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Staying in Tasmania: 15 Family Hotels Compared

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Staying in Tasmania: 15 Family Hotels Compared

Compare 15 family-friendly hotels in Tasmania. From beachfront chalets to wilderness retreats - find the best stay for your family trip to Tasmania.

Staying in Tasmania: 15 Family Hotels Compared

Tasmania is one of Australia's most rewarding destinations for families, combining wildlife encounters, dramatic coastlines, and World Heritage wilderness within a manageable island footprint. From Hobart's accessible southern base to the remote Tarkine rainforest in the northwest, accommodation options span beachfront cabins, resort complexes, and self-contained cottages - most designed with multi-generational travel in mind. This guide breaks down 15 family-friendly hotels across Tasmania to help you choose the right property for your group's needs, budget, and itinerary.

What It's Like Staying in Tasmania with a Family

Tasmania operates at a slower, more deliberate pace than mainland Australian cities - which works strongly in favour of family travellers. There are no congested metro systems to navigate, and most key attractions are reachable by car within a few hours from any major base. Road-tripping is the primary transport mode, with the island's main highway loop connecting Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie. Renting a car is almost non-negotiable for families planning to explore beyond a single town. Wildlife is genuinely accessible - Tasmanian devils, wombats, and wallabies appear regularly at dusk near national park lodges, not just in zoo settings. However, distances between attractions in the northwest and southwest wilderness areas are substantial, and families without a car or with very young children should plan staging points carefully rather than attempting long single-day drives.

Around 40% of Tasmania's landmass is protected as national parks or reserves, meaning outdoor activities dominate the family experience here - bushwalking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting rather than theme parks or urban entertainment precincts.

Pros:

  • Self-contained cottages and family rooms are standard across most Tasmanian properties, reducing the cost and stress of multi-bedroom booking
  • Wildlife encounters (wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils) are accessible without guided tours near many regional properties
  • Low traffic and safe road conditions make self-drive family itineraries genuinely relaxed

Cons:

  • No public transport network between towns - car hire is essential for most families
  • Some wilderness lodges are 2+ hours from the nearest town, making supply runs for families with infants logistically demanding
  • Weather changes rapidly, especially in the western highlands - cold snaps in summer are common and can disrupt outdoor plans

Why Choose Family-Friendly Hotels in Tasmania

Family-friendly hotels in Tasmania tend to offer genuine practical value rather than just marketing language - self-contained kitchens, separate bedrooms, playgrounds, and pools appear across mid-range and budget properties alike, not just luxury resorts. Self-contained cottages and multi-room family suites dominate the accommodation landscape, which means families can cook meals and manage routines without the constraints of a standard hotel room. Compared to Sydney or Melbourne family hotels, Tasmanian equivalents offer significantly more space per dollar, with beachfront cabins and resort bungalows available at price points that would buy a single standard room in a mainland city. The trade-off is reduced urban amenity - fewer restaurants within walking distance, and entertainment is mostly nature-based rather than venue-based.

Properties with tennis courts, indoor pools, children's playgrounds, and BBQ areas are common in regional Tasmania, giving families on-site activity options when weather prevents outdoor excursions. Around 3 nights minimum is the typical stay duration that allows families to settle into a base and reach surrounding attractions without feeling rushed.

Pros:

  • Self-contained kitchens in most family cottages significantly reduce daily meal costs for larger groups
  • On-site facilities (pools, playgrounds, tennis courts) are standard across mid-range properties, not just luxury resorts
  • Beachfront and bushland settings provide natural entertainment that keeps children engaged without additional cost

Cons:

  • Fewer hotel restaurants and room service options compared to mainland city hotels - important for families with tired children after long drives
  • Some family rooms are motel-style with limited separation between sleeping areas
  • Peak summer season (December-February) sees availability tighten sharply, especially at coastal properties

Practical Booking & Area Strategy for Families in Tasmania

For families, choosing the right base in Tasmania makes a significant difference to daily logistics. Hobart is the most practical southern base, offering airport proximity, supermarkets, hospitals, and day-trip access to Port Arthur, the Huon Valley, and Mount Wellington - most within a 90-minute drive. Launceston anchors the north and provides easy access to the Tamar Valley, Freycinet Peninsula, and Cradle Mountain. Devonport functions as the arrival hub for families crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne, and several family-friendly properties cluster around its beachfront for convenient first-night stays. For families targeting the wild west coast and Tarkine wilderness, staging in Burnie or Queenstown overnight before pushing to remote properties reduces driving stress considerably. Coastal east-coast properties between Swansea and Bicheno sit within reach of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay - one of Tasmania's most photographed destinations - and suit families who want beach access combined with manageable day walks. Booking at least 6 weeks ahead is strongly advised for December and January stays, particularly for self-contained coastal cottages, which sell out faster than standard motel rooms across the island.

