Heading to Australia’s ‘island state’ these school holidays? From beach days to wildlife adventures, there are a variety of activities and destinations to explore that the whole family can enjoy. Discover our top picks for where to visit during school holidays in Tasmania with a Dollar hire vehicle. 

Children, adults, family and friends… everyone loves a visit to the zoo, and Tasmania is one of the best places to discover rare and native wildlife. The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna, about an hour’s drive from Hobart in your rental car, is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the protection and conservation of endangered species like the Tasmanian Devil. A visit here promises an educational outing where you can meet the animals, learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to help save native creatures from extinction and explore Tasmanian flora. Come face to face with brushtail possums, hand-feed wallabies and kangaroos, and watch the ‘Birds of the Bush’ presentation to admire wild parrots and honeyeaters. There’s also a playground for the little ones to explore, and coffee and refreshments are available in the reception area. For something a little closer to Hobart, the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers engaging animal encounters and both daytime and nighttime visits. Experience excitement for the whole family on the Bonorong Night Tour where you’ll meet and hand-feed nocturnal creatures like Eastern quolls and sugar gliders. 

While visiting Tasmania, many flock to the renowned Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for hiking trails, photography opportunities and to experience the unique wilderness. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Park is popular for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife including Tasmanian devils, quolls and platypus. If your family enjoys hiking, the Dove Lake Walk is one of the Park’s premier tracks. Here, you’ll get unmatched views of Cradle Mountain on a loop around the glacial lake. It’s the perfect place to snap some family photos as you adventure from the lake through the rainforest. For something simpler, the 20-minute Enchanted Walk is suitable for most ages and traverses through a forest that looks like something out of a magical picture book. With a walk along the Pencil Pine Creek, this track is ideal for younger children, and they’ll love exploring the tunnel that looks just like a wombat’s burrow. After an exciting day spent roaming the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, head to the Tavern Bar and Bistro for a relaxed lunch or dinner with a ‘Little Wombats’ menu to cater to all.

Looking to expand your knowledge of Tasmania’s convict past? Visit the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site for a hands-on, educational deep-dive into the region’s past. With engaging exhibits on display, over 30 buildings to wander, and the option to voyage around the Harbour on board a cruise ship, kids and adults of all ages will enjoy an outing here. Themed guided tours are available, like the Escape from Port Arthur Tour and the Commandant’s Tour, to add an extra element of fun to your exploration. Plus, a range of restaurants, bars and cafes are on-site to fuel you throughout the day. Swap historic buildings and convict stories for captivating artworks and mirrored hallways at Tasmania’s cool and quirky museum - the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). This eccentric art museum for all ages spans engaging works and curious collections across three floors, just a 20-minute drive away from Hobart in your Dollar rental car. There’s a playground outside for the little ones, along with giant structures and sculptures for the adults to admire, and you can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds or head to one of the many restaurants on offer here. 

It wouldn’t be a school holiday trip without a beach day (or two), and Tasmania has some of the best beaches in the country. Wineglass Bay within Freycinet National Park boasts beautiful turquoise waters and pure white sands and is also the perfect place to head on a family walk, a cruise along the coastline and take in stunning views of the landscape. The Wineglass Bay Lookout trail is a family-friendly hike that traverses up Mount Amos, leading you to the lookout for picturesque views. Bring your camera along to capture scenic shots and memories with family. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, head to Coles Bay nearby for a woodfired pizza at Geographe Restaurant, which also offers kid’s meals. Another beautiful beach on the East Coast is Binalong Bay in the Bay of Fires. Walk the Cosy Corner coastal trail, discover sea creatures in one of the rock pools or have a family picnic at Skeleton Point. From swimming in crystal-clear waters and making sandcastles on the shore to relaxing under a beach umbrella, the whole family will love basking in the beautiful atmosphere of Tasmania’s idyllic beaches. 

After spending the school holidays discovering Tasmania’s best family attractions, children and adults alike will both take home cherished memories and special moments and be urged to come back and explore even more.