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From September to November, it’s a good time to wander through gardens, follow the apple blossom through the Huon Valley, look for migrating whales, head back onto the walking tracks or simply find somewhere sunny for lunch.
Here are some good reasons to get out and about in Southern Tasmania this spring. Just keep a jacket handy. Spring down here still likes to keep us guessing.
Spring brings a fresh flush of colour to Southern Tasmania’s forests, alpine areas and roadsides, with native wildflowers beginning to appear as the days get longer.
Around kunanyi / Wellington Park, keep an eye out for flowering heath, native shrubs and alpine plants as you explore the walking tracks. Mount Field National Park is another good option, where wildflowers appear alongside rainforest, waterfalls and open alpine country.
Further south, Hartz Mountains National Park comes into its own later in spring, with low growing alpine plants and wildflowers scattered across the plateau. The Central Highlands also put on a quieter show, with native plants flowering around lakes, moorlands and rocky alpine landscapes.
Spring is a good time to slow down and look a little closer. You may also spot wallabies, pademelons and plenty of birdlife becoming more active as the season changes.
Local tip: Conditions can vary from year to year, particularly in the alpine areas, so flowering times are never an exact science. That is part of the fun.
Spring is when Southern Tasmania’s gardens start to wake up properly, with fresh growth, flowering trees and plenty of colour appearing from Hobart through to the Channel and lunawuni / Bruny Island.
In Hobart, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is an easy place to spend a few hours, with established collections, seasonal displays and plenty of quiet corners to explore. Nearby, the gardens around Cascade Brewery bring together historic buildings, lawns and mature trees, while Fitzroy Gardens offers a smaller, leafy stop close to the city.
Further south, Inverawe Native Gardens at Margate puts the focus firmly on Australian plants, with a large collection of native species spread across the property.
On lunawuni / Bruny Island, the Inala Jurassic Garden takes things in a different direction. The garden brings together ancient plant families with links to Gondwana, including species from Tasmania and other parts of the southern hemisphere. It is a particularly interesting stop in spring, when fresh growth and seasonal flowering add another layer to the collection.
If gardens are already part of your itinerary, spring is one of the best times to give them a little more room in the day.
For a few weeks each spring, apple blossom begins appearing across the Huon Valley, turning orchard rows white and pale pink and adding a little extra colour to a drive through the region.
You’ll see orchards around Huonville, Ranelagh, Franklin and Cygnet, along with roadside farm gates, old sheds and the rolling country that has long been part of the valley’s apple growing story. It’s a good reminder of how Tasmania earned its Apple Isle nickname.
Flowering times vary each year depending on the weather, but blossom generally begins appearing from late September into October. Some orchards flower earlier than others, so there’s usually something happening somewhere across the valley.
Make a day of it with a slow drive through the back roads, stopping for local cider, seasonal produce, lunch or a wander through one of the valley’s small towns along the way.
And remember, orchards are working farms and many are on private property, so enjoy the blossom from public roads and designated visitor areas unless access is clearly permitted.
Spring also sees more of Southern Tasmania’s markets return after their winter break, bringing back weekend stalls, local growers, makers and plenty of reasons to linger over a coffee.
Around Hobart, long running favourites such as Salamanca Market and Farm Gate Market continue through the year, while seasonal and regional markets begin popping up again across places including the Huon Valley, Coal River Valley, Tasman Peninsula and Heritage Highway.
Spring produce starts finding its way onto the tables too, alongside fresh flowers, seedlings, preserves, baked goods and handmade wares. For visitors, markets are an easy way to meet local producers and pick up a few things for a picnic or road trip.
Market dates and locations can change with the season, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you head out.
For more ideas, explore our guide to markets in Hobart and Southern Tasmania.
Longer afternoons make spring a good time to slow things down, find a patch of grass and unpack something good to eat.
In Richmond, pick up a few local treats and settle beside the Coal River, with the historic Richmond Bridge nearby. Closer to Hobart, Long Beach at Sandy Bay and Kingston Beach are easy options for a waterside picnic without heading too far from the city.
Further south, Coningham Beach and Snug Beach are handy stops along the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, while Randalls Bay is worth the extra drive if you’re heading deeper into the Huon Valley.
In the Derwent Valley, the Esplanade at New Norfolk offers plenty of space beside the River Derwent and makes an easy stop before exploring further up the valley.
Spring weather can still turn quickly, so keep a jacket in the car and have a backup café in mind. That’s part of the deal down here.
