There are many things to consider for yourself and your family when looking at moving to Tasmania. Follow the quick links to gain a greater understanding of setting up life in Tasmania.
The lifestyle
When you choose Tasmania, you choose the ‘Tassie’ lifestyle where we embrace diversity and a relaxed way of living.
Tasmania welcomes new Tasmanians, which is why many people from around the world choose to make it their home. Our cities are safe, not overcrowded and can easily be explored on foot. They are also small enough to create that sense of community connection, but still with all the modern amenities and services you would expect.
Tasmanian life is all about balance. Tasmania’s cities and towns are rich in history and also close to nature with a treasure trove of natural wonders to explore – from alpine ranges, wetlands and grasslands to coastal heaths and vast temperate rainforests.
Tasmania is known for culture and creativity with a good range of local boutique shops, trendy cafes, restaurants and weekly markets along with a line-up of vibrant festivals, events museums and art galleries. Tasmania also has a strong live music and theatre scene and is home to a world class symphony orchestra.
Food and activities
Tasmania is a food lovers paradise, where you can enjoy some of the island’s many specialties from fresh seafood to delicious cherries. From world class cool climate wines to premium grass-fed beef – we’ve got it all, alongside many multicultural restaurants and specialty food shops.
If the outdoors is more your thing there’s something to suit everyone: bushwalking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, surfing, kayaking, rafting, and diving to name a few. All accompanied by incredible scenery.
Tasmanians also love their sport, so if being part of a sports team or community group interests you, you will certainly feel right at home here.
What to expect with the weather
Tasmania has a refreshing temperate, maritime climate where you can enjoy the stunning seasonal changes in the scenery.
Tasmania shares the same latitude as Mediterranean cities like Barcelona and Rome, but in the Southern Hemisphere. The surrounding oceans give Tasmania a moderate climate without the scorching heat of many parts of Australia or the deep freeze winters that effect northern hemisphere countries. Though sometimes it can seem as if we get four seasons in one day, Tasmania has four distinct seasons, which means there are beautiful and striking visual contrasts in the natural environment as one season transitions to the next.
Summer
December to February - summer is the season of fun and festivals such as Launceston’s ‘Festivale’, Hobart’s ‘Taste of Summer’, the Mona Foma festival and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The average temperature in summer is a moderate 23 degrees Celsius but temperatures can occasionally reach the mid-to-high 30s.
Autumn
March to May - autumn is a settled season with calm, sunny days and blue skies. The trees blaze red, orange and gold and the state’s delicious produce is at its best. This is often a good time to visit Tasmania with warm days and cool nights.
Winter
June to August - winter brings snow to highland peaks. The famed kunanyi/Mount Wellington behind Hobart is often covered in snow, while skiers go to Ben Lomond, near Launceston, for alpine winter sports. Winter days are often crisp with beautiful clear blue skies. You will need to dress warmly with the right shoes, and always be prepared for a brief shower of rain.
Spring
September to November – gardens, fields and vineyards around the state look magnificent as they come into bloom. This is the time of year where you can literally experience four seasons in one day – so keep an umbrella, a jacket and a sunhat handy!
Temperature
Visit Bureau of Meteorology for further information regarding Tasmania’s weather.
Public holidays + daylight savings
Public holidays
Tasmania also has lots of public holidays throughout the year to celebrate days of national or religious importance and local events. When some holidays like Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Australia Day fall on a weekend, the holiday is observed on the following Monday or Tuesday.
For a list of all public and regional holidays in Tasmania, visit the Worksafe website.
Daylight saving
In Tasmania and most other states in Australia, the clocks go forward at the start of spring so that it stays lighter longer in the evenings during the warmer months. This is known as daylight saving time. It begins on the first Sunday of October and ends on the first Sunday of April each year.
While most smartphones will automatically adjust the time, remember to manually change the time on your watches and clocks on the days that daylight savings begins and ends.
Always make sure you check the time zone in other parts of Australia, as some states like Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia do not have daylight saving.
Accommodation
It is a good idea to make accommodation arrangements well before you arrive in Tasmania.
