Tasmanian Travel Tips
Contrary to popular belief, Tasmania is absolutely part of Australia (even though occasionally we get left off the map), you won’t need to present your passport to enter our beautiful state and the Australian dollar is accepted and used everywhere. But on a more serious note, we want you to discover the best we have to offer and help you prepare for your Tasmanian holiday.
Our Seasons
Tasmania is a unique island destination that enjoys four distinct
seasons. Each season brings with it a different holiday experience. The
weather can vary on any given day so it is best to wear layers and
ensure you have a warm jacket in your bag. If visiting in our warmer
months, due to our temperatures being wonderfully moderate and the
humidity relatively low, many visitors don’t realise the strength of the
sun’s rays. Be sure to use SPF 30+ sunscreen and always wear a hat.
SEASON AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (°C)
Summer (Dec – Feb) 12 min / 24 max
Autumn (Mar – May) 8 min / 19 max
Winter (Jun – Aug) -2 min / 13 max
Spring (Sep – Nov) 7 min / 18 max
Summer (Dec – Feb) 12 min / 24 max
Autumn (Mar – May) 8 min / 19 max
Winter (Jun – Aug) -2 min / 13 max
Spring (Sep – Nov) 7 min / 18 max
National Parks
A National Parks Pass is needed for vehicular entry into all of
Tasmania’s national parks and must be clearly displayed at all times.
The money raised protects and maintains our parks for the future. Visit
www.parks.tas.gov.au for fees and information, or they can also be
purchased from any accredited Tasmanian Visitor Information Centre –
look out for the yellow i.
Mobile Phone Coverage
Outside the cities, regional Tasmania has variable coverage on some
mobile networks. Check with your service provider for details if you
plan on using your mobile phone here.
If you do run into trouble whilst out and about and don't have any coverage please dial 112 and you will be connected with the nearest ambulance, police and fire service. If not 000 is the number to call.
If you do run into trouble whilst out and about and don't have any coverage please dial 112 and you will be connected with the nearest ambulance, police and fire service. If not 000 is the number to call.
Book Ahead
We can be particularly busy through the summer season as well as during
Easter, school and public holidays. Be sure to book ahead of time to
avoid disappointment and we recommend contacting our Holiday Planner
partners such as Holiday Tasmania and Travelways.
Even us as locals have to book ahead these days...
Even us as locals have to book ahead these days...
School Holidas
The school year runs from the beginning of February to rhe middle of
Dcember. The following holiday times are approximate, however they do
not vary much from year to year.
Easter Holiday: Friday 2 April to Sunday 11 April
Term 1 Holiday: Friday 28 May to Tuesday 15 June
Term 2 Holiday: Friday 3 September to Monday 20 September
Easter Holiday: Friday 2 April to Sunday 11 April
Term 1 Holiday: Friday 28 May to Tuesday 15 June
Term 2 Holiday: Friday 3 September to Monday 20 September
Tasmanian Public Holidays
Australia Day: Tuesday 26 January
Launceston Cup: 24 February
Eight Hours Day: Monday 8 March
Good Friday: Friday 2 April
Easter Monday: Monday 5 April
Easter Tuesday: Tuesday 6 April
Queen’s Birthday: Monday 14 June
Royal Launceston Show Day: 7 October
Royal Hobart Show Day: 20 October
Recreation Day: 1 November
Christmas Day Holiday: Monday 27 December
Boxing Day Holiday: Tuesday 28 December
Launceston Cup: 24 February
Eight Hours Day: Monday 8 March
Good Friday: Friday 2 April
Easter Monday: Monday 5 April
Easter Tuesday: Tuesday 6 April
Queen’s Birthday: Monday 14 June
Royal Launceston Show Day: 7 October
Royal Hobart Show Day: 20 October
Recreation Day: 1 November
Christmas Day Holiday: Monday 27 December
Boxing Day Holiday: Tuesday 28 December
Getting Here
Both Hobart and Launceston Airports are our major gateways and, at only
15 minutes drive from each city, it is in a prime location. Domestic
airline services are provided by Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Qantas and Tiger,
with both Launceston and Hobart being between a 50 minute
and a 1 hour flight from Melbourne. All major car rental companies have
locations both at the airport and in the central city. Tasmanianshuttle buses
meet each flight and transfer directly to city accommodation
venues or transit centres. Tasmania´s quarantine requirements are in
place to
protect the state´s plants, crops, and animal industries from introduced
pests, weeds and diseases. Ring before you bring, on (03) 6233 3352 or
visit the website www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/quarantine.
To experience arriving by sea or to bring your own car, the Spirit of Tasmania I and II have a year-round ferry service, departing daily, between Station Pier in Port Melbourne and the city of Devonport on Tasmania’s north west coast, an hour’s drive from Launceston and a 2.5 hour drive from Hobart. A coach service and car rental services are also available from the terminal in Devonport.
To experience arriving by sea or to bring your own car, the Spirit of Tasmania I and II have a year-round ferry service, departing daily, between Station Pier in Port Melbourne and the city of Devonport on Tasmania’s north west coast, an hour’s drive from Launceston and a 2.5 hour drive from Hobart. A coach service and car rental services are also available from the terminal in Devonport.
Safe Driving
Tasmania is a wonderful place to drive thanks to its constantly changing
scenery. Roads in the north east with their renowned mountain passes
are even used in the famous Targa Tasmania car rally. Main and secondary
roads are generally in good condition but many visitors may find the
roads challenging due to the many winding roads and lack of lighting at
night. What can look like an easy short drive on a map might take longer
and be more tiring than anticipated because of the undulating
topography.
Some of the wonderful assets and attractions are accessed only via dirt or gravel roads (check eligibility if you are using a rental car) and these roads can be used by heavy commercial vehicles as well as locals and tourists. It pays to be more alert in these situations; keep your speed down and stay left. There is an abundance of wildlife and much of it is on the move at night. Signage warns to take care in particular areas, especially between dawn and dusk, and remember to keep a watchful eye for our furry friends.
Please also eusure that when the conditions are good you familiarise yourself with the route via your map or gps closely thus enabling you to keep speeds close to the speed limits which on rural roads are 100 km/h and in town 50km/h. More and more accidents are occuring by locals getting frustrated behind a slow moving tourist.
If you do so happen to run over an animal, please if possible try to move it to the edge of the road, as other animals will feed off it, especially the Tasmanian Devil, and we would hate to run them over as well.
Some of the wonderful assets and attractions are accessed only via dirt or gravel roads (check eligibility if you are using a rental car) and these roads can be used by heavy commercial vehicles as well as locals and tourists. It pays to be more alert in these situations; keep your speed down and stay left. There is an abundance of wildlife and much of it is on the move at night. Signage warns to take care in particular areas, especially between dawn and dusk, and remember to keep a watchful eye for our furry friends.
Please also eusure that when the conditions are good you familiarise yourself with the route via your map or gps closely thus enabling you to keep speeds close to the speed limits which on rural roads are 100 km/h and in town 50km/h. More and more accidents are occuring by locals getting frustrated behind a slow moving tourist.
If you do so happen to run over an animal, please if possible try to move it to the edge of the road, as other animals will feed off it, especially the Tasmanian Devil, and we would hate to run them over as well.
Information with thanks from www.discovertasmania.com and pictures from google images
