Hobart and the South

Caravan parks and - sites for the Hobart and Southern region won't are listed below.

• Hobart Cabins & Cottages Elwick
• Treasure Island Caravan Park Berriedale
• Barilla Holiday Park Cambridge
• Richmond Cabin Tourist Caravan Park
• Discovery Holiday Park Mornington
• Discovery Holiday Park Risdon
• Seven Mile Beach Cabin Park Hobart
• Hobart Airport Tourist Park
• New Norfolk Caravan Park
• Heimat Chalets New Norfolk
• Woodfield Dysart Caravan Park

There are a number of walks within this region. Details below are compliments of the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife 60 Great Short Walks, and The Greater Hobart Trails by Hobart City Council.

Organ Pipes Walk, Mt Wellington

The Organ Pipes are one of the most distinctive features on Mt Wellington and form a magnificent sight along this track which runs just below their base. The dolerite rock that comprises the towering, columnar cliffs was formed during the Jurassic when Tasmania was in the process of separating from Antarctica during the final stages of the breakup of Gondwana. The cliffs are a favourite haunt of rock climbers. 3 hours return (3.7km one way). Supervise children, tracks are subject to severe weather conditions all year round, the weather may change quickly, tracks are difficult to navigate when covered in snow and may be impassable.

Cornelian Bay to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Cornelian Bay will keep the whole family entertained – there’s something here for everyone! Children will love the playground, especially climbing to the top of the ropes tower.
Follow the track to Cornelian Bay Point for great views of the Derwent River, Tasman Bridge and the historic cemetery or head in the opposite direction past the quaint and quirky boatsheds and on to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

You'll find an array of delicious family-friendly places to eat out, and purchase Tasmanian produce in the city of Hobart and its surrounding suburbs. Within the CBD, head down to the waterfront and talk a stroll along the wharf area. You'll find a number of floating fish and chip venues, as well as Mures; home to some of Tasmania's, and Australia's most loved, and freshly caught seafood.

Nearby at Salamanca, every second building offers a different menu, with a number of great cafes open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you're after something different, Hobart Historic Cruises offer both lunch and dinner cruise options, with families receiving 10% off.

Hobart is the best place to start your family Tassie trip. With the main roads to every other region, the South is also a great base to come back to after a day of exploring. Here are our top recommendations:

Mt Wellington / kunanyi

Hobart's iconic mountain is easily accessible from the CBD. The views on the drive up are spectacular, with many walks surrounding the foothills and up, that are suitable for the whole family. The Pinnacle lookout is enclosed and warm, with panoramic views of Hobart and the Derwent River.

Cascades Female Factory

Tasmania has a rich and diverse convict history. The Cascades offer a great place to share the kid's stories of Australia's history, with loads of educational content structured around the Australian School Curriculum. We recommend downloading their classroom resources; they make great road trip activities as well as being educational! Nearby, 'The Gardens' are a great spot for lunch: there's a cafe or BBQ area and the Gardens are right next door to the Cascade Female Factory. Highly rated by families, the Gardens also offer play equipment, trails and clean toilets. Winning! ⠀

The Shot Tower

Taroona - Built-in 1870 and listed on the National Trust list, the famous landmark offers a relatively easy climb via steps to the open gallery, which offers 360-degree views of Hobart and the nearby areas. Rumour has it the oldest person to climb to the top was 97!

Richmond Gaol

Built in 1825, this small convict goal housed the famous Isaac “Ikey” Solomon (1785–1850). An English criminal, it is suggested Ikey was the character Fagin in Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

It's said you can easily explore the 14 hectares over the course of a relaxed day. As kids don't really relax, the gardens are great for having a run, picnic and some quiet time. There is a range of tours available to suit the whole family, including a walk through a grove of Wollemi Pines!

Bruny Island Cruises

This award-winning 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise explores the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania. We have been lucky enough to do both Pennicott Wilderness Cruises, and have seen seals, whales, giant gulls and dolphins. We even saw a penguin hunting for fish! The Bruny Island Cruise travels past some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, enters into caves and cruises past 'Breathing Rock' and between 'The Monument'.

