Tasmania with the Kids: An Unforgettable Family Adventure
Tasmania, the Apple Isle, had long been a dream destination, and as the autumn chill began to bite in Sydney, my family and I finally made the southward journey. A quick flight from Sydney brought us to the charming capital, Hobart, where we collected our hire car and began our week-long exploration of this captivating island state with our two young sons. This guide details our family-friendly adventure, focusing on affordable stays, delicious food, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep energetic youngsters entertained.
Exploring Hobart: A Taste of the Capital
Our Tasmanian escapade kicked off in Hobart. While our first night’s accommodation at Battery Point Manor offered a quirky, if slightly eerie, charm and the advantage of being within walking distance of the city’s heart, more refined options like MACq 01 Hotel or Salamanca Wharf Hotel are also available for those seeking a touch of luxury.
The vibrant Kings Pier Marina was our next stop, offering a delightful array of eateries for lunch. A sweet treat from Nutpatch, a local chocolatier, followed before we settled in for dinner at Mures Lower Deck, a waterfront establishment serving up classic fish and chips and succulent fresh prawns – a perfect introduction to Tasmania’s renowned seafood.
East Coast Charm: Swansea and Bicheno
The following day, we embarked on a scenic drive north along the east coast, a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of mainland roads. The journey itself is a pleasure, punctuated by quaint towns and a sense of serene isolation. Around an hour and a half from Hobart, we detoured to Kate’s Berry Farm in Swansea. The homemade berry pies and decadent scones with jam and cream were the perfect pit stop, fuelling us for the final stretch to Bicheno.
Bicheno: Coastal Wonders and Wildlife Encounters
Bicheno, rightfully lauded as one of Australia’s best towns, lives up to its reputation as a sleepy seaside haven. Our accommodation at Bicheno By The Bay provided immediate access to the dramatic coastline, dominated by colossal boulders and the iconic Bicheno Blowhole. A leisurely stroll along Waubs Esplanade led us to Lobster Shack, where we savoured delicious lobster rolls while gazing at the sparkling ocean.
The true magic of Bicheno unfolded that evening when we were treated to the incredible sight of penguins waddling ashore to their burrows. Participating in a guided penguin tour was an absolute highlight, a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. The animal encounters continued the next day with a visit to East Coast Natureworld. Here, we marvelled at the elusive quolls and witnessed the captivating frenzy of a Tassie devil feeding session.
During our stay in the Bicheno area, a short, half-hour drive took us to Freycinet National Park. The Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk, a manageable 20-30 minute loop, offered breathtaking panoramic views and is a must-do for anyone seeking a taste of Tasmania’s famed 60 Great Short Walks.
Cradle Mountain: Majestic Peaks and Frozen Puddles
Our journey then took us west across the island towards the majestic Cradle Mountain. We broke up the approximately four-hour drive with a stop in Campbell Town. While I browsed the charming shelves of The Book Cellar, the boys happily chased ducks, enjoying a moment of rural tranquility. An hour later, we refuelled with delicious pizzas in the sunshine at Bush Inn Brewhouse in Deloraine.
Cradle Mountain itself was every bit as magical as we had imagined. Even before winter’s full embrace, the air was crisp and invigorating, with puddles frozen like slivers of silver on the ground. From the comfort of our Discovery Resorts cabin, we ventured out for the easy, 20-30 minute Enchanted Walk. The following day, we tackled the more ambitious Dove Lake circuit walk, a rewarding three-hour trek offering stunning vistas. While the legendary six-day Overland Track, renowned for its wild wombat encounters, was beyond our family’s current scope, the shorter walks provided ample opportunity to connect with nature.
Launceston: A Farewell with a View
Our final night was spent in the vibrant city of Launceston. This provided just enough time to experience the unique Cataract Gorge, complete with a memorable ride on its iconic chairlift.
The chairlift, dating back to 1972, with its minimalist safety features, evoked a sense of nostalgic adventure. Clinging tightly to my five-year-old, we creaked precariously over the dramatic drop, a thrilling, albeit nerve-wracking, end to our Tasmanian exploration. The following morning, as we boarded our two-hour flight back to Sydney, I felt a sense of contentment mixed with a longing to return.
We managed to pack an incredible amount into less than a week, and I already find myself reminiscing about the quiet roads and the feeling of stepping back in time. With so much of Tasmania still waiting to be discovered, a return trip is definitely on the cards. Perhaps next time, with a more romantic itinerary, and the children enjoying a holiday of their own with Grandma and Grandpa!
Planning Your Tasmanian Family Road Trip
For families looking to replicate this adventure, flying into Hobart and out of Launceston offers a convenient north-south route.
Hobart:
- Accommodation: MACq 01 Hotel; Salamanca Wharf Hotel.
- Dining: Mures Lower Deck.
- Attractions: Salamanca Market; Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens; Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery.
Bicheno & Freycinet:
- Accommodation: Bicheno by the Bay.
- Dining: Géographe.
- Attractions: Bicheno Penguin Tours; East Coast Natureworld; Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk.
Cradle Mountain:
- Accommodation: Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain.
- Dining: Cradle Mountain Lodge.
- Attractions: Dove Lake walk.
Launceston:
- Accommodation: Country Club Villas.
- Dining: Country Club Tasmania.
- Attractions: Cataract Gorge.
