Winter activities
for families
in Tasmania

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. If you’re visiting during the Off Season, take an invigorating cold plunge in the Tyenna River and snap a selfie with the supplied camera to unlock an exclusive indulgence kit filled with local and winter-inspired treats.

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, plus a cosy cabin stay with Tasmanian wine, dinner and dessert. Or, retreat to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort and snuggle up by the fire with a hot chocolate, whisky and s’mores. On 12 July, don’t miss the Christmas in July Extravaganza which transforms Ben Lomond Base into a winter wonderland complete with merry festivities.

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain rises from the shores of Dove Lake like a giant against the skyline. Warm up on a winter hiking adventure – the myriad alpine tracks offer something for walkers of all levels. 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, where their after-dark experience lets you witness an eye-opening devil feeding while you snack on tasty Tassie dessert treats. Stay nearby at Cradle Mountain Hotel, one of many Cradle Mountain accommodation options, and take advantage of the hotel’s winter package including meals, park passes, wine and more. 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, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary's bite-size night 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. Watching these little birds return to shore at dusk is a Tasmanian winter highlight. Bicheno on the east coast is a prime spot, with Cod Rock Point offering ocean views and beach access for penguin-watching at sunset - it's extra special when they parade straight through the accommodation's gardens. At The Cove Tasmania, near Devonport, you can enjoy a private penguin procession while sipping complementary Devils Corner pinot. Stanley also offers rich opportunities to see these feathered cuties. After conquering the Nut during the day, relax at the Ship Inn with a glass of muscat as you view 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 during the night tour at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Take one for a wombat walk at East Coast Natureworld, where you join the keepers in giving the wombats breakfast and a daily health check. For a chance to see them in the wild, head to wombat hotspots like Maria Island, Cradle Mountain, Walls of Jerusalem and Flinders Island, or get the low down from our wombat guide.

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. Soak in a private outdoor bath under the stars and enjoy a wood-fired pizza from the onsite oven. For a more rustic experience, stargaze with the sheep at Curringa Farm in central Tasmania. As night descends, enjoy your BBQ hamper and finish the night roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate by the firepit Or, head to Cataract Gorge in Launceston to get that little bit closer to the stars on a scenic chairlift ride at night to catch air-mazing views of the twinkling sky.

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 pirate at the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum, where a treasure hunt through 13 rooms of fascinating displays awaits. 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. For something a little spookier, kids can join the Operation Ghost Hunt: Kids Battalion experience with Tasmania’s Most Haunted. This holiday activity recruits young paranormal investigators to uncover the secrets of “Old Jack”, a mischievous ghostly warden at Hobart’s Anglesea Barracks.

Need to quench a hungry belly? Harbour Lights Cafe on Hobart’s waterfront serves a one-of-a-kind curried scallop calzone filled with scallops in a mild curry sauce, garlic, cream, and Tassie white wine, all encased in a crispy pizza pocket. A delicious twist on the iconic Tasmanian scallop pie. Nestled along the picturesque eastern coastline, the River Mouth Cafe in Scamander offers sunrise breakfast on the beachfront for a glowing start to the day.