Things to do in Hobart in Winter

Common questions about winter in Hobart

Let's get down to business and answer some of the most common questions about winter holidays in Hobart:

When is winter in Tasmania? Officially winter begins on the 1st of June and ends on the 31st of August. Of course, the weather gods don't do things by precise dates, so Tasmania can get early snow in April and warm sunny days in September. In fact throughout the winter, Hobart often experiences clear, sunny "bluebird" days that make you happy to be alive. 

How cold will it be? This depends on where you live and what feels cold to you. Average winter high temperatures in the northernmost parts of the island are around 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit). In the southernmost regions, the average high is around 13 degrees Celsius (55 Fahrenheit).

Is it harder to get around? With care, preparation, and attention to your speed, you can enjoy a winter self-drive holiday with minimal risk. If you can, avoid driving in the early morning, and in areas that are hidden from the sun - these areas can be slippery. Of course if you're on one of First Light Travel's self-drive holidays, you'll have local backup available 24 hours per day so just give us a call if you have any weather-related issues while you're on the road.

Things to do in Hobart in Winter

Dark Mofo

(an acronym for Museum of Old and New Art: Festival Of Music and Art, often further shortened to Dark MOFO)

Each June in Hobart, the Dark Mofo winter festival delves into centuries-old winter solstice rituals and celebrates the dark through art, music, food, film, light and noise.The festival is organised and curated by the infamous Mona - the Museum of Old and New Art. The eighth iteration of the winter festival returns for seven nights from June 16th–22nd 2021, including festival favourites such as the solstice swim and the nightly communal feasts. There will also be art, live music and pop-up bars in the evenings all around central Hobart. The new after-dark art path brings the festival to various buildings and surprising spaces in the city. This year’s festival will also christen a new bell tower – the first erected in Hobart in nearly 100 years. The 1800-kilogram bell was salvaged from a demolished church in Chicago. 

Museum of Old and New Art (Mona)

Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art is located just up the river from downtown Hobart and is accessible via a 30 minute scenic ferry ride. Mona's subterranean architecture showcases three levels of highlights (and lowlights) of David Walsh’s $110m private collection. Described by Walsh as a "subversive adult Disneyland", the collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world's most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art. Mona is also home to the Moorilla winery, Source Restaurant, bars, a café, and eight stylish accommodation pavilions. Open daily, the art may be edgy but it’s warm inside.

Aurora Australis – the Southern Lights

Located relatively close to the South Pole, Hobart is a perfect spot for observing the fascinating natural phenomenon of the Aurora Australis. The emergence of colours and flickers in the night starry sky creates an impression of the universe close at hand. The Tasmanian aurora spectacle is somewhat elusive so we can never be sure when the solar winds will make it shine the brightest. Experienced observers recommend planning a trip to Hobart in winter, roughly from May to August. At this time of year, nights are longer, giving more opportunities to spot the Southern Lights. Nearly all of Tassie is good for aurora spotting, especially unobstructed views facing south. Our favourite picks for Hobart are kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Rosny Hill and Mount Nelson.

Sip a nip of Tasmanian Whisky

Tasmanian whisky has taken the world by storm, with many locally-produced blends winning top awards overseas. Follow the Tasmanian Whisky Trail, visiting Hobart distilleries such as Lark and Sullivans Cove. Complete your education in Tassie whisky by attending Tasmanian Whisky Week in August (9th - 15th 2021). The week-long festival features exciting events hosted by Tasmanian distilleries, bars, restaurants and hotels. You'll be able to go behind the scenes, meet the distillers in person, have access to unreleased whiskies, and dine on delicious produce matched to the spirits on offer. If you’re cold you’re sure to warm up after a whisky or two!

Salamanca Place and the Salamanca Markets

Scallop pies, steaming locally-roasted coffees, snugly wool throws and scarves — winter is the perfect time to spend wandering the myriad stalls of the Saturday markets at Salamanca Place. Salamanca Place, with its restored sandstone buildings, is a tourist hub in the heart of Hobart's historic waterfront.

Built by convicts between 1835 and 1860, these beautiful Georgian buildings were once warehouses along the commercial centre of old Hobart. Today, they house art galleries, cafés, restaurants and shops.

You can dine at various restaurants along the cobblestone strip; shop for antiques and souvenirs; or visit the galleries, performing arts venues, and ateliers of the Salamanca Arts Centre. Every Saturday, tourists and locals alike flock to the Salamanca Markets, where more than 300 vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewellery and woodwork to fresh produce and winter woollens.

Take a carriage ride

For a real winter treat, take a twilight horse and carriage ride around the old waterfront or Battery Point. As the streets echo with the clip-clop of hooves, snuggle deeper beneath some warm blankets and sip on a hot chocolate (or something stronger). With your driver in full livery of the period, it’s surely the best way to evoke the old colony in Georgian and Victorian times. Highlights include St George’s Anglican Church and Arthur Circus with cottages which once housed army officers after settlement.

Kunanyi/Mt Wellington summit – Zig Zag Track Lookout Loop

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the city’s beloved mountain, Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Rich in wildlife and blanketed in forest, woodlands and alpine environments, it is a natural playground for the people of Hobart. An extensive network of walking tracks are a great way of exploring the mountain, taking visitors past waterfalls, through fern glades and gullies, and opening up great views of Hobart. A favourite easy walk for locals and visitors alike is the Pinnacle to Zig Zag Track Lookout Loop. This short walk from the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington across the plateau to a lookout will reward you with great views and a taste of Tasmania’s alpine environment. Make sure to wear your warmest winter woollies, as there is often snow on the mountain, making it a true winter wonderland. The City of Hobart closes Pinnacle Road, the road to the summit, when ice and snow make it unsafe for public vehicles.

Cascade Brewery

Five minutes from the city centre, Cascade Brewery claims to be Australia’s oldest. Built in 1824, you can see the history in its colonial architecture and beautiful gardens. Take a tour and check out the blend of old-fashioned beer-making techniques with modern technology. Sample the beers, stouts and ciders, and then match your favourites with the menu at the restaurant, in the refurbished old manager’s house.

Indulge in the foodie scene

Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart has an exciting drinking and dining scene, so what better place to start your gourmet adventure. Begin your day in Battery Point, an historic suburb just a 10 minute walk from Hobart city centre. This neighbourhood is known for its perfectly preserved cottages and for the most delicious bakery in town. Jackman & McRoss is part shop and part café, with shelves full of loaves and tarts, cabinets of sweet treats and a delicious brunch menu. Dinner options are endless, as Hobart punches above its weight with a wide range of restaurants offering various cuisine options and price points. Our favourites include the Asian-accented Tasmanian dishes at Aloft, Italian tasting menus at Fico, and the classic pub dishes at trendy and modern The Brick Factory.

For more details about winter in Tasmania, read our recent blog on What to do in Tasmania during Winter. There’s information on whale watching, perfect winter walks, underworld caves, ghost tours and more, plus all the important details on road safety and weather. Remember to pack your beanie and gloves and we’ll see you there!

Have we convinced you to try a winter escape to Hobart for your next holiday? To explore your options further, our Free Planning Service is here to help. Our Locally-Based Travel Specialists will work closely with you to create a trip tailor-made to your exact specifications. We love Tasmania with a passion and can't wait for you to get in touch.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect Tasmania trip? See our most popular self drive itineraries here

From family vacations to romantic getaways, we’re here to help you create the holiday you need right now!