On the west coast

De-stress out west – it’s a wildly invigorating place to spend winter.

Nature is king on the west coast, where World Heritage wilderness awaits exploration. Smell the swirling rainforest air and ocean mist, stimulate all five senses with an adventure into the past, and blow out the cobwebs on a daring dune ride.

Zip up your toastiest jacket and add these west-coast experiences to your list of things to do in Tasmania in winter. Much like the rugged terrain out here, the Off Season is for the trailblazers.

Eat

Seek foodie experiences that warm you from the inside and connect you with the community.

On the west coast, the locals have smiles and stories to share. Stop in at Linda Cafe, a hub of food and light in a resurrected ghost-town, for a cuppa and a beef brisket bun or seasonal soup. Head into rocky Queenstown for top-notch Tasmanian vino and nibbles at Moonscape Wine Bar, or enjoy silky pinot and warm mussels by the fire at Smelters Restaurant. Further west in Strahan, sink into a soft chair high above the harbour and graze on wine and cheese at View 42° Restaurant and Bar.  

Stay

Wherever you stay on the west coast, natural beauty follows.

Corinna Wilderness Village offers eco-accommodation in pure isolation (a kayak trip to Lovers Falls is a must while you’re here).

Choose historical accommodation equipped with a fireplace: Franklin Manor was once the home of Strahan’s Harbour Master – today, it’s a timeless boutique stay. Kerrellie Cottages, formerly the quarters of the police superintendent, offers quaint interiors and an inviting spa bath. And laze on a large sofa at Rosy Summers, an old miner’s shack, painted a joyous shade of pink.

For modern indulgence, thick rugs warm your feet at French-style cabin the Quarters Strahan; gather round the firepit with mates or sink into a stone tub on the deck at the Galah’s Nest; seek seclusion for two, snuggling into linen-laden couches at Bushy Summers; or cook marshmallows over the fire and drink in water views at Seaforth Shack.  

Play

Out west, history and outdoor adventure collide.

Bolt down Mount Owen on a seriously scenic mountain bike ride, or through the epic buttongrass plains of Zeehan’s Silver City MTB Trails. You might encounter snow flurries, clear sunlight, or lashing winter rain – embrace whatever comes.

Tasmania’s tallest waterfall flourishes during winter: walk or bike to Montezuma Falls (104m) and step onto the exhilarating swing bridge. Or hire a toboggan and head to Henty Dunes for a dash down the slopes.  

Gordon River Cruises and World Heritage Cruises whisk you across atmospheric waters into Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, while the West Coast Wilderness Railway trundles ever higher through the rainforest. History surrounds you: hear tales of the region’s gold-mining boom and bust, discover remnants of a harsh convict settlement on Sarah Island, and rewatch history while you wine and dine at the art deco-style Paragon Theatre – a building oozing old grandeur, harking back to a golden era of the once glamorous, now humble west coast.