Hobart
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, has been one of those well kept secrets but now, the word is out. This kid friendly destination offers a blend of history, culture and natural beauty that makes taking a flight, or sailing over the Tasman worthwhile in order to explore this unique city and its surrounds. If you are arriving by plane from Melbourne, you might be surprised to find that for many travellers, it takes less time to fly from Melbourne to Hobart than it does to get to Melbourne airport and board the plane. In a little over an hour flight time Melbourne to Hobart, you and the kids will have landed in Hobart before you know it and be ready to explore all of the things this historic town has to offer.
Rich in history with fresh seafood in abundance, there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied and plenty of fresh produce to sample. Many farms that surround Hobart sell their produce from stalls at the Salamanca Market with live music between 11am and 2pm to keep you and the kids entertained.
If you have hired a car from the airport or have brought your vehicle over on the Spirit of Tasmania, you might like to venture a little further out of the city. You could head to Richmond and show the kids one of the oldest surviving bridges in Australia that is still in use today.
Built by convicts in 1823, this stone arch bridge is located approximately 25kms from Hobart. Richmond is full of history and most buildings in this quaint town, such as the Richmond Court House and Richmond Gaol were also built around the 1820s.
For a cultural experience, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is an eye opening experience. Located near the waterfront, it offers engaging exhibits about Tasmania’s history, Aboriginal heritage and the natural environment. Kids can explore interactive displays, see fascinating wildlife specimens including the Tasmanian devil and enjoy art exhibitions that capture the island’s unique history.
A short walk from TMAG, you will find the city’s waterfront. It’s a lovely place for a relaxing day out, strolling along Sullivans Cove, enjoying the cafes, trying some of the local seafood or on those hot days enjoying a delicious ice cream. You and the kids might even manage to see an icebreaker returning from an expedition in Antarctica.
If you and the kids enjoy boat rides, Hobart is also a gateway to ferry adventures that leave from the city’s waterfront to destinations such as Bruny Island. The ferry is a great way for kids to take in the scenery, spot wildlife and just relax on the water.
For history buffs, as well as TMAG, Battery Point is a great option with its historic cottages and quiet streets to wander around.
A drive up the top of Mount Wellington could be another great option to take in the spectacular views over the city and surrounding landscapes. In the cooler months you could reward yourself and the kids with a hot chocolate by the fire at a local tavern or during the summer months, you could venture out for a walk exploring the mountain. The drive to the top of Mt Wellington is quite narrow and windy, so keep that in mind when heading up the mountain. If you want to make the most of the views, always best to venture up on a clear and dry day.
Hobart offers a balance of engaging attractions, natural beauty and family friendly activities, making it an ideal base for exploring southern Tasmania. From museums to markets to ferry trips and scenic walks, the city provides kids with experiences that can spark their curiosity and keep them engaged and entertained.