20 Best Things to Do in Tasmania with Kids (Family-Friendly Guide – Part 1)

Is Tasmania Good for Families? Here's Why We Think So

Planning a family holiday to Tasmania with kids? This wild, beautiful island is one of Australia's most underrated family destinations — easy to explore, uncrowded, and genuinely exciting for children of all ages.

From holding a real seahorse to hand-feeding kangaroos and spotting wombats grazing in the wild, every single day in Tasmania feels like a nature documentary your kids are actually starring in.

During our own 14-day family road trip across Tasmania — done with kids in tow — we discovered experiences that delighted adults and children equally. We visited during April/May (Indian school holidays) and found the autumn weather absolutely perfect — mild, crowd-free, and gorgeous for outdoor adventures.

In this two-part series, we share our top 20 things to do in Tasmania with kids — all personally tried and tested. This is Part 1, covering experiences 1–10. Each one comes with practical tips so you can plan your trip with confidence.

💡 Visiting from India? April–May (school holidays) is a fantastic time — pleasant autumn weather, fewer crowds, and no peak-season prices.

20 Best Things to Do in Tasmania with Kids (part 1) -

Here are the top family-friendly experiences in Tasmania that your kids will absolutely love—perfect for planning an unforgettable trip! For details read on!

1. Explore the Magical Cataract Gorge – Launceston

Walk across the suspension bridge, take a ride on the world’s longest single-span chairlift, or enjoy a picnic while peacocks roam freely. There’s also a swimming pool, playground, café, and short bushwalks that are perfect for little legs. Located less than 10 minutes from the city of Launceston, it makes a convenient first stop on your Tasmania road trip. Note that parking here is paid. The kids were thrilled to spot their first wild wallabies!

📍 Location: Cataract Gorge Reserve, Launceston, TAS 7250

⏱️ Time needed: 2–3 hours

💰 Cost: Chairlift is paid; gorge entry is free. Paid parking on-site.

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All ages including toddlers

💡 Indian families: The café has light snack options, and the area is pram-friendly. Go early in the morning for the best chance of spotting wallabies.

2.Get Up Close to Aussie Wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in Tasmania to see native Australian animals up close. Located just 30 minutes from Hobart, it’s a must-visit for families. Kids can hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos, watch wombats nap in their enclosures, and learn all about the efforts to save the endangered Tasmanian devil.

We loved the hands-on wildlife experiences, easy layout perfect for strollers, and the friendly keepers who were amazing at engaging with children. It’s an unforgettable stop on any Tasmania road trip with kids.

📍 Location: 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton TAS 7030 (30 mins from Hobart)

⏱️ Time needed: 2–3 hours

💰 Cost: Paid entry; book online in advance

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All ages; stroller-friendly layout

💡 Don't miss the daily keeper talks — they are incredibly informative for curious kids.

3.Walk with Wombats at Cradle Mountain – Tasmania's Iconic Wilderness

Cradle Mountain is one of the top places in Tasmania to see wombats in the wild—and it’s especially magical with kids. Two of the best family-friendly walks are the Enchanted Walk and the Ronny Creek boardwalk.

The Enchanted Walk is a short loop through rainforest, perfect for young children. At Ronny Creek, you’ll walk along open grasslands where wombats often graze freely—an unforgettable sight for little nature lovers!

Start your visit at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, where you’ll find maps, helpful staff, and educational displays to enhance your experience.

Pack snacks, carry enough water and dress in layers—Cradle Mountain can get chilly, even in summer.

📍 Location: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS

⏱️ Time needed: Half day to full day

💰 Cost: National Parks pass required

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Kids 3+ for the boardwalk; toddlers fine for the Enchanted Walk

💡 Dress in layers — Cradle Mountain can be chilly even in summer. If visiting during Indian school holidays (April/May), the autumn colours here are simply stunning.

