Nature, history, art and fun: a family holiday in nipaluna / Hobart has it all! The capital of the Apple Isle has a lot to offer families willing to try out something new.
We just wrapped up a few days in Hobart with our 19-month-old Wesley, and honestly, we were amazed by how family-friendly Tasmania’s capital turned out to be. From incredible museums and up-close wildlife experiences to chilled-out breweries and gorgeous ferry rides, there’s genuinely something for every age — plus heaps to keep mums and dads entertained. Whether you’re exploring the waterfront, venturing up Mount Wellington, or getting stuck into the island’s history and art, Hobart makes travelling with kids feel easy, fun and endlessly surprising.
Planning to explore Tasmania with your kids? Below, you’ll find 27 of the best things for families to see and do in nipaluna / Hobart.
Getting around nipaluna / Hobart with a family
If you’re visiting Tassie without a car, we’ve also included details on how to get around while travelling with kids – whether you’re travelling Oz as a trio or holidaying as a large family.
Many attractions in the city centre are walkable, especially if you’re staying in centrally located accommodation (see our favourite Hobart CBD hotels here). Metro Hobart is also serviced by local public transport – to ride, pick up a GreenCard at one of these outlets.
But even for day trips and attractions off the beaten path, Hobart has fantastic tour and transfer options to ensure your family doesn’t miss out.
One great resource is Hobart’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus that covers 20 top attractions across the city. It travels on a 90-minute loop from 9 am to 4.30 pm daily, letting you explore at your own pace. Tickets are valid for a 24-hour period from just $45 per adult and $25 per child — much cheaper than an Uber or taxi!
Keep an eye out for transport tips in our list of Hobart attractions below.
Museums and galleries for kids in Hobart
Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) - Berriedale
Not many world-class museums can wow adults while keeping children genuinely engaged, but Mona, Museum of Old and New Art, nails it. Sure, plenty of the thought-provoking art is geared toward grown-ups, but there’s loads here to capture kids’ imaginations at any age. Older children will be fascinated by the interactive and immersive displays that let them explore and engage, while little ones will go crazy for the amazing outdoor playground — a creative, art-inspired wonderland packed with slides, tunnels and climbing features.
The entrance alone is an experience! You can access the museum through this incredible underground tunnel, making it super easy with prams and skipping the 99-step staircase — it’s like entering through a cave and sets the perfect tone for your visit.
Parents will love the Morilla Wine Bar, where you can settle in for a relaxed wine tasting of the vineyard’s own drops while the kids run wild outside. With its stunning architecture, riverside location and artistic touches around every corner, Mona is a truly memorable family day out that shows art absolutely can include the littlest visitors.
For more infomation on all artwork download The O app, the museum’s official guide.
Cost: $39 for adults, $17 for kids aged 12-17, free for kids 11 and under. Entrance is free for ‘local’ Tasmanians, and ID is requested upon entry.
Getting there: Take the Mona ferry from Brooke Street Pier to get there in 30 minutes. You can also bundle your entry ticket into a guided Hobart city tour.
Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum - Hobart CBD
For a family expedition to Antarctica (without the expense or seasickness), you can take a peek inside one of the replica huts used by Douglas Mawson and his team on their expedition to the Great White Continent. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the wharf, where his SY Aurora set sail south, and will immerse you in the challenges of living and working in one of the windiest places on Earth.
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 concession (students and seniors), $5 for kids aged 6-16, kids 5 and under enter free. Family tickets $35 (2 adults and up to 3 kids)
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery - Hobart CBD
Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in the city centre for an afternoon of active programs and explorations getting to know close to 800,000 objects as diverse as fossils and fine arts.
The museum also holds themed Discovery Days for kids on select Sundays, with experiences designed to encourage creativity and imaginative thought.
Getting there: TMAG is located in Dunn Place only a block from Hobart’s waterfront. It’s easily walkable from most CBD and Waterfront hotels, and only five minutes by foot from Hobart City Bus Mall.
Pooseum - Coal River Valley
Dedicated to all things poo-related, this quirky museum is a must for families visiting the historic village of Richmond, which is also home to the oldest bridge in Australia. The Pooseum is the only museum of its kind in the country and is surprisingly educational, with interactive displays that answer questions about poo you might never have thought to ask!
Note that the minimum age of entry is eight years old. While it’s sure to elicit some giggles, the Pooseum is designed for adults first and favours science over toilet humour. This makes it better for big kids and teens who’ll appreciate the educational aspect. It’s still a fun experience (in our opinion), but there are no playgrounds or children’s galleries.
Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors aged 65+, $12 for kids aged 8-15. Family tickets $54 (2 adults and 2 kids) or $64 (2 adults and 3 kids)
Getting there: The Pooseum can be found at Richmond in the Coal River Valley, a 25-minute drive from Hobart. If you don’t have a car, you can book an afternoon shuttle to Richmond which includes transfers. Pick any day except Monday or Tuesday, when the Pooseum is closed.
🦖 KEEP EXPLORING: The best museums for families around Australia
Delve into Hobart's history
Heritage horse-drawn carriage ride - Battery Point
If you’re worried about kids getting tired while exploring historic Battery Point and the Salamanca waterfront, jump aboard one of these horse-drawn carriages for a heritage tour like no other. You’ll feel like royalty as you roll through the paved streets led by a driver in 19th-century dress, with cosy blankets to keep you warm on those chilly Hobart days.
Port Arthur Historic Site - Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur Historic Site is a renowned convict prison-turned-museum about 90 minutes from Hobart. Set by a tranquil harbour and surrounded by hills of dense native forest, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has some 30 historic buildings and ruins to explore.
As well as plenty of educational talks and tours about the site’s history, there are boulevards of towering oaks and English elms, expanses of verdant lawns and meticulously reinstated convict gardens. Unlike the inmates who sometimes ingeniously tried to escape, you won’t be in any rush to leave.
OAWK Tip: Explore your Port Arthur tour options ahead of time to choose the ideal experience for your family (including day trips with transport to and from Hobart, if needed).
Cascades Female Factory - South Hobart
Already ticked Port Arthur off your list? This lesser-known convict site is hidden in the residential streets of South Hobart. The Cascades Female Factory details the lives and punishments of Tasmania’s female convicts. Guided tours led by costumed actors help to bring the past to life and there’s a dedicated kids activity book to make the history more accessible to young visitors.
Historic Hobart waterfront - Hobart CBD & Battery Point
Spend some time wandering the picturesque Franklin Wharf, home to Brooke Street Pier, the launching point for visiting Hobart’s famous MONA. See the beautiful Lady Nelson sailing ship, a full-size recreation of the original Lady Nelson Brig that sailed into Hobart from Europe in 1803.
Next, explore the historic township of Battery Point, including the old fishing cottages and the Battery Point Sculpture Trail. Nearby is the free-entry Army Museum of Tasmania at Anglesea Barracks.
Cost: FREE
takara nipaluna Indigenous walking tour
Take nipaluna / Hobart’s fascinating Indigenous walking tour, takara nipaluna, which follows the route taken by 40 members of the Aboriginal resistance towards the old Government House in 1832 to negotiate an end to the Black War.
Wildlife attractions in and around Hobart
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Just 30 minutes from Hobart, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is an absolute Tasmanian gem — hands down one of the best places to meet the island’s amazing native wildlife.
You’re welcome to explore at your own pace, but definitely join one of the free guided tours that come with your ticket. The passionate team shares incredible stories about each animal’s background and rescue, giving you real insight into the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.
The kangaroo area is the absolute highlight. Home to hundreds of friendly Forester kangaroos, this open paddock is pure heaven for kids — grab a bag of “roo food” at the gate and hand-feed these gentle creatures as they chill out in the sunshine. They’re completely comfortable with visitors and will happily munch from your hand, creating perfect photo opportunities and a beautiful way to connect with Australian wildlife.
Bonorong has this wonderful, unpretentious vibe — no fancy enclosures here, just generous open spaces and lots of heart. For an extra special experience, take a night-time sanctuary tour where you can help the keepers feed the Tassie devils.
OAWK TIP: Skip the queues by puchasing admission tickets in advance from $35.50 per adult and just $20.50 per child over 3 years old. If you don’t have a car, you can book a day tour with transfers to and from your hotel (including a tour of nearby Historic Richmond Village).
Hobart Zoo & Aquarium - Coal River Valley
Hobart Zoo & Aquarium (formerly Zoodoo Wildlife Park), located just outside of Hobart, is a family-owned and operated wildlife park that offers visitors an opportunity to get up close with a wide variety of animals. Families can hand-feed kangaroos, pat koalas, and even meet some exotic animals like African lions and Bengal tigers. The park also features interactive shows and keeper talks throughout the day.
