Tasmania is the perfect destination for a family road trip for your next vacation. With its unspoiled landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and child-friendly attractions, the island offers something for everyone, no matter their age. One of the best ways to travel is by hiring a campervan from Hobart, allowing your family the freedom to travel at your own pace and stay at beautiful campgrounds along the way. This 7-day itinerary begins in Hobart and ends in Devonport, winding through Tasmania’s highlights with plenty of fun stops for the whole family along the way.
Day 1: Arrival in Hobart and Mount Wellington
Start your journey in Tasmania’s vibrant capital, Hobart, where you can pick up your campervan and begin your road trip.
- Explore Mount Wellington: One of the first places to visit is Mount Wellington, offering panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding landscapes. The drive to the summit is an adventure in itself, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible vistas. The short, easy walks around the summit are perfect for kids to stretch their legs and explore the alpine environment.
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: For a more relaxed activity, visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. This peaceful oasis is full of different garden themes that will interest children, from the Japanese Garden to the Sub-Antarctic Plant House. There are plenty of spots for a family picnic too!
Settle in for the night at BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park, a convenient and family-friendly caravan park close to the city with playgrounds and spacious sites for your campervan.
Day 2: Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur
On day two, drive southeast to the Tasman Peninsula, a region rich with natural beauty and historical significance. The drive is just over an hour from Hobart.
- Port Arthur Historic Site: Spend the morning exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Tasmania’s most important heritage locations. The kids will love the interactive exhibits and stories of convict life, while the ghost tour is a thrilling option for braver children. With wide-open spaces to explore, it’s easy for the kids to burn off energy as they learn about Tasmania’s past.
- Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen: After Port Arthur, take a short drive to Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, two impressive natural formations that will amaze the whole family. The short walks to these sites are easy and accessible for children, and they’ll enjoy seeing the powerful coastal scenery.
Spend the night at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park, a well-equipped family-friendly caravan park near the historic site.
Day 3: Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay
Today, head up the east coast to Freycinet National Park, one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, but the coastal views are stunning, with plenty of spots to stop along the way.
- Wineglass Bay Lookout: Once you reach Freycinet, embark on the Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk. The lookout offers breathtaking views over the bay and is achievable for families, with plenty of rest stops along the way. For energetic kids, the beach at the base of the trail is a great reward after the hike.
- Friendly Beaches: After your hike, visit Friendly Beaches—a long stretch of pristine white sand where the kids can run around, splash in the shallow water, or even try their hand at collecting shells.
Stay overnight at BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park in Coles Bay, a fantastic base for exploring the national park and offering great amenities for families, including a playground and BBQ areas.
Day 4: Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay
On day four, drive two hours up the coast to the stunning Bay of Fires, known for its crystal-clear waters, orange-hued granite boulders, and endless stretches of sandy beaches.
- Binalong Bay: Start your day at Binalong Bay, where your family can enjoy a relaxing beach day. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for young children, and the long, uncrowded beaches offer plenty of space for sandcastles, games, and exploration.
- The Gardens: Just a short drive north, The Gardens is another must-see in the Bay of Fires region. It’s an excellent spot for a picnic and a peaceful beach walk with the kids, where they can marvel at the orange-tinged rocks and explore the shoreline.
Stay the night at BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park, a family-friendly campground located close to Binalong Bay with a playground and plenty of space for kids to play.
Day 5: Tamar Valley and Launceston
Today, head inland to the Tamar Valley, a region famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and family-friendly attractions. The drive from St Helens to the Tamar Valley takes about 2.5 hours, so be sure to stop along the way to enjoy the countryside.
- Tamar Valley Wildlife Park: A highlight for families is the Tamar Valley Wildlife Park, where kids can hand-feed kangaroos, see Tasmanian devils, and interact with a variety of Australian animals. The park is set in a beautiful natural environment, and there are picnic areas for a relaxed family lunch.
- Seahorse World and Platypus House: Located in Beauty Point, both of these attractions offer fun, interactive experiences for kids. Seahorse World lets children learn about and even handle these fascinating creatures, while Platypus House is dedicated to Tasmania’s most iconic animal, the platypus.
Spend the night at Launceston Holiday Park Legana, just outside Launceston, which has excellent facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 6: Exploring Launceston and Cataract Gorge
On day six, explore Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city, known for its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
- Cataract Gorge: Begin with a visit to Cataract Gorge, a natural reserve just a short drive from the city center. The kids will love riding the chairlift, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, or crossing the suspension bridge. There are also peacocks wandering around, a swimming pool, and plenty of picnic areas to enjoy.
- Queen Victoria Museum: If the kids are curious about history and science, a trip to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is a must. The interactive exhibits are a hit with children, and they offer insights into Tasmania’s natural and cultural history.
Return to your base at Launceston Holiday Park Legana for the night.
Day 7: Stanley and The Nut, then Devonport
On your final day, drive northwest to the historic town of Stanley, about two hours from Launceston, before continuing to Devonport.
- Climb The Nut: Stanley is home to The Nut, an ancient volcanic formation that towers over the town. You can either hike up or take the chairlift to the summit, where there’s a short, family-friendly circuit walk offering spectacular views of the coast.
- Stanley Seaquarium: For a fun, educational experience, visit the Stanley Seaquarium. The kids will enjoy seeing and learning about the marine life found in Tasmania’s waters, with interactive exhibits that allow for hands-on exploration.
After exploring Stanley, drive an additional 1.5 hours to Devonport, where your family road trip concludes. Return your campervan at the ferry terminal or airport and head home.
Why Rent a Campervan for Your Family Vacation
Renting a campervan is the perfect way to experience Tasmania with kids. It offers the flexibility to travel at your own pace, stopping whenever and wherever you like. Campervans are equipped with everything you need for family life on the road, from kitchen facilities to cozy sleeping arrangements. Children get to share responsibilities like cooking, cleaning up the campervan, and looking out for one another.
Many caravan parks around Tasmania are family-friendly, with playgrounds, laundry facilities, and BBQ areas, making them convenient places to stay with children. Plus, staying in a campervan gives your family a chance to enjoy Tasmania’s natural beauty up close, from the beaches of the East Coast to the forests of the Tamar Valley.
Final Thoughts
A road trip through Tasmania is an unforgettable adventure for families. With a campervan, you can explore the island’s stunning landscapes, discover wildlife, and enjoy child-friendly attractions along the way. From the historical Port Arthur to the beaches of the Bay of Fires and the wonders of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania offers endless opportunities for fun, learning, and bonding as a family. Happy travels!
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