Hobart is compact enough that almost anywhere central puts you within walking distance of the harbour, Salamanca, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery — so the real decision for families isn't so much "which suburb" as "which type of room." A self-contained apartment with a kitchen and separate bedrooms will make a bigger difference to your trip than which hotel chain you pick. Below, we go through the strongest options across every budget, what actually matters when you're booking with kids, and which areas of the city suit which kind of family trip.
Why "family-friendly" means something different in Hobart
Hobart isn't a resort town. There's no strip of beachfront family hotels with kids' clubs and water parks the way there is on the Gold Coast or in Bali. What Hobart does have is a small, walkable city centre, a excellent apartment-hotel scene, and a cluster of attractions — the waterfront, Salamanca Market, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens — that sit close enough together that families rarely need to drive far.
That changes what "family-friendly" should actually mean when you're booking. It's less about swim-up bars and kids' clubs, and more about practical things: can you cook a meal without going out, is there space for everyone to actually spread out in the evening, and can you walk to dinner instead of loading tired kids back into a car. Every recommendation below is built around those three questions.
What to look for when booking family accommodation in Hobart
Before the individual picks, a few things matter more for families than for a typical couple's trip:
- A kitchen or kitchenette — even a basic one saves money on meals and means you're not relying on restaurants for breakfast every day with tired kids
- Separate bedrooms or at least a partition — a single hotel room with two double beds works for a night, not for four or five
- Laundry facilities — either in-room or on-site, especially useful on longer Tasmania trips where you're packing for changeable weather
- Walking distance to the waterfront — Constitution Dock, Salamanca, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery are the easiest low-effort family activities, and being able to walk there beats driving and parking every time
- Air-conditioning and heating — Hobart's weather swings more than people expect, even in summer, and a room that can't handle a cold snap makes for a miserable night with kids
- Parking, if you're self-driving — central Hobart isn't set up for abundant free street parking, so check whether parking is included or an extra cost before you book
Hotel vs apartment vs holiday park: which type actually suits your family
There are three real categories of family accommodation in Hobart, and they suit different trips.
Full-service hotels (Vibe Hotel Hobart, Crowne Plaza Hobart) give you daily housekeeping, an on-site restaurant, and consistent service — closer to what you'd expect from a family hotel anywhere else in Australia. The trade-off is you're paying for services you might not use every day, and you're eating out (or ordering room service) more than you would with a kitchen.
Apartment hotels (The Old Woolstore, Quest Trinity House, Quest Savoy, St Ives Apartments, Grosvenor Court Apartments) give you a kitchen, a separate living area, and often a washing machine — useful on a Tasmania trip where you're likely packing for four seasons in one bag. These tend to be the best value for families staying more than two or three nights, since a few home-cooked meals quickly offset any price difference with a hotel.
Holiday parks and cabins (BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park) are the budget end, and the right call if you're travelling with a caravan, want space for kids to run around outside, or are on a tighter budget for a longer trip. The trade-off is distance from the CBD — you'll be driving in for most activities rather than walking.
The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel — the strongest all-rounder
The Old Woolstore sits right in the heart of Hobart, a five-minute walk from Franklin Wharf and Constitution Dock. It's set up as apartment-style accommodation, which means separate living areas and kitchen facilities rather than a single hotel room — useful with kids, especially for breakfast and downtime in the evening.
Its central location means you can walk to the waterfront, Salamanca, and most of the CBD's family-friendly stops without needing the car each day. For a family staying three nights or more, this is one of the easiest recommendations in Hobart — it hits the location, space, and self-catering brief better than most alternatives
Quest Trinity House and Quest Savoy — reliable serviced apartments
Quest's serviced apartments are a safe bet for families across Australia, and Hobart's two properties follow the same formula: full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and laundry facilities in most apartments. They're a practical choice if you want the space of an apartment without hunting through less familiar boutique options, and the consistency of the Quest brand means you generally know what you're getting before you arrive.
Both properties sit close enough to the CBD that walking to the main attractions is realistic, though slightly further out than The Old Woolstore, so factor in a bit more walking time or a short drive.
Vibe Hotel Hobart — the "eat, play, stay" pick
Vibe Hotel Hobart is positioned as a family-friendly, all-in-one stay right in the city centre. It's a genuine hotel rather than apartment-style accommodation, so if you'd rather have hotel services (daily housekeeping, an on-site restaurant) than a kitchen, this is a strong alternative to the apartment-style options above.
It's a good pick for shorter stays — a weekend or three nights — where you're not planning to cook much anyway and would rather have the convenience of a full-service hotel in a central location.
