Looking for things to do in Tasmania with the whole family? You’ve come to the right place! Tasmania is one of the more beautiful places in the world. With sweeping forests, gorgeous mountains and some crystal-clear waters, the natural landscape of Tasmania is something to behold.
Showcasing the best of Australia’s wildlife, Tasmania has a wealth of hidden gems that are begging to be explored by families. But the state isn’t just all outdoor sights – so many family activities and entertainment make for a memorable trip down to Australia’s southern island.
Explore the wide range of family activities in Tasmania
There is so much to see and do and so much to learn, and Hobart is the best place to start. Take in the views from Mt Wellington; enjoy a day tour to Port Arthur; or stroll around Salamanca Place with its grand Georgian architecture and wonderful markets every Saturday morning. Salamanca Market is held on Saturdays and is one of Australia’s best outdoor markets with food and entertainment.
Hobart has an excellent array of new cycle/walk paths for those that like to get out and explore. On your journey around Hobart’s numerous waterways you will find lots of small marinas crowded with yachts and dinghys around the coves and little bays of the city that are normally accompanied by grassy parks or playgrounds that provide great picnic spots! Don’t be afraid to walk through the historic Battery Point area, where the intriguing shops and little cottages in the region give a lot of activities and things to do for the whole family.
Hobart Bike Hire allows you to get out on two wheels and enjoy the great outdoors. Grab a bike for each family member and see Mt. Wellington in a unique way! Another way to traverse Hobart’s steep hills is via the Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, where the 90-minute city circle route will show you all Hobart’s highlights.
But Hobart has a new side to it – kids are admitted for free at MONA, where the quirky and interesting artwork never fails to leave the children in awe. If that still doesn’t cure boredom, there are more things to do in Hobart for kids – such as Bounce Inc Hobart, which is one of the best things to do with the younger ones in Tasmania. Moonah Arts Centre to keep young minds and hands busy, Intencity Hobart Family Entertainment Centre is home to a wide range of arcade, classic and contemporary video games and plenty of old ticket games to keep the whole family enthused in Hobart.
Just out of Hobart is the quaint old town of Richmond, home to an amazing old bridge and the Old Hobart Town Model Village, which is a perfect setting to learn about the life of early settlers in Hobart. Visit the Old Richmond Gaol to get a feel for those days as a penal colony. It is the oldest jail in Australia and gives glaring insight into the difficulty of convict life in the 19th century. It’s open for self-guided tours daily, and as you explore the cells you can learn about the stories of some of the notorious inmates.
Older children who like plenty of action can overdose on adventure in ‘The Natural State’. They can go rafting on the Picton or Franklin Rivers, fly on a cable hang-glider at Trevallyn, go sea kayaking, hike around Cradle Mountain, or learn to abseil at Freycinet National Park. If your family is a fan of road trips, take your car over on the Spirit of Tasmania and drive through the beautiful scenery around Devonport, explore the wonders of The Great Western Tiers and the charming villages of Chudleigh, Westbury and Sheffield.
Near Sheffield is Tasmazia, a kids paradise. The magical world of Tasmazia, nestled in the Promised Land, is a fantastic family activity in Tasmania. Situated in the heart of Cradle Mountain and Lakes District and complete with three mazes, a kids area and the Village of Lower Crackpot, which has model buildings from all over the world, Tasmazia will have the kids running around entertained all day long with its many fun attractions. But it isn’t just for the kids – Tasmazia offers plenty of activities for adults too. Lake Barrington, which is famous for its world class rowing course, is nearby and a must visit.
Right up the very top of the Tiers is the imposing Cradle Mountain. It’s full of beautiful mountain scenery, lakes, walking tracks and wildlife, as well as terrific views of Tasmania’s wonderful inland landscape. The mountain has a number of walking tracks that take you through the National Park allowing you to take in the scenery and see some native wildlife that live on the mountain. Devils @ Cradle is an alpine sanctuary for the Tasmanian Devil and is located at the entrance to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. It has amazing after dark feeding tours. Overnight accommodation in lodges is available, or camping for the brave hearted!
Launceston is a city for everyone and home of some of the best things to do in Tasmania , with nature walks and bicycle tracks, to chairlifts and adventure central at Penny Royal. The magnificent Cataract Gorge Reserve is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s longest chairlift, with free roaming peacocks showing off their beautiful feathers and a playground and many grassy areas making for an awesome picnic. The leafy City Park, in the centre of town, has resident Japanese Macaques and everyone’s favourite train ride.
The Gorge Scenic Chairlift is one of Tasmania’s prime tourist attractions. Only 1.5 kilometres from the Launceston city centre, the chairlift has been operating since 1972 and offers spectacular views of the Cataract Gorge and Basin. This gentle and safe journey gives everyone in the family plenty of time to soak up the majestic gorge and surrounds of the area.
The Penny Royal Adventures is a great day out for everyone in the family, with dark rides, gold fossicking, cliff activities and more. There is sure to be something for the daredevils and the ones that like things a little less scary and closer to the ground. For more interesting exhibits on Launceston’s quirky history, the Launceston Tramway Museum tells the stories of the famous trams that ran in the city from 1911 to 1952. There are plenty of restored trams to ride and look at, as kids will love climbing all over these beautiful relics. If you’re lucky, you’ll touch down in Launceston at the same time as the Royal Launceston Show. Held annually at the Launceston Showgrounds in October, join around 15,000 others in wandering through the exhibits and soaking up the variety of entertainment. The show has been running since 1873, with more attractions being added each year to make for a memorable day out.
Take a day trip up the Tamar River and visit Georgetown and then across to Beaconsfield and Beauty Point.
The West Coast is a superb place to see the natural wonderlands of Macquarie Harbour and the magnificent Gordon River, while the East Coast has pristine beaches.
So many things to do for families that the kids will always be entertained. You’ll never get bored here in Tasmania!
Click on each region and explore all there is to do and see in the great state of Tasmania – family central!!