Your Guide to Lavender Season in Tasmania

So, you're dreaming of seeing those incredible purple fields for yourself? Timing is everything when it comes to catching Tasmania's lavender season in all its glory. The absolute best time to go is during our summer months, from December through to early February.

Think of the season as a slow, beautiful performance. It starts gently in early December, builds to a stunning crescendo in mid-January, and then gracefully concludes as we head into February.

When to See the Lavender Fields in Tasmania

To really nail the perfect trip, it helps to understand how the season unfolds. It’s not just a single moment but a gradual, beautiful process.

Things kick off in early December when the first purple buds start to appear. It's a subtle start, a bit like the opening notes of a symphony. The fields are dotted with colour, but it's a much quieter, more peaceful time to visit before the main crowds arrive.

Then comes the showstopper. By mid-January, the fields are at their absolute peak. This is the moment everyone's waiting for—an overwhelming, vibrant sea of purple stretching as far as the eye can see. The air is heavy with that gorgeous, calming scent. It’s truly unforgettable and, understandably, the most popular time to come.

From late January into early February, the final chapter begins as the harvest gets underway. While the intense colour has started to fade, it's a fascinating time to see the farms at work and witness the next stage of the lavender's journey.

Understanding the Bloom Cycle

Each part of the lavender season offers something a little different, so the best time for you really depends on what you're hoping to experience.

Here’s a quick overview to help you decide.

Tasmanian Lavender Season At a Glance

This timeline really highlights that for those iconic, jaw-dropping photos, you’ll want to aim for that sweet spot between late December and mid-January.

Why Is Tasmania So Perfect for Lavender?

What's our secret? It really comes down to Tasmania’s amazing climate. Our cool temperate weather, rich soils, and incredibly clean air create the perfect storm for growing world-class lavender. These conditions aren't just good; they're ideal for producing plants that are bursting with fragrance and quality.

Of course, nature always has the final say. While the December to January window is a very reliable guide, the weather can shift things slightly from year to year. A particularly cool spring might mean the blooms arrive a little later, while a warm one could bring them on sooner. It’s always good to have a little flexibility in your plans.

For a broader look at what makes Tassie special throughout the year, have a read of our guide on the best time to visit Tasmania for all sorts of adventures.

Discovering Tasmania's Most Iconic Lavender Farms

Knowing when to go is half the battle, but knowing where to go is where the real adventure begins. Tasmania is dotted with stunning lavender farms, and each one offers a unique window into this beautiful, fragrant world. From globally renowned estates to charming, tucked-away farms, there’s a perfect patch of purple waiting for you.

Let’s explore the must-see destinations that truly define lavender season in Tasmania. This will help you pick the right spots for your itinerary.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate: The Global Icon

When people daydream about Tasmanian lavender, they're almost always picturing Bridestowe Lavender Estate. And for good reason. Just under an hour's drive from Launceston, in a little place called Nabowla, you'll find it. This isn't just another farm; it's a Tasmanian landmark. Those famous, perfectly curved rows of deep purple lavender set against rolling green hills? That's Bridestowe. It's easily one of the most photographed sights in the state.

But it’s not all just good looks. Bridestowe is steeped in history, holding the title of the first lavender farm in the country. It has since grown into the world's largest privately-owned lavender farm, a true testament to its incredible legacy.

The experience here is a feast for the senses. Beyond the incredible sight and smell of the Lavandula angustifolia (French lavender), you absolutely must try the famous lavender-infused ice cream and scones at the on-site café. It's a rite of passage.

A visit here is so much more than a photo op. You're connecting with a real piece of Tasmanian history. The sheer scale of the place is something you have to see to believe, and the sight of those fields in full bloom is an image that will stick with you long after you've gone home.

