Tasmania With Kids: An Unforgettable Aussie Side Trip

By Ashley Shaw
September 25, 2025
8 Min Read

Named as one of Ciao Bambino’s top travel destinations for 2025, the Australian island state of Tasmania feels like a magical place at the edge of the world. Enchanting coastal enclaves and snow-capped mountains exist in tandem, untouched and ripe for exploring with the avid curiosity of the iconic Tasmanian devil. The island’s remoteness makes it slightly cumbersome for a standalone trip, but it works beautifully as part of a broader Australia or New Zealand itinerary.

Whether your family prefers the buzz of city life or the freedom of wide-open roads, luxury accommodations or off-the-grid excursions, this largely undeveloped island offers excitement for little ones, teens and adults alike year-round. The hardest part about planning a family trip to Tasmania? Narrowing down the scope; there’s so much to see and do across more than 26,000 square miles. Here are some expert ideas for exploring the best of Tasmania with kids.

A small, dark-furred marsupial with distinctive reddish-pink ears sits on a moss-covered fallen log in a forest setting. The animal has black fur, a pointed snout, and small dark eyes, and appears to be looking directly at the camera. The surrounding environment shows multiple tree trunks covered in bright green moss with dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. — Despite their fierce moniker, Tasmanian devils are usually shy and solitary creatures. Photo by Luke O’Brien Photography

Essential Tips and Itinerary Ideas for Tasmania with Kids

Where to Start

Ciao Bambino’s Australia travel partner Deb Lynch recommends flying into Hobart, Tasmania’s lively capital, situated on the island’s southern end. Nestled between the River Derwent and rugged mountains, this cultural hub boasts dynamic art, history and food scenes as well as easy access to outdoor adventures by land and sea.

A waterfront harbor scene at dusk shows numerous boats moored at wooden docks and piers, with warm artificial lighting illuminating the marina area. The harbor features waterfront buildings including what appears to be restaurants or commercial structures built over the water, with their lights reflecting on the calm water surface. In the background, a hillside dotted with lights rises behind the urban waterfront, creating a scenic evening cityscape under a cloudy sky. — The downtown Hobart waterfront comes aglow at night. Photo by Tourism Tasmania & Samuel Shelley

Make your home base the MACq 01 Hotel, a boutique property that honors Tasmania’s rich past and present through art and design. “Each room tells the story of a famous Australian,” says Deb. The narratives of 114 historical characters, one for each guestroom, exemplify Tasmania’s distinctive spirit — from resilient pioneers and gallant ship captains to fascinating felons. Without a hint of kitsch, the sleek, contemporary accommodations capture the charisma of these figures in artful tongue-in-cheek style. Posh details such as marble soaking tubs and private riverfront balconies bolster the sense of luxury.

A modern interior lounge features a striking ceiling installation of flowing yellow and green fabric panels suspended overhead. The space centers around a circular stone fireplace with a large conical metal hood, surrounded by grey upholstered sofas and chairs arranged in a conversational circle. The room has an open, contemporary design with warm lighting, exposed ceiling elements, and large windows visible in the background. — The lounge at MACq 01 Hotel is designed to evoke a sense of storytelling around a firepit, with a light installation above patterned after a kelp forest. Photo by Adam Gibson

Book a guided tour (free for guests) with MACq 01’s talented storytellers for a deep dive into the tales threaded through the fabric of the hotel and surrounding city. Multigenerational travelers will enjoy Hidden Hobart: The Viewfinder Tour, a journey by foot using retro viewfinders to see notable landmarks like the wharf and bustling Salamanca Place as they looked 150 years ago.

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The hotel’s Old Wharf Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a superb view of the harbor and the mountains that frame Hobart. In addition to locally sourced meats and produce, fresh seafood and vegan options, a kids’ menu is available all day.

TIP: The Ciao Bambino team can access special Advisor-only offers and perks at luxury properties throughout Tasmania — get more details about hotel bookings as well as full custom vacation planning.