Best Value Family Stays

These properties deliver strong practical value for families - self-contained facilities, outdoor amenity, and accessible locations without premium pricing.

  • 1. Bicheno By The Bay

    8.5 Fabulous
    1904 reviews
    Show on map
    Bicheno By The Bay Bicheno By The Bay Bicheno By The Bay Bicheno By The Bay Bicheno By The Bay

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    from 07:00 until 10:00

    Bicheno By The Bay is a strong choice for families exploring Tasmania's east coast, positioned a 3-minute walk from Bicheno town centre, the Blowhole, and Whalers Lookout - meaning children can access the foreshore independently once settled. The free-standing timber bungalows each include a private kitchen, separate bedrooms, lounge room, and terrace, giving families genuine living space rather than a single room setup. Most cottages have direct Tasman Sea views, and the surrounding native bushland provides a natural backdrop for early morning wildlife sightings. The on-site outdoor pool, full-size tennis court, and children's playground mean families have activity options without leaving the property.

    • Outdoor swimming pool on-site
    • Self-contained kitchen in each bungalow
    • Children's playground and tennis court

    Best price guarantee

    from

    AU$ 211

  • 2. Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport

    8.0 Very Good
    619 reviews
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    Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport

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    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 18:00
    Check-out
    until 10:00

    Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport sits directly alongside East Devonport Beach and Saint Georges Park, making it a practical first or last night option for families arriving or departing via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry - the terminal is a 5-minute drive away. Each private bungalow has a kitchenette with microwave, flat-screen TV, and en-suite bathroom, with all linen and towels included - reducing the packing load for families. The large BBQ area and garden setting give children outdoor space to move after long travel days. Being 10 minutes from the Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre adds a wet-weather backup option.

    • Beachfront location on East Devonport Beach
    • Free WiFi and private parking per bungalow
    • 5-minute drive from Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    AU$ 120

  • 3. Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone

    8.2 Very Good
    136 reviews
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    Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 18:00
    Check-out
    from 07:00 until 10:00

    Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone (official site) gives families direct access to Ulverstone Beach just 300 metres from the property - one of the most genuinely beachfront positions in northwest Tasmania for a self-contained family stay. The self-contained cottages include a stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom, with some featuring a balcony - practical for families wanting to self-cater across a multi-night stay. The in-ground trampoline, shared lounge, and communal kitchen add social infrastructure that works well for families travelling with multiple children. Launceston is around 90 minutes by car, making this a viable base for day trips into the Tamar Valley.

    • 300 metres from Ulverstone Beach
    • Self-contained kitchens with stovetop and refrigerator
    • In-ground trampoline and communal facilities for children

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    AU$ 185

  • 4. Shearwater Resort

    7.8 Good
    39 reviews
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    Shearwater Resort Shearwater Resort Shearwater Resort Shearwater Resort Shearwater Resort

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    1/1
    Check-in
    from 13:00 until 18:00
    Check-out
    from 08:00 until 10:00

    Shearwater Resort in Port Sorell offers families an indoor swimming pool - critical for Tasmania's unpredictable weather - alongside a tennis court, children's playground, and BBQ facilities, making it one of the most self-sufficient family properties in the northwest. Located 2.4 km from Freers Beach and 14 km from Devonport Airport, it suits families flying in rather than taking the ferry. The resort features family rooms and billiards facilities, and the area is well-regarded for cycling with flat coastal trails suitable for children. Devonport Oval, a major events venue, is 21 km away for families interested in local sport or entertainment.

