Discover fun and educational holiday destinations in Southern Tasmania that are perfect for families!
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Are you looking for somewhere new to visit during the upcoming year-end holidays? For families seeking experiences that fit all ages, Tasmania offers the perfect blend of outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and fun-filled entertainment tailored for every family dynamic.
Enjoy these curated selections of the best places the island state offers outside of Hobart, just a short 75-minute flight from Melbourne—and save it for later!
Derwent Valley
The Derwent Valley is one of Tasmania’s most diverse and fertile regions, a centre for premium wine and produce, a hub for adventure and watersports, custodian to some of Tasmania's earliest (and most enduring) history, and home to excellent accommodation, experiential, and lifestyle experiences.
1. Mount Field National Park
Photo credit: Stu Gibson
Venue: 66 Lake Dobson Rd, National Park TAS 7140, Australia
Admission: National Park Pass varies, starting from $11.65 - $126.75. Check it here
Opening Hours: Opens 24 hours a day
There are some places that family can explore in Derwent Valley such as Tasmania's oldest national park, Mount Field National Park where you can grab a coffee and a snack at Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery then take your pick of wilderness walks. Stand-out short walks across the lower slopes that include Russell Falls and Tall Trees. These walks are manageable even for families with kids as they have short walking distances and well-maintained paths.
After completing the walks, stay overnight on the edge of the national park at Mount Field Retreat, boasting three, one-bedroom self-contained pods and one all ability access pod. Each of the pods are well-appointed, comfortable and modern.
Photo credit: Mount Field Retreat
As you explore, you might catch a glimpse of a platypus in the Tyenna River, watch endangered eastern quolls or eastern barred bandicoots dart through the underbrush, and marvel at the sight of a white-bellied sea eagle soaring overhead. Nature, wildlife and comfort all together.
2. Maydena Bike Park
Photo credit: Stu Gibson
Venue: 34 Kallista Road, Maydena, Tasmania, 7140
Admission: $10 - $350
Opening Hours: Friday – Monday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Find more here
In the village of Maydena, you’ll find the challenging Maydena Bike Park which has more than 70 trails and a massive 820m vertical elevation, with trails speeding through magnificent rainforest, including a top-to-bottom mountain bike ride that is suitable for families who are up for an adventure.
3. Curringa Farm
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Venue: 5831 Lyell Highway, Hamilton, Tasmania, 7140
Admission: $250 - $295
Opening Hours: Open Daily | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, every Sunday closes at 3:00 pm
If you’re going with kids and want to go to a more family-friendly place, then the 300-hectare Curringa Farm is a good option to visit. There are nine cottages offering views of the picturesque Lake Meadowbank. On the property, you can see a sheep-shearing demonstration, watch the working dogs in action, and wander around to discover farm animals, local produce and conservation areas. Be there between September and October if you're keen to spot lambs being born!
Richmond and the Tasman Peninsula
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Richmond is a town full of historical charms. From its picture-perfect bridge to its convict gaol that invites spooky selfies. This colonial-era town has more than 50 Georgian buildings, many meticulously restored and operating as cafes, restaurants, galleries and accommodation. Richmond Bridge (1825) - the oldest bridge in Australia - doubles as a charming spot for a stroll or picnic.
4. Amaze Richmond
Photo credit: www.discovertasmania.com.au
Venue: 13 Bridge Street, Richmond, Tasmania, 7025
Admission: Families (2 Adults, 2 Kids): $60 | Couples: $40 | Individuals: $22 | Concession: $15 | Kids (4–15): $12
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Weekends: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Located at the entrance to the historic town of Richmond, you’ll find Amaze Richmond – a twisty labyrinth with some fun games and food along the way. There are two mazes with winding paths and hidden tunnels for the young and young-at-heart to discover native Tasmanian animals and an expansive view of the area.
5. The Richmond Lolly Shop
Photo credit: Alastair Bett
Venue: 50 Bridge Street, Richmond, Tasmania, 7025
Admission: Varies
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | Longer in summer/school holidays
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Public Holidays: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Note: In winter these hours may shorten to 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Before heading to the Peninsula, grab some old-school lollies, premium ice-cream and milkshakes at The Richmond Lolly Shop to accompany your drive. Step inside and you’ll find displays, shelves, and rows and rows of traditional glass jars filled with sweet treats. The kids will be wide-eyed in awe – just keep an eye on them before the sugar rush takes over!
6. Pennicott Tasman Island Cruise
Photo credit: Poon Wai Nang
Venue: 6961 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania, 7182
Admission: Adult: $175 | Child (3-16 years): $105 | Family: $540 (2 adults, 3 children)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flanked by the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs, Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula combines rich cultural sites with a raft of coastal features. Sail beneath these sea cliffs on a Pennicott Tasman Island Cruise and explore breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and deep sea caves.
Or you can also visit the Tasmania Devil Unzoo, the world’s first “unzoo”, where unfenced wild animals are free to come and go at will.
7. Port Arthur Lavender
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
Venue: 6555 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania, 7182
Opening Hours:
- Easter – December 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- January – Easter 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Closed on Christmas Day
Don’t forget to take a pit stop at Port Arthur Lavender to soak in the stunning views and soothing fragrance of the expansive 7-hectare property, while indulging in lavender pancakes or lavender-inspired drinks. Truly an intriguing experience to try.
8. Port Arthur Historic Site
Photo credit: Tourism Australia & Alastair Bett
Venue: 6973 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania, 7182
Admission: Adult: $48 | Child: $23 | Concession: $38
Opening Hours: Open daily | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed Christmas Day)
When night falls, the fun is just beginning in Tasmania! For the older kids who are up for it, take a ghost tour through the Port Arthur Historic Site, said to be Australia’s most haunted place.
South
The southern part of Tasmania offers a diverse and wild beauty, from sea cliffs, big ocean, rare rock formations, tranquil rivers, glacial tarns and alpine mountains. It is a place full of surprises.
9. Roaring 40s Kayaking
Venue: 16 Maxwells Road, Cambridge, Hobart, Tasmania, 7170
Admission: $130 adults | $80 children (ages 7-16)
Opening Hours:
- Summer opening hours (October to April): 9:00 am – 5:00 pm every day
- Winter opening hours (May to September): 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesdays to Fridays
When you’re going to the south, take it to the river and see Tasmania from a different point of view with Roaring 40s Kayaking who provide kayaking tours to suit your schedule and skill level. Go on a two-and-a-half-hour Hobart city paddle and try to spot Sammy the resident seal and other wildlife. Cap off your exploration of Hobart with locally caught fish and chips.
10. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo credit: Dearna Bond
Venue: 593 Briggs Road, Brighton, Brighton, Tasmania, 7030
Admission:
- Family (2 adults, 2 children): $99
- Adult (16 years and older): $34.50
- Child (3 - 15 years old): $19.50
- Infant (Under 3 years old): Free
Opening Hours: Open daily | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
A trip to Tasmania would not be complete without some animal encounters. Get to know Tasmania’s unique wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. A little business with a big heart, Bonorong is home to many animals – including Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, birds, quolls and free-roaming Forester kangaroos who love a good scratch and hand-feed.
Have you decided which place to visit? Come to Tasmania and explore it with your family.
