SCHOOL HOLIDAY PLANNER FAMILY HOLIDAY IDEAS IN , FOR TASMANIANS

Tamar Island Wetlands

It’s time to take the family out to explore your own backyard. Whether it’s a weekend, a week, or longer, we’ve done the legwork so you can make yourself at home anywhere in the state these school holidays.

Cataract Gorge, Launceston Cape Hauy, Tasman National Park

Callington Mill, Oatlands Fossil Bluff Conservation Area Freycinet National Park

makeyourselfathome.com.au DERBY

N O R T H W E S T N O RTH N O R T H E A S T MT MURCHISON W’GLASS BAY W E S T & CENTRAL

North West and Central

S O U T H W E S T S O UTFREEWHEELINGH S O UTH FUNE A S T D I S C O V E R POWER TRAILS AND For a holiday where the entertainment is LAUNCESTON HIGHLAND HERITAGE taken care of, it doesn’t get much better than Tasmania’s northern city is ideal for a weekend Uncover Tasmania’s fascinating hydro history Tasmania’s mountain biking trails. Winding getaway. One of ’s oldest cities, on a journey through the snow-capped peaks through the wilderness is an extensive network Launceston has a fascinating heritage, elegant and rolling farmland of the Central Highlands, of tracks, with something to suit all levels colonial architecture, century-old parks and a from Red Gate Tramway north of Bothwell and ages. Base yourself in the friendly town vibrant food and drink scene. Explore the city to Shannon, with informative signage along of Derby for the ultimate Blue Derby riding on foot, visit the monkeys at City Park, wander the route. This is brown trout country, so W E S T E A S experience,T or head east forMA a RdayI A IofS LfamilyA N D the exhibitions at Queen Victoria Museum try your luck fly fishing DIY or with a local fun on the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails. and Art Gallery’s Inveresk site, and walk in guide. Team this trail with a self-guided tour Expect world-class trails, stunning scenery, Cataract Gorge, a taste of the wild in the heart of the Southern Midlands’ historic towns of great food and drink, and family-friendly of the city. And don’t miss the remarkable Kempton, Bothwell and Oatlands to enjoy accommodation. Tamar Island Wetlands. country hospitality, explore heritage-listed Fresh northern produce buildings and visit local distilleries. Queenstown Ocean Beach, Strahan K I N G I S L A N D F L I N D E R S I S L A N D G L O B A L M A P TASTE OF THE TAMAR WILD WEST COAST GHOST TOWNS AND GLORY DAYS Follow the river north from Launceston On the shore of Macquarie Harbour, the lively through the Tamar Valley, winding through N O R T H W E S T N O RTtownH of Strahan is the gatewayN O R TtoH Franklin-E A S T Queenstown was once the world’s richest premier cool-climate vineyards, pastures, Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and a mining town. Today, the lunarscape of its forested hills and plenty of quality launchpad for boats, planes and helicopters hills is a stark reminder of this rugged history. accommodation. Taste local produce and into World Heritage wilderness. There’s plenty On the winding road into town, peer into the wine as you meander toward the coast and of accommodation and family fun here. Stroll open-cut mine from Ironblow Lookout and show the kids what a true paddock-to-plate the picturesque harbour, search for platypus walk the short track to striking Horsetail Falls, experience looks like, stopping at farm near Hogarth Falls, and hear stories of the cascading over the exposed mountainside. gates and visiting fruit growers, fishermen, region’s dark convict past. Climb Henty Dunes Delve into Queenstown’s past on a heritage beekeepers and farmers. Fill your picnic S O U T H W E S T S O UTtoH slip, slide or toboggan down,S O UT orH EcombA S T walking tour, visit historic mines and explore basket and park yourself on the river at for hours along Ocean Beach, Tasmania’s the remains of the nearby ghost towns of Beauty Point, or head to the coast to find longest beach, to appreciate the beauty and Gormanston and Linda, evoking the not-so- Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails, Derby your maritime history fix at Low Head. QVMAG at Inveresk remoteness of the west coast. Fly fishing, Penstock Lagoon distant glory days of the mining boom.