The visitor centre is brimming with high-quality goodies, from essential oils and skincare to culinary lavender. And you can't leave without meeting Bobbie the Bear, their famous lavender-filled, heatable teddy that has become a global sensation. Bridestowe gets incredibly popular, especially during the peak season, so a little planning goes a long way. You can discover the lavender wonderland at Bridestowe Lavender Estate with our dedicated guide, which covers everything you need to know for a perfect visit.

Port Arthur Lavender Farm: Coastal Beauty

For a completely different vibe that’s just as breathtaking, make your way down south to the Tasman Peninsula. Here, you'll find Port Arthur Lavender Farm, a place where fragrant fields meet stunning coastal scenery.

Tucked right on the edge of Long Bay and framed by towering eucalypt forests, this farm has a backdrop that is quintessentially Tasmanian. The sight of vibrant purple flowers against the deep blue of the bay is simply gorgeous. Best of all? It's completely free to wander among the lavender.

The farm is also just a few minutes down the road from the Port Arthur Historic Site, making it an easy and incredibly rewarding addition to any day trip from Hobart.

• Scenic Location: The farm sprawls across 18 acres of waterfront land, offering incredible views and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
• Self-Guided Tours: You’re free to explore the grounds at your own pace, learning about how they grow and distill the lavender as you go.
• Café Delights: The on-site café is a real highlight, with a menu full of delicious lavender-inspired dishes. From the classic lavender ice cream to more savoury options, it’s a fun culinary adventure.
• Unique Products: The gift shop is stocked with an amazing range of handmade products, including perfumes, skincare, and gourmet foods, all made right there on the farm.

The lavender at Port Arthur typically blooms a little earlier in the season, which makes it a fantastic option if you’re visiting in December. Its easy access and stunning setting make it a firm favourite for anyone exploring southern Tasmania.

Campo de Flori: A Boutique Experience

If huge crowds aren't your thing and you'd prefer something a bit more intimate and artisanal, then you must visit Campo de Flori in the Huon Valley. This is a small, family-run farm with a strong focus on sustainable and organic practices, offering a much more personal glimpse into the world of lavender.

About an hour south of Hobart, Campo de Flori—which means "Field of Flowers"—grows several varieties of lavender, along with saffron and olives. The owners are incredibly passionate about what they do and are often around to chat and share their knowledge with visitors.

This farm is less about vast, endless fields and more about quality, care, and craftsmanship. It’s a place where you can really appreciate the subtle differences between lavender varieties and see how they’re transformed into beautiful, handcrafted products. They also host workshops, giving you a chance for a truly hands-on connection to the process. A visit here feels less like a tourist stop and more like a genuine discovery.

How to Plan Your Tasmanian Lavender Trail

Turning that daydream of wandering through purple fields into a real-life trip is much simpler than you might think. Crafting your own "lavender trail" is really just a matter of connecting the dots. You pick the farms that catch your eye, then weave in other local sights to create a journey that flows perfectly from one incredible experience to the next.

To get you started, I've put together two itineraries—one for a quick weekend escape and another for a more immersive week-long adventure. They're designed to be practical, taking into account driving times and pointing you towards great spots to stay and eat. This way, the magic of lavender season in Tasmania becomes the centrepiece of a truly memorable holiday.

The Northern Lavender Weekend Getaway

If you're short on time or have set up base in Launceston, this itinerary is for you. It's a focused dive into the heart of Tasmania's northern lavender country and a fantastic way to see the most iconic fields without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Launceston to Bridestowe and Beyond

Kick things off in Launceston and enjoy the scenic drive north-east to the world-famous Bridestowe Lavender Estate. You’ll want to give yourself a few solid hours here to really soak it all in—walk through the endless rows of purple, treat yourself to their famous lavender ice cream, and just breathe.

From there, continue on to Scottsdale. It's a charming country town and the perfect place to stop for lunch and spend the night. You'll find some lovely B&Bs and motels, offering a peaceful break from the road.

