Wishlist

As you browse the site, add accommodation, tours, events and attractions to your personalised trip by clicking the heart icon. When you’re done, click the heart icon in the menu at the top of the website to view your wishlist.

Review your list, remove any items you no longer need, then select “View your itinerary” to see your trip on a map, or send it to a friend.

25 things to do with teens and tweens in Hobart and Beyond

Tasmania is a great place to enjoy a family vacation with plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, even the hard-to-please teenagers in the family.

Discover wilderness walks and, Instagram-worthy waterfalls, unique wildlife, learn about Tasmania’s history, and enjoy some tasty treats along the way. We’ve compiled more than 25 top things to do with teenagers on your next visit to southern Tasmania.

1. Cuddle an animal at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Who doesn’t love getting up close with a cute fluffy animal! A visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a must for animal-loving family members. The sanctuary is home to a unique range of Tasmanian wildlife who are nurtured back to health in the park before returning to the wild. Join one of the tours throughout the day or a night tour and learn about Tasmania’s animals and what you can do to help conserve our wildlife. 

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Image Credit: @afrenchladyinsydney
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Image Credit: @afrenchladyinsydney
Farm Gate Market

2. Visit Farm Gate Market

If you are visiting Hobart on a Sunday, be sure to stop by Farm Gate Market for some tasty food, drinks and local fare. With plenty of options available, there is something for each family member, no matter their food mood. The vibe at the food market is great, and it is a great whole family outing.

3. Stroll Salamanca Market

The famous Salamanca Market is a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. Wander the unique arts and crafts stalls or pick up some freshly made treats for breakfast. The stalls range from craft wares, food, leather goods, distilleries, and fresh goodies like veggies and locally grown flowers.

Hobart Cat Cafe

4. Visit Hobart Cat Cafe

Home to eight of the smoochiest cats in Tasmania, Hobart Cat Cafe is the perfect place to relax whilst in Hobart. Open 9am to 2pm Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and are pram/wheelchair accessible. 

5. Discover an Underground Wonderland

Discover dolomite caves, stalactites and stalagmites, and lots of other weird and wacky things with a tour of Hastings Caves. Explore the underground wonderland of Newdegate Cave, the largest dolomite tourist cave in Australia, before heading above ground to the beautiful natural thermal pool which sits at a lovely 28-degrees year-round.

Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
Hastings Caves State Reserve. Image Credit: @darrenwrightphotos
BOUNCEinc Hobart
BOUNCEinc Hobart

6. BOUNCEinc Hobart

BOUNCEinc offers an unparalleled indoor adventure opportunity. With its distinctive mix of enjoyment, spontaneous expression, advancement, and growth, it stands as an excellent venue for cultivating and mastering balance, coordination, and agility skills.

BOUNCEinc introduces a playground area and adaptable soft play area for junior jumpers.

Roaring Beach. Image Credit @theseaisformephotography
Roaring Beach. Image Credit @theseaisformephotography

7. Hit the Beaches

Southern Tasmania has some fantastic beaches to enjoy at any time of the year. Whether you are keen to keep things closer to Hobart city or venture further afield and discover a secluded beach, the whole family will enjoy plenty of great beaches. Pack an esky and a hat and enjoy a day in the sand. Discover your next beach day with our guide to the beaches of southern Tasmania.

Bruny Island Cruises - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Joe Shemesh
Bruny Island Cruises - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Joe Shemesh

8. Cruise the Coast

Explore the incredible coastline of Tasmania and see if you can spot some local wildlife with a trip on Pennicott Journeys’ little yellow boat. Setting off from Hobart, Port Arthur or Bruny Island, the Pennicott experience is a fantastic way to explore southern Tasmania’s wild oceans and towering sea cliffs. It is sure to impress all members of the family.

Esperance Adventures. Image Credit: @esperance_adventures_tasmania

9. Go for a Paddle

A great way to experience the Huon Valley is on the water, and Esperance Adventures run scenic kayaking tours from various locations along the river. For a little fun, book the treasure hunt tour, where the kids can paddle their kayak to their deserted island in Southport Bay and hunt for treasure.

VDL Ice Creamery by @macormacor
Ice Cream. Image Credit: @dibb_ddib
Ice Cream. Image Credit: @dibb_ddib

10. Enjoy an Ice Cream Treat

A visit to Hobart wouldn’t be complete without enjoying delicious hand-made ice cream and what better way to leverage the kids to behave than with some tasty ice cream cones.

