Whether you want to build a snowman or ski, these are the best places to find snow in Tasmania.
Tucked away at the bottom of Australia, the beautiful island of Tasmania is renowned for its pristine wilderness, fresh-caught seafood and picturesque towns. The Apple Isle is a place where you can breathe fresh air and embrace a slower pace of life. While many mainlanders are aware of the cooler temperatures experienced by our most southerly state, few realise that in winter, snow is abundant – if you know where to look. In fact, should you be flying into Tasmania mid-winter, you might even see the central highlands blanketed in white on your way in. From scenic spots for snow play and tobogganing to alpine areas perfect for skiing, you’ll find snowy escapes within an easy drive of the major cities. However, be sure to check the national parks websites and snow cams to get up-to-date information before venturing out, purchase a parks pass, and check whether your vehicle will require snow chains or 4WD capabilities to make the journey. These are seven of the best places to see snow in Tasmania.
The best time to see snow in Tasmania is during the Australian winter months of June, July and August, with July typically being the coldest and most reliable for snowfall. While snow is still common in Tasmania’s highlands, studies show a decline in snow cover and snow days in recent years, making mid-winter the best window to catch it.
In Tasmania, you’re most likely to find snow in the Central Highlands and mountainous regions during winter. Currently, the most popular snow spots include the Southwest National Park, Mount Field National Park and Kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Hobart. For those looking to ski, Ben Lomond in the north offers Tasmania’s most well-serviced ski resort, with (mostly) reliable snow and facilities for winter sports.
Alpine areas such as the Central Highlands, Mount Wellington/kunanyi, Ben Lomond and Cradle Mountain usually receive the heaviest and most consistent snow fall. Liawenee is a small inland fishing town within the Great Lake region, and is considered to be the snowiest place in Tasmania.
Elevation: 1271 metres
For some of the most accessible snow in Tasmania, drive 30 minutes from Hobart CBD to Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Easily reached via Pinnacle Road, this alpine area offers beautiful sunset and sunrise views over the southern capital. There’s also plenty of scenic bush trails, and the rare chance to walk above the clouds on the boardwalk when the cloud cover is low. While it’s not a ski spot, you’ll often find enough snow for a snowman, and the summit features restrooms, a covered viewing deck, and real-time snow updates via the Hobart City Council’s snowcam – perfect for a quick snow trip!
Elevation: 900–1500 metres
Cradle Mountain is one of the best places to experience snow in Tasmania. This beautiful national park offers visitors a fairytale winter landscape of snow-covered peaks, alpine lakes and wandering wombats. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it’s known for its scenic beauty and semi-consistent winter snow. Easily accessible from Launceston in two hours or Hobart in 2.5 hours (to the southern end), the area has family-friendly walks such as the Enchanted Walk—complete with boardwalks, gentle terrain and frequent wombat sightings, and is home to the iconic Dove Lake boathouse and circuit walk.
Read: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain review
Those seeking to tee up their visit to cradle mountain with a magical snow fall experience should book a stay between June and August – though be prepared to be disappointed. While the area usually gets snow, it isn’t consistent or regular, and it is possible to visit in the middle of winter, only to be met with little more than hail, gusty winds and icy temperatures.
Elevation: 1570 metres
Ben Lomond National Park is home to Tasmania’s only downhill ski field and premier snow resort, making it a top destination to experience snow in Tasmania. Located a little more than an hours’ drive from Launceston, it has enough snow for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing on the Ben Lomond Plateau. Ben Lomond’s Legges Tor peak is the second-highest in Tasmania, and the alpine village at the base has everything you need, from ski lifts and lessons to food and accommodation. Be sure to bring tyre chains for the steep climb up Jacob’s Ladder, a winding mountain road with hairpin turns and switchbacks that leads to this high-altitude winter playground.
Elevation: 700–1400 metres (Mount Mawson)
Mount Field National Park is a stunning piece of alpine paradise in the south of the state. The scenic Tarn Shelf walk takes hikers past glacial tarns and frost-tipped alpine plants, and is a worthwhile adventure for those experienced in winter bushwalking. Also hidden away in the World Heritage-listed national park is Mount Mawson, a fantastic spot to ski and play in the snow in Tasmania. Located just 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart, the area offers snow-covered peaks and lush temperate rainforests crisscrossed with magical bushwalks. Mount Mawson has Tasmania’s steepest serviced ski runs and some of the best value lift passes in the state, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding. It’s an affordable and no-frills ski experience, so plan to DIY and BYO ski essentials.
Elevation: 1034 metres
Achieving icy temperatures that dip below –5°C, visitors get a true taste of winter snow in Tasmania in the Central Highlands and Great Lake region. Tasmania’s snowy heartland is home to the towns of Liawenee and Miena, which are known for consistent thick frosts and frequent snowfalls, with Liawenee often recording the coldest temperatures in the state. The sealed Highland Lakes Road, accessible from Bothwell or Deloraine, winds past scenic lakefront settlements and through frosted landscapes ideal for exploring. Keep an eye out for pockets of powder in Bronte Park, Tarraleah and Derwent Bridge area.
Elevation: 1150-1450 metres
If your family includes experienced hikers and you’re equipped for snowy, remote conditions, Walls of Jerusalem National Park offers an unforgettable alpine winter adventure. Located about 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive southwest of Launceston, the park has no road access beyond the Lake Rowallan carpark, where snow is often visible in winter. From there, a well-defined 3.6 km trail climbs steadily through eucalypt forest to Trappers Hut, before continuing a mostly flat 3 km to the Wild Dog Creek campsite. This scenic stretch passes highlights such as Solomon’s Jewels and is often blanketed in snow, transforming the area into a striking winter wilderness. The campsite includes tent platforms, basic toilets, and often running water, making it an ideal base for exploring Tasmania’s only true alpine national park. A valid parks pass and fuel stove are required, and huts are for emergency use only.
Elevation: 1250 metres
Hartz Mountains National Park is a lovely spot to experience snow in Tasmania, and you’ll find it within a 90-minute drive south of Hobart in the Huon Valley. The dolerite mountain range gets (mostly) regular winter snow and is often dusted white during the colder months. Though a little less accessible, it rewards visitors with peaceful alpine scenery, glacial lakes and a variety of walking trails. Try the easy Waratah Lookout with little tykes or the more challenging Hartz Peak Trail if you’re a family of experienced bushwalkers.
Keep reading:
This article is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter below.
Rockhampton has a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant community events, plenty to...
Read More
The rise of Instagrammable holidays has upped the amount of families travelling each year, but...
Read MoreBrowse our selection of great family accommodation options around the world