Things to Do in Tasmania: Top Ten For Kids

December 27th, 2011 |

Looking for things to do in Tasmania when the kids are on holidays? We’ve made a list for you! Here’s our top ten suggestions, as judged by our junior researchers (also referred to as the crash test dummies!). There’s probably lots of other attractions that would qualify, but we’ve only included places we’ve actually been to. That’s just how we work around here. Oh, and they’re all from the last twelve months, because you know kids… the most recent thing is usually the best thing they’ve ever done!!

Visit Tasmania - Royal Botanical Gardens

The Think Tasmania crash test dummies! Things to do with kids in Tasmania

Kids Top Ten: Things to Do in Tasmania

They’re not listed in any particular order… they’re just listed. We had a spirited discussion about what should be included, and what should be left out. We had to compromise a little. And in the interests of fairness, we should mention two particularly fun weekends. We had fabulous accommodation at both Ulverstone River Retreat and Suntrap Cove, a Bicheno Holiday House. And we could have had a separate top ten list of things to do from each of those places!! Anyway, here it is…

1. Hollybank Treetops Adventure

The most expensive outing on the list, but we thought the adventure was worth the price. It’s especially fun with a group, and when you consider the whole experience takes about three hours, it’s reasonable for a special occasion. When you combine Hollybank with a trip to the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe, it’s a pretty good day out. Can’t wait to go back and test out the night flight and the Segway tours.

The high-wire Hollybank Treetops Adventure between Launceston & Bridport Tasmania

2. Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs

Two things to do in the one package deal makes this an extremely worthwhile trip into the far south of Tasmania. The Hastings Caves rated very highly with everyone, while the juniors loved the thermal springs. There’s also bush-walking and lunch in the cafe if you want. Of course, the Huon Valley offers other attractions; like the Tahune AirWalk and the Ida Bay Railway nearby too.

Lots of family fun in Tasmania's great outdoors at Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs

3. Tessellated Pavement on the Tasman Peninsula

You can’t visit the Tasman Peninsula and not stop to see the Tessellated Pavement. It’s just too incredible! While many tourists would visit on their way to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement, we would drive to Eaglehawk Neck just for this natural phenomenon. Anyone interested in photography will find it amazing, and our kids loved the huge clumps of seaweed and the tiny crabs and fish in the rock-pools.

Tessellated Pavement: fascinating natural phenomenon at Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Peninsula

4. Tasmanian Wildlife Parks

This is cheating a little. When making a list of things to do in Tasmania, we couldn’t separate the three wildlife parks we went to this year. They were all great, and the kids would have returned more often if possible. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, East Coast Natureworld and Wings Wildlife Park all offer a unique experience and an opportunity to interact with Tasmanian Devils, wombats and other treasured animals.

Wings Wildlife Park is home to lots of Tasmanian wombats!

5. Douglas Apsley National Park

Just to prove that fun things to do in Tasmania don’t need to cost a fortune, also making our list is the Douglas Apsley National Park. The bush-walk to the Apsley Waterhole is easy enough for most people to manage, and the reward when you arrive is stunning. Crystal clear, cold water fills the aqua billabong, and it trickles over the rocks, which are great for jumping and exploring.

Douglas Apsley National Park - Aspley Waterhole & River

The magic crystal-clear waters of Apsley Waterhole at Douglas Apsley National Park

6. Tasmazia & the Village of Lower Crackpot

I can’t imagine too many people leaving Tasmazia off their list of great things to do in Tasmania. Kids or adults!! Even those not entirely won over by the prospect of wandering through a maze (yes, that would be me!) will love this place. The Village of Lower Crackpot (again, two attractions for the price of one) is fantastic, not to mention the huge stack of pancakes for lunch.

Tasmazia favourite, the Village of Lower Crackpot, a model village with pizzazz!

7. Zone 3 Laser Games

Probably not your traditional Tasmanian attraction, but Zone 3 in Launceston was a definite for the kids’ list of things to do. This is their top ten, after all. Another good idea for entertaining a group; and Brett and Joel were good blokes who were good with a bunch of highly-excited kids. And who doesn’t love a return to their youth with a game on a pinball machine?

Zone 3 in Launceston, where kids of all ages have a great time!

8. Don River Railway

Not all the activities have to be at full throttle to appeal to the juniors. The Don River Railway was a civilised, calm trip through the park reserve. Combined with a tour of the workshop and some time in the Railway Museum, this was an enjoyable place to visit near Devonport. The volunteers allowed the kids to take the controls at one stage, which definitely helped elevate their opinion of this one!

Don River Railway near Devonport: the kids love it!

9. Captain Fell’s Historic Ferries

A dinner cruise in Hobart aboard the Emmalisa might sound like an adult-oriented option, but this was one family outing that everyone enjoyed and would recommend. The kids were impressed that they were given the same meal as the adults… and they managed to eat every last bite! We’ll do this one again, in winter next time so it gets dark earlier. (Well, we’ve seen the waterfront sights, now we want the lights!).

A dinner cruise in Hobart with Captain Fell and his historic ferries? The kids say yes!

10. Ten Other Top Things to Do in Tasmania

Okay, so this is cheating a lot!! I told you we had a spirited discussion, and there were quite a few other things we wanted to squeeze in…

Launceston Aquatic Centre - Outdoor Beach Entry

Launceston Aquatic Centre, one of the great things to do with kids in Tasmania

Wow, we have been busy. They were all great places, or we wouldn’t have written about them, obviously! With family and friends visiting over the holidays, you shouldn’t be stuck for things to do in Tasmania. And don’t forget… you can always take the kids to one of the sublime Tasmanian beaches. That’s always a winner, too!

Beaches in Tasmania rate highly on the list of things to do in summer

If you have a special activity that you seriously think we should have included
in our top ten list of things to do in Tasmania, just leave a reply below or
contact Think Tasmania. You never know, we might be able to visit next year!

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