Crowne Plaza Hobart — modern and centrally located
Crowne Plaza Hobart opened in 2020 and has built a reputation as a family favourite since. It's a larger hotel — 235 rooms and suites — with air-conditioning and soundproofing, which matters more than it sounds like when you've got kids on a different sleep schedule to you.
Its central location keeps you close to the same waterfront attractions as the picks above, and being a larger, newer property, it tends to have more consistent room standards across bookings than some of the smaller boutique options in the city.
St Ives Apartments — for a quieter, self-contained base
St Ives Apartments sits between Salamanca, Battery Point, and Sandy Bay, which puts you slightly outside the busiest part of the CBD while still an easy walk or short drive from it. Self-contained apartment living here suits families who want a bit more quiet in the evenings without giving up proximity to the main attractions.
Battery Point itself is worth a mention — it's one of Hobart's oldest and most attractive residential pockets, with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages that make for a pleasant wander if you've got older kids interested in history, or just want a change of pace from the busier waterfront.
Grosvenor Court Apartments and Bay View Villas — more self-contained options
Grosvenor Court Apartments and Bay View Villas round out the apartment-style category, both offering self-contained living without the brand recognition of Quest or the central positioning of The Old Woolstore. Bay View Villas, in West Hobart, is within a five-minute drive of Constitution Dock and Salamanca Market, making it a reasonable middle-ground option if the more central properties are booked out or over budget for your dates.
Kangaroo Bay Apartments — across the water, away from the crowds
Kangaroo Bay Apartments, in Bellerive, is about a 10-minute drive from Constitution Dock and Salamanca Market — or a ferry ride, if you'd rather skip the car and make the crossing part of the day's fun for the kids. The Hobart ferry itself is a enjoyable, low-cost activity with kids, and basing yourself in Bellerive turns a routine commute into a small daily adventure.
It's a good option if you want a quieter base without losing easy access to the city, and it tends to be better value than equivalent CBD apartments, since you're paying for a short ferry ride rather than a waterfront address.
Salamanca Inn and Mantra One Sandy Bay — established, central options
Salamanca Inn All Suite Hotel and Mantra One Sandy Bay are two more established options worth knowing about. Salamanca Inn sits close to the market it's named after, making it convenient on Saturdays when the market is the main event of the day. Mantra One Sandy Bay offers deluxe apartments with two bedrooms and two bathrooms on a single level in some configurations — worth asking about directly if anyone in your group has mobility considerations, since not all apartment layouts in Hobart are single-level.
MACq 01 Hotel — if you want to splurge
If budget isn't the main constraint and you want a proper waterfront hotel experience, MACq 01 is Hobart's best-known boutique waterfront hotel, right on Sullivans Cove. It's not set up specifically as a family property in the way an apartment hotel is, but for families who want a genuine "special occasion" stay in Hobart with older kids or teens, it's worth knowing about as the premium end of the market.
BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park — the budget and caravan option
If you're travelling with a caravan, camper, or just want a lower-cost cabin option, BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park is worth a look. Holiday parks like this typically include a playground and BBQ facilities on-site, which can be a genuine win with younger kids who need somewhere to burn energy without a planned outing.
It's near the airport rather than the CBD, so factor in the extra drive time each day — this isn't the pick if you want to walk to the waterfront each morning, but it's a strong option if you're arriving late, leaving early, or prioritising budget and space over central location.
Which area should you actually stay in?
Hobart's family-friendly options cluster into a few areas, each with a slightly different feel:
- CBD / waterfront (Constitution Dock, Salamanca): the most convenient for walking to attractions, best for families without a car who want everything close
- Sandy Bay / Battery Point: a short drive or walk from the CBD, generally quieter in the evenings, with some good local cafes and a more residential feel
- Bellerive / Kangaroo Bay (across the Derwent): quieter still, with the ferry crossing itself doubling as a small adventure for kids
- West Hobart: a reasonable middle ground for value, close enough to drive into the CBD in a few minutes
- Near the airport: the budget and caravan-friendly option, best if you're arriving late or leaving early and don't want a long drive either way
Getting around Hobart with kids
Hobart is one of the easier Australian cities to manage with kids, mostly because of its size. The CBD and waterfront are flat and walkable, which matters if you're pushing a pram or managing a toddler who tires out quickly.
If you're staying centrally, you likely won't need a car for day-to-day movement around the city itself — you'll want one for day trips out to Richmond, Bonorong, or further afield, but not necessarily for getting between your hotel and dinner. If you're staying in Bellerive or further out, the passenger ferry across the Derwent is worth using instead of driving in — it's inexpensive, scenic, and kids tend to enjoy the novelty of it.
