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Going to Tasmania for Christmas is tempting. We usually get a week or two off with minimal annual leave at this period, and it’s one of the best spots in Australia to escape the summer heat. But planning a trip to Tasmania for Christmas isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. We spent two weeks there over the holiday season, and here are my tips to make your planning easier.
Why travelling to Tasmania for Christmas can be tricky
Tasmania is a popular destination at that time of year. Days are longer, the weather is great – much milder than mainland Australia – and there are plenty of natural attractions to explore and wildlife to spot (it’s a perfect time to see wild penguins). But this also means demand is high, and if you don’t plan ahead, you may face expensive accommodation, limited availability, and crowded attractions.
Important things to keep in mind
Increase your budget
Christmas in Tasmania isn’t cheap. Flights, car hire, and accommodation all jump in price. Factor this into your budget, especially if you have limited time as you’ll have less flexibility if you want to maximise your itinerary to see as much as possible around the island.
We originally thought we’d hire a van and stay at free campsites, but in peak season, there was a big risk they’d be full. For a stress-free holiday, we ended up booking private campgrounds for the most visited places in Tasmania. It cost more, but we didn’t regret it; having peace of mind during your holiday is extra comfort worth spending on.
Book early
Accommodation, campervans, and even campsites book out months in advance. If you’re set on visiting iconic places like Freycinet or Cradle Mountain, you’ll need to lock things in early. When organising your trip, try to avoid renting a vehicle from the 25 or 26 December as many rental companies will be closed. Get your vehicle before or after Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Plan your grocery shopping
Shops close on 25 and 26 December, so plan ahead. We landed in Hobart on Christmas Eve and stocked up before exploring the city, as the shop would be closed later. That way, we could head out on our road trip with all our supplies and without worrying about shops’ opening times.
Allow extra time
Whether it’s waiting for the ferry or finding a car park at a national park, allow extra time. Things move a bit slower with holiday crowds.
One trick we found useful was staying an extra night near busy areas. This way, you could visit popular spots like Wineglass Bay early in the morning or late in the afternoon, avoiding the worst of the day-tripper rush.
Pack for all kinds of weather
It’s summer, but Tasmanian weather is unpredictable. At Cradle Mountain, we needed warm layers even during the day while hiking and had nights around 5°C (41°F). But I’ve also heard about “severe heatwaves” early January in some regions of the island.
Always check conditions, and bring gear for both cool and warm weather.
Travel with food
We loved buying simple snacks and meals from local shops and enjoying them outdoors in case cafes got busy and had a line. It saved time and meant we could picnic in some stunning locations.
Prepare a Tasmanian Christmas feast
If you’re self-catering, Christmas is the perfect excuse to create a feast with Tasmania’s incredible local produce. Stock up at markets or farm shops and enjoy fresh seafood (oysters, crayfish, scallops, mussels), cheeses from Bruny Island or the Huon Valley, and cool-climate wines. Even if you’re camping or on the move on Christmas Day, you can keep it simple with a picnic-style spread featuring local bread, cherries, and a bottle of local sparkling wine for the fancy addition.
It’s a great way to celebrate Christmas in Tasmania while supporting local producers.
Plan Christmas Day activities in advance
Some tours still run on Christmas Day, but they sell out quickly. Some popular attractions (like Port Arthur) even close on Christmas Day, so plan accordingly. It’s a good day for activities that are self-guided, like hiking.
Did you travel to Tasmania for Christmas? Share your experience in the comments below!
