The Best Spots To See Snow In Tasmania This Winter
By Josie Rozenberg-Clarke
Far from huddling around a heater in winter, Tasmanians don’t let a single-digit temperature deter them from hunting the white stuff during peak snow season. From famous peaks to alpine fields and high-altitude plateaus, there’s plenty of opportunities to create your own winter wonderland adventure right here at the bottom of the world.
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Cradle Mountain (image: Paul Fleming)
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
Snow is common at Cradle Mountain in the state’s north, so if you’re heading into the National Park, check the Bureau of Meteorology’s advice in case of weather-related road closures. If the roads are clear, either drive or get the bus from the Visitor Information Centre to Dove Lake to enjoy the icy wonderland that is Cradle Mountain in winter. Wander the Dove Lake circuit track for great views of the snow-capped mountains, or take the kids along the Enchanted Walk to spot wombats waddling in the snow.
Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain (image: Laura Helle)
MOUNT FIELD
If you’re looking for a snow day a bit closer to Hobart, Mount Field could produce the goods. About a 1.5-hour drive from the capital city, this National Park is home to beautiful hikes, the famous Russell Falls, and the Mount Mawson Ski Field. With a handy live cam to monitor snowfall, you can keep an eye on the powder levels before you commit to buckling up the helmet for a ski or snowboard.
66 Lake Dobson Rd, National Park
Mount Field (image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)
KUNANYI/MT WELLINGTON
The iconic backdrop of Hobart looks even more majestic when its summit is sprinkled with the white stuff. While the winding Pinnacle Road to Kunanyi/Mt Wellington is often closed to cars during snowfall, the Explorer Bus still has access, and runs a 2.5 hour City to Snow tour during winter. Departing from the CBD, the 2.5-hour round trip gives you plenty of time for a snowball fight or snowperson-making session once you reach the top.
Departs from 4 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
Kunanyi/Mt Wellington (image: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman)
BEN LOMOND
Serious snow bunnies will want to skip the rest of the list and head straight to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort, located in the National Park in Tassie’s north-east. Tasmania’s only commercial ski resort (complete with four snow machines) guarantees snow during the peak season from June to late September. You’ll find skiing and snowboarding for all levels, a toboggan run, cross-country skiing, and plenty of alpine fields, as well as a ski village for on-mountain accommodation.
Ben Lomond Rd, Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond (image: Ben Lomond Alpine Resort)
YINGINA/GREAT LAKE
Smack-bang in the middle of Tassie, the central plateau region is one of the iciest in the state. With regular sub-zero temps overnight, waking up to see frost, ice and snow is pretty run of the mill in these parts – there’s even been snow here in summer! From the small town of Miena, head to Yingina/Great Lake’s wide, flat fields for ultimate snow play. If a storm hits, you can always take refuge in the cosy Great Lake Hotel to warm your mitts over a hot lunch.
Miena, Tasmania
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