N O R T H W E S T N O RTH N O R T H E A S T W E S T E A S T MAR I A I S L A N D North West East

K I N G I S L A N D F L I N D E R S I S L A N D G L O B A L M A P S O U T H W E S T S O UTH S O UTH E A S T CONVICT DRIVE SEAFOOD ODYSSEY STEP BACK IN TIME Make your next Great Eastern Drive a scenic Oysters, abalone, crayfish, scallops, or good journey into Tasmania’s convict past. At Orford, old fish and chips – whatever your favourite, Tasmania’s prehistoric past is visible in the walk the Old Convict Road trail along peaceful you’ll find it fresh on the east coast. Head to remains of ancient volcanic rock formations Prosser River. Make a day of it on Maria Island, Triabunna or St Helens for textbook fish and and fossils that dot the north-west coast. exploring historic Darlington Probation Station chips, to Dolphin Sands or Freycinet for an Start near Wynyard to spot fossils at Fossil and spotting wildlife. At Mayfield Beach, oyster fix, and to Bicheno for a fully-fledged Bluff Conservation Area, walk the remains follow the short track to Three Arch Bridge, seafood feast. Enjoy your meals water-side and W E S T E A S T MAR I A I S L A N D of a 12-million-year-old volcano at Table hidden beneath the highway, and marvel at the pair your seafood with some of the region’s Cape, discover fascinating Aboriginal heritage craftsmanship of Spiky Bridge, before following best cool-climate wines picked up at nearby and intriguing caves at Rocky Cape National the route of the original convict-built road cellar doors, or try catching your own off Park, and finish your geological adventure to Cape Tourville on Freycinet Peninsula for beaches, jetties or rocks. by climbing the Nut, the impressive volcanic sweeping clifftop views. Edge of the World, Arthur River plug towering over historic Stanley. Pick one Philosopher Falls, Waratah of the quiet coastal towns as a base and K I N G I S L A N D F L I N D E R S I S L A N D G L O B A L M A P TARKINE TOURING spend relaxed afternoons in local playgrounds and cafes. CHASING See the rare temperate rainforest of takayna/ WATERFALLS Binalong Bay Tarkine on the Tarkine Drive loop, dotted with walks, lookouts and significant sites. Rushing water tips from mountainsides and SEA CHANGE Wander among old myrtles, marvel at flooded clifftops across the north west, so take your limestone sinkholes and picnic in forest pick of falls and make it part of an extended Park yourself at any of the east coast’s classic reserves. At Arthur River, the tannin-stained north-west tour. In the centre of charming holiday towns and live like a local for a week or river meets rolling ocean and buffeting Waratah, Waratah Falls is easy to access and two. Spend days rock-hopping among granite winds at the Edge of the World lookout, an hard to miss and, on the town’s outskirts, boulders at Binalong Bay, playing cricket on exhilarating stop for the family on the wild wander fungi-dotted rainforest to the tiered empty beaches, or walking the dog on a coast. This loop drive from Smithton can Philosopher Falls. Head north to visit the pet-friendly beach at Orford. Ride bikes along span two days or two separate day trips on beautiful cascades of via a short coastal trails at St Helens, make a picnic with rainforest or coastal sections, allowing for walk, or west to Corinna to bundle the family produce from local farm gates and bakeries, evenings spent in the cosy warmth of local into kayaks and paddle down the Pieman River or explore hidden coves in a kayak or tinnie restaurants and boutique accommodation. The Nut, Stanley to spectacular Lovers Falls. Darlington, Maria Island at Coles Bay. Fish and chips, Bicheno DERBY

