weather

Tasmania’s east coast has a temperate maritime climate, with mild average temperatures and four distinct seasons. Tasmania’s average maximum summer temperatures range between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius (62-73 degrees Fahrenheit) with winter temperatures of between three and 11 degrees Celsius (37 and 51 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather on Tasmania’s east coast is often milder and more settled than other parts of the island, thanks to the moderating influence of the ocean. Here, you’ll enjoy long summer days, crisp, clear winters, mild autumn weather and the vibrant freshness of spring. Weather conditions in Tasmania can chance quickly, so make sure you’re well equipped with adequate clothing, sun and rain protection, and check local weather reports before you travel. For detailed local weather reports and forecasts, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas

getting there

By air Tasmania’s airports in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie all service regular commercial arrivals and departures. All airport terminals also include car rentals, café and bar facilities. Hobart is serviced by regular flights by Qantas, Qantas Link, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger airlines. Launceston Airport has regular services to and from mainland capitals by Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways. Devonport and Burnie offer smaller airports with regular turboprop services to the mainland. By sea/car You can travel to Tasmania with your own car, campervan or caravan aboard the Spirit of Tasmania’s two car and passenger ferries, the Spirit of Tasmania I and II.  Overnight crossings between Melbourne and Devonport depart daily year-round, with additional day crossings available during peak holiday times. Both ferries also offer restaurants, bars, a cinema and shops.

• 1800 884 305 (please note: booking fees apply for telephone bookings)
• spiritoftasmania.com.au

By bus There are a number of bus services accessing the east coast: Calows Coaches Calows Coaches operate a daily return service between St Helens and Launceston during school terms. During school holidays there is no Saturday service. Calows also operates a return service from Bicheno to Launceston and Bicheno to St Helens each Monday-Friday and Sunday. A connection to Hobart is also available via Tassielink. (Please note: timetables may be subject to change on public holidays).

• calowscoaches.com
• 03 63762161

TassieLink TassieLink provides a service from Hobart to Bicheno four days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) with connections through the Bicheno Coach Service to Freycinet National Park and Coles Bay.

• tassielink.com.au
• 1300 300 520

Maria Island Shuttle Maria Island Shuttle offers transfers from Hobart to the Triabunna marina where you can connect with East Coast Cruises or the ferry to Maria Island. Service operates daily from November to April and Friday-Sunday in May and October.

• www.mariaislandshuttle.com.au

Bicheno Coach Service

• Freycinet Connections Website
• 03 6257 0293
• 0419 570293

Please note: bookings are required for all services

distances and driving times

Tasmania’s east coast region encompasses 220 kilometres of coastline, and infinite options for exploring. The region is easily accessible from Hobart or Launceston and towns and attractions along the coast are all within an easy drive of each other. The Great Eastern Drive, which stretches between St Helens in the north and Orford in the south, extends over 176 kilometres of highway and roads that are a pleasure to drive, and will lead you to some of the region’s best experiences. To help plan your visit, and make the most of your Tasmanian east coast holiday, check our travel times and driving distances here.

mobile phone reception

Depending on your mobile phone provider, you may experience limited or no mobile phone reception at some locations on the east coast. The Telstra and Optus networks offer coverage in most locations, with Vodaphone (who are planning more reception towers along the east coast) currently offering limited coverage. Check your mobile phone provider’s coverage maps for more information.

winter opening hours

If you’re travelling to the east coast in winter, please be aware that some businesses in the region are seasonal, and do not operate year-round. Before you travel, be sure to contact individual operators direct, or check operator websites to confirm opening hours, tour departure times and booking requirements.