    • Indoor swimming pool for year-round use
    • Tennis court and children's playground on-site
    • Free WiFi and private parking included

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    AU$ 141

  • 5. Argosy Motor Inn

    8.5 Fabulous
    2387 reviews
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    Argosy Motor Inn Argosy Motor Inn Argosy Motor Inn Argosy Motor Inn Argosy Motor Inn

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 20:00
    Check-out
    from 07:00 until 11:00

    Argosy Motor Inn is positioned 4 minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania Terminal in Devonport, making it a reliable first-night base for families arriving by ferry before heading further into Tasmania. All air-conditioned rooms include a microwave, toaster, kettle, crockery, cutlery, and small fridge - a notably complete in-room catering setup for a motel-category property. The on-site bistro serves modern Australian cuisine including schnitzels, steaks, and pasta, removing the pressure of finding a family restaurant on arrival night. Devonport Airport is a 10-minute drive away for families with a mixed travel group. ->

    • 4-minute drive from Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal
    • In-room microwave, crockery, and cutlery in all rooms
    • On-site bistro open daily from 11:00

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    AU$ 108

  • 6. Swansea Beach Chalets

    9.1 Superb
    2042 reviews
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    Swansea Beach Chalets Swansea Beach Chalets Swansea Beach Chalets Swansea Beach Chalets Swansea Beach Chalets

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    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 17:00
    Check-out
    from 08:00 until 10:00

    Swansea Beach Chalets occupies a genuinely beachfront position on Jubilee Beach, with premium chalets offering uninterrupted views across Great Oyster Bay toward the Freycinet Peninsula - one of Tasmania's most iconic coastal landscapes. One and two-bedroom chalets are available, with private verandahs, kitchenettes, and direct beach access suited to families who want to base themselves on the east coast. The outdoor swimming pool adds a practical amenity for families with younger children who prefer supervised swimming to open-water beach access. Freycinet National Park and the Wineglass Bay walk trailhead are within a short drive, making this a strong base for families combining beach time with national park day trips.

    • Direct private beach access on Jubilee Beach
    • One and two-bedroom chalets with kitchenettes
    • Outdoor pool and panoramic Great Oyster Bay views

    Best price guarantee

    from

    AU$ 202

  • 7. Top Of The Town Hotel Motel

    7.4 Good
    255 reviews
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    Top Of The Town Hotel Motel Top Of The Town Hotel Motel Top Of The Town Hotel Motel Top Of The Town Hotel Motel Top Of The Town Hotel Motel

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 21:00
    Check-out
    from 08:00 until 11:00

    Top of the Town Hotel Motel is set in Burnie on Tasmania's northwest coast, 2.6 km from South Burnie Beach, and functions as a dependable overnight or multi-night base for families travelling the northwest circuit. The on-site restaurant and bar reduce the pressure of finding dining options in Burnie's relatively compact town centre, while family rooms with private bathrooms accommodate larger groups without room splitting. At 48 km from Hellyer River and Hellyer Gorge, it positions families within reach of some of Tasmania's most accessible temperate rainforest day walks. Burnie Wynyard Airport is 17 km away for families flying into the northwest. (details)

    • Family rooms with private bathrooms available
    • On-site restaurant and bar
    • Free private parking

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    AU$ 74

  • 8. Shoreline Hotel

    7.7 Good
    671 reviews
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    Shoreline Hotel Shoreline Hotel Shoreline Hotel Shoreline Hotel Shoreline Hotel

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    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 22:00
    Check-out
    from 07:00 until 10:00

    Shoreline Hotel is positioned in Howrah, a suburb 15 minutes from Hobart's CBD and 12 minutes from Hobart Airport, offering families a quieter and more affordable alternative to central Hobart accommodation while maintaining easy city access. The property runs three separate dining venues - a café open from 9am, a dining room open for lunch and dinner, and a sports bar - which is unusually comprehensive for a suburban Tasmanian hotel and removes the need to drive out for meals. Views of the River Derwent and Mount Wellington are available from the property, and Howrah Beach is a 15-minute walk away. The Shoreline Shopping Centre is a 2-minute walk for families needing supplies.

    • 3 on-site dining venues including café and full dining room
    • 12-minute drive from Hobart Airport
    • Free parking and free WiFi included

    Best price guarantee

    from

    AU$ 156

  • Show on map
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 11:00

    Mantra Hobart Airport (formerly Travelodge) sits adjacent to Hobart International Airport with sound-proofed rooms - a practical detail for families arriving on late flights or departing early without wanting to absorb airport noise overnight. The airport shuttle operates from 07:00 to 11:00 at $10 per person, covering the 15-minute drive to Hobart CBD, and a 24-hour reception desk supports families with unpredictable travel schedules. Some rooms include a spa bath, and the on-site restaurant and bar eliminate the need to travel for meals on transit nights. Tasmania Golf Club is 2.5 km away for travelling parents wanting an early round before family activities begin.

