Whatever the Weather

Many Australians from the north island and from afar harbour the fond but erroneous belief that Tasmania "freezes" over once the Easter holiday season has passed. Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, there is no European capital city warmer in winter than Hobart!

Northern Tasmania enjoys a unique climate determined largely by the "roaring forties", that band of prevailing weather found along the 40th parallel which cools the hotter air that blankets the mainland. This leaves the district with a temperature range that Peter Cundall describes as the most ideal for cultivating plants. Do allow time to visit some of the many quite marvellous gardens dotted across the north of the State. Our climate, though not cold, is just not hot!

Our seasons are clearly marked and each brings with it its own set of wonderful characteristics:

WINTER:

Snow on the Great Western Tiers, warm and snug at Elm Wood in traditional European style comfort. Crispy sunshine walks in weather that most often does not require gloves or raincoat.

SPRING:

masses of tulips, daffodils, and bluebells looking out from amongst the superb rhododendron and azalea bushes. Paddocks fresh green, and European deciduous trees and fruit trees in bud and with new leaves ready for the season ahead make this a unique and wonderful landscape to be in. Here we have all of the drama of the northern hemisphere spring.

SUMMER:

when temperatures go no lower at night than most mainland cities, yet rarely rise above the high twenties, warm enough for a swim in the sea, yet cool enough to sleep soundly at night beneath the bed covers without the need for artificial cooling. Long warm days and beautiful sunsets. A truly civilised climate!

AUTUMN:

the season of brilliant tones of yellow, orange and red as leaves prepare to fall. Cool mornings, but expect warm sunshine and calm days. This is also the harvest season for a vast range of fruits and vegetables that stock the markets of mainland Australia and on to Asia and Europe. This is a most idyllic time to visit as the activity of summer slows as our plants prepare for R&R. This is a pleasant and variable climate enriched with constant change as each of the four seasons roll from one into another, each offering an abundance for the traveller rarely found elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. For up current weather forecasts and long-term weather predictions, check out the latest reports at the weather bureau.