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If you’re looking for a Tasmania itinerary: 10 days that actually works for families with young kids, this is the one. Everything here comes from our 17-day trip to Tasmania in January 2026 with our three-year-old daughter Kailani — so when I say something is toddler-friendly, I mean we tested it with an actual toddler, not a stock photo of one.
Tasmania genuinely surprised us. We went expecting rugged wilderness and adventure. What we found was something better — a state that moves at exactly the right pace for families, where wildlife wanders into your backyard, and where a slow afternoon watching wombats beats any theme park we’ve ever been to.
This 10-day itinerary covers the highlights of south-east Tasmania: Hobart, Maria Island, Bruny Island, and the Huon Valley. It’s built around what we’d actually do again — not what looks good on a map.
In This Guide
A Note on Slow Travel (And Why We Didn’t Try to See Everything)
Most 10-day Tasmania itineraries will take you from Hobart to Freycinet to Bay of Fires to Cradle Mountain and back — covering the whole island in a breathless loop. We didn’t do that. Not because we couldn’t, but because we’ve learned that style of travel doesn’t actually work for us as a family.
With a toddler, the moments that become core memories are almost never the ones on the highlight reel. They’re the wombat that wandered into our picnic spot on Maria Island. The Aurora Australis, we almost didn’t bother going out to see. The afternoon we sat on a beach on Bruny Island watching Kailani run barefoot in freezing cold water, laughing her head off. None of those things appear on a “must-see Tasmania” list.
Slow travel means staying in one place long enough to actually feel it. It means saying no to some things so you can say yes more fully to others. And it means accepting that you won’t see everything, and being completely fine with that.
We didn’t get to Freycinet. We didn’t get to Cradle Mountain. We didn’t get to the Bay of Fires or the wild west coast. And we’re already planning to go back.
If you’re a family feeling the pressure to cram Tasmania into one trip, give yourself permission to let that go. The north and west of Tasmania will be there next time. What won’t be there next time is your kid at exactly this age, seeing a wombat for the first time, or staying up way past bedtime to watch the Southern Lights flicker green and purple over the ocean.
This itinerary covers south-east Tasmania — Hobart, Maria Island, Bruny Island, and the Huon Valley. It’s not all of Tasmania. It’s the part we know deeply and honestly, and we think that’s worth more than a rushed overview of the whole island.
Before You Go
Flights: We flew Jetstar from Brisbane to Hobart — check current fares on iwantthatflight.com.au for the best prices. For routing tips and how to save money booking for a family of three or more, read our family flight hacks guide.
Car hire: You’ll need a car for this itinerary — Tasmania has no useful public transport outside Hobart. Pickup at the airport upon arrival. Compare hire car options here.
National Parks Pass: Buy a holiday pass when you arrive — it covers all Tasmanian National Parks for the duration of your stay and pays for itself quickly. Get it at the first national park you visit or online at parks.tas.gov.au.
Travel insurance: Tasmania involves remote islands, rough ferry crossings, and long hikes in unpredictable weather. It’s one domestic trip where we’d recommend considering it — particularly if you’re booking the Pennicott Cruise or other non-refundable experiences. Here’s what we use for Australian family travel insurance.
The Tasmania Itinerary: 10 Days in the South-East
Days 1–2: Hobart
Arrive in Hobart and give yourself two days to find your feet. The city is compact and walkable, the coffee is excellent, and it’s the perfect gentle entry into Tassie pace.
Day 1 is best kept simple — check in, walk the waterfront, and get your bearings. If you arrive in time, head to the Salamanca area for a look around. The precinct is beautiful even on a non-market day.
Day 2 — if you’re there on a Saturday, the Salamanca Market is non-negotiable. It runs every Saturday morning along the historic sandstone warehouse precinct and is one of the best markets in Australia. Local producers, artisan food, crafts, and a genuinely great atmosphere. We went twice across our trip and could have gone again.
While you’re in the area, pop into Dick + Dora at Brooke Street Pier — pick up the Nature Quest scavenger hunt booklet ($10, by Josh Pringle of Rascalwood), which will keep kids engaged at every national park and nature spot for the rest of the trip. Kailani used it constantly.
Also worth doing on Day 2: walk up to Bidenscopes Lane for street art and a coffee from Staple Coffee — the best flat white we had in Hobart by a clear margin.
Where to stay: We split our Hobart time between two very different properties — the Edinburgh Gallery B&B for the first two nights (a converted maternity hospital with genuine character and a host named John who couldn’t be more welcoming) and the Hotel Grand Chancellor for our final nights (waterfront location, marina views, unbeatable position).
For the full Hobart rundown, including restaurants, day trips, and the honest truth about the public toilet situation, read our Hobart with Kids guide.
