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3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Hobart

ByGuest Author Updated on

By Jessie from Daytrips

Hobart might be Australia’s smallest capital city, but it packs a lot into a compact space. With heritage streets, mountain views, and nature on the doorstep, it’s an ideal destination for families who want a mix of culture, adventure, and downtime.

This 3-day itinerary covers the best of Hobart at a relaxed pace – from wandering historic markets and spotting Tasmanian devils to exploring Bruny Island’s beaches and local treats. Each day balances activities for kids with opportunities for parents to enjoy the scenery, food, and slower rhythm of Tasmania’s south.

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Getting to Hobart and Getting Around

Hobart Airport (HBA) is located about a 20-minute drive from the city centre, with regular flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. For families arriving by sea, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry docks in Devonport – around a 3.5-hour drive away.

If you plan to explore beyond the CBD, hiring a car is the easiest option. Hobart’s roads are quiet compared to mainland cities, and parking is generally easy to find. Most major car hire companies operate from the airport. Public buses cover the main city routes, but having a car makes day trips to places like Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Bruny Island much simpler.

Where to Stay in Hobart with Kids

Hobart offers a great range of accommodation options for families, from modern apartments to waterfront hotels and cabin-style stays.

  • Salamanca & Battery Point – Ideal for first-time visitors. You’ll be close to the Saturday market, cafes, and the harbour.
  • Waterfront Area – Perfect for families who like to be in the centre of the action, with restaurants, ferries, and museums within walking distance.
  • North Hobart – Slightly quieter and more affordable, with great local restaurants and easy access to the highway for day trips.

Some family-friendly places to consider:

Find more kid-friendly hotels in Hobart and hotels in Hobart with indoor pools.

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Hobart

Morning – Salamanca Market & Battery Point

Start your Hobart adventure at Salamanca Market, held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s one of Australia’s best-loved outdoor markets, with more than 300 stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and clothing to fresh berries, pastries, and honey. Kids love the buskers and colourful atmosphere – it’s easy to spend a few hours wandering and sampling local treats.

Grab a smoothie or coffee from one of the food vans and enjoy breakfast outdoors under the plane trees.

From there, stroll up to Battery Point, Hobart’s oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood. The short walk along Kelly’s Steps takes you from the market up to streets lined with 19th-century cottages and flower-filled gardens.

For a relaxed family pit stop, Jackman & McRoss Bakery is a local favourite, serving up pies, pastries, and fresh bread.

Afternoon – Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG) and the Waterfront

After lunch, head to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), located right by the waterfront. It’s free to enter and is one of the most family-friendly museums in Australia. The interactive displays on Tasmanian wildlife, Indigenous history, and Antarctic exploration keep kids engaged, while parents will enjoy the art exhibitions and heritage building.

When you’re done, take a gentle walk along the Hobart Waterfront. Watch the fishing boats unload their catch, browse local craft shops, and treat the kids to an ice cream from Van Diemens Land Creamery.

If your family enjoys short boat rides, consider a ferry trip – the MONA Ferry offers scenic views of the Derwent River and fun seating shaped like sheep and tigers (great for photos).

Evening – Dinner on the Docks

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner overlooking the harbour. Mures Lower Deck and Fish Frenzy are both family favourites, serving fresh seafood with relaxed indoor and outdoor seating.

For dessert, stroll the boardwalk and watch the lights dance across the water – the perfect end to your first day in Hobart.

Day 2: Nature and Wildlife Adventures

snow at Mt. Wellington, Tasmania

Morning – Mount Wellington (Kunanyi)

Start early and drive up Kunanyi, the dramatic peak that towers over Hobart. On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Derwent River and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. The drive to the summit takes about 30 minutes, winding through temperate forest before opening out to alpine scenery.

Even in summer, it’s chilly up top – bring jackets and a thermos of hot choccie. There’s an enclosed lookout if the wind is strong, and plenty of spots to pull over for photos on the way up.

If you’re travelling with younger kids or prefer a gentler option, stop at Fern Tree on the lower slopes for a short forest walk and picnic area. The Fern Glade Track is stroller-friendly and surrounded by tall ferns and birdsong.

Afternoon – Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

After lunch, head about 30 minutes north to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a must-visit for families. It’s one of the best places in Tasmania to meet native animals up close, including Tasmanian devils, wombats, and echidnas. The daily feeding sessions are a highlight – kids can hand-feed friendly kangaroos and learn about local conservation efforts.