👉 Before You Book Tasmania: Read This Essential Guide for Indian Families

4. Play at Kingston Park Adventure Playground

Just a short drive from Hobart, Kingston Park Adventure Playground is a fantastic all-abilities play space that’s designed for hours of fun. Kids can zip along flying foxes, climb across imaginative frames, splash in the water play zone, or swing to their heart’s content—while parents relax on the grassy picnic areas nearby. There are toilets, shaded seating, and coffee close by, making it a perfect family-friendly stop on your Tasmania road trip with kids.

📍 Location: Kingston Beach, TAS (approx. 20 mins south of Hobart CBD)

⏱️ Time needed: 1–2 hours

💰 Cost: Free

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Toddlers to older kids (all-abilities design)

5.Hold a Seahorse & Spot a Platypus – Beauty Point, Northern Tasmania

For a truly unique wildlife experience, head to Seahorse World in Beauty Point, where kids can see baby seahorses up close and even hold one in a supervised, hands-on encounter. Right next door, Platypus House offers the rare chance to watch Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas in a kid-friendly, indoor environment. Both attractions are located side by side, making it easy to combine them into one half-day visit—perfect for curious little animal lovers.

📍 Location: Inspection Head Wharf, Beauty Point TAS 7270

⏱️ Time needed: 2–3 hours for both attractions

💰 Cost: Paid entry for each; combination tickets available

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Kids 4+ (toddlers can attend but may not hold a seahorse)

💡 Book ahead — both attractions run guided tours at set times and spots fill up quickly during school holidays.

6.Enjoy the Chairlift Ride at The Nut – Stanley, North West Tasmania

Rising above the charming coastal town of Stanley, The Nut is an extinct volcanic plug—a striking flat-topped landform that’s over 13 million years old. Families can ride the scenic chairlift to the top (a highlight for kids!) or take the short but steep walking track. Once at the summit, enjoy the easy 2 km loop track with 360-degree views of the Bass Strait and surrounding countryside. Watch for seabirds nesting along the cliffs and soak in the unique geology of this ancient site.

📍 Location: The Nut State Reserve, Stanley TAS 7331

⏱️ Time needed: 1.5–2 hours

💰 Cost: Chairlift is paid; walking track is free (steep — not suitable for toddlers)

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Kids 3+ for chairlift; summit walk for kids 5+

👉 If you are wondering - Where to Stay in Tasmania with Kids or Best Family-Friendly Accommodations, we have a detailed blog about family friendly accommodations that we stayed in . Read all about it here -

7 . Discover Glow Worms Underground at Marakoopa Cave – Mole Creek

Marakoopa Cave, part of the stunning Mole Creek Karst National Park in northern Tasmania is amazing! This family-friendly cave offers the Underground Rivers and Glow Worms Tour, where you’ll walk past sparkling crystal formations, hear the flow of hidden rivers, and finish under a ceiling glowing with thousands of tiny glow worms. It’s a gentle, guided walk suitable for kids .

📍 Location: Mole Creek Karst National Park, TAS 7304

⏱️ Time needed: 1 hour (guided tour)

💰 Cost: Paid; book via Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Kids 4+

💡 Caves stay at a constant 9°C year-round — pack a light jacket even in summer. Closed shoes are required.

8.Visit Willie Smith’s Apple Shed – Huon Valley

Set in the scenic Huon Valley, Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is a charming, family-friendly stop that blends farm life, history, and fresh local flavours. Kids will love exploring the apple museum, watching cider being made , and enjoying space to run around outdoors. Parents can relax with a farm-fresh meal or locally brewed cider, while the whole family soaks in the orchard views and laid-back country vibes.

📍 Location: 2064 Huon Hwy, Grove TAS 7109

⏱️ Time needed: 1–2 hours

💰 Cost: Museum entry; food and drink purchased separately

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All ages

💡 Vegetarian food options are available — a useful note for Indian families watching dietary preferences while travelling.

9.Visit the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery – Hobart

Located in the heart of Hobart, the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG) is a brilliant indoor option for families—especially on a rainy day. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, learn about Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage, and discover natural history displays featuring fossils, wildlife, and Antarctica.

