SWEET TREATS, SWEET DREAMS

One sure-fire way to tempt both kids and kids-at-heart out of the house is sweet treats. Oh yes. Chocolate, marshmallows, and s’mores are hard to resist, especially in winter when we’re all craving a little cosy comfort. Luckily, Tasmania shares the sweet tooth, and this Off Season there’s more than one delicious way to indulge those cravings (and coax the kids out).

CHOCOLATE TACO TEMPTATION Anvers Chocolate Factory (anvers-chocolate.com.au) in Latrobe is heaven for chocolate lovers. Picture handmade truffles, chocolate oranges, fudge and pralines crafted with fresh Tasmanian cream and butter, single-origin chocolate, fruits, nuts and liqueurs. Drooling yet? This Off Season, try their winter comfort special: two dark chocolate tacos. Rich and fruity, soft and airy. It’s indulgence with every bite, followed by your choice of Anvers’ signature hot chocolate, coffee or tea. While you’re there, give their small museum a go for a sweet history lesson. You’ll be taken on a journey through the history of chocolate, from its origins with the Aztecs to when chocolate was only consumed as a liquid in the 1700s, to the chocolate we know today.

WOULDN’T YOU LIKE S’MORE? In New Norfolk, The Agrarian Kitchen (theagrariankitchen.com) is one of Tassie’s most celebrated restaurants. But if you’re after something a little more relaxed and family-friendly, Agrarian’s The Kiosk has you covered. Settle in at a picnic table on the front lawn or bring your own blanket and stretch out. This Off Season, The Kiosk is serving up their take on the classic campfire s’more. From Friday to Sunday, gather around the firepits to toast house-made spiced biscuits, honey-laced local marshmallows and Australian chocolate.

CITY VIEWS AND CHOCOLATE BREWS Launceston’s vibrant food scene has earned it international recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, one of just 49 in the world. Make Peppers Seaport Hotel Launceston (peppers.com.au/seaport) your base as you explore the city’s culinary offerings. This winter, cosy up in a suite and treat yourself to the ultimate hot chocolate experience, featuring rich Coal River drinking chocolate melts and fluffy marshmallows.

A WEEKEND OF CHOCOLATE No list of winter sweet treats in Tasmania would be complete without mentioning Chocolate Winterfest (chocolatewinterfest.com.au) in Latrobe, held on Sunday 10 August. Make a weekend of it with a visit to Anvers Chocolate Factory for the ultimate chocoholic escape. For more on this event, check out our ‘Festivals for the Family this Off Season’ section.

MUSEUM MUSINGS

Museums are magical places and Tasmania is home to some fascinating ones, each offering their own unique way of bringing history, science, art and culture to life. They’re especially great for families in winter. Indoor spaces that offer a warm retreat from the rain are the place to be this Off Season, with plenty of educational fun to be had.

FOR THE SWASHBUCKLERS Ahoy, me hearties, it’s time for a treasure hunt! Set on the scenic Low Head Peninsula at the mouth of the Tamar River, the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum (museum.lowhead.com) is Australia’s oldest pilot station, dating back to 1806. Housed in the site’s largest historic building, the museum brings the maritime history of the Tamar to life with relics from the age of sail and steam. It’s perfect for families, with hands-on fun like steering the ship’s helm, sending Morse Code, and ringing the ship’s bell. This Off Season, kids can embrace their inner pirate captain with piratical activities created by local students.

FOR THE PALEONTOLOGISTS Dinosaur lovers of all ages won’t want to miss the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG, qvmag.tas.gov.au) in Launceston. Their Six Extinctions exhibition, running until 17 August, explores the science behind five major extinction events that reshaped life on Earth, plus a potential future one (but don’t fret, the vibe is hopeful!). Come face-to-face with incredible extinct creatures through replica fossils. QVMAG also offers a jam-packed school holiday program to keep the kids entertained, from free crafting sessions and programmed activities to workshops for teens.

FOR THE HISTORIANS On the east coast, the St Helens History Room (sthelenshistoryroom.com) features over 1,000 artefacts, thoughtfully curated to reflect the different chapters of St Helens’ history. Throughout August, as part of the Off Season, entry to the museum is free for everyone, making it a great time to discover more about the area before heading out to explore its stunning beaches, surrounding bushland, and family-friendly mountain bike trails.

FOR THE DESIGNERS In Launceston, Design Tasmania (designtasmania.com.au) is the centre for design culture in Tasmania within a beautiful building worthy of its own attention. Throughout winter they’re hosting TasMakers, a free exhibition of uniquely Tasmanian designs that includes jewellery, homewares, furniture, fabric and more.