Image: Rebecca Hooton
A trip to Tasmania had been top of my wishlist for quite some time, when finally, with the chill of autumn settling over Sydney, we headed south to the Apple Isle. My husband and our two young boys boarded a flight from Sydney to Hobart. At just under two hours in the air, we were landing in the state’s charming capital before we knew it and bundling into our hire car.
In this article
- Things to do in Hobart with kids
- Things to do in Bicheno with kids
- Things to do in Cradle Mountain with kids
- Things to do in Launceston with kids
- Plan your Tasmania road trip with kids
Where to visit in Tasmania with kids?
This is my family-friendly guide to one week in Tasmania with children.
Things to do in Hobart with kids
Now, I have to say, if you want a romantic itinerary, this isn’t it. We went for affordable stays, family-friendly eats and outdoorsy activities to keep two active munchkins happy. Our first night was spent at Battery Point Manor, which to be honest, felt slightly haunted. On the plus side, it was within walking distance to the main hub of Hobart and it certainly sufficed for one night. If you want something a little more refined, try MACq 01 Hotel or Salamanca Wharf Hotel.
We wandered down to the Kings Pier Marina where we grabbed lunch at one of the many eateries, followed by chocolates at Nutpatch. As we explored the waterside area, we clocked the restaurant Mures Lower Deck, where we ate that night, tucking into classic fish ’n’ chips and fresh prawns.
The next day, we headed up the east coast towards our next destination. The drive itself is relaxing, with quaint towns to stop at and barely anyone on the roads – a far cry from what we’re used to. Around 1.5 hours up from Hobart, we made a detour to Kate’s Berry Farm in Swansea. The handmade berry pies and scones with jam and cream were just what we needed to tide us over for the last leg, before arriving in Bicheno.
Things to do in Bicheno with kids
It’s easy to see why Bicheno was named ‘the best town in Australia’ by Australian Traveller in 2026. This sleepy seaside spot is like a place from an Enid Blyton book. We checked into our cottage at Bicheno By The Bay and were instantly beckoned outside by the giant boulders hugging the coastline, including the famous Bicheno Blowhole. As we moseyed along Waubs Esplanade, we came upon Lobster Shack, where we rested our legs as we munched on lobster rolls and gazed out at the shimmering water.
That night, we were lucky to witness penguins waddling their way up the beach to their homes. We watched on as part of a guided penguin tour and it was honestly a life highlight. The wildlife joys kept coming, with a visit to East Coast Natureworld the next day, where we saw quolls up close and caught Tassie devils during a frenzied feed.
While staying in the area, we made the half-hour drive to Freycinet, where we did the Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk. It’s only 20 to 30 minutes long, with panoramic views, and is counted among Tasmania’s list of 60 Great Short Walks.
Things to do in Cradle Mountain with kids
Next, we made the journey west across Tasmania to Cradle Mountain, breaking up the four-hour drive with a stop at Campbell Town, where I had a quick browse at The Book Cellar and the boys chased ducks.
An hour later, we ate pizzas in the sunshine at Bush Inn Brewhouse in Deloraine.
Finally, Cradle Mountain was as magical as you can imagine. Winter hadn’t even begun yet, but the air felt joltingly brisk and puddles lay frozen like silver on the ground. We ventured out from the warmth of our Discovery Resorts cabin to do the Enchanted Walk – an easy round trip of 20 to 30 minutes. The next day, we were more ambitious, completing the Dove Lake circuit walk in around three hours.
Another popular walk, abundant with wild wombats, is the six-day Overland Track, which we didn’t fancy tackling with kids in tow.
Things to do in Launceston with kids
It was time to leave the wild peaks behind and head to the city of Launceston for our final night. This gave us just enough time to visit Cataract Gorge, where we rode the iconic chairlift.
Built in 1972, the less-is-more safety restraints made me think it hadn’t been updated since the carefree seventies, and I clung onto my five-year-old for dear life as we creaked precariously across the high drop over the gorge. It was an unexpectedly heart-racing end to our Tasmanian adventure and, to tell you the truth, I was quite happy to be in the air again the next morning, this time on our two-hour flight from Launceston back home to Sydney.
We fit a lot into less than a week and I’m already nostalgic for the quiet roads and feeling that we’d been transported back in time… well, mostly. With so much of the state left to explore, I’d love to return one day. Perhaps with a more romantic itinerary, and the kids off on a vacay of their own – at Grandma and Grandpa’s place.
Plan your Tasmania road trip with kids
This family-friendly Tassie itinerary begins by flying into the state’s capital, Hobart, and flying out of Launceston airport, which is further north.
Hobart
Where to stay MACq 01 Hotel; Salamanca Wharf Hotel.
Where to eat Mures Lower Deck.
Where to visit Salamanca Market; Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens; Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery.
Bicheno & Freycinet
Where to stay Bicheno by the Bay.
Where to eat Géographe.
Where to visit Bicheno Penguin Tours; East Coast Natureworld; Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk.
Cradle Mountain
Where to stay Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain.
Where to eat Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Where to visit Dove Lake walk.
Launceston
Where to stay Country Club Villas.
Where to eat Country Club Tasmania.
Where to visit Cataract Gorge.