Tasmanian Transport Museum

This museum will be a hit with the kids. Almost every locomotive, tram and rail car is accessible, being able to climb inside the restored or preserved rolling stock. The society that managed the museum has monthly train rides! Check out their website to see what's happening next.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the best wildlife experiences you will ever have, and all for a really good cause. Bonorong not only protects our native species but actively participates with breeding programs, a 24/7 wildlife rescue service, awareness courses, fundraising events and the Bonorong Wildlife Hospital. Have a read of their Stories of Survival section - if a visit to Bonorong was not on your list of things to do, it will be after you read these stories! Click here for more

Our top list of parks in the north is below. Let us know if you find more that should be listed!

• Bellerive Beach Park All Abilities Playground, 3 Derwent Avenue, Bellerive
• The Duck Park, Balmoral Rd, Kingston Beach
• Long Point Reserve, Beach Rd, Sandy Bay
• Dru Point Bicentennial Park, Esplanade, Margate
• Caldew Park (Train Park), Hill St, West Hobart
• Tynwald Park, Hobart Road, New Norfolk
• Princes Park, Castray Esplanade, Battery Point

Check out Playground Finder or download their APP for a list of spots which includes a location map, details if there are toilets, BBQs, if it's fenced, has shade, car parking or is near any other kid-friendly activities.

All major petrol companies are in Hobart Fuel is expensive when compared to the mainland, so the purchase of an RACT United card can save you 6 cents per litre. Coles and Woolworths also offer their 4 cents off a litre through shopper dockets.

All ATMs and banks are available in the CBD, with some smaller branch stores in regional towns.

The Australian Government has a fantastic website called The National Public Toilet Map. It's fantastic. All you have to do is type in your location and it provides a map, address, facilities available and open times. Save it to your safari browser on your mobile. Right now.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association has compiled a list of Babycare rooms around the state.

• Glenorchy - Community Health Service, 2 Terry St near Child Health & Parenting Service
• Hobart CBD - Centrepoint Arcade, Murray St
• Hobart CBD - Myer, Murray Street First Floor
• Hobart CBD - Royal Hobart Hospital, Liverpool St, Hobart Ground Floor B Block
• Kingston - Kingborough Community Health Service, John Street
• New Norfolk - Community Health Service, Circle St lower level of Hospital building Mon - Fri only
• New Town - New Town Plaza (Centro), Cnr Risdon Road & Main Rd near the pharmacy
• North Hobart - Child Health & Parenting Centre, 29 Strahan St
• North Hobart - Child Health & Parenting Centre, 29 Strahan St next door to kitchen
• Rokeby - Tasmanian Police Academy, South Arm Road
• Rosney Park - Eastland Shopping Centre Complex, Bligh St lower level east
• Rosney Park - Eastland Shopping Centre, Bligh St upper-level west
• Sandy Bay - Child Health & Parenting Centre, Grace St Enter from the top side of Uni car park. Next door to the Child Care Centre

Metro buses have daily buses all around the city and surround. You will find many coach companies travelling around the region with much heading south-west along main road routes as well as towards Port Arthur area. Taxis are everywhere. The best option is to either hire a car or utilise the public Metro buses.

Hobart has the biggest airport in Tasmania, located just out of Hobart at Cambridge. If arriving by plane, you'll either land here or in Launceston. Hobart has great public transport. Metro buses run throughout the city and outer suburbs, with taxis and Ubers also available

To get from Hobart from Launceston, take the A1. Driving time is around 2 and a half hours.

The following are times travelling from Hobart CBD to:

Caravan Parks Tasmania has compiled a list of recommended green, environmentally friendly locations in order to protect Tasmania's environment. You can see their compiled list here. The closest points to Hobart are the following:

• Glenorchy Hobart Sailing Club
• Hobart Royal Hobart Showground
• Huonville Showgrounds
• Kingston Public Dump Point
• Risdon Bowen Park Holiday Village
• Cambridge Park Memorial Oval Dump Point
• Brighton Hotel Tasmania