The Off Season Is the Perfect Time To Visit Launceston and Northern Tasmania

From an exhilarating mountain bike ride through forest trails to a hands-on sculpture workshop, winter in Tasmania’s north is full of quiet energy. Add a calendar of live music, unmatched local produce and a rich history of craftsmanship, and it becomes an easy and rewarding place to holiday.

Stay in a reimagined heritage silo or retreat to an off-grid hideaway in the bush. Sip whisky in a former aviation hangar, follow truffle dogs through winter soil, and explore the vineyards behind Australia’s most awarded sparkling wine. Here’s how we recommend spending the Off Season in and around Launceston.

STAY

Peppers Silo Hotel

Once a working grain silo, this heritage-listed Launceston landmark now holds one of the city’s most distinctive stays. This winter, enjoy the Gorge River Deluxe room with views out to the river and towards Cataract Gorge. Inside you’ll find a light-filled space with a king-size bed to melt into and a Tasmanian-made treat awaiting your arrival. It’s the perfect base to explore Launceston – although you may not actually want to leave. 

Camp Nowhere

Out on Yingina / Great Lake, Camp Nowhere is an off-grid, adults-only retreat set in the Central Highlands bushland. And this Off Season, it’s offering a two-night stay, a soaker bath with salts, curated Tasmanian spirits, handmade sweets and an illustrated scavenger hunt. Enjoy a hot drink or G&T at sunset, watch the stars, curl up in front of the fire, or do all three. Then tuck yourself into the king-size bed and get ready for a day of hiking, world-class trout fishing, or simply doing very little at all. The itinerary is entirely your own.

EAT & DRINK

Launceston Distillery

Once a 1930s hangar at Launceston Airport, Tasmania’s oldest aviation building is now home to the boutique Launceston Distillery, where Tasmanian-made copper stills, local malted barley and pure South Esk River water create gentle, fruity and floral whiskies, matured on-site in oak casks. This Off Season, you can sample whisky straight from the barrel before filling, sealing, registering and labelling your own 100-millilitre bottle as a souvenir. You’ll also receive a Tasmanian devil gift pack featuring a whisky condiment – a portion of proceeds from each pack goes to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

House of Arras

You’re invited into the vineyards of Australia’s most-awarded sparkling wine label. With your choice of wine – perhaps mulled? – in hand, you’ll tour the Pipers River vineyard in a luxury cart, wrapped in a Waverley Mills woollen blanket. Explore the landscape while learning about viticulture and what goes into producing world-class sparkling wine. You might spot wedge-tailed eagles overhead, or catch a glimpse of one of the resident platypuses (all of them are named Charlie). Pause to take in panoramic views of the valley – this experience is designed for those curious about both place and process.

The Truffle Farm

On Australia’s first producing truffle farm, spend an afternoon learning about the history of truffles and the journey of this pioneering family. This special Off Season tour will have you heading out into the fields with truffle dogs and a second-generation farmer to hunt for these mid-winter treasures. Afterwards, settle in by the firepit, where the experience finishes with molten truffle s’mores paired with elegant Tasmanian wine.

DO

Waverley Mills

Since 1874, when Scottish migrant Peter Bulman produced and sold the first woollen goods made entirely on Tasmanian soil, Waverley Mills has been part of Australia’s manufacturing story. Now the last of its kind in the country, the mill offers an Off Season experience that takes you through the entire process. The Behind the Warmth tour will show you how raw fibre becomes finished textile, imparting an understanding of why this craftsmanship still matters. Walk through the historic mill, watch traditional carding, spinning and weaving machinery in action, and learn about sustainability practices and the mill’s place in Australian history. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation, a limited-edition tote and a $50 voucher to spend in-store.

Tasmanian Sculpture School

Whether you’re an aspiring Michelangelo or simply looking to try something new, this intro class is worth getting your hands dirty. Create your own sculpture with modelling clay and aluminium armature under the guidance of professional bronze sculptors in a studio that overlooks Kanamaluka / River Tamar. Throughout the three-hour workshop, take a break by the fire with a warm drink, or step into the private artists’ workshop for an inspiring look behind the scenes. All materials are provided – just bring your ideas.

Blue Derby Pods Ride

Blue Derby’s all-inclusive winter experience balances exhilaration with deep rest. With transfers from and back to Launceston, the three-day trip kicks off with a late lunch at your architecturally designed pod accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring, before gathering at the pods for a beautiful dinner. The action begins the next day with breakfast, followed by a guided ride through Tasmania’s forests. In the arvo, return to the trails or spend the afternoon unwinding at the pods. For your final evening, canapés and a warming dinner are served fireside. On day three, you’ll ride the Atlas trail in Derby, descending through dense rainforest before a final lunch rounds out the experience. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or a more leisurely pace, this retreat allows for both.

WHAT’S ON

Island Escape Winter Festival: July 3 to 5

Launceston’s Inveresk Precinct transforms for the Island Escape Winter Festival, a long weekend celebration of live music, art, food and drink from July 3 to 5. Designed for all ages, it’s headlined by Australian acts Birds of Tokyo, Spiderbait and Hot Dub Time Machine. Families can enjoy workshops, storytelling and games, while regional produce is showcased through curated feasts. Wander through art installations or dance at an igloo silent disco. There is plenty to explore.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Tasmania.