    • Sound-proofed rooms directly beside Hobart Airport
    • On-site restaurant, bar, and good breakfast available
    • 24-hour reception and airport shuttle service

    Best price guarantee

Best Premium Family Stays

These properties offer elevated facilities, distinctive settings, or specialist experiences that justify higher price points for families seeking more than standard accommodation.

  • 1. Country Club Tasmania

    8.4 Very Good
    1840 reviews
    Show on map
    Country Club Tasmania Country Club Tasmania Country Club Tasmania Country Club Tasmania Country Club Tasmania

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 11:00

    Country Club Tasmania is set among gardens, lakes, and parkland a short drive from central Launceston, providing families with a resort-style experience rare in Tasmania's accommodation landscape. Free access to the Health Club - including indoor pool, spa, sauna, squash courts, and tennis courts - is included for all guests, representing significant added value for multi-day family stays. The property has three on-site restaurants, a bar, and a fitness centre, allowing families to spend full days on-site when weather or fatigue makes driving unappealing. Its position near the Tamar Valley Wine Region also makes it a natural base for families combining adult interests with child-friendly activities.

    • Free indoor pool, spa, sauna, and squash court access
    • 3 on-site restaurants with good breakfast available
    • Set in gardens and parkland near Launceston

    Just a few rooms left at the best rate! 

    from

    AU$ 211

  • 2. Ratho Farm

    8.9 Fabulous
    426 reviews
    Show on map
    Ratho Farm Ratho Farm Ratho Farm Ratho Farm Ratho Farm

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 15:00 until 20:00
    Check-out
    from 08:00 until 10:00

    Ratho Farm in Bothwell offers a genuinely different family experience - a working farm stay in Tasmania's central highlands, with activities including fishing and cycling directly accessible from the property. The farm holds the distinction of hosting Australia's oldest golf course, providing a unique activity for golf-playing adults while children explore the surrounding countryside. Rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and some feature balconies with rural views - the buffet and continental breakfast options eliminate the morning logistics challenge for families. Hobart Airport is 77 km away, making this a realistic inland base rather than a transit stop.

    • On-site fishing and cycling activities
    • Buffet and continental breakfast included
    • Family rooms with private bathrooms and balcony options

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    AU$ 215

  • 12. Port Arthur Motor Inn

    8.0 Very Good
    1644 reviews
    Show on map
    Port Arthur Motor Inn Port Arthur Motor Inn Port Arthur Motor Inn Port Arthur Motor Inn Port Arthur Motor Inn

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 20:00
    Check-out
    until 10:00

    Port Arthur Motor Inn is the most practically positioned accommodation for families visiting Port Arthur Historic Site - the motel sits 800 metres from Port Arthur town and under 4 km from the Historic Site itself, eliminating the 81-km round-trip day drive from Hobart. The property includes a restaurant, bar, free WiFi, and on-site parking, with rooms featuring air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, balcony options, and free toiletries. Stewarts Bay Beach is 1.7 km away, offering a calm, sheltered swimming spot for families after a morning at the historic site. Facilities for disabled guests are available, which is relevant for multi-generational family groups.

    • 800 metres from Port Arthur town centre
    • On-site restaurant and bar for evening meals
    • Tea/coffee maker and balcony options in rooms

    Rooms filling fast – secure the best rate! 

    from

    AU$ 140

  • 4. Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat

    8.3 Very Good
    1188 reviews
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    Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 10:00

    Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat is an award-winning property set in private rainforest, 35 minutes from Cradle Mountain National Park - one of Tasmania's most iconic family hiking destinations. Spacious self-contained cabins and luxury suites with spa baths and mountain views give families genuine accommodation quality in a remote setting that few properties in Tasmania can match. The Whispering Woods restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily using Tasmanian wines, and packed lunches can be pre-ordered - critical for families heading out on full-day Cradle Mountain walks. Forest walking trails begin directly from the lodge, giving children immediate wildlife and nature access without driving. Free WiFi, free parking, and room service add practical support for families in a wilderness location.

