Tasmania in14 Days - A Family Road Trip Adventure with Kids
- rachnamone
- Jun 12
- 12 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Why Tasmania? Why Not!
One of the first reactions we got when we mentioned our road trip to Tasmania was:“Wait, you’re going to Tanzania?”Nope—Tasmania with an 's', not Tanzania with a 'z'!
Tasmania is a small island state of Australia, located off the southeastern coast and separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. It’s a place that feels both wonderfully remote and incredibly accessible. Tasmania is often called the Apple Isle—not just because it's been a leading producer of a wide variety of apples for years, but (fun fact!) the island itself actually resembles the shape of an apple on the map.
So... Why Choose Tasmania for a Family Road Trip?
Because it has everything you could possibly want from a vacation—especially with kids!
Stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife
Family-friendly hiking trails and outdoor adventures
Beautiful, uncrowded beaches with crystal-clear water
Curated wildlife encounters—think wombats, Tasmanian devils, and more!
Vineyards and farm experiences (yes, even with kids!)
Opportunities for glamping and staying close to nature
A chance to catch the elusive Southern Lights
Delicious, fresh food straight from local farms and markets
The island’s capital city, Hobart, sits on the southeastern coast and is well connected with daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne, as is Launceston, a charming city in the north. If you’re up for an adventure right from the start, you can even sail into Tasmania aboard the Spirit of Tasmania, an overnight ferry that lands in Devonport, a port town on the northern coast.
We’ve packed this blog with kid-friendly activities, must-visit cafés, unmissable playgrounds, and some of the best family-friendly places to stay. Whether you're chasing wildlife encounters, hiking adventures, delicious local food, or just great spots for the kids to play—this is your one-stop guide for making the most of your time on this incredible island.
To read more about places to stay and fun activities to do with kids, check out our blogs -
Table summarizing your 14-day Tasmania itinerary with locations and overnight stays:
Day | Things to do | Overnight Stay |
Day 1 | Launceston to Beaconsfield | Beaconsfield |
Day 2 | Sea horse world, Platypus house, Hillwood berry farm, Low head lighthouse | Beaconsfield |
Day 3 | Cradle mountain | Railton |
Day 4 | Marakoopa cave, Trowunna wildlife sanctuary | Railton |
Day 5 | Stanley- The Nut | Zeehan (Bush Camp) |
Day 6 | Queenstown, Iron blowhole lookout, Nelson falls | Taroona |
Day 7 | Mt. Wellington, Huonville | Taroona |
Day 8 | Bruny island, Kingston playground | Taroona |
Day 9 | Tasman Peninsula | Forcett |
Day 10 | Richmond, Bonorong Wildlife santuary, Puddleduck vineyard | Forcett |
Day 11 | Hobart Museum and Botanical garden, Wentworth playarea and beach | Forcett |
Day 12 | Freycinet National Park | St Helens |
Day 13 | Bay of Fires, Pyengana dairy, Binalong bay | St Helens |
Day 14 | Little blue lake, Derby, Scottsdale | Launceston |
14-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary with Kids
Start anywhere—this loop makes it flexible!
Day 1: Launceston to Beaconsfield
We began our Tasmanian adventure with an early morning flight to Launceston. After picking up our rental car at the airport, we headed straight to Cataract Gorge Reserve—a stunning natural area just minutes from the city. It’s a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon with kids. The kids loved the free-roaming peacocks and wallabies, and there’s even a playground to burn off some energy. With a café and public toilets on-site, it’s a perfect family-friendly stop (note: there’s a small parking fee).
Next, head to Grindelwald—a quirky Swiss-style village just off the highway. It’s a lovely place to stop for an ice cream and a quick wander. Continuing our drive north, we planned to stop at Brady’s Lookout for expansive views of the Tamar River, but unfortunately, the weather turned rainy and we had to skip it.
Our final destination for the day was the charming little town of Beaconsfield. If you arrive early, you can visit the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, or simply enjoy the fantastic local playground with the kids. The town has a couple of grocery stores (which close by 7 PM), as well as bakeries, restaurants, and petrol stations—everything you need to wrap up a peaceful first day.
Day 2: Tamar Valley & Surroundings
Just a short drive from Beaconsfield is Seahorse World at Beauty Point. One of the highlights was getting to gently hold a seahorse—an unforgettable moment, especially for the kids!Right next door is Platypus House, it offers hourly guided tours about one of Australia’s most elusive creatures. The platypus are fascinating to watch, but the real stars of the show (at least for our kids!) were the friendly echidnas who roam freely around visitors during the echidna talk. For lunch, we drove to Hillwood Berry Farm. We had tasty, farm-fresh meals and the highlight—without question—was the fresh berry ice cream. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy a “pick your own” berry experience.
Later in the afternoon, we headed toward Low Head Lighthouse for breathtaking ocean views. If you have time and the weather’s good, walk the trail down to the beach around dusk—you might just catch penguins waddling back to their burrows. We ended our day at George Town Playground, which turned out to be one of the best playgrounds we’ve visited in Tasmania—fun, spacious, and a great place to relax before heading back for the night.
