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Autumn in Hobart and Southern Tasmania

Things to Do, Events and Road Trips during Autumn in Southern Tasmania

  • Autumn in Niplaluna / Hobart. Image Credit: Simon Kemp

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Autumn in Hobart and Southern Tasmania

As the crisp air settles, autumn in Southern Tasmania brings a stunning transformation to the landscape. Fiery hues of red, orange, and gold sweep across the region, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploration.

Planning an autumn escape to Hobart and Southern Tasmania? Discover colourful road trips, cosy food experiences, markets, walks and events from March to May.

When is Autumn in Tasmania and What’s It Like?

Autumn in Tasmania runs from March to May, and around Hobart it’s the sweet spot between summer buzz and winter hibernation. Days are usually mild and sunny, with evenings cool enough to fully justify a fireplace, pinot or hot choc.

The light turns soft and golden, parks and valleys blaze red, orange and yellow, and those famous deciduous trees (including our uniquely Tasmanian fagus up in the high country) put on a proper show. Colour generally kicks off in late March, peaks from mid‑ to late April, and can linger into early May depending on the year and where you’re exploring.

It’s also prime harvest season, so expect farm gates, markets and cellar doors stacked with apples, pears, berries, mushrooms, cool‑climate wines and small‑batch cider. Pack layers—a light jacket, beanie and rain shell—and you’re set for crisp morning walks, long golden afternoons on the road, and cosy pub or cabin nights when the temperature drops.

Autumn in Hobart. Image Credit: Simon Kemp
Autumn in Hobart. Image Credit: Simon Kemp

Best Places to See Autumn Colours Near Hobart

Just a few minutes from the CBD, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are an easy first stop for autumn colour, with winding paths, pockets of bright maples and oaks, and views back over the river and kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Grab a coffee, crunch some leaves, and pretend you’re “just popping out for fresh air” while secretly taking 200 photos.​

For a classic autumn road trip, point the car towards the Derwent Valley and follow the River Derwent through New Norfolk and beyond, where old oaks, poplars and elms glow gold along the water and around historic gardens. Keep rolling on to places like Salmon Ponds or Mount Field National Park if you’re chasing even more colour and short walks.

South of Hobart, the Huon Valley does autumn in full harvest mode: apple orchards, rolling hills, roadside stalls and vineyards wrapped in red and amber. It’s the kind of drive where you stop “just for a look” and somehow end up with a car boot full of apples, cider and cheese.

To the east, the Coal River Valley serves up neat rows of vines changing with the season, framed by dry hills and big skies. Pair a cellar door or two with a wander around historic Richmond and its photogenic bridge, and you’ve got a very solid autumn afternoon.

Botanical Gardens
Autumn in the Botanical Gardens. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Autumn in the Botanical Gardens. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Fagus. Image Credit: Camerone Blake
Fagus. Image Credit: Camerone Blake

🍂 Mount Field National Park – Home to the famous Tarn Shelf, this national park turns into a wonderland of golden hues. A visit here is a must for nature lovers and photographers.

Mt Field
Derwent Valley. Image Credit: @katypotaty77
Derwent Valley. Image Credit: @katypotaty77

🍂 The Derwent Valley – Take a scenic drive through this picturesque region, stopping at historic towns like New Norfolk and exploring the stunning gardens at Salmon Ponds.

Derwent Valley
Huon Valley. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Huon Valley. Image Credit: Darren Wright

🍂 The Huon Valley – Apple orchards are heavy with fruit, and the valley’s vineyards are wrapped in vibrant autumn shades—best enjoyed with a glass of local pinot noir in hand.

Huon Valley
Richmond. Image Credit: @melissarogers.22
Richmond. Image Credit: @melissarogers.22

🍷 Coal River Valley – Enjoy a glass (or two) of fine Tasmanian wine as the vineyards glow in shades of gold. Don’t forget to visit Richmond for a dose of history and a picture-perfect stroll over the Richmond Bridge.

Coal River Valley

Autumn Food, Wine and Markets in Southern Tasmania

Autumn is when Southern Tasmania really leans into its “larder of the island” reputation, with harvest festivals, cider sheds and farm gates showing off the season’s best alongside cool‑climate wines and small‑batch cider. In the valleys you’ll find long‑table lunches, cosy cellar doors and farm shops where you can taste what’s been grown or made just down the road.

In town, Salamanca Market is the big one – every Saturday the cobbles fill with a mix of local makers, art and craft, plus enough farm‑fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, cider and spirits to keep you well fed while you browse. Follow it up with brunch or dinner at a local favourite like Farzi on the waterfront, where seasonal Tassie produce gets the star treatment, or wander up to Battery Point for pastries and picnic supplies.

Pair Salamanca with Farm Gate Market on Sunday and you’ve basically got a progressive breakfast and pantry restock sorted, chatting with growers and makers as you go and snacking your way through the weekend.

Local Restaurant
Farzi
Farzi
Farzi
Farzi
Farzi

Outdoors in Autumn: Walks, Wildlife and Short Trips

kunanyi / Mount Wellington

kunanyi / Mount Wellington is Hobart’s backyard mountain and an easy autumn win – just 20–30 minutes from the city and you’re up in the fresh air with big views over the Derwent and out to Bruny. 

On calm days you’ll get golden light and crisp, clear vistas; on moodier ones, swirling cloud and misty forests that make short walks like the Organ Pipes, Zig Zag or Springs tracks feel extra atmospheric. 

Pack layers (it’s always colder up top), wander a boardwalk or two, and keep an eye out for pademelons, rosellas and the first dustings of snow on the summit later in the season.

kunanyi / Mt Wellington

Bruny Island Day Trips

Autumn is a brilliant time to sneak in a Bruny Island day trip – quieter roads, softer light and plenty of room on the lookouts and beaches. 

Climb the steps to The Neck and Truganini Lookout, wander wild beaches in South Bruny National Park, and look for dolphins, seals and seabirds cruising the coastline (or join a Bruny Island wilderness cruise if you want front‑row seats). 

Keep your eyes peeled for Bennett’s wallabies (including the famous white wallabies), and reward yourself with local cheese, oysters or a cheeky tasting paddle before heading back to the ferry.

Bruny Island
Bruny Island Beach. Image Credit: Matt & Jodie | Aussie Bus Life
Bruny Island Beach. Image Credit: Matt & Jodie | Aussie Bus Life

Autumn Events in Hobart and Southern Tasmania

Autumn in Southern Tasmania comes with a pretty decent social life – think cosy festivals, live music, markets and the odd excuse to wear your “nice beanie”. From harvest feasts in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands to riverside markets and country fairs, most weekends you’ll find something bubbling away in a hall, vineyard or on a village green.

In and around Hobart, expect a mix of concerts, comedy, exhibitions and community events, plus special autumn editions of regular markets and foodie gatherings. Keep an eye on our Autumn Events HOT LIST and the What’s On calendar to line up your trip with a harvest festival, dark‑sky dinner, trail run or arts event – then build it straight into your wishlist and itinerary.

What's On in Hobart & Beyond
Maltstock Down Under
Maltstock Down Under
Autumn in Southern Tasmania. Image Credit: @rhyspopephotography
Autumn in Southern Tasmania. Image Credit: @rhyspopephotography
Salmon Ponds, Derwent Valley. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Salmon Ponds, Derwent Valley. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Picture of Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team

Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team

The Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team is dedicated to bringing you the best insider tips, local stories, and up-to-date guides to exploring southern Tasmania.

Article Details:

Article Created: 27 February 2025
Last Update: 20 February 2026
Author: Darren Wright
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