10 Day Tassie Icons Family DEAL From Hobart

Fly into Hobart Airport, pick up your car and drive into Hobart. If you like the sound of unearthing a new craft beer, delving into history that dates back to Australia’s earliest days and exploring museums, then Hobart is for you. Tasmania’s lively capital retains an old town salty-air feel that draws visitors flocking here in numbers not seen before.  This vibrant city offers plenty of urban sites, as well as proximity to gorgeous natural surroundings and a mountain summit. What began as a penal colony in 1804 is now a hot tourist destination. Great live tunes, independent stores, mind-pausing art, and food so fresh you’ll be wiping the dirt off spuds the farmer plucked from the earth that morning.

HOBART FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

3-star accommodation – Bay Hotel & Apartments (2 Bedroom Apartments)

4-star accommodation – St Ives Apartments (2 Bedroom Apartment) or similar

Experience one of Australia’s greatest road trips on the Island. This is a true journey of discovery that will lead you to the best-loved places and experiences of Tasmania’s South East coast region.

The most popular attraction on the Tasman Peninsula is the Port Arthur Historic Site, which is often on the bucket list for travelers to Tasmania. Whether visiting Port Arthur or not, exploring the Tasman Peninsula is a must-do, as the natural beauty of this region will really leave an impression on you. The Tasman Peninsula is a piece of land in the southeast of Tasmania that is surrounded by beautiful bays and the ocean.

From the Tasman Peninsula to the East Coast, experience one of Australia’s greatest road trips on the Great Eastern Drive. This is a true journey of discovery that will lead you to the best-loved places and experiences of Tasmania’s east coast region.

EAST COAST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

3 star: Wintersun Gardens (2 bedroom apt) OR Beachfront at Bicheno (Motel Family)
4 star: Apartments on Fraser (2 Bedroom Apartment)

Available on request – Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay  (FAMILY cabin)

Meet the top of your Tassie bucket list. Wineglass Bay is part of the Freycinet Peninsula, an outcrop of wild, pristine coast land on Tasmania’s east coast. Encompassed within the Freycinet National Park, it is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. Nestled in the iconic Hazards range and bordered with pink granite peaks, Wineglass Bay is the most photographed view in the entirety of our island state.

Bicheno

Surrounded by that clear blue east coast water, white squeaky sand and the distinctive granite rocks dotted with orange lichen, Bicheno is a beautiful spot to base yourself when exploring the east coast. If you’re a wildlife lover, a water baby or simply enjoy the relaxed beachside vibe then Bicheno is the place for you.

Discover Wineglass Bay via the Freycinet Coastline

Wineglass Bay Cruises is a 4½ hour cruise of the waterways surrounding Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s East Coast. Cruise the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range. 

EAST COAST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

3 star: Wintersun Gardens (2 bedroom apt) OR Beachfront at Bicheno (Motel Family)
4 star: Apartments on Fraser (2 Bedroom Apartment)

Available on request – Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay  (FAMILY cabin)

This route from Freycinet to Launceston  runs up the coast to Bicheno and beyond, but cuts inland at the Elephant Pass to St Marys You will drive up the Fingal Valley, and then cut off through the backroads to Evandale and on to Launceston. Evandale is classified as a historic town and is famous for its Sunday morning market as well as the annual World Penny Farthing Races which are held in February. This itinerary is designed to explore off the beaten track to take the scenic and historic route into Launceston. It is about 3 hours drive from point to point, but if you allow time to look around at different stops it will take all day.

Launceston is simultaneously lively and laid-back and finds itself conveniently located close to the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. From gorgeous natural beauty to a charming, traditional atmosphere, this city will please a variety of travelers looking for a place to step back and breathe some of the freshest air on the planet.

LAUNCESTON FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

3 star: Adina Place (2 Bedroom Apt)

4 star: The Sebel  (2 Bedroom Apt)

Cataract Gorge is the city’s main attraction and is centrally located. For those into hiking, swimming, breathing in fresh air and experiencing majestic views, this is the place to be. Take a ride on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift for panoramic views of the area. Be sure to bring  your camera to capture some of the fantastic scenery you see from this unique vantage point.

Tasmania’s Tamar Valley is found in the northern part of the state and centres around the approximately 65 km-long Tamar River that runs from Launceston to Bass Strait. This self-drive journey is easily done in a few hours or all day depending on what tickles your fancy and how much time you have at your leisure.

On your way to Cradle Mountain, go through the town of Sheffield and see the murals created by talented artists.  Or go the longer way via Mole Creek to check out the Caves & enjoy some local delights such as Honey and Salmon. Stretch your legs at Alum Cliffs and get more views of the Great Western Tiers.