Day 3: Cradle Mountain Day Trip
On day three, we set off for one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations—Cradle Mountain.
We drove to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, where all visitors need to park, as private vehicles aren’t allowed past a certain point. From there, we bought shuttle bus tickets that take you deep into the national park—don’t forget your Tasmania Parks Pass (we talk more about how to get one in our "Things to Know Before You Travel" blog post).
We chose a family-friendly walk that starts at Dove Lake and ends at Ronny Creek. It’s mostly flat and very scenic, making it perfect for young kids. Along the way, we were thrilled to spot wombats grazing in the wild! There's a café at the visitor centre and water bottle refill stations at Dove Lake. The weather here can be unpredictable, so come prepared with water, sunscreen, hats, jackets, raincoats, and plenty of snacks.
Day 4: Glow Worm Caves and Wildlife Encounters
Our first stop for the day was the Marakoopa Cave, famous for its underground river and glow worms. Walking through the cave, we were surrounded by ancient limestone formations, and the moment when the lights went out to reveal a ceiling sparkling with glow worms was truly unforgettable. It felt like staring up at a night sky full of stars, but deep inside the Earth.
After the caves, we made a quick stop in the nearby town of Mole Creek for snacks and lunch. The town is charming and particularly beautiful in the autumn, with stunning fall foliage lining the roads .
In the afternoon, we visited Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary offers engaging talks where rangers introduce you to Tasmanian devils and wombats, even allowing visitors to touch the animals under supervision! Afterward, we had the chance to feed friendly kangaroos, which freely hop around the open area.
Day 5: Stanley’s Nut & Glamping in Zeehan
The Nut is an extinct volcano that rises dramatically above the town and offers a 2–3 km circuit walk at the top with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, don’t miss the Table Cape Tulip Farm, known for its vibrant, blooming fields of tulips. Unfortunately, we were visiting in autumn, so it was closed—but we can only imagine how beautiful it must be when in full bloom!
From Stanley, we began the long but gorgeous drive to Zeehan, a small town on Tasmania’s wild west coast.
We specifically chose Zeehan for the chance to try glamping at Zeehan Bush Camping and Glamping, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Hobart (via Queenstown, Nelson Falls & Taroona)
Zeehan to Hobart is a long drive, so we recommend starting early .Keep in mind that , there are very few fuel stations along this route, so make sure to fill up your tank in Zeehan or Queenstown before setting off!
Our first stop of the day was Queenstown. We grabbed breakfast at Tracks Café, located at the old railway station.From there, we drove to the Iron Blow Lookout, an old quarry site that now offers a breathtaking view over a deep, emerald-green pit surrounded by stark, rugged cliffs. Next, we made our way to Nelson Falls, one of the best short walks in Tasmania and perfect for families.
The drive then continued through Tasmania’s forests and marshlands, gradually opening into rolling farmland as we approached New Norfolk. If you're visiting during autumn, this region is ideal for spotting colourful fall foliage.
Our final destination for the day was Taroona, a quiet seaside suburb just south of Hobart.
Day 7: Mount Wellington & Exploring the Huon Valley
We started our day at a relaxed pace before heading up to the majestic Mount Wellington (kunanyi), which towers over Hobart and offers mind-blowing panoramic views of the city, the Derwent River, and the surrounding landscapes. Make sure to carry a jacket, even in warmer months, as the temperature can drop significantly at the summit!
From there, we made our way to the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed—a must-visit stop in the Huon Valley. We enjoyed walking around the small garden filled with different varieties of apple trees, giving the kids a chance to explore while we soaked in the countryside atmosphere.
Next, we stopped at the Scenic Hill Lookout, which offers a breathtaking view over Huonville and the winding Huon River! For lunch, we found our way to the Summer House Bakery (highly recommended !!).
Before heading back, we let the kids burn off some energy at the Ranelagh Playground.
Day 8: Day Trip to Bruny Island
We started the day with an early morning drive to Kettering, a small town south of Hobart where the car ferry departs for Bruny Island. Bruny Island is split into North and South Bruny, connected by a narrow isthmus called The Neck—our first stop for the day. We climbed the stairs at The Neck Scenic Reserve to take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and the narrow land strip that connects the two parts of the island. It’s also a habitat for fairy penguins, and if you stay the night, you might get the chance to see them return to shore at dusk.
Next, we drove to Adventure Bay, hoping to spot the elusive white wallabies that call this area home (BTW we didnt spot any!).
Although Bruny Island can easily fill a full day, you can stay overnight to explore more of the island at a relaxed pace or to catch the penguin parade in the evening.
End the day at Kingston playground - The best playground in Tasmania!
