10 amazing things to do in Hobart with kids

From museums dedicated to all things brown and sticky to swashbuckling pirate adventures on desert islands and close encounters with little devils, there’s fun for the whole family here in Hobart.

A windswept island known for its whisky, wine and oysters, Tasmania might not immediately strike you as the ideal destination for a family holiday. But look a little closer and you’ll find that Apple Island is surprisingly suitable for all ages – and nowhere does that ring truer than in the capital city of Tassie.

From a professionally organized treasure hunt on a deserted island, to a museum dedicated to all things poo, a 4WD safari to see the island’s eponymous devil, and an incredibly quirky model village, there’s plenty to do in Hobart. with children.

1. Visit Mona

Admittedly, the museum, seemingly dedicated to life’s darker themes, doesn’t seem particularly kid-friendly, but don’t despair; The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) has something for every age group, from animal seating a 25-minute ferry ride from Brook Street Pier.

Getting to Mona by ferry is half the fun for kids. (Image: MONA/Jesse Hunniford)

Once at Mona, most families focus on the outdoor area, where the giant sculptures double as a play area, but indoors the staff can give you a good idea of ​​what to see (and what to avoid), depending on your specific sensibilities. Entrance to Mona is reduced for Tasmanian residents (just $5) and free for children under 12, but costs $39 for adults, $34 for concessions and $17 for children under 18. Be sure to book your ticket before visiting.

The entrance to Mona, one of Hobart’s main attractions. (Image: MONA and Remy Chauvin)

2. Take a haunted tour of Port Arthur

Some kids live for Halloween, scary movies at school camps and ill-advised slasher films when a weak babysitter gets involved. They’re the ones who should sign up for a chilling ghost tour of the infamous buildings and ruins of the Port Arthur historic site.

Guided lantern-lit tours last 90 minutes, each moment filled with vivid stories of unexplained events and things that happen in the night that terrify prisoners, free settlers, soldiers and visitors.

Held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. An adult ticket costs $35, a child ticket costs $18 (children under 7 years old are free). And cake before an excursion to the Visitor Center cafe is a must. Tickets must be booked online in advance and you will have to factor in a one hour and 20 minute drive to the south east.

The Ghost Tour is a chilling lantern-lit journey through the infamous buildings and ruins of the Port Arthur historic site. (Image: Alastair Bett)

3. Get to know the Tasmanian devils better.

Nothing says “Tasmanian getaway” like spending a little time with Apple Island’s most famous animals, and luckily, there are two great ways to enjoy them. At Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, you can stroll at your own pace or sign up for one of the daily 45-minute excursions.

At the Tasmanian Devil Zoo, where these creatures run wild, a great way to see them is on The Devil Tracker Adventure, a guided 4-wheel drive tour through the native forest to see how they are monitored and controlled.

A family ticket (two adults and two children) to Bonorong costs $99, and a family ticket (up to four children) to Tasmanian Devil Unzoo costs $140, or $225 for The Devil Tracker Tour for adults (over 16 years old) and $125 for ticket for adults. children from eight to 16 years old.

Tasmanian Devil Unzu is the best place to see these endangered marsupials. (Image: Tourism Australia)

4. Play pirate for a day with Esperance Adventures.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a child (or adult) who doesn’t dream of heading to a desert island, treasure map in hand, for a day of fun “foraging.” Esperance Adventures allows families to do just that, offering a 2.5-hour tour that starts with a kayak from the estuary beach in Southport to the island, where everyone will be provided with a map and clues to find the treasure.

The Treasure Hunter tour is available from December to May, and the $330 family ticket price (two adults and one child) includes morning tea and hopefully big bags of gold. A pit stop at Rocket @ The End of The Road for coffee and cake is the perfect way to round out the experience.

Collect treasures on a deserted island on a Treasure Hunter tour. (Image: Esperanza Adventures)

5. Take a cliff walk from the Springs to the Sphinx.

Looking for affordable things to do in Hobart with kids? Go outside. Tasmania is no stranger to scenic multi-day treks, but when you have small children walking alongside you, you’ll be grateful for this inclusion of “maximum benefit for minimal effort”.