    • 35-minute drive from Cradle Mountain National Park
    • Self-contained cabins and luxury spa suites available
    • On-site restaurant with packed lunch ordering for day walks

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    AU$ 292

  • 5. Corinna Wilderness Village

    9.3 Superb
    335 reviews
    Show on map
    Corinna Wilderness Village Corinna Wilderness Village Corinna Wilderness Village Corinna Wilderness Village Corinna Wilderness Village

    That was just a preview — check out all hotel photos.
    1/1
    Check-in
    from 14:00 until 23:59
    Check-out
    until 10:00

    Corinna Wilderness Village sits within the Pieman River State Reserve in Tasmania's remote western wilderness - an entirely off-grid property with no mobile coverage, no WiFi, and no TV signal, offering families a genuinely disconnected nature immersion in the ancient Tarkine rainforest. Each cottage has a patio verandah backing directly onto the rainforest, a gas log-style heater, private ensuite, and fully equipped kitchenette - designed for multi-night self-sufficient stays. The Tannin Restaurant serves local Tasmanian produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and kayaking, fishing, and graded nature walks are all accessible within metres of the cottages. The property runs entirely on solar power with rainwater supply - a conservation-focused setup that provides an educational dimension for older children. The nearest town (Zeehan) is a 1-hour drive, so families should arrive well-provisioned.

    • Patio verandahs directly facing Tarkine Rainforest
    • Kayaking, fishing, and graded nature walks on-site
    • Tannin Restaurant serving local Tasmanian produce daily

    Hurry – almost gone at this price! 

    from

    AU$ 302

Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Family Stays in Tasmania

Tasmania's peak family travel season runs from late December through late January, driven by Australian school summer holidays. Coastal properties - particularly on the east coast between Swansea and Bicheno - fill fastest during this window, with self-contained cottages booking out weeks in advance. Prices across the island rise by around 30% during January compared to shoulder months. March through May is arguably the best time for families - school holidays aside, the crowds thin significantly, autumn colours appear in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, and weather remains mild enough for outdoor activity without summer heat. June through August suits families targeting Cradle Mountain snow experiences, but many coastal properties reduce services and some wilderness lodges alter dining hours, as Corinna Wilderness Village does in winter. For families visiting Port Arthur or Freycinet, midweek arrivals in February or March offer the best balance of value and accessibility. A minimum of 7 nights is recommended for families wanting to combine Hobart, the east coast, and either Cradle Mountain or the northwest without feeling rushed - anything shorter typically means sacrificing one full region. Booking ferry crossings on the Spirit of Tasmania 8 weeks ahead during summer school holidays is not excessive; cabins and family berths sell out before standard vehicle spots.

  • What It's Like Staying in Tasmania with a Family
  • Why Choose Family-Friendly Hotels in Tasmania
  • Practical Booking & Area Strategy for Families in Tasmania

  • Best Value Family Stays

    • 1. Bicheno By The Bay
    • 2. Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport
    • 3. Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone
    • 4. Shearwater Resort
    • 5. Argosy Motor Inn
    • 6. Swansea Beach Chalets
    • 7. Top Of The Town Hotel Motel
    • 8. Shoreline Hotel
    • 9.

  • Best Premium Family Stays

    • 10. Country Club Tasmania
    • 11. Ratho Farm
    • 12. Port Arthur Motor Inn
    • 13. Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat
    • 14. Corinna Wilderness Village
  • Smart Travel & Timing Advice for Family Stays in Tasmania
Hotels featured in this article
1. Bicheno By The Bay
2. Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport
3. Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone
4. Shearwater Resort
5. Argosy Motor Inn
6. Swansea Beach Chalets
7. Top Of The Town Hotel Motel
8. Shoreline Hotel
9.
10. Country Club Tasmania
11. Ratho Farm
12. Port Arthur Motor Inn
13. Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat
14. Corinna Wilderness Village
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Hotel Comparison Table