📍 Location: Dunn Place, Hobart TAS 7000 (Salamanca waterfront area)

⏱️ Time needed: 1.5–2.5 hours

💰 Cost: Free

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: Kids 5+ (younger children enjoy the open spaces too)

💡 Combine with a walk along Salamanca Market (every Saturday) for a brilliant Hobart morning.

10.Look for Treasure in Rockpools – Bay of Fires

Tasmania’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches that are perfect for families, and rockpooling is a fun, free way to keep kids entertained outdoors. At the Bay of Fires, kids can explore tide pools between the striking orange lichen-covered boulders for sotting tiny sea creatures.

📍 Location: Bay of Fires, northeastern Tasmania (nearest towns: St Helens or Binalong Bay)

⏱️ Time needed: Half day

💰 Cost: Free

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for: All ages; supervision required near water

💡 Visit at low tide for the best rockpool exploring. Bring a bucket, magnifying glass, and water shoes.

These first 10 family-friendly experiences in Tasmania gave us the perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and hands-on fun. Whether it was spotting wombats on a boardwalk or feeding kangaroos by hand, each stop added a special memory to our road trip.

Tasmania with Kids — Our Final Thoughts & Trip Planning Guide

Our 14-day Tasmania road trip with kids was honestly one of the best family holidays we've ever taken — and these 20 things to do in Tasmania with kids are proof that this island

delivers something magical for every age and every pace of travel.

Part 1 gave you our first 10 experiences — wildlife encounters, glowworm caves, seahorses, and some of the most breathtaking scenery we've ever seen as a family. But the adventure doesn't stop here.

If you're visiting from India — especially during April or May school holidays — we genuinely can't recommend Tasmania enough. The weather, the crowds, the pace — everything works in your favour.

💡 Ready to plan your Tasmania trip with kids? Here's everything you need:

FAQ: Things to Do in Tasmania with Kids — Your Questions Answered

Q1. What is the best time to visit Tasmania with kids?

November to March is peak season. But for Indian families, April–May (school holidays) is our top pick — mild weather, no crowds, lower prices, and every attraction fully open.

We visited in April/May and it was perfect.

Q2. Do I need a hire car to explore Tasmania with kids?

Yes — absolutely essential. Public transport barely exists outside Hobart and Launceston. Book a family SUV well in advance, especially for April/May school holidays when

availability gets tight.

Q3. Are Tasmania's wildlife experiences suitable for toddlers?

Yes. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Kingston Park Playground, the Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain, and Nelson Falls are all stroller-friendly and perfect for very young children.

Tasmania is one of the most toddler-friendly destinations we've visited.

Q4. What are the easiest walks in Tasmania for kids?

Our top picks: Cataract Gorge circuit (flat, riverside), Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain (30-minute forest loop), Ronny Creek Boardwalk (wombat spotting, flat ground), Russell Falls in Mt Field (20 minutes return), and Nelson Falls on the west coast (30 minutes, stroller-friendly).

Q5. Where should families stay in Tasmania?

Self-contained cottages are ideal — especially for Indian families who prefer to cook. Farm stays and family apartments in Hobart and Launceston are also great. Base yourself in Hobart for the south and Launceston for the north, with at least one night at Cradle Mountain.

Q6. Is vegetarian food easily available in Tasmania?

Yes. Most cafés in Hobart and Launceston have vegetarian options. Woolworths and Coles supermarkets stock Indian pantry staples — lentils, rice, and basic spices. Our tip: book self-contained accommodation with a kitchen and bring a portable induction cooktop.

Q7. Is Tasmania expensive for families visiting from India?

Mid-range. Flights and car hire are the biggest costs. Save money by visiting in April/May (shoulder season), buying a National Parks holiday pass (AUD 60–80 covers all parks), and using free attractions — Bay of Fires, Nelson Falls, Kingston Playground, and Mt Wellington cost nothing.

Q8. Is Tasmania good for Indian families visiting Australia for the first time?

Yes — it's one of our top recommendations. Safe, relaxed, English-speaking, and far less overwhelming than Sydney or Melbourne. The wildlife experiences are world-class, crowds

are small, and 14 days covers the island comfortably. We visited with our kids and already want to go back.