Located in Coonanyi/Mt Wellington (bring warm layers), the 2.7km wonder is a short walk over level terrain to a sandstone cliff with spectacular views of Hobart, the Organ Pipes and the River Derwent.

Luckily, you’re just a short walk from Rock Cabin, a historic rock shelter worth a visit, and Lost Freight, a shipping container cafe located in the Springs and known for its hot chocolate.

Admire stunning views of Kunanyi Peak/Mt Wellington. (Photo: Luke Tscharke)

6. Visit Pooseum (yes, really)

How long does it take for an elephant to defecate? Why should you never walk barefoot on a tropical beach? All these questions (and many more) are answered at the Pooseum, a museum dedicated to animal droppings.

Offering over 50 information panels and 40 videos on touch screens, kids will love the PooTube videos, kids’ corner, fart machine (and other interactive displays) just as much as they’ll enjoy the Pootrid store, which sells all sorts of items. gifts related to the digestive system.

The museum, not suitable for children under eight, is located in the historic village of Richmond in the Coal River Valley, 25 minutes’ drive from Hobart. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. Family tickets cost $54+ (two adults, two children).

The Pooseum is a museum dedicated to animal excrement. (Image: Puzeum)

7. Visit Hobart Old Town.

Step back in time with a visit to Old Hobart Town, the country’s only historic model village, which recreates (in miniature form) the life and times of the city back in 1820.

The attraction is located on Richmond’s Main Street, so you can walk around and tell stories about what life was like before the Internet and television. Don’t worry: among more than 60 replica buildings and over 500 antique figurines, you’ll also find informative signs to help you along.

Family tickets start at $40, and the attraction is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to take time to visit the sweets and treats area nearby, where all kinds of glass jars are filled with colorful candies.

Old Hobart Town is the only historic model village in Australia. (Image: Old Town Hobart)

8. Take an Iron Pot Cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.

Show me a child who swears he or she isn’t obsessed with beacons, and I’ll show you a liar (albeit an adorable one). Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is known for its extensive selection of wildlife and nature cruises, and the Iron Pot Cruise takes Iron Pot, the country’s oldest lighthouse, across the seas on a 12-passenger vessel (don’t worry, the cabin is closed). with large awnings on the windows).

As you travel along the River Derwent, you’ll see all the city’s highlights, cruise around Betsie Island and discover the city’s rich maritime past. Iron Pot Cruises depart from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Hobart booking center at Franklin Wharf daily at 10am and 2pm (cost: adult: $140; child: $120).

Traveling along the River Derwent, you’ll see all the city’s attractions and circumnavigate Betsie Island. (Image: Pennycott Wilderness Journey)

9. Enjoy a true Tasmanian adventure at TMAG.

How can you pass by a museum that strictly follows the “Children in Museums” manifesto? At the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), a combined museum, art gallery and herbarium dedicated to showcasing Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage and identity, opportunities for adventure are everywhere.

Grab a Discovery Backpack (a free gallery resource for children aged seven to 12, filled with objects, props and activities across a range of subject areas) and let the kids have some fun.

Don’t miss the Mapiya Lumi exhibition here, specially designed for young children. This is one of the best things to do in Hobart with kids.

TMAG is open from Tuesday to Sunday and on Mondays on public holidays with free admission.

TMAG is a museum, art gallery and herbarium rolled into one. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

10. Travel to Antarctica… To Hobart.

Have $20,000 to spare? You can travel to Antarctica to see the huts of Sir Douglas Mawson, Australia’s most famous polar explorer. Prefer to spend $35 on a family pass instead? Head to Hobart’s waterfront to visit the Mawson Hut Replica Museum, located just 200 meters from where the Mawson Expedition left the city in 1911. There you can see a painstaking copy, which takes into account all the details of where the person himself lived and worked. at Cape Denison, East Antarctica.

A fascinating replica of Dr Mawson’s room at the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum.

Cherry on top? Proceeds from the visit go towards preserving the original huts, and it’s not far from the Van Diemens Land Creamery – yum! Open seven days from 10:00 to 17:00.

Looking for things to do and see in Hobart? We have prepared for you our best city guide.