CounterClifton

We're a family of 3 and we're considering a very low-key getaway in July. We've been looking to settle into a self-catering spot for 5-7 days. One we have our eye on is just a little north of Freycinet. From there, much of the east coast seems reasonably reachable by car.

We're also thinking about picking one other spot for 2 additional days. I haven't been to Tasmania before and my wife not since school days. We're only coming from Melbourne so no travel impact to speak of.

Not asking for weather predictions of course, but wondering if certain areas would be ill-advised. Specifically, the Cradle Mountain area is both compelling but a concern.

Any must or must nots for the time of year?

Thanks

Melnq8

Good on ya Clifton, it's about time

TAS strikes me as one of those completely unpredictable weather places...like VIC and NZ.

This won't help you a bit, but...we had crap weather during our March/April visit to TAS and fabulous weather during our Oct/Nov visit.

But for what it's worth, a woman who worked at the Visitor’s Center in Cradle Mountain told us that Cradle Mountain only gets about 35 really nice days per year (and we had one of them) and it had snowed just two days before our visit in Oct. Apparently it rains 7 days out of 10 and the sun shines only 1 day in 10.

I'd cross my fingers and jump in feet first.

Bokhara2

Nip over to TA, Clifton. There are a couple of Tassies there who give great advice.

Mine's useless, I've only been in Summer & Autumn. Late April was lovely, a couple of wet & cold days in the 10 or so we were there. Jumper & wind cheater.

CounterClifton

Thank you, Ladies. Yes, very excited to head across the straits for the first time! Wasn't my idea this time though, it just came up today and I said "Yeah! Sounds good... but isn't it like *really* winter winter down there?"

I always figure that "you never know" is the right answer to these sorts of weather things. But being July and Tasmania and mountains in many places, I have no visualisation of typical conditions. Around here, July is at most a little grey and rainy unless you go up to the mountains. Wasn't sure how different it was down there.

I'd never even think to worry about a winter road trip in VIC, but would probably never schedule a winter road trip from where I grew up in the midwest US.

I've never posted to their forums but a good idea to try the TA forums. Someone's probably even asked before.

Bokhara2

I have a feeling it might be a bit icy/snowy around Cradle Mountain, but Luigi & Rob over on TA will see you right.

Patty

We had some light snow and generally good weather on our winter stay at Cradle. It never occurred to us not to go!

CounterClifton

I was reading the weather page over at TA and they said snow was pretty reasonably common in the Cradle Mountain areas and the central plateau and to be equipped for sudden changes.

Patty, did you find the roads were pretty good even with the snow? I've driven in snow most of my life, but in places where it can really be tiring after awhile. Not wanting to have to make a job of it, if you know what I mean.

shandy

Hi Clifton,

We spent a couple of weeks in Tassie during September a couple of years ago. They were out of the depths of winter and there wasn't any snow but of course still very chilly. Like you are planning, we had a few days at Freycinet and a few days at Cradle Mountain. We had a wonderful time. The cold didn't bother us at all. Obviously I can't comment on driving in snow conditions though.

It looks like you have Freycinet accommodation sorted out but I thought I would let you know we stayed at Cradle Mountain Highlanders in their Snowgum Cottage and were very pleased with it. It was self-catering so didn't have to got out for dinner if the weather was inclement or just didn't feel inclined and had a great wood burning stove which kept the place very toasty.

We were actually quite fortunate with the weather and didn't have that much rain and did several shorter walks around Cradle Mountain. Hope you have a great time Clifton.

FromDC

Would love to know where you are staying in the Freycinet area, planning to be there is late October.

CounterClifton

Hi Shandy, thanks for the feedback. It doesn't sound like you had any trouble with it. That's good to know. I'm not sure if we're planning any overnights in the Cradle Mountain area but it's possible. If we do, I'll check out Snowgun Cottage.

FromDC - we were considering a couple of places around Bicheno but don't have anything nailed down yet until we're both sure of our schedules. If it turns out well, I'll post back!

Patty

There wasn't any snow on the roads to Cradle. The snow flurries that fell when we were there didn't stick. Farther into the park around Dove Lake, there was what I would describe as a light dusting. Don't know if this is typical. We also stayed at Cradle Mountain Highlanders and can recommend it.

Patty

The area reminded me of the Pacific Northwest temperate rain forest.

CounterClifton

Ok thanks Patty. I live near Melbourne now, and around July we go to sled or build a snowman up in some of the nearby mountains. Not like the amounts of snow I grew up with in the US but there is sometimes a fair bit that sticks at higher elevations.

Anyway, I think we could manage but was just curious if it was common to get something heavier down there too. If it's like the PNW, should be pretty easy.