The air may be crisp, but in Tasmania winter definitely doesn’t put a freeze on activities! Celebrate the vibrant culture, rich history, outstanding natural beauty, and first-class events and foodie attractions that shine in Tassie’s cooler climate.
The Apple Isle is known for its family-friendly eateries where you can feast on fabulous local food, wine and spirits. Or uncover a string of cultural, sporting, and food-related events in winter sure to keep the whole family happy. Whatever you’re keen on, winter is the perfect time to discover Tasmania’s best family-friendly attractions.
Plus, Tassie’s holiday parks have amazing specials on cabin accommodation in July and August, so this is the perfect time to plan a midyear break!
Top family-friendly winter activities in Tasmania
Discover the highlights of Australia’s southernmost state in winter. The weather may be chilly, but there’s still plenty of fun in store for the whole family! Better yet, these activities can be done all around Tasmania, wherever you’re staying.
Here are the top things to do during winter in Tassie:
1. Visit Tasmania's many museums and galleries
There are outstanding museums and galleries around the state that are ideal places to keep warm. For a traditional art gallery experience, visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart, or the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston.
The Museum of Old and New Art – MONA in Hobart presents a mind-blowing showcase of international treasures and contemporary art. Don’t forget to explore many of the smaller museums and galleries around the state, from the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum on Hobart’s waterfront to the West Coast Heritage Centre in Zeehan, which brings the state’s mining history to life.
2. See Cradle Mountain's natural beauty in winter
If you’re keen to brave the outdoors, you can take in the natural beauty of Cradle Mountain in winter. The snow-covered mountains, pristine lakes, and spectacular views of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park are well worth a day trip, or stay a few days at one of the cosy accommodation options.
3. Experience Tasmania's best winter events
For a winter solstice celebration of all things indulgent, look to the eclectic Hobart Winter Feast, part of MONA’s annual Dark MOFO festival. Entry is free for under-16s (adult accompaniment required) or for everyone on the final Sunday of the festival.
Hobart also hosts the annual Festival of Voices from 27 June to 6 July in 2025. This celebration of music kicks off with The Big Sing, a free family festival and singalong at Princess Wharf. Beaker Street Festival blends science and culture into a week-long program of workshops, field trips and events.
4. Take a cave tour at Mole Creek or Hastings Caves
Explore Tasmania’s world-famous waterfalls and caves, from the glow worm caves of Mole Creek Karst National Park to Hastings Cave in Southern Tasmania. It’s the largest developed cave in Australia and also one of the rarest, having being formed by a single dolomite.
5. Go whale watching on the East Coast
Keen for some winter whale watching? The Southern right whales and humpback whales travel north along Tasmania’s east coast – especially the Freycinet Peninsula – from June to August. Book a wildlife cruise to spot them, or get the full experience by following the East Coast Whale Trail from St Helens all the way down to Eaglehawk Neck Lookout on the Tasman Peninsula.
6. Meet penguins and wombats in Bicheno
The town of Bicheno is surrounded by picturesque beaches, nature reserves and wildlife-spotting opportunities. The region’s famous penguin tours are best experienced in winter, a quieter season for birds and tourists alike.
You can also visit the Little Penguin rookery at Diamond Island Resort and visit East Coast Natureworld for more wildlife encounters, including the off-season wombat walk which runs from May to August.
7. Tour Tasmania's kid-friendly breweries and distilleries
The major beer breweries in Tasmania include the James Boag Brewery in Launceston and Cascade Brewery in Hobart, both of which offer family-friendly history tours. There’s also a long (and growing) list of craft breweries around the state, many of which welcome visitors.
As Tasmania is the Apple Isle, make time to visit cideries in the apple- and pear-growing heartland of the Huon Valley. Tassie’s pure water is also perfect for distilling whisky, vodka and gin, with several award-winning distilleries producing some of the world’s greatest spirits.
