Things to Do in Tasmania with Kids: Wildlife, History and Wilderness

Tasmania is an outstanding family destination with a combination of unique wildlife encounters, manageable wilderness and accessible cultural attractions. The Tasmania Zoo near Launceston has a strong Tasmanian devil conservation focus with close-encounter experiences. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary at Brighton (20 minutes north of Hobart) is the most accessible wildlife encounter in the south, with free-roaming wombats, kangaroos and Tasmanian devil feeding sessions. Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) on the Derwent River north of Hobart is challenging and engaging for older children and teenagers; the Mona Ferry makes it an adventure. Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula is a powerful history experience for secondary school-aged children. Cradle Mountain and the Dove Lake Circuit is achievable for older children with reasonable fitness. Freycinet National Park's Wineglass Bay lookout track rewards the effort with one of the world's best views.