Spring is one of the better times of year to keep an eye on the water, as migrating whales move past Tasmania’s coastline on their journey south.
Around turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, there are opportunities to spot whales from coastal lookouts, beaches and boats. Humpback whales are among the more commonly seen visitors, with southern right whales also passing through Tasmanian waters.
A wildlife or coastal cruise can improve your chances of seeing whales offshore, but you don’t necessarily need to get on a boat. A pair of binoculars and a little patience can go a long way from the right headland or lookout.
Whale sightings are never guaranteed, so keep an eye on recent sightings and local conditions before heading out. Even without a whale appearance, spring is a very good excuse to spend some time looking out across the Southern Ocean.
Spring is a good time to pull the walking shoes back out. The days are getting longer, the forests are fresh after winter and many tracks are quieter than they will be once summer arrives.
For an easy wander, Russell Falls at Mount Field National Park is hard to beat, especially after good winter rain. Nearby, the Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area takes you beneath some of Tasmania’s tallest trees, while Duckhole Lake in the Far South offers a peaceful forest walk to a small tannin stained lake.
Higher up, Hartz Mountains National Park and Pine Lake in the Central Highlands bring alpine scenery, boardwalks and plenty of changeable spring weather. Snow can still fall well into the season, so check conditions before heading into the high country.
If you have a little more time, the South Cape Bay Track leads through forest and button grass plains to Tasmania’s wild southern coastline, while the Three Capes Track on the Tasman Peninsula turns a spring walk into a multi day escape.
Spring conditions can change quickly in Southern Tasmania, particularly in alpine and exposed areas. Check current track and weather conditions, carry suitable clothing and be prepared for a bit of everything.
Spring in Southern Tasmania runs from September to November, but the season rarely follows a neat timetable. September can still bring snow to the mountains, while warmer days begin appearing in the valleys and around the coast. By October and November, daylight stretches further into the evening and gardens, orchards and native plants are well into their spring growth.
The trick is to pack for changeable weather. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and sun protection, particularly if you’re heading into the mountains or spending the day outdoors.
Spring in Tasmania runs from September to November. In Southern Tasmania, September can still feel quite wintry, while October and November generally bring longer days, more spring colour and milder conditions.
Yes. Spring is a good time to explore Hobart and Southern Tasmania if you enjoy gardens, wildflowers, waterfalls, walking, markets and road trips. It is also generally quieter than the peak summer period, although the weather can still be changeable.
Spring weather in Hobart can vary considerably. You might have sunshine, wind, rain and cool conditions all in the same day, particularly earlier in the season. Conditions also become colder and more unpredictable in alpine areas, so it pays to be prepared.
Layers are the safest option. Pack a warm jacket, waterproof outer layer, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and something lighter for mild afternoons. If you are heading into the mountains or Central Highlands, bring warmer clothing regardless of the forecast.
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is one of the easiest places to see spring colour in Hobart, as well as St David’s Park. You can also find native wildflowers around kunanyi / Wellington Park.
Apple blossom generally appears through the Huon Valley during spring, often from late September into October, although timing varies each year depending on weather and location. Orchards around Huonville, Ranelagh, Franklin and Cygnet can be particularly pretty when the trees are flowering.
Yes. Winter rainfall can leave waterfalls and forest creeks flowing strongly into spring. Russell Falls at Mount Field, Snug Falls south of Hobart and Arve Falls in Hartz Mountains National Park are some of the more accessible options. More adventurous waterfall walks can also be found around the Huon Valley, including Pelverata Falls.
Yes, whales migrate through Tasmanian waters during spring and may be seen around turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, and Bruny Island. Sightings are never guaranteed, but coastal lookouts and wildlife cruises can both provide opportunities to spot them.
It can. Snow is still possible during spring, particularly in September and in higher areas such as kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Mount Field, Hartz Mountains and the Central Highlands. Conditions can change quickly, so check weather and road information before heading into alpine areas.
Popular spring day trips include the Huon Valley, Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, D’Entrecasteaux Channel, turrakana / Tasman Peninsula and Bruny Island. Spring suits slow road trips particularly well, with gardens, walks, markets, waterfalls and food stops easily combined into a day out.
Many of Southern Tasmania’s markets operate year round, while some smaller regional markets return after taking a break over winter. Spring is a good time to find seasonal produce, plants, flowers, local food and handmade goods, but check individual market dates before travelling.
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.
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Southern Tasmania Article
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Southern Tasmania Article
Southern Tasmania Article
Southern Tasmania Article
Southern Tasmania Article