Fun things for kids in Tasmania

.."...but just doing simple things was often the best, "...

Agree.

We used to like playing "Spot the Tasmanian", aka, ... decedents of the First Fleeters".

Quite easy to play, once you get the hang of it, and the beauty of the game is you can play it any where in Tasmania.

Hi Mark,

Thanks for that, I'll put Bruny Island on my list. We are also going to Cradle Mt and Freycinet, so should see lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery there. Did you go to Port Arthur? We are going to spend a couple of nights there, but I am wondering if a ghost tour at night would be too scary for my daughter.

Leanne

Hi again, Mark back, yep went to Port Arthur, turned a little bit commercial now, but good for kids to see how the convicts really lived, shows how good they (kids) got it now....Stayed at Whites Beach Caravan Pk, not far away, beautiful spot, get beach side site, watch sunsets..........

Not much to do for kids in Tasmania.

There is the Dismal Swamp, but that's a flying fox ride thru the tree tops, kids wouldn't like that.

There is the Devil Ride in a high powered jet boat over the rapids at New Newfolk. Kids probably wouldn't like that either.

From Bruny Island (or you can catch the bus from Oyster Cove Marina) you can experience the Adventure boat ride around the bottom of Brunt Island. Kids definetely wouldn't like that , its far too wild and exciting. Leave them home on that day and do it yourself.

The Tahune Airwalk would probably scare them too much.

On the way to or from there, they might want to look at the Hastings Caves and take a ride on the Ida Railway.

Tha Cadbury's factory unfortunately has stopped the tours (OH&S) but still has the direct outlet.

Then there's the new MONA Museum in Hobart, but that may be a little too controversial for the kids. It's very high tech.

In Lonnie, there is the chairlift ride up The Gorge.

For more ideas, just call in to any of the Tasmanian Tourist Information shops, I guarantee the kids (and adults) won't get bored.

Have a great time over here, but please don't keep telling people about it. We need to keep a little for ourselves.

Dusty

Hi Daza,

The Chocolate Factory sounds like my kind of place!! (My daughter would love it too). Too bad it has stopped its tours.

Dusty, I like your sense of humour! You have suggested some great things.

Thankyou both for your input.

Leanne

Could I add the following scary things to Dusty's list of things to do.

1 The chairlift up to the Nut in Stanley.

2 The short boat trip to see the seals just off Stanley.
You get so close to the seals it may be a bit frightening.

Dusty, I have to disagree, our kids absolutely loved tasmania and all it had to offer.
They loved the Tasman Island cruise and Port Arthur was one's highlight!

Couple of other things that come to mind that you should be sure to NOT take the kids too.

The Maze at Westbury (I think that is where it is), wouldn't want to get anyone lost would we?

There is also the "upside down village", no, that would only confuse their little minds.

Zoo Doo, out Richmond way, they have a very good range of man (Kiddy) eating animals, including some white lions.

A sail out on the harbour from Hobart on the windjammer "Lady Nelson" they might even fall over board. No that's no good either.

The "Bear" shop in Hobart is "no go zone" they might want to spend YOUR money on a Teddy Bear.

Obviously, "Supercamper" did something wrong, Their kids loved Tasmania?

Dusty

I'll second Zoo Doo. Looks like you average private Zoo, but we had a ball. The feeding of the Emu and Ostereges (?) from the bus was hilarious.

Cascade Brewery is also a great spot for lunch for adults and kids.

Hi Rachel,

Thanks for the great info. I am sure we are going to have a great time in Tasmania too.

Leanne

You could also hire a push bike (or two) at the Domain (behind the Cenotaph) and take a ride along the bike track. Follow the track out to the Albert Road railway crossing and just on your left is the Vallhalla Ice Cream shop.Home made ice cream and milk shakes/thick shakes/sundaes, etc. Be sure to remember that when you leave although your purse will be lighter, you will be about 3kg heavier. (But the smile on your face will make it worth it)

At the entrance to Salamanca Place, on the left you can take a Harley Davidson trike ride up the mountain. Don't forget to cuddle the teddy bear that comes along for the ride.

At Kingston, a visit to the Antartic centre is very interesting.

Be sure to ask if there are any shows on for children at the Botanical Gardens.

Murials at Sheffield.

If you are stopping at St.Helens for a night, contact the gentleman who runs the 4wd night tours. He will usually get you to see Bandicoots, Devils, Possums, etc.

With all these suggestions you should be OK here in boring Tasmania.

Have a great holiday.

Dusty

Hi Dusty,

You have some great suggestions. I am sure we are going to have a horrible time, and will never want to come back ;-)

Thank you

Leanne

Well Leanne,

Not until you have recovered at least.

Dusty.

PS: Don't forget, tell all your friends "it's horrible and boring!"

Well Leanne,

Not until you have recovered at least.

Dusty.

PS: Don't forget, tell all your friends "it's horrible and boring!"

Hi Jo,

Thank you for your extensive list!

Can you tell me how old your daughter was when she went on the slide in Dismal Swamp? My daughter will be six next month, and she is 122cm tall. From what I can see from the website, the slide has an age restriction of 8, and a height restriction of 90cm. Can younger kids go on the slide if they are accompanied by an adult?

Cheers
Leanne

Dear leanne,

I honestly can't remember? Because my daughter met the age limit I didn't really pay much attention? In saying that, google Dismal Swamp & give them a call?

It was an expensive attraction compared to most, entry included 2 slides & then there was a walk at the bottom - interesting & my daughter loved the slide, but it isn't an attraction I would return to.... Good to do once though.

Cheers,