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Yes, Tasmania receives snow throughout winter, particularly across its mountains and Central Highlands. Snow can also fall during autumn and spring, although conditions are unpredictable and settled snow may not last long.
Southern Tasmania has several places where visitors can see snow within a day trip of nipaluna / Hobart. The easiest is usually kunanyi / Mount Wellington, while Mount Field National Park, the Central Highlands and Hartz Mountains National Park offer wilder alpine landscapes.
Snowfall, road access and visibility can change within hours, so check forecasts, webcams and official road alerts before leaving.
Best chance of snow:
Generally July and August, although falls can occur outside winter.
Closest snow to Hobart:
kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
Best for a road trip:
The Central Highlands.
Best for alpine walking:
Mount Field and Hartz Mountains, when conditions are suitable.
Check before leaving: Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service alerts, Tasmania Police road closures and destination webcams.
Remember: Snow is never guaranteed, even in winter.
Rising above nipaluna / Hobart, kunanyi / Mount Wellington is usually the easiest place to see snow in Southern Tasmania. The summit is around 30 minutes from the city by car when Pinnacle Road is open, making it a popular choice after fresh snowfall.
Check the summit webcams and Pinnacle Road status before setting out. Snow and ice can close all or part of the road, and parking can fill quickly when conditions are good.
The kunanyi / Mount Wellington Explorer Bus may provide another way to reach the mountain during suitable conditions. Check current services and bookings before travelling.
A closed road does not necessarily mean the summit is safely accessible on foot. Winter tracks can be icy, snow covered and difficult to follow. Only experienced and properly equipped walkers should attempt longer alpine routes in poor weather.
Around 90 minutes from nipaluna / Hobart, Mount Field National Park offers rainforest, waterfalls and an alpine landscape that can receive regular winter snow.
The lower section of the park, including Russell Falls and the visitor centre, is generally more accessible. Snow seekers usually continue towards Lake Dobson, where conditions are colder and more alpine.
Lake Dobson Road is winding and unsealed. During snow and ice it may be restricted to four wheel drives or vehicles carrying snow chains, and it can close entirely. Parks and Wildlife advises visitors to check conditions before travelling.
Short walks near Lake Dobson can provide accessible views of snow gums, pandani and the alpine landscape when the road is open.
The Tarn Shelf Circuit is a substantial alpine walk and should only be attempted in winter by experienced, properly equipped walkers who understand the forecast and track conditions.
The Visitor Centre in Mount Field National Park is the perfect starting point for any visit to the park. It’s full of information about the park’s unique history, geology, and ecology. The welcoming staff are also a wealth of knowledge and can provide you with everything from maps to advice on hiking trails and much more.
Mount Mawson is Southern Tasmania’s small, volunteer run ski field. Its tows operate only when snow, weather and staffing allow, so check the latest Mount Mawson reports before travelling. There is no guarantee of lift operation on any particular winter day.
Tasmania’s Central Highlands often feel properly wintry, with frost, frozen lakes and snow settling around higher towns and roads.
Possible stops include Tarraleah, Bronte Park, Derwent Bridge, Miena and Liawenee. The Highland Lakes Road also passes through some of Tasmania’s highest settled country, with broad views across yingina / Great Lake.
Snow and black ice can make highland roads hazardous. Stop only in safe, designated areas and never pull onto an icy roadside or block snow clearing vehicles.
Tarraleah and Bronte Park
Good for a scenic drive, hydro history and possible roadside snow around established stopping places.
Miena, Liawenee and yingina / Great Lake
The highest and coldest part of the route, with strong prospects for frosty landscapes and snow after a cold front.
Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair
Useful for combining snow capped mountain views with short walks, accommodation and food.
Hartz Mountains National Park offers one of Southern Tasmania’s most striking alpine landscapes, around 90 minutes south west of Hobart via Geeveston.
Snow can settle around the higher sections of the park, but access is less predictable than kunanyi / Mount Wellington. The final road section is unsealed and may close during winter. Check park alerts and road conditions before leaving Geeveston.
Hartz Peak is a rewarding alpine walk in settled conditions, but snow, ice, cloud and strong winds can make the route significantly more difficult. Winter attempts are best left to experienced walkers carrying suitable equipment and prepared for rapid weather changes.
Waratah Lookout and the Arve Falls walk provide shorter ways to experience the alpine environment when the road and tracks are open. Arve Falls is approximately 1 kilometre and 20 minutes return.
Tasmania’s alpine weather can change quickly. A clear morning in Hobart does not guarantee clear conditions on the mountain.
Before travelling:
Yes. Snow regularly falls across Tasmania’s mountains and Central Highlands, particularly during winter. Lower towns and coastal areas receive snow much less often.
Snow is most likely between June and August, although falls can occur in autumn, spring and occasionally summer. Snow cover is weather dependent and may melt quickly.
Snow in central Hobart is rare. It falls more frequently on kunanyi / Mount Wellington, which rises directly behind the city.
Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is generally the closest and easiest place to look for snow near Hobart. Check the summit webcams and Pinnacle Road status before leaving.
No. Tasmania does not have continuous snow cover across winter. Conditions can change quickly, and rain or warmer weather may remove settled snow within a short period.
Often, yes. Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Lake Dobson and parts of the Central Highlands can provide roadside or short walk access when roads are open. Always stop in safe, designated areas.
Mount Mawson Ski Field operates within Mount Field National Park when natural snow and operating conditions allow.
A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required for Mount Field National Park and Hartz Mountains National Park. Confirm current requirements and prices on the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Chains may be required on alpine roads during snow and ice. Requirements vary by destination and conditions, so check official road advice before travelling.
Written and reviewed by the Hobart and Beyond team, based in Southern Tasmania and regularly travelling throughout the region.
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