Accommodation is likely to be one of your biggest expenses, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
The Make it Tasmania website has some useful tips and information about buying, renting or building a home in Tasmania.
Cost of living
Due to the convenience of having smaller cities, everything is close by and the cost of living in Tasmania is economical.
Things to consider in your weekly living costs are:
All the costs below are approximate only and in Australian Dollars (AUD).
Accommodation will be one of your biggest expenses. If you are renting a whole house you could expect to pay around $550 a week. If you are living in shared accommodation or renting a single room expect to pay $150-$250 a week.
Other weekly expenses may include.
- Utility bills (water, electricity, gas) –$30-$50
- Internet – $15 to $25
- Phone –$25-$35
- Public transport –$20-$45
- Grocery items – $70-$150
- Food and entertainment (eating out, watching movies etc.) – $50-$150
The following websites provide useful budget information:
Schools and childcare
Tasmania’s education sector includes university, secondary education, vocational training and English language programs.
Make it Tasmania has compiled detailed information to help you choose schooling or care for your child.
Transport
Accessing Tasmania by plane
Tasmania is serviced by a number of commercial airlines, with regular daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, and Perth which easily connect you to international routes. There are also international flights direct to Auckland (New Zealand) from Hobart two to three times weekly.
The state’s biggest airports are in Hobart and Launceston. Smaller airports are located at Burnie (Wynyard) and Devonport in the state’s north, and King and Flinders islands in Bass Strait.
The following airlines fly to Tasmania:
For more information visit the Hobart Airport website and Launceston Airport website.
Accessing Tasmania by boat
Spirit of Tasmania
The Spirit of Tasmania ferries travel daily from Devonport to Geelong (one hour from Melbourne) and each carries over 1,400 passengers. This option allows passengers to bring their cars. The journey usually takes nine hours. More information and prices are available on the Spirit of Tasmania website.
How do you get around Tasmania
With good public transport links, quality roads and short travelling times, Tasmania is an easy place to both commute and explore.
Public transport
Bus services
Buses are a good way to get around Tasmania. Tasmania has reliable and affordable bus service, especially in the four urban centres that will help you get from home to work and back again.
Metro Tasmania is the largest bus operator in the state with services in three of the four main urban centres: Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. In Devonport bus services are provided by Merseylink Coaches.
Here are some tips from Metro on how to download the Metro app, purchase tickets/Metro Greencard, and catch a Metro bus.
Derwent Ferry Service
Hobart also has a ferry service running in peak times in the morning and evening, that connects the eastern suburbs and the city by crossing the River Derwent.
Ride-share
You can also use rideshare services including taxis, Uber and Ola.
Coach services
Local coach services are the best way to get to other Tasmanian destinations outside the main urban areas. These include:
Find more about public transport options in Tasmania visit the Tasmanian Government transport website.
Walk or ride
With smaller city centres and less traffic than other Australian cities, you can also enjoy walking or riding bikes to work or campus. It is a great way to get some exercise and breathe some of the world’s cleanest air. Just remember that we ride and drive on the left-hand side of the road in Australia and it is compulsory to wear a cycle helmet.
Driving
You can drive in Tasmania for a limited period if you have a valid driving license from your home country. You must carry your physical license while driving a car.
For further information on coming to Tasmania with an overseas licence or how to obtain a local license see the Tasmanian transport website.
Healthcare and wellbeing
Medical assistance and health insurance
If you need medical assistance, high quality health services are available across Tasmania.
When going to a doctor
When making an appointment, let the doctor know that you are an international student to get the best rate possible.
Keeping safe
Tasmanian cities have a high level of personal safety. Tasmania has three cities – Hobart, Launceston and Burnie – all ranked in Australia’s top six safest cities, with Hobart being ranked the safest of Australia’s capital cities!
Despite this, it is important to take care and look after yourself.
In an emergency
In an emergency, dial 000 (it is a free call) to contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance.
Top tips from Tasmanian police
Here are some top tips by Tasmanian Police to have the safest stay possible in Tasmania: