A spring Christmas on the other side of the world? It could be a good idea if you already know Australia or if you want to start exploring it from one of its most unique corners. The journey to this continent is long, tiring, and expensive, so people often try to see as many places as possible in a short amount of time. Our idea is different. Treat yourself to six days in a place few have seen before: this way, you can capture the secret soul of the most authentic Australia and give yourself another excuse to return in the future. The island of Tasmania is perfect for all this, especially at Christmas.
Christmas “Down Under”
“Down Under” is a slang term Australians use to refer to their continent. It literally means “down below” and indicates the furthest south imaginable. And if you thought Australia was already so far south… Tasmania, its southernmost state, breaks all records. Tasmania is a large island located off the coast of Melbourne (about 300 km away), and since the geographical conditions and calendar are reversed at these latitudes, it is also the coldest island on the continent. But since December here in Australia corresponds to a spring month (like May in Europe), Tasmania will offer cool temperatures and delightfully rainy weather. In short, something very similar to a Southern European Christmas week.
Something to know
About Tasmania: it bears the name of its discoverer, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman; it was once inhabited by a unique indigenous tribe, sadly forced into extinction in the 19th century; it has a capital city—Hobart—that strongly resembles an English provincial town; it boasts a unique fauna, with its iconic animal being the carnivorous marsupial known as the Tasmanian Devil. Tasmania, despite being part of the wild Australia, reminds more of good old Europe, which is why you should choose it if you want to spend a special Christmas abroad. The island’s beauty is undoubtedly its mountainous nature, rich in alpine panoramas, rivers, and lakes.
Christmas itinerary in Tasmania
If you treat yourself to a week in Tasmania, you can see some of the most fascinating places in a six-day trip at full speed, with a seventh day of total freedom and relaxation.
Our idea is to depart from Hobart, the capital, where you will arrive by landing at the local airport (Hobart Airport – HBA), perhaps with a connection from the much more famous and touristy Melbourne Airport (MEL). Hobart is a city steeped in history, with monuments such as the historic Port Arthur and the Battery Point fortress that tell the tale of a turbulent past; if you’re looking for the liveliest part of the city, enjoy the Salamanca Place market, while art lovers can visit the M.O.N.A. museum. Climbing to the top of Mount Wellington hill is a must for a bird’s-eye view of the city, and a relaxing visit to the Botanic Gardens will give you a flavour of Australia.
A second stop, north of Hobart, could be Freycinet National Park, with its panoramas of pink rocky hills plunging into a crystal-clear sea. From here, continue to the city of Launceston, a splendid colonial historic place where you can admire buildings such as Albert Hall, Town Hall, and the General Post Office. Do not miss its stunning nature such as Low Head beach, home to a penguin colony, and the vineyards and lavender fields of the Tamar Valley.
On the third day, you could venture to Great Lake, in the heart of the island. Surrounded by gentle mountains, this lake originates from a small natural body of water enlarged by the damming of its tributary river. The towns on its shores, Liaweenee and Miena, offer interesting opportunities (including culinary delights) for passing tourists.
On the fourth day, you’ll visit the seaside town of Stanley, on the westernmost tip of the island: amidst plains and volcanic landscapes, this town’s distinctive feature is its splendid beach and the unique artisanal crafts of its inhabitants.
On the fifth day, nature once again dominates the stage: go visit Cradle Mountain in the heart of the national park of the same name, which also includes Lake St. Clair.
The sixth day will be even wilder, among the forests and restless streams of southern Tasmania. Between Strahan and Queenstown, canoe enthusiasts can test their skills on the rapids, while the less adventurous will content themselves with healthy mountain walks.
On the seventh day…
On the seventh day, if you’d like to rest, you can choose any of the places you visited and return to experience them at your own pace. Alternatively, you can venture beyond the limits of the guidebook and create a new stop in enchanting Tasmania, perhaps strolling through the colonial village of Richmond, enjoying Bicheno Beach, or treating yourself to a day trip to Bruny Island.