Parking in central Hobart is more limited than in many Australian capitals, so if you are self-driving and staying centrally, check whether your accommodation includes parking, and budget for a short walk from a public car park if it doesn't.
What to plan your stay around
A few Hobart staples are worth building your family itinerary around, regardless of where you stay:
- Constitution Dock and the waterfront — free to wander, with fish punts for lunch and a nice atmosphere in the evening
- Salamanca Market — Saturdays only, and worth timing your visit around if you can, since it's one of Hobart's best free family activities
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) — free entry, indoor, and a good option if the weather turns
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens — a good half-day outdoor stop, especially if the kids need space to run
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond — a short drive out, and one of the best full-day family outings from Hobart, as covered in our Richmond day trip guide
Best time of year to visit Hobart with family
Hobart's weather swings more than a lot of visitors expect, and that matters for family trips more than solo ones. Summer (December–February) has the longest days and the most predictable weather for outdoor activities, but it's also peak season, meaning higher accommodation prices and busier attractions — book well ahead if you're travelling over the school holidays.
Autumn (March–May) is a underrated time to visit with kids — mild weather, thinner crowds, and lower accommodation rates than summer. Winter (June–August) is cold and can be wet, but indoor attractions like TMAG and MONA still work well, and accommodation is at its cheapest. Spring (September–November) sits in between, with variable weather but blossoming gardens and fewer crowds than summer.
What to pack for a Hobart family trip
Tasmania's reputation for "four seasons in a day" weather is accurate, and it matters more with kids who feel the cold or heat more acutely than adults. Pack layers regardless of season, bring a light rain jacket even in summer, and don't assume a sunny morning means a sunny afternoon.
If you've booked an apartment with laundry facilities, you can pack lighter than you'd otherwise need to for a week-long trip — one of the practical advantages of the apartment-style options covered above.
FAQ
What's the best area to stay in Hobart with kids?
The CBD and waterfront area, near Constitution Dock and Salamanca, is the most convenient — most family attractions are within walking distance, cutting down on car trips with tired kids.
Should families book an apartment or a hotel room in Hobart?
An apartment with a kitchen and separate bedrooms generally works better for families than a standard hotel room, especially for stays longer than two or three nights. Hotels like Vibe or Crowne Plaza are still a good option if you'd rather have hotel services than a kitchen.
Is Hobart walkable for families with young kids?
Yes, the CBD and waterfront area is compact and flat in most places, making it manageable with a pram or young children on foot.
Are there budget-friendly family accommodation options in Hobart?
Yes — holiday parks like BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park offer cabin accommodation with playgrounds and BBQ facilities at a lower cost than CBD hotels, though you'll need to factor in the drive into the city.
Do family hotels in Hobart have pools?
Some do, though pools aren't as common in central Hobart hotels as in beachside destinations. Check individual properties directly, since this varies significantly between the options above.
Is it worth staying across the river in Bellerive instead of the CBD?
It can be, if you want a quieter base and don't mind the short drive or ferry ride into the city. It won't suit families who want to walk everywhere without planning transport.
Do we need a car if we're staying in central Hobart?
Not for getting around the city itself — the CBD and waterfront are walkable. You will want a car (or a tour) for day trips to places like Richmond, Bonorong, or further afield.
How far in advance should we book family accommodation in Hobart?
For summer (December–February) and school holiday periods, book several months ahead if possible, since both accommodation and popular attractions get busy. Autumn and winter allow for more flexibility.
Is MONA suitable for a family visit?
MONA is a unusual museum with some confronting and adult-themed works alongside more accessible exhibits, so it's worth checking current exhibitions if you're planning to bring younger children.
What's the easiest free activity for families in Hobart?
Walking the waterfront at Constitution Dock, visiting the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (free entry), and Salamanca Market on Saturdays are the three easiest, lowest-cost options, and all sit close enough together to combine in one day.
The honest verdict
For most families, an apartment-style stay like The Old Woolstore or a Quest property gives you the best balance of location and practicality — a kitchen and separate bedrooms make a bigger difference day to day than any hotel amenity. If you'd rather have full hotel service, Vibe Hotel Hobart or Crowne Plaza Hobart are solid, centrally located alternatives. Want a quieter, more residential base, St Ives Apartments or Kangaroo Bay Apartments across the river are worth considering. Travelling on a tighter budget or with a caravan, BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park is worth the extra drive time, and if you want to splurge for a special occasion, MACq 01 is the standout waterfront option.
Once you've got a base sorted, take a look at https://touringtassie.com.au/Tours our family-friendly day tours to fill out the rest of your Hobart trip.
