family holding tassie devil
Experiences

Top winter holiday activities for the family

Whether you’re planning a trip with family or friends or staying put and looking for something for the kids to do, we’ve compiled a list of top Tassie school holiday activities to enjoy together.

Get out and about

A small adventure out and about with friends or family can become a highlight of a Tasmanian winter school holiday. Here are some of our favourites:

  • Spending time with family and friends having a picnic in the park 

  • Getting on the push bike and heading out for a ride 

  • Checking out native or exotic animals at Bonorong ,  Tasmania Zoo, or Hobart Zoo & Aquarium

  • Heading underground at Hastings Caves and topping it off with a dip in the thermal springs 

  • Visiting the iconic Cataract Gorge in Launceston 

  • Pulling on the winter woollies and heading to the snow 

  • Heading to the nearest beach and maybe hooking a fish (check Fishing Tasmania for restrictions).


Throw on your sneakers

Whether it be a leisurely local boardwalk, a trek to a waterfall or a multi-day hike, you told us you love walks. Finding a gap in the weather this time of the year can be tricky, but sometimes jumping in the puddles can make it more fun. We always encourage those heading outdoors to double check the weather to make sure you don't get caught out. Some favourites are: 

  • A local beach walk

  • Crescent Bay, Tasman Peninsula

  • Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain

  • Mt Field National Park

  • Hartz Mountain

Do you have little ones that tire quickly? Why not try these incredible family-friendly short walks instead:

  • Tall Trees Walk - Mount Field

  • Waterfall Bay - Eaglehawk Neck

  • Cape Tourville - Freycinet National Park

A clear favourite on the list was day trips to see waterfalls. What better time of the year than in winter after a big dumping of rain. There's plenty to see around Tassie, some of your favourites include;

  • Bridal Veil Falls & Champagne Falls, Moina

  • Snug Falls, Snug

  • Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park

  • Guide Falls, Ridgley

Need more Tassie hiking inspiration? Check out the 60 Great Short Walks to find a trek near you (and remember to keep safety front of mind whenever you're heading out in the wild).

Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park
Hop on your bike on the Bay of Fires trail

Credit: Tourism Australia

Avoid the cold and stay indoors

Weather not playing along? You also mentioned a few ways to keep the kids entertained without being out in the elements for long. It just so happens that our members have access to a range of discounts to cater for just the occasion. Member Rewards Program

  • See the latest Hollywood blockbusters with discounted tickets at Village Cinemas and Metro Cinemas 

  • Learn something new at the museum 

  • Have a bounce at Airtime 360 or Bounce

  • Go shopping (if you enjoy a rummage, try second-hand)

  • Pull out a board game or play on a console 

  • Libraries Tasmania always have events, workshops or just quiet time with books available. Check out the Questacon Byte Wise exhibition, touring various libraries across the state this winter.

  • Check your local indoor pool: many have special school holiday activities

  • Many local arts organisations are running creative workshops, like Burnie's Creative Paper Tasmania


Check out the latest events

If you're looking for something really special, there's a few events that are worth checking out this winter: 

Visit the mini-village at Tasmazia

Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett

Bicheno Beams will light up the sky this winter

Or maybe it's time to escape the ordinary

We're lucky in Tassie. Exploring a new corner of our state can be just an hour or two drive. While the north, south, east and west measured evenly in your suggestions to visit, a few places stood out for a few nights away: 

  • Cradle Mountain (members save 10% on accommodation at Cradle Mountain Hotel)

  • Boat Harbour

  • Bruny Island

  • Freycinet National Park (members save 10% on accommodation at Freycinet Lodge)

  • Tamar Valley

Freycinet Lodge accommodation
Cradle Mountain

So don’t let winter get you down these holidays, there’s heaps to see and do across Tassie. 

And if you’re still after more Tassie travel inspiration, check out our list of 100 reasons to stay in Lutruwita/Tasmania this winter.

Wherever you go and whatever you do this winter, be sure to check the weather, dress appropriately, drive to the conditions, and if you do get caught out on the road, feel at ease knowing our RACT Roadside will be there to help.