Tasmania blends convict-era history, First Nations culture, and raw wilderness into one compact island made for families and curious travelers. From the dramatic sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula to the peacocks of Cataract Gorge, it’s a place where kids can spot wallabies at dusk and parents can tuck into world-class seafood by the harbor.

Hobart, the capital, sits beneath kunanyi/Mt Wellington and hums with galleries, markets, and waterfront cafes. Launceston, to the north, is a river city crowned by the Tamar Valley and the gorge that practically begins at its edge. Both cities offer easy access to wildlife sanctuaries, scenic lookouts, and short walks—ideal for a relaxed, budget-conscious, family-friendly itinerary.

Practical notes: Distances are short (Hobart–Launceston is ~2.5–3 hours by road), driving is on the left, and weather can change quickly—layers are your friend. Seafood, cool-climate wines, artisan cheeses, and bakeries are standouts. For flights into Hobart or out of Launceston, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com, and consider a multi-city search (arrive Hobart, depart Launceston).

Hobart

Cradled by the Derwent River and the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Hobart balances heritage sandstone warehouses with a lively food scene. Battery Point’s storybook cottages, the waterfront’s working docks, and the Saturday Salamanca Market make easy, stroller-friendly wanders.

Top sights include the summit views from Mt Wellington, short ferries and cruises on the Derwent, and day trips to Bruny Island for seals, sea cliffs, and local produce. Families love the hands-on wildlife time at Bonorong, while shoppers can browse Tasmanian woodwork, wool, and ceramics around Salamanca Place.

• Stay: Compare family apartments and hotels near Salamanca/Waterfront: VRBO Hobart | Hotels.com Hobart
• Getting there: Fly into Hobart (HBA) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Car rental is handy for day trips (~$60–90/day). Rideshares and local buses work in town.
• Food and coffee favorites: Daci & Daci Bakers (Viennese pastries), Pigeon Whole Bakers (sourdough), Machine Laundry Café (hearty brunch), Mures Lower Deck (casual seafood), Fish Frenzy (fish and chips), Frank (Argentinian grill), Drunken Admiral (nautical, kid-pleasing).

Day 1 — Arrive Hobart, Waterfront Stroll, Historic Harbour Cruise

Morning: Fly into Hobart. If you’re arriving early, drop bags and stretch your legs with a Battery Point wander among 19th-century cottages and pocket gardens.

Afternoon: Settle into your hotel near the waterfront. Grab coffee and slices at Daci & Daci Bakers, then amble along Constitution Dock, watching fishing boats unload and kids eyeing the resident seals.

Evening: Cruise into the evening on the Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart.

After, enjoy dinner at Mures Lower Deck (kids’ fish bites, grilled blue-eye) or Fish Frenzy for quick, affordable seafood by the water.

Day 2 — Full-Day Bruny Island Adventure (Wildlife + Tastes)

Spend the day on the Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart—a family-friendly crowd-pleaser blending short walks, wildlife, and tastings.

Highlights often include The Neck Lookout’s sweeping views (great for family photos), spotting fur seals and seabirds, and sampling local cheeses and oysters. Pack layers; Southern Ocean breezes can be brisk even in summer. Return to Hobart for an easy dinner—try Drunken Admiral (maritime memorabilia, hearty chowders) or Frank (shareable empanadas and chargrilled steaks).

Day 3 — Mt Wellington Views + Bonorong Wildlife & Richmond Village

Morning: Ride the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus (2.5 hours) to the 1,270m summit for panoramic views over Hobart and the Channel.

Stop at lookouts if weather turns—clouds roll in fast. Breakfast beforehand at Jackman & McRoss (Battery Point) for pies and pastries.

Afternoon: Meet Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, and friendly kangaroos on the Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond Afternoon Tour.

Then explore Richmond’s photogenic stone bridge and Georgian streets. Snack options: Czegs’ Café (toasties, cakes) or Richmond Bakery (sausage rolls, scallop pies).