• Morning (Approx. 3-4 hours): The drive from Launceston to Bridestowe takes about 50 minutes. Plan to spend a good chunk of your morning exploring the farm, its visitor centre, and café.
• Afternoon (Approx. 1-2 hours): It’s a short 20-minute drive to Scottsdale. Get checked into your accommodation and have a wander around town.
• Evening: Settle in for dinner at one of Scottsdale's friendly local pubs or restaurants.

Day 2: Tamar Valley's Hidden Gems

On day two, you’ll wind your way back towards Launceston through the gorgeous Tamar Valley. While it’s renowned for its wineries, the valley is also home to wonderful boutique spots like Lavender House Perfumery in Rowella.

It makes for a beautiful, relaxed drive, with plenty of opportunities to stop at cellar doors and roadside stalls. By late afternoon, you'll be back in Launceston with a car full of local goodies and a head full of fragrant memories.

Think of this weekend as a highlights reel. You get the grand, sweeping scale of Bridestowe and the intimate, artisanal charm of the Tamar Valley—a perfect snapshot of Tasmania's lavender culture.

If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, exploring Tasmania in a small group tour is a brilliant option. Many tours leaving from Launceston cover these northern highlights, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. You can explore a variety of tour options here: https://tasmaniatours.com.au/tasmania-small-group-tours/

The Full Tasmanian Lavender Trail

For those lucky enough to have a bit more time, this week-long road trip is the ultimate experience. It connects the northern lavender farms with the rugged coastal beauty of the south, showcasing just how diverse Tasmania's landscapes really are.

Days 1-2: Northern Exploration

Your first couple of days will follow the "Northern Lavender Weekend Getaway" itinerary. This gets all the essential northern farms ticked off and serves as a fantastic introduction to the region.

Day 3: Journey to the South

Today is mostly a travel day. The drive from the Launceston area down to the Tasman Peninsula takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, but it's a beautiful trip through the historic Midlands. Find a spot to stay near Port Arthur and settle in for the night.

Day 4: Port Arthur Lavender and History

Begin your day at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Seeing the fields of purple set against the deep blue waters of Long Bay is genuinely breathtaking. Afterwards, dedicate the afternoon to the nearby Port Arthur Historic Site—a deeply moving and essential Tasmanian experience.

Day 5: Hobart and the Huon Valley

Make the 90-minute drive from the Tasman Peninsula to Hobart. Once you're settled, take a scenic drive south into the Huon Valley to visit a boutique farm like Campo de Flori. It offers a completely different, more intimate feel for lavender farming.

It’s worth remembering that visiting these farms directly supports a passionate local industry. While it's a niche sector, Australian lavender production was valued at around $1.3 million back in 2011-2012, with Tasmania as a key player. Your visit helps ensure these beautiful farms continue to thrive.

Days 6-7: Hobart and Surrounds

Spend your final days enjoying everything Hobart has to offer. If you’re here on a Saturday, a visit to the famous Salamanca Market is a must—you’ll find even more local lavender products there. You can also explore the incredible MONA museum or simply indulge in the city's fantastic food scene. It’s the perfect way to round out a trip that balances natural beauty with history and culture.

More Than Just Photos: Experiences at Lavender Farms

Sure, the endless rows of purple are what first pull you in, making for stunning photos. But a visit to a Tasmanian lavender farm is about so much more than what your camera can capture. It's a full-on sensory experience that invites you to taste, smell, and really connect with the heart of this beautiful industry.

When you step onto a farm during the lavender season in Tasmania, you’re walking into a world of incredible aromas and flavours. It’s a chance to see how this simple flower is transformed into everything from gourmet food to luxurious skincare. You leave with a much deeper appreciation for the craft behind it all.

A Feast for the Senses

For many visitors, the biggest and most delightful surprise is the food. The farm cafés have truly mastered the art of lavender-infused cooking, serving up menus that are as unique as they are delicious.

