School Holiday Activities
Heading to Hobart for the school holidays?
There is so much to do in Hobart, even when the temp cools down! Here are a few of our favourite things to do with our families in the winter school holidays:
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)
Located right next door to the Hotel and free to enter, TMAG is packed with art, science, history and plenty of hands-on fun.
Ask at the Visitor Information Desk for a Tentacle Trail map and borrow a free discovery backpack or toolkit—great for turning your visit into an interactive adventure.
For curious minds, This Too Shall Pass is a mystery-filled exhibition full of hidden artworks to hunt down.
The World of Beetles (running until 27 July) is vibrant, colourful and fun for all ages.
Don’t miss long-term exhibitions Islands to Ice for a deep dive into Antarctic science, Tasmania: Earth and Life for geology lovers, or mapiya lumi—a dreamy, sensory space created just for little ones aged 0–7, inspired by place, nature, and palawa kani culture.
When it’s time for a break, the Courtyard Café is right there with great coffee, lunch options and snacks.
Click here to learn more about TMAG.
MONA – Museum of Old and New Art
Looking for something a bit different? MONA is open Friday to Monday and makes for an unforgettable family outing—especially with teens in tow!
Start your visit with the ferry ride from Hobart’s waterfront, only an 8-minute walk from the Hotel. You’ll cruise up the Derwent River on a camo-painted boat, sit on a sheep or tiger-shaped seat, sip a drink from the bar and enjoy the views. It’s free for kids aged 0-3, and you can even upgrade to the Posh Pit for a splash of luxury!
Once you arrive, explore a mix of ancient and modern art—some quirky, some confronting, always thought-provoking. While some exhibits may not be suitable for younger kids, staff are happy to guide you.
Be sure to download The O app before you go—it helps you queue, learn more about the art, and enjoy extras like interviews and audio experiences!
Outside, there’s a trampoline and playground, plus beanbags and open space to chill. Live music runs most Fridays to Mondays, indoors or out depending on the weather. And when hunger hits, you’ll find plenty of food and drink options on site, with menus that cater to everyone! Just check ahead, as opening times can vary.
Hot tip: You will need to book your ferry ride/s and museum entry in advance!
Click here to learn more about MONA.
kunanyi / Mount Wellington
kunanyi / Mount Wellington is where Hobart meets the wilderness. It’s a beautiful winter escape with incredible views, plenty of adventure, and a whole lot of fresh air.
The kunanyi / Mount Wellington Explorer Bus is a great option if you’re visiting without a car. Choose from one-way trips to the summit, a full 2.5-hour return tour, or a hop-on hop-off pass. The tours start and finish on the waterfront, only an 8-minute walk from the Hotel! Bonus: they’re the only operator with exclusive access when the mountain is closed due to snow!
Family-friendly trails we love include the Silver Falls track (2km, 45 mins), starting from Fern Tree Park, and the Sphinx Rock walk (3km, 1 hour) from The Springs. Don’t forget to rug up and wear your hiking shoes!
When it’s time to refuel, grab a coffee or snack from Lost Freight Café at The Springs, or settle in for a hearty pub meal by the fireplace at Fern Tree Tavern further down the mountain.
Click here to learn more about kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
Got more time to explore Hobart?
Check out our What’s On and Things to Do pages for even more ideas, events, and inspiration to make the most of your stay!