Discover Tasmania: Top 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day

Tasmania, an island state off Australia's south coast, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, pristine wilderness, and vibrant culture. While a road trip through Tasmania promises outdoor adventures and stunning vistas, occasional rain showers can add a different charm to your journey. Here's a curated list of the top 10 activities to embrace when the skies open up, ensuring your Tasmanian adventure remains unforgettable.

1. Museums Galore: Mona & Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

Tasmania’s cultural gems await, rain or shine.

When raindrops start to dance on your windshield, head indoors to explore Tasmania's rich artistic and historical heritage. Start with the Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), an avant-garde institution where art and architecture blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Marvel at contemporary artworks and thought-provoking installations that challenge conventional norms.

Credit: Mona and Jesse Hunniford

For a deeper dive into Tasmania's history and diverse culture, visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart. Discover exhibitions ranging from Aboriginal history to colonial-era artifacts, offering insights into Tasmania's complex past and vibrant present.

2. Coffee Culture: Unwind in Tasmania’s Best Coffee Shops

Rainy days call for cozy corners and aromatic brews.

Credit: S. Group

Take refuge from the downpour in Tasmania's inviting coffee shops, where warmth and hospitality blend seamlessly with the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans. Picture yourself at Pigeon Hole Cafe in Hobart, a renowned haven for coffee aficionados seeking artisanal blends and mouthwatering pastries that complement the robust flavors perfectly.

Alternatively, head to Prince's Square Bar in Launceston, where the ambiance is as laid-back as the latte is exceptional. Nestled in a cozy corner, watch raindrops create rhythmic patterns on the windowpanes as you sip your coffee, letting the comforting surroundings envelop you.

These coffee sanctuaries not only shield you from the rain but also invite you to linger a little longer, engaging in heartfelt conversations with locals or simply losing yourself in the pages of a good book.

Read about our top 10 Coffee Stops here

3. Sauna Serenity: Derby Floating Sauna or Kuuma in Hobart

Rainy days are perfect for soothing sauna sessions.

When the weather turns gloomy, pamper yourself with a visit to Tasmania's rejuvenating saunas. Experience the unique Derby Floating Sauna, nestled amidst the serene Derby River. Let the steam melt away any tension while you gaze at the misty landscape outside.

Credit: Nina Hamilton

Alternatively, indulge in the urban oasis of Kuuma in Hobart, where Nordic-inspired sauna rituals await. Reconnect with yourself as rain taps softly on the windows, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of your sauna retreat.

4. Distillery Delights: Tasmania’s Small Distilleries

Toast to Tasmanian craftsmanship and creativity.

Embrace the rainy day with a visit to one of Tasmania's small distilleries, where passion and precision craft award-winning spirits. Sullivans Cove Distillery in Hobart offers guided tours and tastings, allowing you to savor their acclaimed whiskies amidst the ambiance of wooden barrels and copper stills.

Credit: Rob Burnett

Let the rain outside add to the atmosphere as you learn about Tasmania’s distilling traditions and sample unique flavors that reflect the island's terroir.

5. Port Arthur Historical Site: History with an umbrella

Step back in time amidst rain-kissed ruins.

Don your raincoat and embark on a journey to the Port Arthur Historical Site, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination steeped in the poignant history of Australia's convict era. As you step onto its grounds, you'll be transported back to the 19th century, surrounded by haunting ruins that whisper tales of hardship, punishment, and the resilience of those who endured this harsh penal existence amidst the misty air.

Explore the remnants of the penitentiary, the separate prison, and the Isle of the Dead, where the gravestones of convicts and settlers alike stand as silent witnesses to Tasmania's tumultuous past. Let the rain add to the atmospheric allure, casting a veil of introspection over the weathered stones and echoing corridors. To deepen your experience, consider taking a boat cruise around the Isle of the Dead. Feel the cool breeze on your face and witness the rugged coastline and rain-swept cliffs that once marked the boundaries of this isolated penal colony.

Read more about the Tasman Penisula here

6. Cascade Brewery & Cascades Female Factory

Sip history and heritage with every drop.