Hotel Price Best For Location Trade-Off Top Strength Standout Feature
Bicheno By The Bay AU$ 211 East coast beach families Bicheno, East Coast Tasmania Remote from major supermarkets Self-contained bungalows with Tasman Sea views Outdoor pool, tennis court, and children's playground on-site
Mantra Hobart Airport — Families on transit or late arrivals Hobart Airport, Hobart 15-minute drive from Hobart CBD Sound-proofed rooms with 24-hour reception Airport shuttle and spa bath rooms available
Shearwater Resort AU$ 141 Families wanting year-round pool access Port Sorell, Northwest Tasmania 21 km from Devonport's main amenities Indoor pool for all weather conditions Tennis court, playground, and BBQ in one resort
Top Of The Town Hotel Motel AU$ 74 Families on the northwest circuit Burnie, Northwest Tasmania Basic motel-style rooms On-site restaurant and bar in regional town 48 km from Hellyer Gorge rainforest walks
Ratho Farm AU$ 215 Families seeking a farm and heritage stay Bothwell, Central Highlands Tasmania 77 km from Hobart Airport Fishing, cycling, and Australia's oldest golf course Buffet breakfast and balcony rooms with rural views
Shoreline Hotel AU$ 156 Families wanting Hobart access without CBD prices Howrah, Hobart suburbs 15-minute drive to Hobart CBD 3 on-site dining venues including full dining room Views of River Derwent and Mount Wellington
Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport AU$ 120 Ferry arrivals needing beachside recovery East Devonport Beach, Devonport Limited on-site dining facilities Direct beachfront with BBQ area and private bungalows 5-minute drive from Spirit of Tasmania terminal
Port Arthur Motor Inn AU$ 140 Families visiting Port Arthur Historic Site Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula 81 km from Hobart Airport Closest motel to Port Arthur Historic Site 800 metres from Port Arthur town with on-site restaurant
Country Club Tasmania AU$ 211 Families wanting full resort amenities in Launceston Near Launceston, Northern Tasmania Short drive from central Launceston Free indoor pool, spa, sauna, and courts included 3 restaurants and full health club on-site
Argosy Motor Inn AU$ 108 Families arriving by ferry on a budget Devonport, Northwest Tasmania Motel-style rooms, no pool 4 minutes from ferry terminal with in-room cooking kit In-room microwave, crockery, and cutlery in all rooms
Corinna Wilderness Village AU$ 302 Adventurous families seeking off-grid immersion Pieman River Reserve, West Tasmania No WiFi, no mobile coverage, 1 hour from nearest town Kayaking and rainforest walks from the doorstep Solar-powered eco cottages on Tarkine Rainforest edge
Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone AU$ 185 Budget-conscious families wanting beach access Ulverstone, Northwest Tasmania Holiday park format, shared communal areas 300 metres from Ulverstone Beach with self-catering In-ground trampoline and beachfront position
Swansea Beach Chalets AU$ 202 Families combining beach and Freycinet day trips Swansea, East Coast Tasmania Kitchenette only - no full restaurant on-site Direct beach access and Great Oyster Bay views Private verandahs facing Freycinet Peninsula
Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat AU$ 292 Families targeting Cradle Mountain with comfort Near Cradle Mountain, Northwest Tasmania Higher price point than standard regional accommodation 35 minutes from Cradle Mountain with award-winning restaurant Luxury spa suites with mountain views and packed lunch service

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Hobart is the most practical all-round base - it provides airport access, supermarkets, hospitals, and day-trip reach to Port Arthur, Mount Wellington, and the Huon Valley. Families targeting Cradle Mountain should base in Launceston or stay directly at a wilderness retreat like Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat to avoid long daily drives.

  • Abel Tasman Cabins Devonport and Argosy Motor Inn are both within 5-10 minutes of the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport, making either a logical first-night stop before continuing your Tasmanian itinerary.

  • Big4 Tassie Getaway Park Ulverstone and Argosy Motor Inn consistently offer among the lowest price points in this selection. Big4 has direct beach access and self-contained kitchen facilities that reduce daily food costs for larger families.

  • Corinna Wilderness Village offers the most immersive outdoor experience - kayaking, fishing, and rainforest walks from the doorstep - but requires families to be comfortable without mobile coverage or internet. Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat is a better fit for families wanting wilderness access with on-site restaurant support and WiFi.

  • For December and January travel, book at least 6 weeks ahead for coastal cottages and self-contained properties - these sell faster than standard hotel rooms. For Spirit of Tasmania family berths, 8 weeks ahead is realistic during school holidays.

  • Yes - Country Club Tasmania in Launceston and Shearwater Resort in Port Sorell both offer indoor pools, which are particularly valuable given Tasmania's changeable weather.

  • A minimum of 7 nights allows families to cover Hobart, one east coast location, and either Cradle Mountain or the northwest without feeling rushed. Shorter stays of 4-5 nights work best if limited to one region, such as Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula.

  • Shearwater Resort and Bicheno By The Bay offer strong quality-to-price ratios - both include multiple on-site facilities (pool, playground, tennis) within mid-range pricing, and are positioned near key Tasmanian attractions without the premium of luxury wilderness lodges.

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