OFF SEASON: Gear Up For Epic Exploits
by Stephanie Williams
In winter, the adventure in Tasmania goes up a notch. Maybe harder, but definitely rewarding. As snow blankets kunanyi / Mount Wellington and winds sweep across coastlines, layers of gear are added. The Off Season isn’t just about cosying up – it’s about cranking up that adventure dial.
Gnarly Biking Trails
Winter in Tasmania means a change in conditions perfect for mountain biking. Ride the professionally crafted trails with Meadowbank MTB (meadowbankmtb.com.au) in the Derwent Valley where thrilling jumps and descents await. For a luxurious mountain biking adventure, take a ride with Blue Derby Pod Rides (bluederbypodsride.com.au) for a multi-day tour, going to bed each night in your very own pod within the trees. Can’t get enough? Cruise down kunanyi / Mount Wellington on an e-bike with Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures (tasmba.com.au) – it’s downhill fun all the way to the bottom.
Alpine Adventures
Cradle Mountain has got to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. From moss-covered rainforests and deep gorges to gleaming white peaks, it’s the definition of Tasmanian wilderness. But it’s not just a pretty face – it’s an adventure playground too. Lace up your boots and explore the numerous hikes, or embark on a kayak journey on Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain Canyons (cradlemountaincanyons.com.au).
Caves Are Calling
Tassie is a mecca for caving. Overcome any fears of the dark and tight spaces – beneath the surface lies a whole new world waiting to be explored. In winter, Tasmanian caves become an incredible water world, with pools and waterfalls. Get a proper look with Wild Cave Tours (wildcavetours.com), who will guide you safely through chambers under the Great Western Tiers.
Sled Dog Season
Welcome to Lonnavale in the Huon Valley, where Siberian Huskies reign supreme and the adventure is fur real. Climb aboard with Sled Dog Adventures (sleddogadventurestasmania.com.au) and let these majestic canines whisk you away on a thrilling journey through narrow bush trails. The cold will attack your cheeks as you zoom through the forest for a white-knuckle ride. It’s a paw-some experience that the Huskies are barking mad for.
Ski Ya Later
For snow-sational thrills, take the journey to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort (benlomondalpineresort.com.au). After conquering the steep, winding Jacob’s Ladder road, you’ll find yourself in a winter wonderland, a quaint ski village amongst the snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re a rookie or a pro, hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing action. Wrap up your snow day with hot chocolate and s’mores in one of the mountain cabins, and drift off to sleep still feeling like you’re flying down the snowy slopes.
Flights Over Freycinet
On the rugged and beautiful east coast lies Freycinet National Park. Granite mountains surround sparkling blue bays and picture-perfect white beaches – even in winter. Freycinet Air Tasmania (freycinetair.com.au) will take you on a helicopter flight over Wineglass Bay, without the doors! Feel the rush of fresh winter air as you take in the finest views this side of the world has to offer.