








Tasmania: Family Holidays
The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation for the whole family
WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST?
Tasmania is one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations for good reason. Like a bag of lollies and sweets packed with all sorts of flavours, this little island has vacation activities aplenty. Families especially will find their own little haven. With just the right mix of luxurious and rustic, Tassie is a child-friendly place. Your family can enjoy being pampered in high-end accommodations, or you can satisfy your simpler wants exploring the beach, countryside, and mountains. You’ll never find yourself bored with the eclectic collection of bustling city life, easygoing country life, and exciting nature escapades. Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about your children’s well-being, for Tassie is as safe as can be. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Chris Crerar.
Located about 240 km south of the mainland, Tasmania is considered a natural state with almost half of its area being protected National Parks--making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.
Hobart, the capital, is home to almost half the entire population of Tasmania. A juxtaposition of metropolitan and homey vibes, this Tassie city is the main stop for many visitors. It has all the modern comforts while retaining a charming time-worn feel.
For the adventurer, Tassie will bring out the best in you--be it on land or on water--so pack your outdoor gear and get ready to dive in, climb up, and even fly.
Fun Fact: The island was named after Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer who discovered it on 24 November, 1642.
What's Here

It’s not all about roughing it out, though. Tasmania is also great for kids who may not be able or may not want to engage in rigorous physical activity. Take them on a railway ride; visit theme parks, model villages, and museums...maybe even go to the zoo (or the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo...yes, you heard right!). Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne.
Need to refuel? Tassie’s got some of the best wine (because parents need refreshments too, right?) in the country, as well as the freshest produce and seafood you can find.
Food & Drink

You’ll find copious amounts of fresh food pretty much everywhere. Introduce your children to natural, organic fruits and vegetables. Keep your energy levels high on the road with fresh produce from roadside stalls. Looking for a proper dinner at the table? Restaurants and cafes are generally kid-friendly and offer children’s menus. You can even go to a pub for a more local experience. And don’t miss fish and chips from the harbourside: a kid favourite. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
Speaking of local...get a taste of the sea--literally--with a bucketful of oysters. Satisfy your craving for meat with milk-fed lamb. Don’t forget to ask for wine recommendations!
Nature Tripping

Especially for kids

Visit wildlife parks and zoos to observe delicate seahorses, sea dragons, kangaroos, koalas, monkeys, echidnae, platypus, wombats, and of course, the Tasmanian Devil. Give your mini-mes the experience of a lifetime by watching feeding sessions carried out by zoo keepers.
Spend a day at the Cataract Gorge Reserve, where you can have a barbie (not the doll for little girls--in Oz, this is what we call a barbeque!) whilst taking in the lush scenery. You might even be able to spot the odd peacock or wallaby. Spice things up a bit by taking the longest single-span chairlift in the world--the Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin Chairlift--the Reserve’s most popular attraction. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
History
Shopping
How to Get Here
If you prefer travelling by plane, there are regular direct flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney to Hobart and Launceston. There is also a direct flight from Adelaide to Hobart. Alternatively, you can fly from Melbourne to Burnie and Devonport.
Are you feeling more adventurous? Do you want more flexibility? Then the boat route is for you. Go from Melbourne to Devonport via the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry. They operate 6 times a week and the trip takes just under 10 hours. The perks of arriving by ferry? You can take your car with you. This allows you to bring more luggage than airlines allow, and your family has the freedom to explore Tassie on your own. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Melinda Ta.
Getting Around
Are your children a handful? Do you want to lessen the load of keeping an eye on them all the time? Take your pick of Tassie’s accommodating travel companies. They will make all the arrangements, so that you can focus on the important thing: enjoying your vacation with the family.
Accommodation

Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy.
Good to Know
If you’re crossing Bass Strait via the Melbourne-Devonport route, there are chances of encountering rough waters, so prepare yourself for that possibility.
Insider tip: when you get off the ferry, stop by the Elizabeth Town Bakery Café, which is about 25 minutes south of Devonport.




























