First time family travellers to Tasmania (like us) will be impressed by this island state’s impressive landscape and Australian wildlife. It is a big place, so we recommend you not to cover every corner of the island in one visit. Our 10 days “Tasmania must see places” was partly inspired by watching Amazing Race Australia and Travel Guides.
We visited Tasmania in October. Temperature during the day was in the mid teens (Celsius). Snow can still be seen in the mountain areas and it rained every few days. Summer (between December to February) will be the best time of year to visit Tasmania.
As an island state, regular flights are available from other Australian cities to either Hobart or Launceston. Hiring a car will be your most convenient way of getting around. The drive between towns is beautiful with plenty of pretty villages to visit in between.
Here are Letsgobeartravel’s must see places for first time family travellers to Tasmania:
Hobart waterfront
Buy Fish and Chips from Mures then explore Victoria and Constitution Dock. Warning: Seafood here is on another level. It’s fresh and delicious. Your kids won’t stop munching. Try to line up your visit on a Saturday so you can also visit Salamanca Market.
For family dinner we recommend The Drunken Admiral – a pirate themed restaurant!
Mount Wellington
Just a 30 minutes drive from Hobart, this spot is worth your visit. The Pinnacle lookouts and observation decks looks out over Hobart.
The weather up here changes quickly, so do pack warm clothes. Road to the Pinnacles sometimes closes because of snow, try catching the Mount Wellington Explorer Bus instead. If hiking is your family’s thing there are a few trails you can do in this area.
We visited Mount Wellington twice! First time around it was so cloudy that we didn’t get to see anything. The views were definitely worth coming back for.
Mount Field National Park: Russell Falls
1.5 hours drive from Hobart, Mount Field have stunning vistas and great walks. Russell Falls is the star attraction. It’s only a short walk from the visitor centre passing by some of the world’s tallest eucalyptus forests.
One downside of visiting this area? You will need to stock up on groceries before arriving (New Norfolk is the nearest town with a supermarket).
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is THE highlight for many families holidaying in Tasmania. You would have come across photos of the Instagram-able Lake Dove boat house many times. It is one of the most beautiful nature walks in Australia.
To preserve this national park, shuttle bus take visitors from the visitor centre to various drop off points. Lake Dove is the last and most popular stop.
On the way here (especially in late afternoons) you will see cute wombats along the way. One popular spot to see wild wombats is at Ronny Creek (one stop before Dove Lake). These cute locals were a big hit with our boys. Be aware despite of their chubby appearance they can run super-fast! We couldn’t believe our eyes! So walk on the designated boardwalk and don’t wonder off.
Launceston Cataract Gorge
A popular place to visit for local families – especially on weekends. From the entry gate ride the world’s longest single span chairlift. On the other side of the river you will find a cafe where peacocks and other Australian wildlife are regular patrons!
Come back by jumping back on the chair lift or by walking across the suspension footbridge that links the two areas.
Evandale Sunday Market
Treasure hunting time? This local market has hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of items old and new including kids toys.
Evandale Markets is located in Falls Park, on Logan Road, 15km from Launceston. Evandale is our favourite village in Tasmania! A postcard perfect Georgian village, it has well preserved cottages, houses, along with antique shops and cafes.
Ben Lomond National Park
This area is a bit of a drive from Launceston (1 hours 45 minutes), but we just could not miss the Jacob’s ladder. Driving up a series of sharp, hairpin turns up Ben Lomond’s summit was an amazing experience. Views from the summit was even better.
During winter months, vehicles must have snow chains.
Port Arthur cruise
Port Arthur area should be in your Tasmania’s must visit list. We feel this region’s landscape is much better appreciated when seen from the ocean.
We did the 3 hours Tasman Island Cruise, exploring spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck. The sea cliffs, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves are nothing like we’ve ever seen before.
During the cruise you will see a variety of wildlife including seals, whales and sea birds in their thousands.
Port Arthur Historic Site & Tasman Peninsula
The historic convict settlement at Port Arthur is the most popular tourist site on the Tasman Peninsula. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overall the Tasman Peninsula is a fairly compact area. Spend time driving around and stop by the various points of interests. Highlights include: Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen
Other places worth visiting during your first time Tasmania holiday
- Grindewald Swiss Village near Launceston
- Village of Ross
- Town of Richmond
- Gordon Dam
Where we stayed
Have you ever been to a great family hotel with a doggy concierge? Meet Archie “the Silo dog”. Archie is the resident Labrador at Peppers Silo Launceston. He is very popular among hotel guests especially kids.
This hotel has numerous conveniences expected by family travellers. The rooms are spacious, with contemporary bathrooms. You will even find a day spa and child minding service! As a bonus, right next to this hotel is a humongous playground at Riverbend Park.
Grand Chancellor Hobart
Location of this hotel is just perfect! Overlooking the Hobart waterfront front, steps away from restaurants and a short walk to city shops. Rooms at the Grand Chancellor are spacious and comfortable. We highly recommend this hotel for family travellers. Hiring a car? Car parking inclusive rates are available.
Cradle Mountain Hotel
There is a choice of two hotels in Cradle Mountain. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and Cradle Mountain Hotel. We stayed at the latter. Both hotels are very close to the Cradle Mountain visitor centre. Cradle Mountain Hotel is very much connected to nature. During our stay a wallaby came right outside our hotel window! Our boys absolutely loved the wilderness experience.
Mason’ s Cottage Port Arthur
A perfect base to explore Tasman Peninsula! Mason’s Cottages is just minutes from some of Australia’s most well preserved convict era sites. Choose between studio apartment or two bedroom units. These modernised self contained cottages are just 15 minutes drive from the Port Arthur Historic Site.
We rented our car via a local family owned company AAA Rental Car.