CRADLE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

3-star Accommodation: Silver Ridge Retreat (2 bedroom apartment) Farmstay style 35 mins from Cradle Mountain or similar

4-star Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel (Deluxe Spa-2 Queens) plus Full breakfast or similar

Waking up its time to discover Dove lake. Set at the feet of Cradle Mountain, Dove lake is an amazing lake to walk around taking only a few hours. Calm and serene, pleasant and rocky, it would be easy to assume that “Cradle Mountain” takes its name from a baby’s bed. But locals say no – it’s derived from the mountain’s resemblance to a miner’s cradle. This unique shape creates a dramatic vista that’s impossible to miss as visitors walk along the shores of the many lakes, river gorges and waterfalls that decorate the surrounding areas. And never fear, the chances of spotting a wombat is extremely high.

CRADLE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

3-star Accommodation: Silver Ridge Retreat (2 bedroom apartment) Farmstay style 35 mins from Cradle Mountain or similar

4-star Accommodation: Lemonthyme Lodge (2 bedroom including breakfast) or similar. Upgrade to Cradle Mountain Hotel available upon request.

Heading south from Cradle Mountain, stop at Tullah, a peaceful former mining town surrounded by a beautiful landscape of lakes, rivers and mountain ranges. Explore the wilderness around Tullah on walking and mountain bike trails with guided nature tours available on sea kayak, canoe or horseback. The town of Rosebery, a short drive farther south-west, is a working mine township proud of its environmental management. Continue on to Zeehan then make your way to Strahan.

STRAHAN FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

3-star accommodation – Sharonlee Strahan Villas (2 Bedroom Apartment)

4-star accommodation –  Marsden Court (2 Bedroom Apartment) or similar

Strahan is a fantastic jumping point for exploring the west of Tasmania.  There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had, an abundance of fresh food, and a dark-yet-rich history. Surrounded by national parks and wildlife refuges, Strahan is the perfect destination for the naturalist and those seeking a relaxing escape from the daily stress of modern life. Adventure to the end of the world, see the rarest of animals, stand at Hells Gates, and take the selfies to prove it. This small village of farmers and fishermen is surrounded by 19 national parks and regional reserves. Tasmania is 45 percent national wildlife parks and preserves, so it’s hard not to stumble upon one.

STRAHAN FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

3-star accommodation – Sharonlee Strahan Villas (2 Bedroom Apartment)

4-star accommodation –  Marsden Court (2 Bedroom Apartment) or similar

Our Strahan to Hobart self drive itinerary climbs up into the mountains to Queenstown, then across valleys and more mountains on the Alpine Plateau to Derwent Bridge at the southern end of Lake St Clair. A must stop is the stunning sculpture at Derwent Bridge called The Wall in the Wilderness.  “The Wall” is carved from three-metre high wooden panels and tells the story of Tasmanian history in the Central Highlands region . The Derwent River rises here, and the drive passes through the Hydro Electric generating area and follows the Derwent Valley downhill all the way to Hobart. Visit Russell Falls on the way.  Allow a full day of it to drive from Strahan to Hobart.

HOBART FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

3-star accommodation – Bay Hotel & Apartments (2 Bedroom Apartments)

4-star accommodation – St Ives Apartments (2 Bedroom Apartment) or similar

Here are some further options for exploring Hobart:

Salamanca Market ( Saturday)

The award-winning Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction and one of the largest outdoor markets in all of Australia. This iconic Saturday tradition brings Hobart’s waterfront alive with a celebration of the senses. In a vibrant atmosphere of cultural commerce, over 300 stallholders line the street from sunrise where locally crafted products include Tasmanian timber treasures and homewares, unique clothing and jewelry, fresh and seasonal produce, artwork, leather goods, soaps and skincare, artisan cheeses, breads, wines and spirits as well as tasty ‘on the go’ eats.  Open every Saturday rain or shine, from 8:30am to 3:00pm. 

MONA via their quirky ferry

You can’t be in Hobart and not visit Mona via their quirky ferry. Described by its owner David Walsh as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, MONA is Australia’s largest private museum and one of the most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities in the world. This unique and provocative art collection will leave a lasting impression with visitors as they explore 3 floors of subterranean architecture, art pieces, and exhibits. The 3.5 ha site includes the Source restaurant, a function centre, Moorilla winery and vineyard, a cellar door, wine bar, cinema, library, and accommodation pavilions (and Moo Brew, an off site brewery).  Their high-speed catamarans sail between Hobart’s Brooke Street Pier and Mona often, and take around twenty-five minutes one way. If you want to step it up and escape the riff-raff, go for the Posh Pit – the private lounge, bar and deck at the pointy end of the ferry. Includes free drinks, tiny food and inflated egos.

Drive to kunanyi/Mt Wellington lookout

Rising 1270 metres above sea level to the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington, experience spectacular views over Hobart and beyond.