid-induced border closures, Sarah Aitken booked herself in to hike the world-class Three Capes Track within the Tasman National Park on the Tasman Peninsula. Her legs are still recovering.

Everyone loves a road trip right? Get out of Hobart for the weekend explore what lies beyond the city. Spring Bay Mill, at Triabunna, was once home to the world’s largest wood chip mill.

As we gradually conquer the Covid travel restrictions we’ve been enduring, dreams of exploring mystical locations can soon be a reality again.

We all know Tassie is cold – but could the end be in sight for our mild summers?

When you’re hiking in Tasmania, it’s normally a push to the peak. But Maria Island is different.

Tasmanians have always been keen on boats, understandably as an island girt by sea and, accordingly, many glorious beaches. Hobart already has a high rate of boat licence holders and that number is set to increase with Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) reporting boat training bookings are up two-and-a-half times on previous summers.

“So we’re going for a drive in our house?” my six-year-old asks when I announce we’re taking a motorhome trip in the school holidays. “Kind of,” I reply. “You get to sit in the kitchen while Mum and Dad drive the whole house along.” Lots of laughter and questions flow and it’s obvious that the kids are going to love it. I’m a little apprehensive, I’ll be honest. The practical side of eating, driving, sleeping presents more questions than answers, but in this weird year I’ve learnt that you just have to go with it.

We all know skiing and boarding can be expensive, right? If you don’t have your big 4WD, a private chalet and the latest gear it can be a bit daunting.

Skiing with kids really can go either way. At one end of the spectrum it can be all snowballs and hot chocolates, but on the other it can be meltdowns in puffy clothes with heavy ski boots on. Either way, where you stay while you’re at the snow has a massive bearing on how these things play out – with kids in tow or not!

With Bicheno local Shane Gould recently taking out the title of Australian Survivor, the coastal hamlet has been enjoying some time in the national spotlight.

The evening before we’re due to take a day trip on the new Spirit of the Wild vessel in Strahan, we take a slow wander along the waterfront to check it out as the sun sets. An imposing charcoal grey and reflective glass structure, the boat was purpose-built to take passengers across vast Macquarie Harbour and down the glassy Gordon River. It’s an impressive sight and we’re now excited to board in the morning.

Imagine hiking to view a volcanic archipelago; plunging into the chilly waters of a limestone cave; and dining with locals in remote island villages. That’s a nirvana found in Fiji.