8. Visit Tasmania's top family-friendly wineries
The state is known for its cool-climate wines with Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. Wine routes are found north of Launceston in the Tamar Valley and east to Pipers River. In the south, the Derwent, Coal River and Huon Valleys together comprise the Southern Wine Route and are all within an easy drive of Hobart.
You’ll also find excellent wines produced along Tasmania’s East Coast between Swansea and Bicheno. The area is rich in stunning natural beauty, great walks and history along with seasonal fresh produce from berries to wine and seafood.
9. Pick up winter produce at Tassie's farmers markets
Wherever you go in Tasmania, you’ll find a local market to explore, from Burnie Farmers Market to Willie Smith’s Artisan and Produce Market in the Huon Valley and Hobart’s famous waterfront Salamanca Market.
Another Hobart gem is Farm Gate Market, held every Sunday morning from 8.30 am –to 1.00 pm on Bathurst Street in the heart of Hobart. The authentic market is dedicated to farm-fresh produce and artisan foods. 75% of packaging used here is made from compostable materials, and dishes from the ‘Grub Hub’ street food vendors are designed to be eaten without a knife and fork to prevent waste.
In Launceston, don’t miss the Harvest Launceston market held every Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30 pm in Cimitiere Street. It’s the place to pick up the Tamar Valley’s finest including artisan baked goods, pickles and preserves, cured meats, local honey, craft beers and cider.
Winter accommodation in Tasmania
There’s no better way to explore the Apple Isle than with flexible holiday park accommodation. Tasmania’s holiday parks offer family-friendly cabin accommodation, caravan sites and camping throughout the state – and many holiday parks have great winter accommodation deals, too!
East Coast
For the ideal location to explore Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, book a stay at BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park. Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park is also a 30-minute drive from Freycinet National Park and offers easy access to surrounding attractions, like the famous Bicheno fairy penguins.
Close to the world renowned Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay, BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park is a popular spot for families. St Columba Waterfalls and Wineglass Bay are just some of the other nearby attractions.
Cradle Mountain
Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain is the perfect base to explore Cradle Mountain, which boasts excellent hiking trails and outdoor activities, abundant wildlife and ancient rainforests. You can also rent a Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottage, or stay in the beautiful and kid-friendly Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village.
Launceston and the Tamar Valley
BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park is a 16 acre elevated city retreat boasting stunning views of Launceston and the Tamar Valley. It is walking distance to Launceston CBD (2km) and only 10 minutes from the airport.
Fifteen minutes from Launceston, Discovery Parks – Hadspen is a must see on your Tassie touring itinerary. The peaceful South Esk River is a short stroll away and wineries, national parks, and family attractions are close at hand.
BIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday and Native Wildlife Park is 40 min from Launceston or 45 min drive from the Spirit of Tasmania through picturesque countryside bordering Narawntrapu National Park. The Tamar has great wineries, stunning scenery, great attractions and abundant wildlife.
Devonport Region
Devonport sits on the banks of the Mersey River in the centre of Tasmania’s fertile Mersey-Forth Valley. Only 15 minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal at Devonport, BIG4 Ulverston Holiday Park offers self-contained cabins perfect for families. Discovery Parks – Devonport is perfectly situated for easy and enjoyable day trips.
Hobart Region
Hobart Airport Tourist Park provides comfortable two-bedroom self-contained cabins, as well as powered and ensuite campervan and caravan sites, just minutes from Hobart Airport and 15 minutes’ drive from the city. Discovery Parks – Hobart is just a 10 minute drive from Hobart, offering a central location to explore all that southern Tasmania has to offer in a relaxed bush setting.
Home of the Port Arthur historic convict prison, and part of the beautiful Tasman Region, NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park is around 1.5 hours south of Hobart, with stunning coastal and rural scenery.
MORE HERE: 4 fantastic family hotels in Hobart
Opening image: Family at Cradle Mountain in winter. © Laura Helle / Tourism Tasmania
Content contributors: Elisa Elwin, Dan Campbell
