All Aboard for Family Fun

by Hobart Magazine

Hear the roar of the engine, feel the power of mechanical parts working in harmony, and experience the rush of winter wind through your hair. From boats and cars to trains and more, Tasmania offers a range of thrilling ways to hit the road, rail and sea this Off Season.

ON WATER In Tasmania, we’re surrounded by water so make the most of it and hop aboard a boat. It’s a fantastic way to experience Tasmania’s coastline as you can view landmarks you can’t see from land, and even encounter wildlife like sea eagles and playful seals. Tamar River Cruises (tamarrivercruises.com.au) offer scenic journeys along the Tamar River in Launceston. This winter, rug up with blankets and enjoy a hot cocoa station on board as you drift through Launceston and the Cataract Gorge. In Ulverstone, Leven River Cruises (levenrivercruises.com.au) offers a cosy escape into nature. Glide along calm waters with a warm cuppa in hand, be it tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and treat yourself to local cheese, seasonal fruit, and freshly baked muffins that melt in your mouth. It’s a comforting way to take in the serene beauty of the Leven River. Departing from Strahan, Gordon River Cruises (gordonrivercruises.com.au) invites you aboard their vessel, Spirit of the Wild. There’s something very cool about this boat. You can experience the stillness of the river with quiet cruising powered by electric motors, allowing you to hear every sound of the ancient forest. The winter school holidays are an ideal time to visit, especially since kids cruise free with every adult ticket purchased.

ON THE ROAD Time to hit the Tassie road! A road trip is one of the best ways to soak up everything Tasmania has to offer during the winter school holidays, with your fam squad by your side. Take the pressure off with Explora Tasmania (explora.au) this Off Season. Their car and camping gear package includes everything you need for a winter road trip: wheels for getting around, plus all the essentials for sleeping and cooking. Take it at your own pace and discover the magic of Tassie. Alternatively, try Tasvanlife (tasvanlife.com) for campervan hire, with vans for up to five people. Light up your winter nights with complimentary firewood and marshmallows, perfect for cosy evenings by a crackling campfire. Picture roasting marshmallows under a starlit sky as you embrace the warmth and beauty of Tasmania’s serene winter nights. Vantastic. Speaking of vans, here’s another great option. Van Experiences Tasmania (van-experiences-tasmania.com.au) offers a seven-day road trip adventure complete with a Tasmanian hamper packed with tasty local cheeses, dips, and nibbles. It’s a delicious way to hit the road and relish the journey. Whichever way you roll, you’re in for a school holidays to remember this Off Season.

ON RAILS Who doesn’t love trains? Step aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway (wcwr.com.au) for a journey through lush, cool-temperate Tasmanian rainforest. The heritage railway was built in the late 19th century to transport Queenstown’s copper riches across some of the state’s toughest terrain, and today is an incredible journey through invigorating forests, all brilliant shades of green. During the Off Season, enjoy the footplate experience where you’ll join the crew, standing alongside the driver and fireman to fire up the engine and tackle the 1:16 gradient to Rinadeena Saddle. You’ll feel the heat, grit and power of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, it is absolutely one of the standout transport-based experiences you can have in Tasmania this Off Season.

Billie Crane is operations manager at World Heritage Cruises (worldheritagecruises.com.au) in Strahan, a family business that takes you deep into the Gordon River. Cruise the glassy, reflective waters into one of the planet’s last great temperate rainforests.

Why is winter a great time to visit Strahan and cruise the Gordon River? Winter in Strahan is unforgettable – the air fresher, the mountains greener, the days quieter. Sit back in comfort and hear stories from a century ago.

What’s your advice for becoming a winter person? Don’t wait for the perfect weather, winter is a part of the experience! Rug up and enjoy misty mornings, stormy skies and the slower pace of life.

Tell us about your Off Season offer. Kids can cruise for free in Main Deck Centre seating. Perfect for playing and relaxing, with daily colouring competitions.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

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