Winter activities
for families
in Tasmania

Don’t hibernate, celebrate the cooler days with Australia’s most authentic winter family holiday experiences, in Tasmania.

Picture snow-coated mountains, abundant wildlife and starry night skies. The island offers fun winter activities for all interests and age-groups, from outdoor thrillseekers to indoor indulgers. You won't run out of things to do in winter.

Want to occupy the kids for the school holidays, reconnect with the senior explorers in your life, or embark on a rousing adventure? It’s all possible here. So, what are you waiting for, let's go! Here are some Tasmanian winter holiday ideas to create the journey of a lifetime.

There’s snow place like Tasmania

Kunanyi / Mount Wellington

Hobart offers unforgettable winter views with its backdrop of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington towering over the city, often blanketed in snow. For a different perspective, head to the mountain summit to behold sweeping views of the capital and scenic surrounds. When snow falls Kunanyi becomes a playground for outdoor winter activities. You can access the summit on a tour bus, hike or self-drive. The Organ Pipes track is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, while the Ice House track climbs all the way to the summit, both set out from The Springs.

Depending on conditions, the road and trails may close for safety reasons, so keep an eye out for mountain closures and check out safety tips. Reduce speed, avoid sudden braking and exercise caution when driving up the mountain as it is steep and winding. If you plan on walking to the summit be sure to rug up in warm and waterproof clothing, and don’t attempt it in snowy conditions or poor visibility.

Mount Mawson and Mount Field

A scenic drive from Hobart, Mount Field National Park becomes a snowy paradise in the Off Season. Towering peaks, ancient rainforests, and spectacular waterfalls set the scene for winter activities in the wild. Mount Mawson, a ski resort in the park, is the perfect spot to try skiing, snowboarding or frolicking in the snow. After a day of action, unwind nearby at Fern Mt Field, a charming 100-year-old cottage. Lounge by the fire with a book or movie, soak in the outdoor bath, stroll along the Tyenna River and, if you're brave, take an invigorating cold plunge.

Ben Lomond

Keen to hit the slopes? Head to Ben Lomond National Park, just 60km east of Launceston. Here, you can ski, snowboard and enjoy family-friendly winter activities like sledding, snowball fights and snowman building – it’s perfect for a family winter holiday. Ben Lomond Snow Sports has got you covered with gear rentals, lessons, and mountain shuttles. Settle into a cosy cabin stay on the slopes or retreat to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort and snuggle up by the fire with a warm drink. 

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain rises from the shores of Dove Lake like a giant against the skyline. Warm up on one of the myriad short, family-friendly winter walks – ensure you're well-prepared for alpine walking. Admire the views at Dove Lake Lookout or paddle across the serene waters on a kayak tour. Come face to face with Tasmanian devils at the Devils@Cradle sanctuary. Stay nearby at Cradle Mountain Hotel, one of many Cradle Mountain accommodation options. You’ll find all the ingredients you need for an alpine escape.

Winter wildlife watching

Tasmanian devils

In a Tasmanian winter, trips for families are best spent discovering the island's unique wildlife, and no visit would be complete without meeting one of its most iconic residents: the Tasmanian devil. While these nocturnal marsupials are most active in winter, sightings in the wild can be rare, so the best way to see them up close is to visit a wildlife sanctuary. Devils@Cradle's joey encounter offers a chance to meet cute young devils and even pat one. Near Hobart, a Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary tour lets you feed devils and other furry favourites like kangaroos and wombats in a small group setting.

Penguins

Tasmania is home to the world’s smallest penguin, the fairy penguin (aka little penguin). Watching these little birds return to shore at dusk is a Tasmanian winter highlight. Bicheno on the east coast is a prime spot for penguin-watching at sunset. At The Cove Tasmania, near Devonport, you can enjoy a private penguin procession as they return to their burrows near your accommodation. Stanley also offers rich opportunities to see these feathered cuties. After conquering the Nut during the day, relax at the Ship Inn after viewing the nightly penguin march.

Wombats

If you’ve always wanted to meet a cuddly wombat – and let’s be honest, who hasn’t – then winter is your best bet. These adorable creatures are more active during the day in winter as the cool weather encourages them to venture out. You can meet and feed wombats at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Add a wombat encounter to your East Coast Natureworld experience– baby devil, echidna and sugar glider meet-cutes are also available. For a chance to see them in the wild, head to wombat hotspots like Cradle Mountain, Walls of Jerusalem, Flinders Island, and Maria Island or get the low down from our wombat guide. Please help the wildlife stay wild by keeping your distance. Never feed or touch native animals.

Starry winter nights

For the dreamers with their eyes to the sky, winter in Tasmania offers an unparalleled opportunity for stargazing. The island’s longer, darker nights paired with crisp, clear air create the perfect conditions for seeing the Milky Way and the Southern Lights. On chilly nights the warmth of Tasmania’s unofficial uniform, the puffer jacket (known as a Tasmanian tuxedo), and a thermos of something hot in hand will keep you comfortable. And don’t forget to bring a camera.

Port Arthur is a great place for stargazing. After exploring the convict history of Turrakana /Tasman Peninsula, treat yourself to a stay at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park to take in the twinkling sky while taking advantage of the onsite wood-fired pizza oven. For a more rustic experience, stargaze with the sheep at Curringa Farm in central Tasmania. Or, head to Cataract Gorge in Launceston to get that little bit closer to the sky on a scenic chairlift ride to catch air-mazing views. Winter closing time is 4.30pm with last rides at 4.15pm.

Cosy indoor adventures

If the cold gets the best of you, Tasmania has plenty of indoor activities to keep the family entertained. Embrace your inner ship's caption (or pirate) at Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum, where you can handle a ship's helm, sound the foghorn, send Morse Code and more. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Theatre Royal, Australia’s oldest working theatre, to discover the stories of its colorful past and the famous performers who have graced its stage. Curious for something a little creepier with the clan? Join a ghost tour or paranormal investigation with Tasmania’s Most Haunted at haunted sites in Hobart and New Norfolk.

Need to quench a hungry belly? Harbour Lights Cafe on Hobart’s waterfront serves handmade pasta and pizzas, plus ocean-fresh seafood including the iconic winter staple: the Tasmanian scallop pie. Nestled along the picturesque eastern coastline, the River Mouth Cafe in Scamander offers uninterrupted ocean views of the sunrise for a glowing start to the day.