N O R T H W E S T N O RTH N O R T H E A S T MT MURCHISON W’GLASS BAY W E S T & CENTRAL

North West and Central

S O U T H W E S T S O UTFREEWHEELINGH S O UTH FUNE A S T D I S C O V E R POWER TRAILS AND For a holiday where the entertainment is LAUNCESTON HIGHLAND HERITAGE taken care of, it doesn’t get much better than Tasmania’s northern city is ideal for a weekend Uncover Tasmania’s fascinating hydro history Tasmania’s mountain biking trails. Winding getaway. One of Australia’s oldest cities, on a journey through the snow-capped peaks through the wilderness is an extensive network Launceston has a fascinating heritage, elegant and rolling farmland of the Central Highlands, of tracks, with something to suit all levels colonial architecture, century-old parks and a from Red Gate Tramway north of Bothwell and ages. Base yourself in the friendly town vibrant food and drink scene. Explore the city to Shannon, with informative signage along of Derby for the ultimate Blue Derby riding on foot, visit the monkeys at City Park, wander the route. This is brown trout country, so W E S T E A S experience,T or head east forMA a RdayI A IofS LfamilyA N D the exhibitions at Queen Victoria Museum try your luck fly fishing DIY or with a local fun on the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails. and Art Gallery’s Inveresk site, and walk in guide. Team this trail with a self-guided tour Expect world-class trails, stunning scenery, Cataract Gorge, a taste of the wild in the heart of the Southern Midlands’ historic towns of great food and drink, and family-friendly of the city. And don’t miss the remarkable Kempton, Bothwell and Oatlands to enjoy accommodation. Tamar Island Wetlands. country hospitality, explore heritage-listed Fresh northern produce buildings and visit local distilleries. Queenstown Ocean Beach, Strahan K I N G I S L A N D F L I N D E R S I S L A N D G L O B A L M A P TASTE OF THE TAMAR WILD WEST COAST GHOST TOWNS AND GLORY DAYS Follow the river north from Launceston On the shore of Macquarie Harbour, the lively through the Tamar Valley, winding through N O R T H W E S T N O RTtownH of Strahan is the gatewayN O R TtoH Franklin-E A S T Queenstown was once the world’s richest premier cool-climate vineyards, pastures, Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and a mining town. Today, the lunarscape of its forested hills and plenty of quality launchpad for boats, planes and helicopters hills is a stark reminder of this rugged history. accommodation. Taste local produce and into World Heritage wilderness. There’s plenty On the winding road into town, peer into the wine as you meander toward the coast and of accommodation and family fun here. Stroll open-cut mine from Ironblow Lookout and show the kids what a true paddock-to-plate the picturesque harbour, search for platypus walk the short track to striking Horsetail Falls, experience looks like, stopping at farm near Hogarth Falls, and hear stories of the cascading over the exposed mountainside. gates and visiting fruit growers, fishermen, region’s dark convict past. Climb Henty Dunes Delve into Queenstown’s past on a heritage beekeepers and farmers. Fill your picnic S O U T H W E S T S O UTtoH slip, slide or toboggan down,S O UT orH EcombA S T walking tour, visit historic mines and explore basket and park yourself on the river at for hours along Ocean Beach, Tasmania’s the remains of the nearby ghost towns of Beauty Point, or head to the coast to find longest beach, to appreciate the beauty and Gormanston and Linda, evoking the not-so- Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails, Derby your maritime history fix at Low Head. QVMAG at Inveresk remoteness of the west coast. Fly fishing, Penstock Lagoon distant glory days of the mining boom.

N O R T H W E S T N O RTH N O R T H E A S T W E S T E A S T MAR I A I S L A N D North West East

K I N G I S L A N D F L I N D E R S I S L A N D G L O B A L M A P S O U T H W E S T S O UTH S O UTH E A S T CONVICT DRIVE SEAFOOD ODYSSEY STEP BACK IN TIME Make your next Great Eastern Drive a scenic Oysters, abalone, crayfish, scallops, or good journey into Tasmania’s convict past. At Orford, old fish and chips – whatever your favourite, Tasmania’s prehistoric past is visible in the walk the Old Convict Road trail along peaceful you’ll find it fresh on the east coast. Head to remains of ancient volcanic rock formations Prosser River. Make a day of it on Maria Island, Triabunna or St Helens for textbook fish and and fossils that dot the north-west coast. exploring historic Darlington Probation Station chips, to Dolphin Sands or Freycinet for an Start near Wynyard to spot fossils at Fossil and spotting wildlife. At Mayfield Beach, oyster fix, and to Bicheno for a fully-fledged Bluff Conservation Area, walk the remains follow the short track to Three Arch Bridge, seafood feast. Enjoy your meals water-side and W E S T E A S T MAR I A I S L A N D of a 12-million-year-old volcano at Table hidden beneath the highway, and marvel at the pair your seafood with some of the region’s Cape, discover fascinating Aboriginal heritage craftsmanship of Spiky Bridge, before following best cool-climate wines picked up at nearby and intriguing caves at Rocky Cape National the route of the original convict-built road cellar doors, or try catching your own off Park, and finish your geological adventure to Cape Tourville on Freycinet Peninsula for beaches, jetties or rocks. by climbing the Nut, the impressive volcanic sweeping clifftop views. Edge of the World, Arthur River plug towering over historic Stanley. Pick one Philosopher Falls, Waratah of the quiet coastal towns as a base and K I N G I S L A N D F L I N D E R S I S L A N D G L O B A L M A P TARKINE TOURING spend relaxed afternoons in local playgrounds and cafes. CHASING See the rare temperate rainforest of takayna/ WATERFALLS Binalong Bay Tarkine on the Tarkine Drive loop, dotted with walks, lookouts and significant sites. Rushing water tips from mountainsides and SEA CHANGE Wander among old myrtles, marvel at flooded clifftops across the north west, so take your limestone sinkholes and picnic in forest pick of falls and make it part of an extended Park yourself at any of the east coast’s classic reserves. At Arthur River, the tannin-stained north-west tour. In the centre of charming holiday towns and live like a local for a week or river meets rolling ocean and buffeting Waratah, Waratah Falls is easy to access and two. Spend days rock-hopping among granite winds at the Edge of the World lookout, an hard to miss and, on the town’s outskirts, boulders at Binalong Bay, playing cricket on exhilarating stop for the family on the wild wander fungi-dotted rainforest to the tiered empty beaches, or walking the dog on a coast. This loop drive from Smithton can Philosopher Falls. Head north to visit the pet-friendly beach at Orford. Ride bikes along span two days or two separate day trips on beautiful cascades of Dip Falls via a short coastal trails at St Helens, make a picnic with rainforest or coastal sections, allowing for walk, or west to Corinna to bundle the family produce from local farm gates and bakeries, evenings spent in the cosy warmth of local into kayaks and paddle down the Pieman River or explore hidden coves in a kayak or tinnie restaurants and boutique accommodation. The Nut, Stanley to spectacular Lovers Falls. Darlington, Maria Island at Coles Bay. Fish and chips, Bicheno N O R T H W E S T N O RTH N O R T H E A S T

