5 cool ways to keep kids entertained this winter

Whether your family is full of snow bunnies or whether you’re into gazing at the stars; whether you like going your own way or prefer having someone keep you entertained… winter across Australia heralds a whole new raft of family friendly experiences. From New South Wales to Western Australia, here are five ways to make the most of the country’s cooler months – with your kids in tow.

Getting there: 170km (2.5 hours) north of Sydney

There are many reasons to love the Hunter Valley region – but wineries and restaurants aside, it’s also home to one of the state’s most impressive botanic gardens. And winter is a wonderful time for your little ones to enjoy a fun-filled frosty day there. Snow Time in the Garden

will transport the whole family to a winter wonderland, replete with a mega snow pit – great for snow angels or building a snowman – as well as a giant ice toboggan, snow cave and enormous ice-skating rink. Equally cool are the amusement rides and roving entertainment, with plenty of warm food and drinks to refuel on when you’re not at play.

Getting there: 375km (5 hours) northeast of Melbourne

Every winter, Mount Hotham takes young snow bunnies off your hands with the mountain’s full-day Kids Club. Which means that while mum and dad tackle some serious runs, children (aged seven to 14) can develop their skiing and boarding skills, explore the mountain and make new friends. Qualified instructors provide a safe and fun environment for kids of all skill levels, and will also host them for lunch in one of Hotham’s restaurants. Travelling with really little ones? For kids aged between three and six, Hotham’s half- and full-day Mighty Mites program involves small class sizes and employs extra indoor staff to ensure your child is welllooked after while they take their first steps on the snow.

Getting there: 25km (40 minutes) northeast of Perth

Don’t let the cooler weather put a damper on your urge to get out and explore the Western Australian countryside with your kids this winter. Swan Valley’s Family Fun Trail

is a great way to get to know the region – at your own pace. The Great Valley Rally is a treasure hunt that will have your kids decoding cryptic clues along a specific route through the valley over the course of about three hours. Head to the Visitor Centre to pick up a clue sheet. Alternatively, the Kids in the Valley Trail

links a host of family-friendly attractions – your little ones can meet farm animals, play a round of mini-golf, head out on a bush walk and get to know Australian wildlife. The trail map also lists some of the valley’s most kid-friendly restaurants, noting places that have special menus just for children.

Getting there: 90km (1 hour) northwest of Launceston

Tasmania loves celebrating the cooler months with a festival (Dark Mofo, we’re looking at you). But perhaps the most enchanting, and tasty, way to experience the season is at Latrobe’s Chocolate Winterfest

that happens every August. This homage to the cocoa bean in the north of the state will have your kids entranced. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to eat and drink chocolate, but you can also learn how to mould it, decorate it… or even make chocolate scented candles or partake in a KitKat chunky tower competiton. When the little ones have had their fill, pop over to the House of Anvers, where you can see master chocolatiers making truffles and bars, then visit the on-site Chocolate Museum to learn about the history of the world’s favourite sweet treat.

Getting there: 650km (8 hours) north of Adelaide

You’ll want to take your time getting to Arkaroola – there are plenty of places to break up your journey. But going the distance, deep into the South Australian desert, over the winter months is worth it. This part of Australia is known for having some of the Southern Hemisphere’s clearest skies, and they’re particularly dazzling when the mercury drops thanks to longer nights and cloud-free conditions. Sign up for a tour at the astronomical observatory here (one of the country’s largest privately owned observatories) for a front-row seat to the most spectacular light show on earth, giving little star-gazers the chance to discover distant galaxies using impressive professional telescopes.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}