The top image of this collage shows a bustling outdoor market with colorful tents and stalls set up along a cobblestone street, with historic sandstone buildings forming the backdrop and numerous visitors browsing the various vendors. The bottom left image displays fresh vegetables including Brussels sprouts and squash blossoms arranged in wooden crates at a produce stall. The bottom right image shows a woman examining prints or artwork from boxes at an art vendor's stall, with framed pieces displayed on easels behind her. — Hobart’s weekly Salamanca Market includes hundreds of stalls selling an eclectic mix of local arts and crafts, handmade goods, fresh produce, gourmet foods and vintage bric-a-brac. Photos by Graham Freeman/Tourism Australia (top) and Tourism Australia (bottom left and right)

Food for Thought

Regardless of how much time you plan to spend in Tasmania with kids, staying in Hobart promises a great taste of the local culture. For families making a short jaunt to the island as part of a longer Australia trip, Deb suggests focusing solely on the capital and its plethora of family-friendly offerings. (Check out the list at the end of this post.)

If you have a week or more on the island, you could stay two to three nights in Hobart and then hit the road for adventures amid unmatched natural beauty. Deb recommends renting a car or booking a driver for a truly immersive experience through shifting landscapes and welcoming towns. Instead of circling back to Hobart, book your departing flight out of Launceston so your family can make the most of every beckoning kilometer.

A person stands on rugged, rocky coastline during golden hour, with waves washing over dark volcanic-looking rocks in the foreground. The landscape features steep, grass-covered cliffs topped with native trees, including what appears to be a distinctive dead tree with bare branches. Mountains are visible in the hazy distance under a dramatic sky painted in warm sunset colors. — Maria Island offers hikes for all ability levels, from easy loops to more strenuous trails. Photo by JABProduction

The Great Eastern Drive

Hop on the scenic east coast byway that leads to the Freycinet region. As you head north, make time to enjoy the scenery and local charm by stopping in small towns. The fishing village of Triabunna is the gateway to Maria Island National Park, a protected slice of paradise teeming with wildlife and history. Sourced daily from the waters off Maria Island, the freshest seafood is served up by eateries around town, such as popular staple The Fish Van.

A pristine white sand beach curves along turquoise waters, with scattered rocks visible both in the clear water and along the shoreline. The view is captured from an elevated rocky vantage point, showing a few small figures of people walking on the expansive beach. In the background, mountain ranges rise behind green coastal vegetation under a partly cloudy blue sky. — With its clear water and white sands, Wineglass Bay often makes the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Photo by Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy

Stunning panoramas of the Hazards, a stately granite mountain range, and pristine beaches await at Freycinet National Park. A variety of well-marked hiking trails allow visitors of any age or skill level to take in awe-inspiring vistas, such as the crystal-clear waters and perfectly curved white-sand shoreline of Wineglass Bay. Kids will love exploring the secluded coves of Honeymoon, Sleepy and Great Oyster bays, or swimming and snorkeling in the tranquil blue water of Friendly and Richardsons beaches.

A modern architectural building with extensive floor-to-ceiling glass windows sits nestled among native trees and vegetation in a natural landscape setting. The contemporary structure features a distinctive angular roofline and appears to be positioned on elevated terrain overlooking rolling hills. The scene is captured during golden hour with dramatic purple, pink, and orange clouds filling the sky, while native grasses and a prominent tree frame the composition in the foreground. — Saffire Freycinet’s 20 suites all have floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the magnificent views of the surrounding wilderness. Photo courtesy of Saffire Freycinet

After a full day of recreation, recharge with an overnight stay within the grounds of the park at the laid-back Freycinet Lodge. Comfortable accommodations blend into the coastal bushland surrounds, while two onsite restaurants curate menus to satisfy any palate.

Those with a preference for utmost luxury will find it in spades at Saffire Freycinet, an all-inclusive resort overlooking Wineglass Bay. “It’s one of the few super-lodges in Australia that allow children under age ten,” explains Deb. Indulge in gourmet fare, treat yourself to a sumptuous spa treatment or simply relax with a glass of wine in your suite’s private courtyard.

A hiker wearing a bright yellow jacket and backpack walks along a wooden boardwalk through alpine scrubland, with low-growing native shrubs and scattered bare trees on either side. A dramatic mountain peak rises in the background, its upper slopes shrouded in low-hanging clouds or mist. The rugged wilderness landscape features typical subalpine vegetation under an overcast sky. — For avid hikers and climbers, it’s hard to resist the call of Cradle Mountain. Photo by Emilie Ristevski

Wiles of the West

If your group is game, opt for a little bit of a longer trek northwest from Hobart. The extra time in the car is well worth the sites en route, spanning waterfalls to wineries.

