Seven ways to enjoy autumn in Tasmania
Many say that autumn in the best time in Tasmania. With cool mornings, mild days, and the best of Tassie produce in the stores, it’s time to slow down and enjoy this bountiful season. Here are our seven favourite things to do in autumn.
1. Get out in nature
Autumn is a lovely time to take things a little slower. Spend some time in nature and enjoy the turning leaves, including Tasmania’s native deciduous alpine beech, the Fagus, or Nothofagus gunnii.
Have a picnic, go camping, light your first fire of the season and put on an extra layer when the temperature gradually drops as we move through March and into April.
2. Eat with the season
We encourage eating seasonally at Hill Street. Prices are lower when you buy produce at its plentiful best. Autumn is harvest time, with apple and pear picking season starting in late February and hitting its stride as autumn progresses. Late summer figs and pomegranates are still in the stores, holding the last of the late summer sunshine. Autumn blackberries, raspberries and blueberries are about, and the grape harvest, which started in late summer, continues.
Pumpkin harvest begins in April and root vegetables like beetroot and carrots continue to be pulled in late autumn and into winter. Brassicas like caulis and broccoli continue from summer through to autumn, and Brussels sprouts are ready from late March. You can see our season guide here with all that's in season around Tasmania.
3. Get cosy
Once daylight savings ends on Sunday 6 April, it’s time to turn inwards and get cosy. The Danes fully embrace the cosiness knows as hygge when candlelight, blankets, hot chocolate and a good book all make for a perfect afternoon in.
4. Get baking
Apples and pears are quintessential autumn fare. Apple or pear crumbles are quick and easy to make and are a great way to use up any extra fruit you have on hand from a tree in the garden.
Berry or apple muffins, or these savoury spinach, feta and pumpkin muffins are perfect for lunch boxes.
If you have a little more time, try your hand at a blueberry pie or for something savoury, try this silverbeet and pumpkin pie.
5. Make soup
Soups are perfect in autumn, especially if they feature pumpkin, broccoli or cauliflower. They’re nutritious, warming and ideal for batch cooking: portion up and freeze for a night you’re home late and need a quick, satisfying dinner. Imagine a cosy night in with this creamy cauliflower, feta and broccoli soup.
6. Enjoy hot drinks
As the weather cools down, warm up with some hot beverages. Enjoy spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, a cup of chai tea or even a mulled wine. These drinks not only warm you up but also fill your home with delightful autumn scents. We love this decadent s’mores hot chocolate, and this quick-to-make vegan chai hot chocolate.
7. Have a fondue night
April 11th is World Cheese Fondue Day, a cheesy celebration of the classic national dish of Switzerland. Have a cosy night in with friends and enjoy the gooey goodness of melted cheeses, spices and wine. Here’s a classic recipe to try.
And here’s some more inspiration to enjoy some warm melty cheese on a cold night.