The sanctuary is compact and easy to navigate with strollers. There’s also an on-site café serving sandwiches and hot drinks.

On your way back to Hobart, make a quick stop at the Wicked Cheese Co. for samples and souvenirs, or wander through Richmond, a charming historic village with old stone bridges, cottages, and lolly shops.

Pre-purchase your tickets to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a guided tour of the sanctuary at night, or book a half-day tour from Hobart if you don't want to drive.

Evening – Relaxed Dinner Back in Town

After a big day outdoors, head back to Hobart for a casual dinner. Families love Room for a Pony in North Hobart for its wood-fired pizzas and kid-friendly vibe, or Pancho Villa, a lively Mexican restaurant with plenty of space for groups.

If you still have energy after dinner, grab a cone from Van Diemens Land Creamery or Sweet Envy for a local treat.

Kid-friendly restaurants with playgrounds and play rooms in Tasmania

Day 3: Day Trip to Bruny Island or Richmond

Option 1 – Bruny Island Adventure

For families who love exploring, Bruny Island is an unforgettable day trip. The island is accessible by ferry from Kettering, about 40 minutes south of Hobart (the crossing takes just 20 minutes). It’s best to bring your car, as distances on the island are long.

Once you arrive, stop at The Neck Lookout, a short climb with panoramic views over the isthmus that connects North and South Bruny. It’s a great photo stop and a chance for kids to stretch their legs.

Next, visit local producers along the way – Get Shucked Oysters, Bruny Island Cheese Co., and the Honey Pot are all family favourites. Most places offer tastings and outdoor seating.

For a more active option, head to Adventure Bay, where the kids can play on the beach or explore the short Fluted Cape Track. Older children may enjoy a wildlife cruise to spot seals, dolphins, and sea cliffs.

Pack a picnic or pick up supplies from the local shops and enjoy lunch by the beach before heading back to the ferry in the late afternoon.

If you prefer to take a tour to Bruny Island, there are a few options from Hobart.  Take a full-day tour, a nature and produce adventure, or a wilderness eco-cruise.

Option 2 – Historic Richmond Village

If a ferry trip feels too ambitious, Richmond makes an easy and charming alternative. Just 25 minutes from Hobart, this perfectly preserved Georgian village feels like stepping back in time.

Start at the Richmond Bridge, the oldest stone bridge in Australia, built by convicts in the 1820s. Kids will love feeding ducks in the river below while parents admire the views.

Next, explore Richmond Gaol, the oldest intact prison in the country, with displays that bring early convict life to life (suitable for school-aged kids).

Afterwards, wander through the village’s lolly shops, bakeries, and boutiques. Czegs’ Café and Coal River Farm are both great for lunch.

Return to Hobart in the afternoon and spend your final evening soaking up the city’s relaxed vibe.

Practical Tips for Visiting Hobart with Kids

  • Best time to visit: Hobart’s summer (December to February) is ideal for markets, outdoor dining, and day trips, though spring and autumn are also beautiful and less crowded. Winter can be chilly, but you’ll find cosy cafés and snow on Mount Wellington.
  • What to pack: Layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, hats, and sunscreen. Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly.
  • Playgrounds: For free play time, check out Princes Park (near Battery Point), Long Beach Park in Sandy Bay, or Cornelian Bay Playground with its pirate ship.
  • Rainy day ideas: The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Play Street Indoor Centre, or Hobart Aquatic Centre are all great options.
  • Family dining: Hobart’s dining scene is relaxed and family-friendly. Many restaurants have kids’ menus, high chairs, and outdoor seating.
Looking to spend more time in Tasmania?  Check out A Quick Loop Around Tasmania with Kids.

Final Thoughts

Hobart is the kind of place that makes family travel feel easy. The city is small enough to explore without rushing, the food is fresh and local, and nature is always close by. Over three days, you can wander through markets, meet Tasmanian devils, and still have time to sit by the harbour with an ice cream while the kids chase seagulls.

Whether you’re visiting as part of a longer Tasmanian road trip or just a weekend escape, Hobart offers the perfect balance of culture, comfort, and adventure for families.

Looking for more family-friendly travel inspiration? Check out why Morocco’s surf coast should be your next family holiday destination.

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