You could start your morning with lavender-spiced scones, jam, and cream, or cool off with a scoop of their famously creamy lavender ice cream. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, many farms weave lavender into savoury dishes, where its subtle floral note beautifully complements local Tasmanian produce.

The culinary creativity at these farms is truly special. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a genuine celebration of the plant, showing how its delicate flavour can enhance everything from a refreshing drink to a hearty meal.

This side of the experience can easily turn a quick photo stop into a full-day outing. It’s the perfect way to relax and refuel after wandering through the fragrant fields. When you're looking into unique farm visits, it's also worth exploring the appeal of farm stays, which offer an even deeper connection to rural life.

Treasures to Take Home

You’ll definitely want to bring a piece of your visit home with you. Thankfully, the gift shops at Tasmania's lavender farms are treasure troves of high-quality, locally made products.

You can find everything from fragrant essential oils and handmade soaps to soothing balms and beautiful linen sachets. These items capture the very essence of the fields, letting you enjoy that calming lavender scent long after you've returned home.

This farm-to-consumer model is part of a booming global industry. The market for Lavandula oil—the main extract from these plants—is expected to grow from US$153.5 million in 2020 to US$220 million by 2027. This incredible growth reflects the worldwide demand for the very fragrances, cosmetics, and food items you can buy right from the source in Tasmania.

Connect with the Craft

If you’re curious about how things are made, many farms offer a fascinating peek behind the curtain. This is where you can really connect with the process.

• Distillation Tours: Watch the magical process of steam distillation, where fresh lavender flowers are turned into pure, potent essential oil.
• Farm Talks: Hear passionate owners share stories about their farm's history, their unique growing methods, and the challenges of the harvest.
• Hands-On Workshops: Some smaller, boutique farms even offer workshops where you can learn to make your own lavender products or help with the harvest.

These experiences give you a much richer understanding of the work and passion poured into every bottle of oil and every lavender-infused product. It turns a simple sightseeing stop into a truly memorable adventure.

A Few Tips for the Perfect Lavender Farm Visit

A little bit of planning can turn a good day out into a truly unforgettable one. When you're heading off to explore Tasmania's fragrant fields, a few insider tips can make sure your visit is smooth, comfortable, and absolutely magical. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years about making the most of a day trip.

What to Pack and Wear

First things first, let's talk essentials. You’ll be spending your day outdoors, wandering through wide-open fields. The Tasmanian sun has a surprising bite to it, even on cooler days, so sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable.

You'll also be doing a lot more walking than you might expect, often on dirt paths or grassy tracks between the lavender rows. Do your feet a favour and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. It makes all the difference.

Getting That Picture-Perfect Shot

For many, capturing the sea of purple is a huge part of the experience. If you're hoping for those breathtaking photos, timing is everything. The midday sun is harsh; it creates unflattering shadows and can wash out the vibrant colour of the flowers.

For the best light, try to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is the 'golden hour' photographers are always talking about, when the soft, warm light makes the lavender fields practically glow. The colours pop, the light is dreamy, and your photos will look incredible.

A quick word on the bees. Yes, there will be bees—thousands of them! But don't let that worry you. They are completely absorbed in their work, happily buzzing from one flower to the next. They have no interest in you and are a crucial part of the farm's ecosystem. Just move calmly, and they'll ignore you completely.

Getting Around the Farms

Most of Tasmania’s lavender farms are nestled in stunning, rural spots. While this is a huge part of their charm, it means public transport is pretty much non-existent.

Honestly, hiring a car is your best bet. It gives you the freedom to move between farms, pull over whenever a stunning view catches your eye, and explore at your own pace.

Once you’re there, please remember these are working farms. A little bit of respect goes a long way.

• Stay on the Paths: Stick to the marked walkways. Stepping into the rows can easily damage the delicate plants and the irrigation systems they rely on.
• Don't Pick the Lavender: The lavender is the farmer's crop. Please resist the urge to pick your own, unless you're in a specific 'pick-your-own' section.
• Keep an Eye on Kids: If you have little ones with you, just make sure they understand the rules and stay safe.

