Winter is a magical time to visit East Coast Tasmania. It’s a little bit quieter, the sun sits low in the sky, and you can often find yourself standing on one of Australia’s best beaches completely alone. This time of year is perfect for fireside wines, long lunches, brisk walks, and clear skies. It’s your chance to live like a local.

The best part? You will enjoy crowd-free access to some of the finest nature, food, wine, and boutique accommodation experiences Australia has to offer. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for migrating whales, fluffy wombats, and majestic white-bellied sea eagles.

Here are the top five Younique Stays Off Season experiences in East Coast Tasmania.

Will you join the Maria Island Brass Monkeys Swim Club this Winter?

1. S’mores and Red Wine Fireside at Maclean Bay Vineyard

A visit to Maclean Bay Vineyard is always a special treat. The boutique cellar door is currently open by appointment only, or on a select few weekends each year. This July, owners Scott and Sonia are welcoming winter visitors on three specific Saturdays for a cosy fireside s’mores and red wine experience.

Gather around a crackling fire pit to toast your own s’mores. These marshmallow, chocolate, and biscuit treats are specially prepared by Tutumaz & The Devil. Pair your fireside snack with a glass of one of the region’s best cool-climate pinot noirs. Located just ten minutes north of the Bicheno town centre, this is a wonderful event to rug up for and bring the whole family.

Availability: 11 AM to 4 PM on 11 July, 18 July, and 25 July 2026.

2. Devils in the Dark After-Dark Wildlife Experience

Located at East Coast Natureworld in Bicheno, Devils in the Dark is a truly unforgettable evening activity. Settle into the undercover viewing hide with a glass of local Tasmanian wine and a premium cheese platter. From your seat, you will watch Tasmanian devils feed right before your eyes, devouring a whole carcass.

This sensory experience puts you face-to-face with raw Tasmanian nature from the safety and comfort of a specially designed viewing den. It feels like stepping into your own wildlife documentary, all while enjoying excellent local wine and cheese.

Availability: Running year-round. Adults can book at kids' prices throughout June and July 2026.

3. Join the Brass Monkeys Swim Club on Maria Island

This is your chance to earn bragging rights in the crystal-clear waters of Maria Island. Brave the winter elements and submerge into the ocean to secure a coveted life membership to the Maria Island Brass Monkeys Swim Club (the MIBMSC!).

Challenge accepted? Simply add a plunge permit to your Maria Island ferry ticket purchase. This is a classic (and slightly chilly) Tasmanian winter rite of passage.

Availability: 1 May to 31 August 2026.

4. Luxury Sauna and Cold Plunge at Ripple HQ

Located just moments from the iconic Bay of Fires, Ripple HQ in St Helens is the home of boutique contrast therapy in North East Tasmania.

Your session starts in the infrared sauna before you plunge into cold water for an invigorating temperature contrast. Repeat this cycle across three rounds to get your circulation buzzing. Afterwards, melt into deep relaxation with seasonal tea and a restorative face mask.

This winter Off Season special includes 45 minutes of sauna access and three cold plunges, Tasmanian tea, a face mask, and our favourite part: a Polaroid keepsake to prove you took the plunge.

Availability: 1 June to 31 August 2026.

5. Salt and Cider Tasting at Tasman Sea Salt

Head down to Little Swanport to discover the winter Salt Cellar experience at Tasman Sea Salt. Warm up with a cup of hot mulled cider while breathing in the fresh sea air and watching pristine ocean brine transform into delicate salt flakes. You will explore the Salt Cellar production space and taste pure sea salt harvested directly from the clear waters of the Tasmanian east coast.

Availability: Fridays from 2 PM, running from 8 May to 28 August 2026.

Find out more and plan your Tasmanian Off Season at: https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/off-season/