-Day Aurora Watching Guide: Tips for an Unforgettable Trip in Tasmania

We missed the last geomagnetic storm and the breathtaking aurora burst! This time, while visiting a classmate in Australia, I heard that Tasmania is also a hotspot for viewing the Southern Lights. So, we decided to embark on an adventure to Tasmania to chase the elusive Southern Lights and, of course, to see the incredibly adorable white kangaroos!

A friend recommended @ZongYouTianXia-AustraliaNZ, a travel agency they had used before. They offer private car tours with Chinese-speaking drivers and guides, which made our trip much more convenient. The itinerary they provided was perfect for us.

Here’s the final itinerary we settled on, shared as a reference:
✅ Accommodation: All our trips were day excursions from Hobart. We chose the 4-star Best Western Hobart, centrally located in the heart of the city, complete with a delicious breakfast. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the Centrepoint shopping mall and very convenient for exploring Salamanca Square and the Hobart waterfront.

1⃣ Day 1: Arrived in Hobart, greeted by a friendly Chinese-speaking guide at the airport.
Richmond town has a quaint charm, but it’s not the main attraction. Salamanca Square, on the other hand, is a bustling hub for local crafts and agricultural products—perfect for souvenir shopping. 📸 For the best photo opportunities, head to Mount Wellington, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hobart. You can drive right to the top, so no hiking is required.

2⃣ Day 2: Bruny Island to see white kangaroos + Aurora watching
Our driver and guide gave us a heads-up about the next day’s boat trip, advising us to wear windproof and warm clothing. On the island, we braved the strong winds and waves at The Neck, but the bay scenery from the steps was absolutely stunning.

Along the way, we visited an oyster farm, where we savored large, thin-shelled oysters for just $18 a dozen. Walking around Adventure Bay on the southern part of the island, we finally spotted the white kangaroos! These little, fluffy creatures were so endearing, and some even seemed unafraid of humans!

After returning, our driver and guide excitedly informed us that there was a high chance of seeing the aurora that night‼️
We set off after 8 PM, and they took us to a secluded bay near Hobart. There, under the starlit sky, we witnessed the mesmerizing dance of the aurora!

3⃣ Day 3: Port Arthur + Return
We took a small boat and listened to the guide recount the rich history of Port Arthur, viewing the site from all angles. After disembarking, we picked up playing cards at the visitor center, each card telling a unique story. The entire area still retains its British colonial charm, and you don’t need to pose to get great photos. We then visited the nearby Four Wonders, which offered picturesque views. Port Arthur is definitely worth a thorough visit 👍

Summary tips:
✔️ The weather in Tasmania can be quite unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack clothes suitable for outdoor activities. In mid-June, daytime temperatures hover around 10°C, dropping to about 3°C at night. When venturing out to chase the aurora, make sure to wear a thick down jacket and bring some energy-boosting snacks.
✔️ The white kangaroos in Adventure Bay are incredibly fluffy and cute, but it’s best to avoid feeding them or making direct contact.