Following these simple courtesies helps keep the fields beautiful for everyone and protects the farmers' livelihood.

Why You Should Plan Ahead

Peak lavender season, from late December to mid-January, lines up perfectly with the summer school holidays. This is Tasmania’s busiest tourist season, and popular farms like Bridestowe Estate can get seriously crowded.

If you know when you'll be visiting, I strongly recommend booking your accommodation and rental car well in advance to avoid missing out. The demand for these agri-tourism experiences is only growing. In fact, experts predict a major expansion in Australian lavender production, with Tasmania leading the charge. You can read more about the future of this thriving industry and why planning is key in this recent industry analysis.

Keep these tips in mind, and you can focus on what really matters: soaking in the incredible scenery, breathing in that beautiful fragrance, and making some amazing memories.

Got Questions About Tasmania's Lavender Season?

It’s completely normal to have a few questions when you're planning a trip to see something as special as Tasmania's lavender. To make sure you're all set for an amazing visit, we’ve answered some of the queries that pop up most often.

Getting these details sorted beforehand means less time stressing and more time breathing in that incredible scent and soaking up the views. Let's dive in.

Can I Still Visit If It’s Not Peak Season?

While the peak bloom from December to January is the main event, you can absolutely enjoy a lavender-themed day out at other times of the year. The larger, well-known farms like Bridestowe Estate and Port Arthur Lavender Farm keep their cafes and gorgeous gift shops open all year round.

On top of that, some boutique spots, like Lavender House Perfumery in the Tamar Valley, are clever about it. They grow different lavender varieties that flower at different times, so you can almost always find something in bloom, even if it’s not the vast purple sea you see in photos.

Visiting in the off-season has its perks. You'll find a much quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. It's a great chance to really enjoy the farm cafes, browse for unique gifts, and even chat with the passionate owners without the summer crowds.

Do I Need to Book Farm Visits in Advance?

For the most part, no. You can just turn up. Places like Port Arthur Lavender Farm and many of the smaller, family-run farms are happy for you to wander in. The big exception, however, is the world-famous Bridestowe Lavender Estate during its busiest period.

• Bridestowe Estate: An entry fee applies during the peak season (December to February). You can usually buy tickets at the gate, but if you’re planning on taking a shuttle bus or joining a specific tour, you must book ahead. They sell out fast.
• Workshops & Tours: If you’re keen on a special experience, like a distillation workshop or a guided tour at any of the farms, booking in advance is always your best bet.

What’s the Best Way to Get to the Lavender Farms?

Honestly, the easiest way to explore Tasmania’s lavender trail is by car. This gives you the freedom to go at your own pace. The major farms are all well-signposted and are a pretty straightforward drive from the main cities.

• From Launceston: You’re in prime position. The iconic Bridestowe Lavender Estate is less than an hour’s drive away. The beautiful Tamar Valley, home to spots like Lavender House, is also just a short trip from the city.
• From Hobart: Head down the stunning Tasman Peninsula for about 90 minutes, and you'll find the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. If you're looking for something different, the boutique farms in the Huon Valley, such as Campo de Flori, are about an hour south.

Are the Lavender Farms Good for Kids?

Absolutely! The farms are a fantastic day out for the whole family. There’s so much open space for the kids to run around and explore (just make sure they stick to the paths, of course).

Many farms, especially Port Arthur Lavender, have lovely big lawns perfect for a picnic and cafes stocked with kid-friendly treats. And let's be real, who can say no to the famous lavender ice cream? It’s a winning combination of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and tasty food that everyone will love.

Putting together the perfect Tassie holiday can feel like a big job, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own. At Tasmania Tours, creating unforgettable, hassle-free trips around our beautiful island is what we do best. From guided day trips to multi-day adventures, our local experts handle all the details so you can just enjoy the ride. Explore our range of tours today.