Wildlife or gourmet cruise - Bruny Island
A 35-minute drive and 20-minute ferry will take you to Bruny Island, one of the best places in Tasmania to see marine wildlife.
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers a range of fun day tours, including a wildlife cruise which takes you into sea caves and alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, spotting wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. Foodie families can also take a full-day gourmet tour to taste local seafood, honey, cheese and wine.
Getting there: Both tour options above include Hobart hotel pick-up and drop-off (be sure to confirm eligibility when you book).
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo - Tasman Peninsula
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, located on the Tasman Peninsula, offers unforgettable encounters with Tassie’s most well-known critters. As an ‘unzoo’, the park aims to immerse visitors in habitats that look (and feel) natural for the animals. This environment creates more intimate encounters with the residents, which include endangered Tasmanian devils as well as other natives like quolls, wallabies, and eagles.
For the ultimate insight into the Unzoo’s conservation efforts, book a Devil Tracker Tour, an exciting 4WD romp through the surrounding forest to help monitor the wild populations (suitable for kids eight and over).
Outdoor activities in Hobart
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens - Hobart CBD
This cool-climate garden is a deserved favourite amongst local families, with ever-changing floral displays and sprawling lawns where you can picnic in the sunshine. Not to miss is Australia’s only Subantarctic Plant House and “The Patch” veggie garden, which will be familiar to viewers of Gardening Australia as Tino’s stomping ground.
Cost: FREE
Salamanca Market - Battery Point
A Hobart institution, the lively Salamanca Market takes place every Saturday morning, backed by the sandstone warehouses of Salamanca. You can pick up everything from second-hand books to locally made wares and seasonal produce, then feast on cuisine from around the globe while listening to live music. It’s a great place to grab lunch before exploring the rest of Hobart’s waterfront.
Cost: FREE to browse
Coal River Farm - Coal River Valley
It’s not just the handmade chocolates (and watching the chocolatiers in action) that will appeal to kids at the Coal River Farm, but also the opportunity to interact with the resident goats and pick their own berries. This attractive property boasts spectacular views across the valley from its glass-fronted restaurant, which serves a seasonally changing menu and artisan cheese.
kunanyi / Mt Wellington Lookout - Wellington Park Reserve
No trip to Hobart is complete without a jaunt up kunanyi / Mount Wellington, the often snow-capped peak that rises above the city. The city’s skyline is dominated by its prominent dolerite columns.
Energetic families can follow one of the hiking trails that lead from The Springs to the summit; there’s everything from 2km rambles to full-day hikes on and around the mountain. In-between options like the 3-hour Organ Pipes Hike suit older kids and teens well.
There’s also a winding road that will take you directly to the lookout. However you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of southeast Tasmania. See if you can spot Bruny Island!
Cost: FREE using own transport. Tours and transfers extra.
Getting there: If you don’t have a car at hand, book your family a ride on the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus (from $45 per adult and $25 per child)
⛄ Want to see kunanyi / Mt Wellington decked out in snow? Check out our guide to visiting Tasmania in winter.
Kayak tour of Hobart harbour
For adventurous families, kayaking is a must-do experience in Tasmania. Take one of Roaring 40ºs’ kayak tours of Hobart’s harbour (seven and older – fish and chips included) or a guided paddle around the stunning coastline of the Tasman National Park. Peer into the fascinating sea caves and keep an eye out for fur seals!
Taroona Beach - Kingborough
Taroona Beach can be found 15 minutes south of Hobart overlooking Storm Bay. Families love it because it has plenty of rocks to scramble over, shells to collect and gentle waves. After dark, it’s a stargazing hotspot with glorious views of the milky way – and sometimes even the Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights.
Cost: FREE
Outdoor activities outside of Hobart
Russell Falls – Mount Field National Park
Keen for a bit of an adventure beyond the city? Hire a car and make the 90-minute drive northwest to Mount Field National Park, where you’ll find one of Tasmania’s most stunning natural attractions — Russell Falls. This is honestly one of the simplest and most rewarding bushwalks you can do with children, making it brilliant for families with tiny ones. We did it with Wesley, and it was totally manageable — the path is really well-kept, pram-accessible for the majority of the route, and meanders gently through gorgeous rainforest thick with massive tree ferns and moss-covered myrtle trees.
The payoff at the end is absolutely worth it: a beautiful, two-tiered waterfall that looks particularly incredible after some Tasmanian rain (which, let’s face it, happens pretty regularly in this corner of the island!). The crisp forest air and the rush of water create this magical atmosphere that captivates kids and parents equally, and there are several short additional trails nearby if you’re keen to keep going.