Day 3: Maria Island Day Trip
This day trip will become a highlight of your entire trip. No cars, no cafes, no distractions — just wildlife, fossil cliffs, and the kind of unhurried adventure that reminds you why you travel with little ones. Read our full Maria Island day trip guide before you go.
You’ll need an early start. We were up at 5:15 am to walk to Brook Street Pier for a 6:30 am shuttle bus pickup. The bus takes about 1hr 15min to Triabunna Wharf — grab a coffee at Coffee on the Marina when you arrive, then buy your ferry tickets and National Parks pass at the office nearby.
The day itself covers two main walks: the Fossil Cliffs Loop (5km, about 2.5 hours with a toddler) and the Painted Cliffs walk (4.4km return). Between them, you’ll see wombats up close — we spotted multiple, including a mother and joey — kangaroos, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, and a seven-armed starfish in the shallows.
A few things worth knowing: there’s no food on the island, so bring everything; there’s no potable water, so bring more than you think you need; and pack snacks specifically for trail bribery. Jelly lollies kept Kailani moving when her legs got tired. It works. Kailani walked approximately 15 of the 19km we covered that day.
Important: book the shuttle and ferry well in advance at encountermaria.com.au — in peak season, they fill up fast. For everything you need to plan this day, read our Maria Island family day trip guide.
Days 4–7: Bruny Island (4 nights)
If Maria Island is the highlight of a day trip, Bruny Island is where you actually exhale. Four nights here — or even three — completely changes the trip. Don’t do Bruny as a day trip if you can possibly avoid it.
Getting there: Drive south from Hobart to Kettering (about 35-40 minutes) and take the Sealink vehicle ferry across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. The crossing takes 10-15 minutes — get out of the car and up on deck with the kids.
Day 4 — Arrival day: Your first stop on the island should be Get Shucked Oyster Farm — the best oysters in Australia, full stop. Jomana declared them the best she’d had anywhere in the country. We got the Signature Mixed Dozen: 4 natural, 4 Kilpatrick, 4 Panko for $39. Then settle into your accommodation and decompress.
Day 5 — The producers trail: Start at the Bruny Baker Bread Fridge in Alonnah — fresh sourdough delivered daily to honesty fridges. Cash only, and the bread sells out fast, so aim for mid-morning. Then head to Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co for a tasting paddle and cheese platter (the Raspberry Stout is the standout beer; avoid the 1792 cheese unless you enjoy the smell of a crime scene). Finish at the Bruny Island Raspberry Farm for raspberry crepes and fresh strawberries.
In the late afternoon, head to grassy areas around Cookville to look for white wallabies at dusk. Patience required — but we spotted ours at around 8:30 pm after initially giving up. Worth every minute of the wait.
Day 6 — The Pennicott Wilderness Cruise: Book the Pennicott Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise — a 3-hour boat journey down to the southern tip of the island to see seals, sea caves, and dramatic coastline. We paid $470 for three of us. The weather turned on our day, and the captain turned us back after an hour, which, although disappointing, was the right call — and we received a $265 partial refund without any fuss. If conditions are good, this tour is spectacular. Book it, dress very warmly, and accept that southern Tasmania’s weather is what it is.
If the cruise is cancelled or the weather is bad, use the day for the Mavista Nature Walk (easy 2.1km, perfect for toddlers) or the Sheepwash Bay Walking Track at Alonnah.
Day 7 — Fluted Cape: This is the big one. The Fluted Cape walk is 7.18km and genuinely steep — it takes you right to the top of the sheer cliffs you’ll have seen from the boat. We did it in just over 3 hours. Kailani did it. She was a legend. The views at the top are jaw-dropping.
In the evening, have dinner at Bruny Island Premium Wines — excellent food, great wine, beautiful setting. Not a cheap option, but worth it for a special night.
Where to stay: We stayed at The Cabin by the Sea — one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever experienced. Organic produce from the hosts, paddymelons in the backyard, and a front deck where we watched the Aurora Australis until 2 am. Book it early. For more accommodation options, search for Bruny Island on Klook.
A Hidden Gem: The Little Garden Farm
One of the unexpected highlights of our Bruny Island stay was spending time with Rachel and Ben — the hosts behind our Airbnb and the founders of The Little Garden Farm. Their vision is quietly special: an evolving garden and young orchard on South Bruny Island, gradually being brought back to life with a focus on good soil, seasonal produce, and a slower way of living.
They took time out of their day to show us around — the garden, the orchard, the chickens. Kailani collected eggs straight from under the hens and couldn’t have been more delighted if you’d handed her a bag of lollies. Rachel and Ben are the kind of people who genuinely love sharing what they’re building, and their dream of turning The Little Garden Farm into a real community hub for the island feels completely within reach.
