As the days slowly get shorter and the summer months draw to their inevitable close, it seems that Tasmania’s East Coast exhales gently, in contentment.

A Tasmanian Winter is a splendid thing. As the days slowly get shorter and the summer months draw to their inevitable close, it seems that Tasmania’s East Coast exhales gently, in contentment.

Where the summer holidays are merry, festive, full of enthusiasm and eagerness; the cooler months are set-aside for the dreamers and the doers, and for family. You can still do all of the things that you might do in summer, but you can do it more slowly, with open space for meanderings, quiet time spent with loved ones, and quiet for contemplation.

Weather on the coast leans strongly toward mild, the frost still sets in from time to time, but it melts away quickly, making space for glorious sunny days, with a crispness in the air that makes for perfect adventuring, whether it be beach play, forest walks, mountain climbs, bike rides, (check out St Helens MTB) fishing, or vineyard meandering.

The days close early, encouraging us to savour a little extra time indoors to read, draw, paint, or write; or just switch off and watch some old movies, listen to music, meditate, sleep and just stop.

Just a few reasons we love our winter months…..

• The average day time temperature from June – September is around 14 or 15 degrees, very mild and great for walking and playing and making it a sensational destination with school holidays just around the corner
• Tasmania’s East Coast has far fewer rainy days in winter than summer, or for that matter, anywhere else in the state
• There are far fewer people on the walking tracks
• It’s completely possible to walk any of the beaches and have them entirely to yourself, if you’re brave enough, take a quick skinny dip, we guarantee you will feel more awake than you have all year!
• The sunsets are magical this time of year
• Activity bookings are more readily available, and you might catch a winter discount
• You are in with a chance to spot some whales. (Check out Wineglass Bay Cruises) They visit briefly, heading north for the cooler months during June and July. Visitors include Southern Right, Humpback, Pilot and very occasionally Minky’s. Also, common and bottlenose dolphins.
  The wildlife is more adventurous with fewer people around, penguins, wallabies and possums venture regularly into yards and public spaces, or visit the now famous wombat on Maria Island!
• For photographers…. the light. You know what we mean. Winter light is amazing. The rock formations along the coastline are spectacular; and sunrise and sunset shots are much more convenient when the days are shorter!
• It gets darker earlier, which is the perfect excuse to curl up with a book and a glass of wine and enjoy a few quiet, cosy nights in

Gratitudes:

• Original Post Excerpt: Cod Rock Point – Bicheno
• Images: Courtesy of Why Then How