Tasmania surprised us in the best ways. What we thought would be a simple road trip turned into a week packed with unexpected wildlife encounters, kid-friendly stops, and little details that made the journey even better. If you’re planning Tassie with the family, here are seven things we discovered along the way — and how we structured our week to fit them all in.
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1. Hobart is sweeter than you think
Our trip started with an overnight in Hobart, where we quickly realised hotels here know how to keep families happy. At the Mövenpick Hotel Hobart the kids were spoiled with free ice cream for the whole stay plus a daily “Chocolate Hour” from 3:30–4:30pm. Before leaving town, we broke the drive in Richmond and found more than just a rest stop — a lolly shop, puzzle shop, bakery and the Old Model Town kept the kids entertained and well-fed before we hit the road.
2. Even the road trip stops are worth it
One of the biggest surprises was how much fun even the in-between bits of Tassie could be. Richmond became one of those “glad we stopped” moments, but it wasn’t the only one — more on Deloraine later. Between the lolly shop, the Hobart Model Town, and the quirky little puzzle store, it showed us that in Tasmania, detours and pit stops aren’t just filler — they’re part of the adventure.
3. Coles Bay isn’t just about Wineglass Bay
Of course, the Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s Wineglass Bay cruise was unforgettable — seals basking on the rocks, albatross gliding overhead, dolphins darting around and even whales. But what caught us off guard was how much joy the kids found in simpler moments: climbing rocks, dripping ice creams in hand, while we soaked up the scenery.
Pro tip: stock up on supplies before you arrive. The two general stores in Coles Bay are expensive, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’ve got snacks and easy meals on hand. And for those staying at Freycinet Lodge, remember it’s inside Freycinet National Park, so entry fees apply — you can buy passes at reception when you check in.
4. Launceston has a pub that doubles as a playground
Cataract Gorge was every bit as good as promised — chairlift rides, wandering peacocks, playgrounds and a riverside café. But the real surprise was Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall. It turned out to be the ultimate parent-and-kid combo: craft beer and great food for the grown-ups, and for the kids, a rock-climbing wall, colouring tables and plenty of pencils.
We also squeezed in Penny Royal (zip-lining and climbing), Hollybank Adventure Park, and a massive playground across the river. And when it came to somewhere to stay, The Sebel Launceston delivered — a two-bedroom apartment so spacious you could live in it, complete with a spa bath that the kids thought was the highlight of the trip.
5. Cradle Mountain isn’t just for hardcore hikers
The road up to Cradle Mountain is steep and winding, but totally worth it. At Discovery Parks we found the perfect family base: cabins with room to spread out, a great lounge/restaurant, and best of all, nightly visits from a neighbourhood pademelon the kids hand-fed.
The real highlight, though, was the Joey Encounter at Devils @ Cradle. It wasn’t just a zoo visit — the kids patted quolls, met baby devils, and learnt about how the animals are being cared for. Out on the tracks, we stuck to short walks around alpine lakes and waterfalls that were easy for little legs but still jaw-dropping. And yes, we even spotted wombats grazing along the way — which made the whole place feel like a storybook come to life.
Insider note: don’t feel rushed by locals when driving into Cradle Mountain. The road is twisty and slow going, and that’s perfectly fine. Better to arrive calm than frazzled.
6. Even lunch stops turn into adventures
On the way back south, we pulled into Deloraine for what we thought would be a quick lunch at the salmon farm. Instead, it became one of those unexpected highlights. The kids fed the fish, we explored the waterfall on the property, and the food was way better than “road trip lunch” had any right to be.
7. The kids actually sleep
This might be the biggest win of all. With so much fresh air, wildlife, and outdoor activity every day, the kids crashed hard every night. We ended up with peaceful evenings, and that alone made Tassie worth it.
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Why Tassie Works for Families
Tasmania is made for family road trips. The drives aren’t too long, every stop has something hands-on for the kids, and the combination of wildlife, scenery and quirky little surprises keeps everyone entertained. By the end of our week, we felt like we’d had a proper adventure, and the kids still talk about wombats, devils, and “Chocolate Hour” in Hobart.
Ready to go? Answer the call of Tasmania—map the route, hit the road, and let the island’s wild beauty guide you. Your adventure begins the moment you say yes.