Evening: Stroll Salamanca Place’s galleries and boutiques (woodcraft, woolens, ceramics). For dinner, choose Fish Frenzy for value, or treat the family at Landscape Restaurant & Grill for Tasmanian beef and oysters in a heritage warehouse. Dessert at Honey Badger Dessert Café (pancakes and sundaes) seals the deal.

Launceston

Nestled on the Tamar River, Launceston charms with Victorian facades, parklands, and the wild Cataract Gorge just a short walk from the CBD. It’s a gentle-paced city tailor-made for families—think chairlifts over peacocks, boardwalks through wetlands, and riverside paths for scooters and prams.

Beyond the gorge, pop into the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (free, kid-friendly exhibits), City Park’s Japanese macaques, and the Seaport boardwalk for sunset fish and chips. Shoppers should time a Saturday visit to Harvest Market for pastries, berries, and small-batch goodies.

• Stay: Waterfront apartments and CBD hotels make life easy: VRBO Launceston | Hotels.com Launceston
• Getting here from Hobart: Drive 200 km via Midland Hwy (A1) in ~2.5–3 hours; intercity buses take ~3–4 hours (~$30–$50 one-way). If you plan a fly-in Hobart/fly-out Launceston itinerary, compare multi-city fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Food and coffee favorites: Bread + Butter (croissants), Sweetbrew (specialty coffee), Bryher (seasonal brunch), Stillwater (riverside Tasmanian produce), Grain of the Silos (local-first menu), Levee Food Co (pizza/pasta by the river), Burger Got Soul (quick family lunch).

Day 4 — Travel to Launceston, Cataract Gorge, Museums and Parks

Morning: Depart Hobart after breakfast; aim to arrive Launceston late morning. Drop bags and refuel at Bread + Butter (buttery pastries, kids’ hot chocolates). Head to Cataract Gorge for the iconic chairlift, short rim walks, peacocks on the lawns, and a splash at the outdoor pool in warmer months.

Afternoon: Explore QVMAG Inveresk (transport, natural history, and hands-on exhibits) or stroll City Park to see the resident Japanese macaques. If it’s Saturday, browse Harvest Market (fresh berries, doughnuts, small-batch sauces) for picnic supplies.

Evening: Dinner choices: Stillwater (river views, kids’ options on request, book ahead), Grain of the Silos (local lamb, seasonal veg), or budget-friendly Levee Food Co on the Seaport boardwalk. Post-dinner, take a gentle riverside walk; keep an eye out for wallabies near dusk around the gorge trails.

Day 5 — Tamar Wetlands, Last-Minute Shopping, Depart

Morning: Stretch your legs on the Tamar Island Wetlands boardwalk (bird hides, swans, often egrets—bring binoculars). Alternatively, if you prefer to linger in town, ride the Alexandra Suspension Bridge at the gorge and let the kids run wild on the lawns.

Afternoon: Brunch at Bryher (house-baked goods, seasonal plates) or Sweetbrew (toasts, waffles). Pick up souvenirs on Charles Street—look for Tasmanian timbers, wool, and handmade ceramics. Transfer to Launceston Airport for your afternoon flight—check fares and times on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Fly home with a camera roll full of Tasmanian devils, sea cliffs, and river sunsets. If you have an extra day next time, consider a day tour to Cradle Mountain from Launceston or a Wineglass Bay cruise from Coles Bay for more epic coastlines.

Optional Add-on for History Buffs (Swap Into Day 3): Port Arthur + Tasman National Park

If your family loves history and dramatic coastlines, trade Day 3 for the Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park.

You’ll explore one of Australia’s most significant convict-era sites and see towering sea cliffs—bring snacks, hats, and comfy shoes for little legs.

Budget tips (target ~50/100): Mix free sights (Battery Point, Salamanca galleries, Cataract Gorge, City Park) with one or two paid tours; self-cater some meals via market hauls; choose apartment stays with kitchens; and use rideshares or buses in town while renting a car only for day trips that truly need it.

From Hobart’s harbor to Launceston’s gorge, this 5-day Tasmania itinerary delivers wildlife, scenic lookouts, and relaxed urban strolls with plenty of good food and easy shopping. It’s a family-friendly snapshot of the island that balances adventure with comfort—perfect for making memories without rushing.