Head down to the Hobart waterfront and pick up a scoop (or two) of your favourite flavour from Mures or VDL Creamery before wandering around the boats with the kids and admiring the sculptures along the water’s edge. The flavours alone are enough to get anybody excited.

11. Explore kunanyi

Breathe in the fresh mountain air without having to venture far from the city with an adventure on kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

Wellington Park has many walking and mountain biking trails that the whole family can enjoy. The Sphinx Rock walk is a gentle walk amongst the trees and offers panoramic views from the viewpoint. Finish the walk with a hot chocolate or coffee at Lost Freight Cafe. Head up the mountain on the Explorer Bus for added convenience, or join Walk on kunanyi for an in-depth mountain experience.

Summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Image Credit Luke Tscharke

12. Fly High at Tahune Airwalk

Teens that are thrill-seeking will love Tahune Adventures in the far South. Their Hang Gliding adventure whisks you from the forest floor 400 metres across the Huon River to a launching point 50 metres in the air! For a little slower pace, the family can wander amongst the tall trees and along the airwalk, which sits 30 metres above the forest floor.  Dogs are also welcome on some of the Tahune walking trails if you travel with your pooch.

13. Wander the Museum

Hobart is filled with great museums and art galleries and a visit to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is a great way to spend a day. The diverse exhibitions offer something interesting and entertaining for each member of the family. 

14. Unleash Your Inner Racer

Hyperdrive Kart Racing is a state-of-the-art, solar-powered, electric go-kart centre, with a modern 80’s twist. There are karts for any age, from Adult karts, Junior Karts, Duo Karts, and super-fast Shifter Karts for those that qualify.

15. Get Lost at Amaze Richmond

Lose yourself in the twists and turns as you explore the intricately designed pathways, and specially crafted games to challenge and delight visitors of all ages. Discover the joy of getting lost and igniting your sense of wonder and curiosity.

Maydena Bike Park Mandatory. Image Credit: Tim Bardsley-Smith

16. Maydena Bike Park

The bike park operates two uplift services, providing access to 75+ individual trails including beginner and family-friendly rides, wilderness trail and epic pro trails.

17. Visit Mt Field National Park

Enjoy a day out in nature at Mt Field National Park. Walk to the impressive Russell Falls, see if you can spot a platypus, look for interesting fungi (blue, pink, purple, yellow, orange or otherwise!). 

Port Arthur Historic Site

18. Port Arthur Historic Site

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is Australia’s most intact and evocative convict site. There is a lot to see and do with more than 30 historic buildings and ruins to explore over 100 acres so you’ll want to allow a minimum of three to four hours.

19. Port Arthur Ghost Tours

Port Arthur can seem a very different place after sunset, full of mystery and intrigue. Join a lantern-lit walking tour to experience the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site by night.

20. Coal Mines Historic Site

The Coal Mines offer visitors the chance to discover a different perspective on Tasmania’s convict history among the uncrowded ruins and scenic vistas. It is a great place to explore on foot, with several tracks and paths around the extensive site.

21. Visit Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is a global leader in shaping how zoos evolve in the 21st century.

When you visit the zoo without cages, you will discover lots of very special Tasmanian devils but what is different now is that our Tasmanian bush animals are wild, not captive. It is a welcome change from a traditional zoo.

22. Indulge at Port Arthur Lavender Cafe

Roam amongst the lavender, interactively learn about the distillery’s manufacturing and distilling process, enjoy delightful lavender cuisine and browse unique Tasmanian gifts created from the lavender. Enjoy a delicious meal at the café.

23. Drop into Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry

The Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry manufactures a large range of hand-forged chocolate products. Indulge yourself in all things chocolate, using the finest Belgian Coverture chocolate there’s sure to be something to tantalise the taste buds.

24. Discover Old Hobart Town Model Village

Old Hobart Town is situated in Richmond and is Australia’s only and Tasmania’s original historical model village which accurately replicates in miniature the life and history of Hobart in 1820.

25. Experience Huon River Jet Boats

Huon River Jet Boats offer Australia’s only whitewater jet boating experience with high-speed jet boat tours on the Huon River, Southern Tasmania. Huon River Jet Boats is based in Huonville, 35-minute drive southwest of Hobart (48 km) in the Huon Valley.

Sign up for our mailing list

Subscribe for updates on what's happening in hobart and beyond