If your family is after action and adventure, Tasmania in winter delivers. From kayaking on crystal-clear waters to world-class mountain biking and snow-covered slopes made for play, there’s something for every kind of explorer. We’ve rounded up some top family-friendly adventures across the island to try in the Off Season. Fun, and far from ordinary.

AQUATIC ADVENTURES Our island is rich in coastal adventures and maritime fun for eager explorers. You can wander along the shores beachcombing for seashells, seaweed, and driftwood. You can take to the water on a kayak or paddle board. Spot a smaller island in the distance through your spyglass? You might just be able to reach it. That’s exactly the case with Bruny Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering, south of Hobart. Discover wild coastline, rare birdlife, fascinating history and secret coves. Make it a full island escape at Mandala Bruny Island (mandalabrunyisland.com.au), a four-bedroom retreat in amongst private bushland. This Off Season, two children stay free when you book two nights for four adults. The seaside town of Ulverstone makes a great family base for exploring the north west, just a short drive from Devonport. Take in sweeping views from the Zigzag Garden and Lookout, then explore charming cafés, galleries and boutiques. And the beaches are lovely for a winter picnic. Apex Beachside Holiday Park Ulverstone (apexbhp.com) offers a relaxed stay just a short walk from town, and in the Off Season, stay four nights and pay for three. On the east coast, Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s much-loved coastal playgrounds. With pink granite peaks, white sandy beaches and sheltered bays, it’s stunning year-round, and the waters invite winter adventures like swimming (if you’re brave!), fishing and kayaking. It’s also home to some great kid-friendly walks like the Wineglass Bay Lookout and Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk, among others. Freycinet Paddle Boards (freycinetpaddleboards.com.au) has you covered when it comes to gear hire, from paddleboards and kayaks to wetsuits, fishing gear and beach cabanas. In Launceston, hop into a pedalpowered kayak and explore the city’s waterways with Launceston Kayak Tours (launcestonkayaktours.com.au). Cup holders are even included for your winter hot drink! And in Hobart, families can channel their inner pirates with Escape The Mariner’s Dread, a nauticalthemed pop-up escape room by Hobart Escape Co. (events.humanitix.com/host/hobart-escape-co), returning this Off Season after a popular summer run.

RAINFOREST RIDES AND MOUNTAIN BIKES Tasmania’s rainforests and mountains are a natural playground for families seeking adventure. After all, the island is threaded with purpose-built mountain biking trails, some riding past ancient, mossy trees in lush, green forests. In the north east, the historic town of Derby is known as one of Tasmania’s mountain biking meccas. No bike? No worries. Hire one from Premium MTB Tours Tasmania (premiummtbtransfers.com.au), or jump in one of their buggies for a scenic forest tour. For a steeper thrill Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures (tasmba.com.au) can take you down Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, an epic descent from alpine heights to rainforest trails. During the Off Season, warm up post-ride with a complimentary hot drink from Lost Freight Café, Fern Tree Tavern, or Ginger Brown Café nearby. Prefer something more chill? Head to Pedal Buggies Tasmania (pedalbuggiestasmania.com.au) to ride along the Leven River on pedal-powered buggies. For all ages, you can choose from single, double, family or FEATURE Created in partnership with Tourism Tasmania For more discovertasmania.com.au/off-season group buggies. With extended ride times this Off Season, there’s more fun to be had. Before heading into the wild, brush up on essential skills with Survival Courses Tasmania (survivalcoursestasmania.au). Their one-day Essential Basic Survival Course 1 in Launceston is a fun, practical intro for both adults and children to bush survival. Immerse yourself in Tasmania’s winter playground with a few nights at Currawong Lakes (currawonglakes.com), one of Tasmania’s top fly fishing destinations. With three freshwater lakes stocked with wild Brown and Rainbow Trout, it’s a rewarding challenge for anglers of any level. Reel in the day with s’mores by the campfire, stars above, stories flowing, and sticky fingers guaranteed!

DAYS OF SNOW PLAY Tasmania’s alpine heights come alive with snow during the Off Season. An hour south of Launceston, Ben Lomond National Park is the go-to spot for winter sports like skiing and tobogganing, and you can stay overnight on the slopes. Get amongst the snow at Ben Lomond Snow Sports (tasmania.ski), where you can book your return shuttle, toboggan, snow jacket and pants, then head up the mountain for hours of fun on the slopes. Afterwards, warm up with fireside hot chocolates, mulled wine for the grownups, and gooey s’mores. In Hobart, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is often dusted with snow in the cooler months. Make the most of it with a family winter escape at Grosvenor Court Apartments (grosvenorcourtapartments.com.au), and take advantage of their Explore Kunanyi Winter Package. Rug up and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you follow scenic trails using the maps in your pack. Refuel with a complimentary hot meal and drink, and keep adventurers of all ages happy with snacks and activities. After a day of discovery, return to your apartment and settle in for a cosy night.

TO DUNGEONS DEEP AND CAVERNS OLD Beneath your feet in Tasmania lies an entire subterranean world. A hidden realm of spectacular cave systems, complete with underground rivers, crystal-clear reflection pools, and caverns twinkling with glow-worms. In the state’s north west, Mole Creek Karst National Park has more than 300 known caves. Two of these caves are open to the public through Mole Creek Caves (parks.tas.gov.au), offering an underground adventure for the whole family. This Off Season, you can become a subterranean scrubber by joining a special three-hour guided tour of Marakoopa Cave and lend a hand cleaning its pathways and formations. Gunns Plains Caves (gunnsplainscaves.com.au), also in the north west, were uncovered in 1906 when a hunter’s dogs disappeared into a hole. Formed by an ancient underground river, the caves are still home to freshwater crayfish, eels and fish. Visit on the third Sunday of June, July or August and you’ll experience something extra special: live didgeridoo music echoing through the caverns during the tour.

ABOVE THE GROUND There’s nothing quite like being lifted into the air and seeing the world from a bird’s-eye view. Launceston’s Cataract Gorge is a slice of true urban wilderness, a forested river reserve that winds through a dramatic gorge, just a short stroll from the city centre. This winter, see the Gorge in a new light with a dusk ride on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift (gorgechairlift.com.au), as the sky shifts from golden hour to twilight. Kids under eight need to ride with an adult. Right next door is Penny Royal Adventures (pennyroyallaunceston.com.au), where the whole family can step back into 19thcentury Tasmania. Explore a historical village, enjoy themed boat rides, or test your nerve on the cliff jump, zip lines and cliff walk. During the Off Season, these adventure activities are available after dark, turning up the thrill factor. Further south at the pet-friendly Tahune Adventures (tahuneadventures.com.au), walk high above the forest canopy on the AirWalk. This 600-metre-long elevated walkway ends in a dramatic cantilevered platform suspended 50 metres above the riverbank, offering sweeping views of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Afterwards, return to the warmth of the cosy on-site centre and thaw out by the wood fire with a hot drink in your new cup they’ll give you.