Exploring the Natural Wonders of Tasmania with Kids

Tasmania, an island state of Australia, is the 26th-largest island in the world, covering 26,410 square miles. It is known for its delicious and high-quality produce (especially apples), diverse landscapes, and wildlife (the Tasmanian Devil is found only in Tasmania). Visiting Tasmania with kids is a wonderful way to explore this island’s natural beauty and experience its rich culture with the whole family. As you’ll see below, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities, both indoor and outdoor, for kids to enjoy and be excited about.

Discovering Tasmania’s Natural Beauty

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Tasmania boasts a stunning and diverse landscape with coastlines, beaches, rainforests, and rugged mountains. There are wildlife sanctuaries, hiking opportunities, and rich cultural experiences. Tasmania’s natural beauty allows families to explore various outdoor activities and scenery. It’s a relatively compact island, making it convenient for family road trips and many educational opportunities.

Planning Your Tasmania Adventure

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Conveniently, Tasmania’s climate is relatively mild year-round, so you don’t have to do much preparation beforehand regarding the timing of your family trip. There are still four distinct seasons, so you may prefer to visit during one particular season. The most family-friendly time to visit may be during the summer or autumn months since these seasons allow for a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s important to know that summer is the peak tourist season.

Related:

• Traveling with Kids on Australia’s Great Ocean Road: Tips and Stops
• Discovering Sydney’s Taronga Zoo: A Family Guide to Australia’s Wildlife Wonders
• 9 of the Best Family Beaches in Sydney, Australia

Introduction to Tasmania’s Natural Wonders

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If there’s one natural wonder to check out in Tasmania with kids, it’s Cradle Mountain. This mountain stands 5,069 feet above sea level, offering a picturesque view with mist and clouds. Surrounding Cradle Mountain are lakes, dense forests, and glacial valleys. The base of Cradle Mountain is one of the most photographed spots in Tasmania! Other natural wonders include Freycinet National Park (featuring mountains and beaches) and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (featuring diverse ecosystems).

Kid-Friendly Hikes and Walks

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When visiting Tasmania with kids, the Tamar Island Wetlands is a great place for kids to bird-watch and identify the species they encounter (bring binoculars). Parents can make this adventure like a scavenger hunt to encourage their children to look for different types of native birds. There are kid-friendly paths and easy walking trails. For more birdwatching, check out Narawntapu National Park, known as the “Serengeti of Tasmania.” Mammals like pademelons, wallabies, and wombats may be seen. Finally, the Cataract Gorge Reserve has kid-friendly walking trails, a swimming area, a suspension bridge, and more.

Tasmania’s Spectacular Coastline

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If you’re looking for white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, The Bay of Fires is one of the best beaches to visit in Tasmania with kids. It’s renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and has several walking and hiking trails. On the southeastern coast of Tasmania is the Remarkable Cave, a sea cave safe for visitors of all ages to see from the viewing platform. Finally, if you’re okay jumping on a ferry, Bruny Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, regardless of age! The kids will love trying to spot echidnas, sea eagles, and little penguins.

Fun-Filled Wildlife Experiences

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For even more wildlife encounters when visiting Tasmania with kids, look to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center famous for its work with Tasmanian devils. If you’d like to watch some cute penguins, known as Fairy Penguins or Little Penguins, you can observe them at Low Head Conversation Area about 30 minutes before sunset and an hour after. Lastly, Tasmania’s coastline is a prime location for whale watching! It’s best to try and get a glimpse of them from Bruny Island, Eaglehawk Neck, or the Great Oyster Bay.

Discovering Tasmanian History and Culture

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Tasmania also offers plenty of educational opportunities for families visiting Tasmania with kids. One historical site, the Port Arthur Historic Site, boasts a collection of well-preserved historic buildings where convicts were housed as early as the 1800s. Older children and adults will likely learn more from this site than young children. Check out the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for children of all ages. It features family-friendly exhibits, interactive exhibits, and art activities related to Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage.

Taste of Tasmania: Family-Friendly Dining

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Of course, we can’t forget Tasmania’s delicious food options for the foodies in your family! Tasmania, often called the “Apple Isle,” has delicious and high-quality produce, including apples, berries, salmon, dairy, wine, and more. There are plenty of apple orchards throughout the area, like Lucaston Park Orchards, where fresh apples and apple juice are prepared for the market. For a taste of what Tasmania has to offer regarding restaurants, here are some top-notch dining spots that are kid-friendly:

• Landscape Restaurant and Grill (includes a play area)
• Maldini’s Restaurant (Italian)
• The Pancake Train (dine in a converted train carriage)
• The Drunken Admiral (dine in a historic building near the waterfront)
• The Jolly Roger Restaurant (pirate-themed dining)

Embracing Tasmanian Culture: Festivals and Events

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Throughout the year, Tasmania entertains locals and guests with cultural festivals and events. Here are some of the festivals and events in Tasmania and what time of the month they typically happen:

• February: Festivale (food and wine festival with activities for kids)
• October: Royal Hobart Show (an agricultural show featuring farm animals and carnival rides)
• New Year: Taste of Tasmania (food and beverage festival)

There are also local music events like concerts, festivals, and family-friendly theater productions that are kid-friendly. When visiting Tasmania with kids, checking event websites for the most up-to-date event information is a good idea.

Conclusion

Before taking your family trip to Tasmania, make some time to prepare in advance by researching the area’s local events and festivals. You can prepare a light itinerary for the family so you know what your plans are once you arrive. During your visit to Tasmania with kids, don’t forget to create lasting memories with one another. When learning about Tasmania’s natural wonders and culture, engage your children with questions. Show excitement in discovering and exploring new areas. Have fun and enjoy your time together, being flexible with changing plans or weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the must-visit natural attractions in Tasmania with kids?

Famous natural attractions in Tasmania that families with children will enjoy include Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Freycinet National Park, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, Russell Falls, Tasmania Zoo, and more.

Is Tasmania safe for families with young children?

Tasmania is generally considered safe for families with children, young and old. Of course, parents should do their research ahead of time to ensure they visit places that are suitable for their children’s ages and abilities.

Are there any special considerations for visiting wildlife sanctuaries with kids?

Before visiting a wildlife sanctuary, it’s suggested to research the specific sanctuary you plan to visit to learn about the types of animals you may encounter. Consider your children’s age and maturity level and emphasize safety rules before visiting.