Day 9 – Exploring the Tasman Peninsula | Overnight at Forcett
Our first stop was the Pirate’s Bay Lookout — a fantastic spot to soak in the sweeping views of the bright blue ocean glistening under the sun. Next, we visited the fascinating Tessellated Pavement — a natural rock formation that looks just like a carefully tiled floor.
From there, we drove through the quirky little town of Doo Town (where every house has a playful name!) on our way to visit the Tasman Arch and Blowhole — two impressive coastal formations shaped by years of sea erosion. These spots have short walks and are easy for kids to explore.
We stopped for lunch at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Although the lavender had already been harvested, the café was amazing. The kids enjoyed running around in the open space while we tucked into a delicious meal with a view.
Later, we made our way to the Remarkable Cave and Maingon Lookout.
Though we skipped it this time, you can also visit the historic Port Arthur site — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed former convict settlement.
After a full day of sightseeing, we drove back and stayed overnight at Forcett.
Day 10 – Day Trip to Richmond & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Started the day with a super delicious breakfast at a local bakery in Sorell – fresh pastries, warm coffee, and happy tummies all around! The drive from Sorell to Richmond was a treat in itself — gently winding roads lined with beautiful vineyards and golden autumn leaves.
Our first stop was Richmond, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most charming towns. We visited the iconic Richmond Bridge — Australia's oldest stone bridge still in use — and the kids had a blast chasing the ducks by the river.
Next, we made our way to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary .The kids were thrilled to see wombats, Tasmanian devils, and a whole lot of friendly kangaroos they could hand-feed.
In the afternoon, we visited Puddleduck Vineyard. There's outdoor seating with views of the vineyard, a small playground for kids, and even ducks to feed!
Before heading back, we made a quick stop at the Wicked Cheese Company. It’s a great little place to sample a variety of delicious cheeses.
Day 11 – Hobart Museum, Botanical Gardens
We began our day with a visit to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). It’s a compact yet beautifully curated museum. The Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) exhibit was both fascinating and sobering, a powerful reminder of why preserving our wildlife matters.
Another hit with the kids was the Antarctic exhibition, where they got to explore displays about life in the freezing south. You can easily spend 2–3 hours here — and the best part? Entry is free, making it a great indoor option for rainy days.
Next, we headed to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. The highlight for us was the Japanese Garden — serene, lush, and meticulously maintained.
Later in the afternoon, we visited the Wentworth Park Playground, set right next to a scenic beach with views overlooking Hobart. We even saw a flock of wild galahs feeding right in front of us!
We ended the day in Sorell, with dinner at Banjo’s Bakery Café !
Day 12 – Freycinet National Park & Stay at St Helens
This was one of our longer driving days, but absolutely worth it. The journey from Forcett to Freycinet National Park takes about 3 hours, and you’ll be driving along the beautiful East Coast Scenic Route.
Freycinet National Park offers a range of trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. We decided to do the Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of Tasmania’s most iconic hikes (took about 2 hours return). The track is well-maintained and mostly shaded by forest, making it manageable even with kids. The view from the top is simply stunning !Be sure to stop at the visitor centre before you start your hike to check trail conditions and ask about age-appropriate walks for kids.
Later, we continued our drive to St Helens, which takes about 1.5 hours from the national park. If you're not in a rush, you could consider stopping overnight at Bicheno, a lovely coastal town where you can watch little penguins return to shore at dusk — something we’ll save for next time!
We chose to stay in St Helens, as it’s closer to our next destination.
Day 13 – Bay of Fires, Wild Dolphins & the Southern Lights
Our day began with a visit to The Gardens, a breathtaking part of the Bay of Fires- striking orange lichen-covered rocks, soft white sand, and the crystal-clear blue waters. Next, we headed to Pyengana Dairy for a delicious lunch. We highly recommend trying their fresh scones and cheeses !
In the evening, we made our way to Binalong Bay for sunset views along the east coast. There’s a small playground here that kept our little ones happy while we relaxed and watched the sky change colors. And then — a magical surprise — we spotted a pod of wild dolphins playing near the shore! It was an unforgettable moment.
Back in St Helens, Tasmania saved one final surprise for our last night — we were treated to the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)! Absolutely mesmerising — a once-in-a-lifetime moment and the perfect ending to our Tasmanian adventure.
Day 14 – Little Blue Lake & Back to Launceston
Our first stop was the Little Blue Lake — a striking, mineral-rich lake known for its vivid turquoise-blue water. Swimming isn't allowed in this lake.
Next, we stopped for lunch in the quaint town of Derby, a charming place that’s become popular with mountain biking enthusiasts.
The drive from Scottsdale to Launceston is incredibly scenic — winding roads through rolling farmlands and forested hills. A lovely way to soak in Tasmania’s natural beauty one last time.
Once we reached Launceston, we returned our rental car and took the airport shuttle, full of happy memories and tired feet!
And just like that, our amazing 14-day family road trip across Tasmania came to an end. From wild coastlines to friendly wildlife, magical beaches to historic towns — Tasmania truly stole our hearts. Until next time!
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