Entry: Access to Mount Field National Park is covered by the daily vehicle pass, roughly $47 per car.
Getting there: About 1.5 hours’ drive
Kid-friendly Hobart restaurants and cafes
Cascade Brewery
Australia’s oldest operating brewery isn’t just about beer — it’s brilliant for families. Set beneath the stunning Mount Wellington, Cascade has this massive outdoor beer garden where kids can dash around on the lawns while you enjoy a cold one. Inside, there are colouring books and crayons to keep little hands busy. You can even book a guided tour to see how beer’s been made here for over 100 years — older kids and teens find it genuinely fascinating. The menu is classic pub food done well: burgers, schnitzels and proper Tasmanian hospitality.
Mountain Culture – Hobart Craft Beer Taproom & Restaurant
Mountain Culture started in the Blue Mountains but their Hobart Craft Beer Taproom & Restaurant brings serious craft beer vibes to the city — and it’s way more family-friendly than you’d expect. The massive, open-plan space gives kids room to roam, and there’s even a shuffleboard table that older ones will have a blast with. The menu’s all about “comfort food” — think tasty burgers, loaded fries and great energy all around. Time it right for happy hour and enjoy some of the city’s best brews while the kids stay entertained.
The Claremont Hotel
Heading back from Bonorong and need somewhere to eat? The freshly revamped Claremont Hotel is perfect. The real winner here is the brand-new kids’ playroom — a huge space loaded with toys, games and cartoons on a big screen. It’s ideal for children to play safely while parents kick back with a pub meal and a cold beer. The kids’ menu has all the classics, and they often throw in free ice cream with every kids’ meal too.
Hobart's kid-friendly cafes
Rivulet Café at South Hobart has a playground, which makes it easier for parents to eat in peace. When you’re heading out for a day trip, you can also stop off for a babyccino (and your latte, of course) at Ginger Brown Cafe.
Located in a shipping container at The Springs, on the road to Mount Wellington, Lost Freight Café is a great base for kid-friendly walking tracks, including The Octopus Tree, Sphinx Rock, Silver Falls and O’Grady’s Falls.
Fish and chips on the Hobart waterfront
Getting fish and chips and eating them on the waterfront is a Hobart must, and there is no shortage of places offering the experience. Head to Fish Frenzy at Elizabeth Street Pier, nearby Fishy Business or Flippers at Constitution Dock, or the iconic Mures Tasmania at Victoria Dock.
Fun casual dining for families
Billy’s Burgers and Bar, at Elizabeth Street Pier, is a fun and relaxed place to grab a bite, with a kids’ menu that includes The I Don’t Know Burger, The I Don’t Care Burger, and The I’m Not Hungry Meal.
Greek food is designed to be shared, so take the kids to Urban Greek for a feast of dips, salads and charcoaled meats. If you don’t want to dine in, they also offer takeaway service.
With pirate paraphernalia throughout, The Drunken Admiral Seafarers Restaurant on the Old Wharf is also good fun, and there’s also a Hog’s Breath Café at Highgate Apartments.
Ice cream and sweet treats
For dessert, grab an ice-cream at Van Diemans Land Creamery at Constitution Dock, or My Home dessert bar in Centrepoint Shopping Centre, which offers fresh, handmade artisan gelato and natural 98 per cent fat-free frozen Greek yoghurt.
Where to stay in Hobart with kids
Hobart has some fantastic accommodation options for families, including budget-friendly holiday parks and hotels in the heart of the city, like Vibe Hotel Hobart. Not only is Vibe close to the city’s top attractions, like Salamanca Markets and the ferry to Mona, but it even has a heated indoor pool!
Find your perfect Tassie stay with our guide to Hobart’s kid-friendly hotels.
Keep exploring the best of Tasmania with kids
🍎 TASSIE BUCKET LIST: The top 30 things for families to see and do across Tasmania
⛰️WILDERNESS ADVENTURES: A local’s guide to ‘doing’ Cradle Mountain with kids
🌏 THE EDGE OF THE WORLD: One family’s epic West Coast Tasmania road trip
Not sure where to start? For the full scoop, check out our family-friendly Tasmania holiday guide, covering all four corners of Australia’s southernmost state.
Content contributors: Jon Wolfgang Miller, Elisa Elwin, Angela Saurine