S O U T H W E S T S O UTH S O UTH E A S T South

SOUTHERN EXPLORER TOUR OF THE TASMAN W E S T E A S T MAR I A I S L A N D Get set for some star gazing – maybe even With its dramatic coastline, 300-metre sea catch the elusive Southern Lights – from cliffs and fascinating convict history, the Cockle Creek, the southernmost point you Tasman Peninsula is packed with family can drive in Australia. Explore sandy bays and holiday highlights. Don’t miss the geological lagoons, or take the short walk to the Whale marvel of the Tessellated Pavement, the dog Sculpture, then on to Fishers Point Navigation line at Eaglehawk Neck, where dogs once K I N G I S L A N D F L I NLightD E R S and I S LPilotA N D Station ruins.G L OnO B theA L MdriveA P stood guard to prevent convicts escaping, south, pick up apples, preserves, cheese, and a visit to Port Arthur Historic Site. Kids cider and wine from the Huon Valley’s farm Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park will love quirky Doo Town, where everything gates, orchards and vineyards, and don’t miss has a “doo”-related name, the short walk to a unique underground adventure by booking a TALL TREES AND Crescent Bay for an afternoon sliding down Hastings Cave tour. ALPINE LAKES sand dunes, and exploring the trails of the Coal Mines Historic Site. Experience the best of the south west on a multi-day journey. Wander forests of giant mountain ash, the world’s tallest flowering plant, in the Styx Valley and spot platypus in tannin-stained streams. At Mount Field National Park, walk among tall trees and waterfalls, including the wheelchair-accessible Russell Falls, or sink into snow at Lake Dobson. Venture further west to kayak on Lake Pedder, follow the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail at Strathgordon, and catch unparalleled views off Gordon Dam wall. Stay in the Derwent Valley and stock up on good local produce in New Norfolk before heading off. Huon Valley Port Arthur Historic Site

Heading to ? FIND PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN IN THE CAPITAL OVER WINTER. • Rug up for snow play on kunanyi/Mount Wellington. • Picnic among the trees at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. • Explore the exhibitions at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. • Cycle along the on the Intercity Cycleway. • Enjoy local shopping, cafes and restaurants in and around Hobart.

kunanyi/Mount Wellington

PHOTO CREDITS Cover: © Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service & Natalie Mendham; bottom PLAN YOUR TRIP clockwise from left © Tourism Tasmania & Brian Dullaghan, © Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett, © Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, © Tourism Tasmania & Head to your local visitor information Kathryn Leahy, © Jess Bonde. North: © Stu Gibson, © Tourism Tasmania & Rob centre or visit makeyourselfathome.com.au Burnett, © Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett. North West: © Tourism Tasmania to find and book places to stay, eat and drink, & Rick Eaves, © Jess Bonde, © Jess Bonde. West & Central: © Jason Charles guided activities, experiences and attractions Hill, © Samuel Shelley, © Flow Mountain Bike. East: © Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett, © Matt Donovan, © Stu Gibson. South: © Tourism Tasmania across Tasmania. & Nick Osborne, © Jason Charles Hill, © Alastair Bett. Heading to Hobart: © Luke Tscharke. Plan your trip: © Chris Crerar.

This planner has been developed in partnership with Tourism Tasmania and the Regional Tourism Organisations.