Best nature spots in Tasmania
Images adapted from @chasingjoyy, @jc.22 & @lostboardshorts
New year, new spots to add to your epic 2019 travel bucket list. Singaporeans flock Down Under on the regular for the chill vibes, great cafes and awesome climate. But nature lovers are in for a treat, as Australia is home to some of the most stunning sights on this planet, unmarred by mankind.
From snowy forests straight out of a fairytale to gorgeous fields of lavender for next-level IG shots, we’ve unearthed 7 incredible nature sights in Tasmania alone that’ll rev up your wanderlust levels like never before.
1. Bay Of Fires
Sounding straight out of Game Of Thrones, the Bay Of Fires was christened back in 1773 when a Royal Navy navigator spotted the fires of Aussie’s Aboriginal people on the beaches.
Image credit: @baasbastiaans
The iconic orange rocks create a picture-perfect contrast against deep blue waters, with clear white sands as icing on the cake.
Pssst…Head there around 4.45PM to 5.15PM in the winter where days are short and you’ll witness some of the most magnificent crimson sunsets ever.
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2. Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Image credit: @jc.22
No trip to Tasmania is complete without swinging by Bridestowe Lavender Estate, where you’ll be greeted by an enormous sea of vibrant purple blooms from late December through to January. Other than being drop-dead gorgeous and highly Instagrammable, the estate also has a quaint cafe and gift shop.
Image credit: @bogiezz
Don’t miss out on the scrumptious lavender-infused ice cream, boasting an intoxicating scent and refreshing floral flavours. For AUD$5 per scoop, you can get Pure Lavender, Chocolate Lavender, Blueberry Lavender, Lemon Lavender or Honey Lavender cones.
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3. Overland Track
Image credit: @eldonwee
Popular amongst locals and tourists alike as a prime summertime hiking spot, the Overland Track transforms come winter. With temperatures sometimes dipping beyond 0°C between June to August, snow envelops the trail and turns it into a winter wonderland of sorts.
Our recommendation is to sign up for a guided snowshoeing trip. Pick up the techniques on manoeuvering tricky plains while taking in the enchanting sights. As an added bonus, snowshoeing is a fantastic cardio workout that boosts your coordination and agility.
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4. Cradle Mountain
Image credit: @nicollabres
True blue hikers in search of the next big challenge, look no further than Tassie’s renowned Cradle Mountain. Expect breathtaking alpine views, super crisp fresh mountain air, and pristine waters surrounding the climb.
Image credit: @acorresponder
Perhaps the most attractive highlight of them all is the promise of wombat sightings. The adorably chubby critters native to Australia are pretty fearless, and happy to just be hanging around when human visitors pass by. Although it’s tempting to give them a friendly pat or two, it’s best to watch from a distance and give them their space.
Tip: Other than keeping an eye out for their tiny paw print tracks, trails of square-ish poops are also tell-tale signs that there are wild wombats nearby!
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5. Three Capes Lodge Walk
Image credit: @lostboardshorts
If your new year’s resolution is to rack up steps on your pedometer, might as well do so while enjoying one heckuva scenic walk. The Three Capes Lodge Walk is a fully guided exploration tour spanning 4 days, involving a private boat ride, possible seal and dolphin sightings, plus unrivalled views of the entire Tasman Peninsula.
Image credit: @monkey_andbear
Besides fuelling your spirit for adventure, the itinerary also features top-notch dining and accommodation arrangements, and even massage, facial and relaxation baths at the lodge. Talk about enjoying life to the fullest!
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6. Dove Lake
Image credit: @chasingjoyy
The beautifully named Dove Lake showcases vast, clear waters glistening in the sunlight. When temperatures dip, a light fog surrounds the lake and creates a fairytale atmosphere you won’t find in swelteringly sunny Singapore.
The area is paved with irregular stone steps, so do exercise caution throughout the trail. That said, it’s a great opportunity for intermediate level trekkers to work their glutes while basking in the wonders of nature.
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7. Aurora Australis
Ralphs Bay, Tasmania.
Image credit: @james.garlick
A combination of aesthetics plus awe-inspiring nature and science makes the phenomenon of Aurora highly sought after for any traveller. Rather than traversing halfway across the globe in search of the Northern Lights, head Down Under for a spectacular glimpse of the Aurora Australis instead.
Betsey Island, Tasmania.
Image credit: @james.garlick
Although they can be spotted year round, the optimum period is wintertime, where days are shorter so you can stay out longer. Places highlighted in this list such as Bridestowe Lavender Estate and Cradle Mountain are hotspots for aurora sightings, but we’ve compiled other prime aurora locations too, across different Aussie states.
Things to do in Tasmania during autumn and winter
These epic nature sights might have you all revved up to book the next flight to Tasmania. But, more good news – if you thought summer was the only and best season to swing by, you’d be pleased to know the places featured offer an equally, if not more enchanting experience during the colder months – autumn from March to May and winter from June to August.
From colourful displays of deciduous Fagus to the promise of snowfall within a picturesque forest, an autumn or wintertime getaway means you won’t have to block out certain travel dates that fit the “ideal months” for Tassie travels.
Besides, an endless variety of wintertime activities is waiting to be discovered, be it for your grad trip or just when you have a few extra days of annual leave to splash! Aside from one-of-a-kind natural wonders, Tasmania is also home to unique experiences from underground art museums to dark winter festivals.
Discover more of what Tasmania has to offer here
This post was brought to you by Tourism Australia.