Adept hikers won’t want to skip Cradle Mountain, the island’s most famous summit. The sparkling lakes and lush trails of Cradle Mountain-St Clair Lake National Park are ideal for adrenaline enthusiasts looking to kayak, mountain bike or backpack.

An aerial view shows a passenger vessel traveling down a calm, reflective waterway, creating a distinctive V-shaped wake behind it as it moves through the water. The river or inlet is surrounded by dense, lush green forest that covers the steep hillsides on both sides. Multiple layers of forested mountains extend into the distance under an overcast sky, creating a pristine wilderness landscape. — The Gordon River, which winds through dense forests filled with ancient Huon pines, allows you to access areas of Tasmania that would otherwise be completely impenetrable. Photo by Tourism Australia

Families seeking a more relaxed pace might prefer the Rinadeena, Rack & Rainforest railway journey that begins and ends in historic Queenstown. Learn about the mining and railroad heritage of the area aboard a steam train that chugs through the idyllic rainforest. Patrons even have the opportunity to pan for gold like the pioneers discussed on the excursion.

Continue on to Strahan, where you can embark on the award-winning Gordon River Cruise for a blend of beguiling tales from the past and encounters with flora and fauna.

A young child with blonde hair wearing a dark green sweater crouches down on grass to hand-feed a small brown marsupial, likely a wallaby or small kangaroo. Two adults are positioned behind the child, partially visible and holding what appear to be paper feed bags. The scene takes place outdoors on a grassy area, suggesting an interactive wildlife experience where visitors can feed native animals. — Kids will have a blast feeding baby marsupials and interacting with other creatures at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by Dearna Bond

More to Do in and Around Hobart

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: A visit to this animal refuge and hospital is a must. The passionate team coordinates special hands-on experiences that all ages will appreciate, from feeding kangaroos and walking with wombats to spending time with the quirky Tassie devils.
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA): Families traveling with older teens and young adults might appreciate this ultra-eccentric museum. Arrive with an open mind and keep a keen sense of humor through it all.
Port Arthur: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Port Arthur’s ruins and museum exhibits shed light on this storied convict settlement. Participate in a guided tour or stroll the sprawling grounds at your leisure.
Salamanca Market – This impressive showcase of local artisans, farmers and makers has been a weekly tradition for 50-plus years. Don’t miss the fun, food and excitement that unfolds every Saturday in the streets and warehouses of Salamanca Place.

An aerial view shows dramatic, steep granite cliffs and mountain peaks rising directly from dark water, with the rock faces glowing in warm orange and pink tones from golden hour lighting. Low clouds drift around and between the rugged mountain peaks, while a soft pink and purple sky creates a dramatic backdrop. The vertical cliff faces display distinct geological layering and weathering patterns typical of ancient granite formations. — The Hazards, a mountain range on Tasmania’s east coast, come into view on a flight into Hobart Airport. Photo by Mattea Carson

Getting to Tasmania

Currently, the only direct flights to Tasmania are from mainland Australia and New Zealand. The fastest, most streamlined way to reach the island is from Sydney or Melbourne. If you’re connecting from another country, be prepared to go through customs before boarding your domestic flight to one of Tasmania’s four airports.

The alternative to flying is taking a ferry across the Bass Strait, which separates Tasmania from Australia’s southern coast. Compared to a quick 1- to 2-hour flight, the ferry ride takes a minimum of 9 hours. Unless you intend to take a car back and forth from the mainland, there’s no reason to prolong the journey (risking seasickness or boredom among restless kids or tweens).

Packing Pointers

With varying climates across the state, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers no matter the time of year. Tasmania’s summer, December through February, is considered high season for its warm, sunny days and is definitely the best travel period for those who want to enjoy swimming and water sports. Winter tends to be cold and rainy with very high chances of snow in some regions, making June, July and August Tasmania’s off-season.

Relevant Links:

Browse all destinations and accommodations in Australia on Ciao Bambino

An Australia family vacation for spring break? Yes!

A perfect 2-week itinerary for Australia with kids

Why visiting New Zealand with kids is easier than you think

Best New Zealand travel tips for a family vacation

72 hours in Auckland, New Zealand with kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

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Tasmania With Kids: An Unforgettable Aussie Side Trip