Escape the raindrops by embarking on a journey to Cascade Brewery, an iconic establishment that stands as Australia's oldest continuously operating brewery, nestled at the base of majestic Mount Wellington. Immerse yourself in Tasmania’s rich brewing heritage with a comprehensive guided tour, where you'll trace the brewery's storied past and witness firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into creating their renowned ales and lagers.

Credit: Alastair Bett

Following your brewery exploration, take a reflective stroll to the adjacent Cascades Female Factory. Here, amidst the serene rain-soaked surroundings, you'll encounter a poignant testament to Tasmania’s convict era. Step back in time as you explore the historic site where female convicts toiled and lived under harsh conditions. Through guided tours and interactive exhibits, uncover poignant stories of resilience, hardship, and solidarity that echo through the corridors and yards of this significant historical landmark.

Let the rain outside enhance your experience as you absorb the layers of history embedded within the stone walls and learn about the lives of those who shaped Tasmania's early colonial history. This dual exploration of Cascade Brewery and Cascades Female Factory not only offers a glimpse into Tasmania’s past but also underscores the enduring spirit that defines the island's cultural tapestry.

7. Embrace Gordon Dam's Rainy Majesty

Loose yourself in one of Tasmania's most remote areas.

When rain embraces Tasmania's rugged landscapes, Gordon Dam beckons as a captivating destination for those journeying in a campervan. Nestled amidst the island's breathtaking wilderness, this engineering marvel stands tall as one of Australia's tallest dams, creating a stark contrast against the misty coastlines and historic ruins that define Tasmania's charm.

Approaching Gordon Dam unveils a scene of grandeur: the sheer magnitude of the dam wall rising against the backdrop of Lake Gordon's pristine waters. Standing atop the dam wall, a rush of exhilaration sweeps over you as you peer down into the deep gorge below. Rain-fed streams cascade into the lake, their gentle murmurs blending harmoniously with the rhythmic patter of raindrops on your campervan's roof.

Beyond its engineering feats, Gordon Dam offers a serene sanctuary amidst the wilderness. Embrace the rain as it transforms the landscape, unveiling a natural spectacle that underscores Tasmania's rich biodiversity and awe-inspiring beauty. Park your campervan nearby and immerse yourself in the tranquility, letting the raindrops create a soothing soundtrack to accompany your exploration.

Read more about the Gordon Dam here

8. Caving & Thermal Springs at Hastings Caves

Subterranean wonders await amidst the rain.

Explore the mesmerizing Hastings Caves and embark on an underground adventure amidst stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over millennia. The rain outside adds to the mystical ambiance as you traverse through these ancient limestone passages.

Credit: Osborne Images

After your caving expedition, rejuvenate your senses at the Hastings Thermal Springs, where warm waters offer a blissful respite from the cool Tasmanian rain.

9. Platypus House: Encounter Tasmania’s Unique Wildlife

Meet Tasmania’s elusive monotremes in a rain-kissed sanctuary.

Escape the rain in Beauty Point and visit the Platypus House, a sanctuary dedicated to Tasmania's iconic platypus. Observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, learning about their behavior and conservation efforts amidst the tranquil rain-drenched landscape.

Credit: Tourism Australia

Let the rhythmic patter of raindrops outside enhance your connection with Tasmania’s unique wildlife.

10. Van Sanctuary: Cozy Reading with a Hot Cuppa

Embrace the serenity of your van amidst the rain.

When the rain becomes a gentle symphony on your van’s roof, take a moment to unwind with a good book and a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Let the comfort of your cozy space envelop you as you delve into a captivating story or reflect on your Tasmanian adventures.

Allow the rain to heighten your senses and deepen your appreciation for the moments of tranquility that a road trip through Tasmania offers - see all our campervans.

Embrace Tasmania’s Rainy Charms

While a road trip through Tasmania promises outdoor splendor, its rainy days unveil a different kind of magic. From cultural explorations in museums and coffee shop retreats to sauna serenity and historical immersion, Tasmania invites you to embrace every facet of its charm, rain or shine. So, pack your umbrella, indulge in local delights, and let Tasmania weave its spell on your soul amidst the gentle patter of raindrops.