Vic high country or Tassie (Xmas school holidays.)

Andrew I can only answer your question regarding the heat.

We left Mansfield one day and was it into the low thirties in the morning. Later in the day up around Craigs Hut, Razorback Hut etc it was significantly cooler.

Cheers,

Jim.

Hi Andrew

Tasmania is wonderful and so many different things to see, but considering the cost of getting there, maybe leave it until you can spend more time. We had a very quick look around in seven weeks, allowing 2 weeks to get to Melbourne so we could sightsee along the way including driving the Great Ocean Road. We took four weeks to take a different way home. We were away three months in all. I don't know about the high country, but Tassie gets very busy during summer school holidays.

Motherhen

G;day Andrew, It looks like you have watched Callinan's video's. Being from FNQ I would choose Vic High country as it would be too cold in Tas any time of year.
The vids of vic look good but I'm in favour of the north of OZ.
Damien

Hi Andrew, Alpine weather can see days in January anywhere from 20 to 40C. Coming from WA I doubt if you would find the High Country to be too hot. Worst case scenario would mean you'd have to crack a drink open and sit in a crystal clear mountain stream. I've seen snow in February too. I wouldn't avoid the High Country due to the January weather. You'll be glad you went. Much better than theme parks.

Andrew,
Of course Tassie is the place to come to, BUT with your time frame of 6 weeks it would be a waste of time, as you would have to rush the to get around and you wouldn't have time to sit down and enjoy it.
Leave it till you have at least a minimum of two months to spend here.
Enjoy the high country or Coffs.
Cheers
Baz

High Country concerns.

Weather: Dec 12th Absolutely poured and we had to turn back. Would have ruined the planned roads.

January 25th Total fire bans and restricted areas.

Lots of tracks won't take trailers.

Work out your itinerary with the local rangers in the area where you would like to go.

Just a couple of the wonderful things that can make the high country difficult.

Temps should be fine. Main problem is restricted access due to fire risk and total fire bans.

Keep an ear out on HF (radio australia) or whatever you can for the weather and fire stuff. We usually let the ranger know where we will be. A very helpful mob.

Absolutely top place to visit.

Phil

Having spent two Xmas holidays in the Apple Isle I'm a bit puzzled about the 'too busy' comment. Yes, there are a lot of people about but there is also a lot of Tasmania. Certainly, if you go to all the main tourist spots it will be crowded but there is so much to see and enjoy that you can avoid the hoi polloi and have a great holiday. One thing that I noticed is that Tassie doesn't really take off until after Boxing Day so if you do a good percentage of your touring before Xmas and trundle back to WA taking your time it will be a great trip.

If you want some ideas on where to go and stay that will avoid the tourist explosion then feel free to contact me.

The coast from Coffs to Surfers will be VERY busy in the school holidays. Probably need to book well ahead too.

Cheers,

Val

"Is it too hot in the high country during January?"
No. On average it's around 5 degrees cooler in the valleys compared to back in the cities & up to 15 degrees on the Alps. There will be hot days but just base yourself around some water.
Both Vic & Tas will be perfect over the Xmas school holidays for 4x4 touring. My suggestion is you come over next year as well :-)
Cheers Craig........

During Xmas school holidays the NSW coast is very crowded with lots of traffic. You would need to book everywhere and be prepared for high charges for 'peak season'! As you know Qld will be either very hot and steamy or very wet. This year our family visited us in Brisbane for two weeks over Xmas and it was too wet and windy to take kids to the beach most days! So wherever you go the weather may be against you! Of course Tassie can be very cold even in January but the year we went there we had heat waves!
You will spend a lot of extra time and money travelling to get to Qld or Tassie. The high country should have great weather for camping and exploring and you would make better use of the short time you have - it would be something different for the kids! They will eventually drag you to the theme parks! good luck! Lynne