If you’re staying in their Cabin by the Sea or the Holly Tree Hut, ask if you can have a look around the farm. It’s one of those experiences that doesn’t appear on any tourist itinerary — and that’s exactly why it’s worth seeking out.
For the complete Bruny Island guide, including two full-day itinerary options, read our Bruny Island family guide.
Days 8–9: Huon Valley and the South
Drive off Bruny, back through Kettering, and head south into the Huon Valley — one of the most underrated parts of Tasmania and a place that rewards slow travel.
Day 8: Stop at Willie Smiths Apple Shed in Grove — this was a genuine highlight. The Valley Experience ($45 plus public holiday surcharge) includes a cider paddle, a toastie, and an apple pie that was genuinely one of the best things I ate in Tasmania. The staff found room for us on a busy day without a booking. Join their Cider Club — it’s worth it.
Then head to your accommodation in Geeveston. We stayed at a converted farm pickers’ accommodation with a hot tub overlooking the creek — one of those places that makes you want to cancel the rest of the trip and just stay.
If you arrive early enough, explore Heritage Park Playground in Geeveston — flying foxes, mechanical diggers, and a great slide. Kailani loved it.
Day 9: Head south to Hastings Caves — the Newdegate Cave tour is breathtaking. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns — our first cave experience as a family was genuinely magical. The thermal pool is more lukewarm than hot springs, but good for a swim. Kailani exhausted herself in there.
On the way back, stop at Tahune Adventures if you have time — the AirWalk (37.5 metres up in the treetops) is great fun, though Jomana had some wobbly moments on the cantilever. The Swinging Bridges walk (1hr return) is easier and just as scenic.
Not hiring a car? The Hobart: Tahune Airwalk, Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs tour on Klook covers both in a guided day trip from Hobart with hotel pickup included — a solid option if you’re not self-driving.
Then drive back towards Hobart for your final night.
Day 10: Hobart Farewell
Use your last day to catch anything you missed. Two things we’d recommend:
MONA — if you haven’t been, catch the MONA Roma ferry from Brooke Street Pier (30 minutes each way, beautiful ride). With a toddler, tag-team exploring — one adult wanders while the other keeps the little one engaged, then swap. Be aware that some exhibits aren’t appropriate for young children. The on-site playground is a winner.
Westerway Berry Farm and Russell Falls — if you have half a day and didn’t do this already, it’s our pick for the best family day trip from Hobart. Berry picking at $10/adult (free under 3), followed by a 30-minute return walk to Russell Falls. The berry ice cream at the end is exceptional. Check our Hobart with Kids guide for the full rundown.
Tasmania 10-Day Itinerary: Quick Reference
| Day | Location | Highlight |
| 1-2 | Hobart | Salamanca Market, waterfront, Staple Coffee |
| 3 | Maria Island | Fossil Cliffs, wombats, Painted Cliffs |
| 4-7 | Bruny Island | Oysters, Pennicott Cruise, Fluted Cape, Aurora |
| 8-9 | Huon Valley | Willie Smiths, Hastings Caves, hot tub |
| 10 | Hobart | MONA, Russell Falls, berry picking |
Practical Information
Best time to visit: January–February for long days and best weather, though it can still be cold and windy even in summer. Always pack windproof jackets regardless of the forecast.
Budget: For two adults and a toddler under 3, budget approximately $500–$ 700 per day, including accommodation, food, activities, and transport. Maria Island will cost around $450 for the day. The Pennicott Cruise is $470 for a family of three.
Getting around: Hiring a car is essential. Fuel up in Hobart before heading to Bruny — options are limited on the island.
What to pack: Windproof and waterproof jackets are non-negotiable even in summer. Good hiking footwear matters — I wore Hoka Transport GTX boots for the whole trip, and they were outstanding. Cash for honesty stores. Your National Parks pass.
Extending to 17 days: If you have more time, add the Freycinet Peninsula (Wineglass Bay) to the north, spend more time in the Huon Valley, and allow extra days on Bruny. We had 17 days and still didn’t see everything.
Ready to Plan?
For flights to Hobart, compare fares on iwantthatflight.com.au — free, Australian-owned, and the easiest way to track price drops.
For accommodation, search Hobart family hotels on Klook or browse Bruny Island stays for something more unique.
And before you go — make sure you’re covered. Here’s what we use for Australian family travel insurance.
Have questions about planning your trip to Tasmania? Drop them in the comments — happy to help.
Murray is the co-founder of Really Traveling and a self-confessed gear obsessive who never buys anything without testing it first. He travels with his wife Jomana and daughter Kailani, and has dragged the family across everything from Tasmanian wilderness trails to long-haul flights with a toddler. If he recommends it, it’s because it survived real family travel — not just a weekend test run.
