The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hobart

Our guide features over 30 family-friendly hiking trails around Hobart, ranging from easy strolls perfect for young children to moderate walks suitable for older kids and active families. You'll find a diverse selection to explore the region's natural beauty.

Hobart's family-friendly trails offer an incredible variety of scenery. You can expect everything from lush rainforests with cascading waterfalls, like those found near Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park, to dramatic coastal paths with stunning sea cliffs and panoramic views, such as parts of the Tasman National Park. Many trails also wind through sub-alpine terrain on kunanyi/Mount Wellington or offer serene riverside and foreshore experiences.

Yes, for very young children or those with strollers, the Cedar River Trail offers a gentle, mostly flat experience. Other excellent options include sections of the Clarence Foreshore Trail, which is paved and offers scenic views, or the Hobart Rivulet Walk, known for its accessible paths and potential for platypus spotting.

Absolutely! One of the most iconic family-friendly waterfall experiences is at Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park. The walk to the multi-tiered falls is relatively short and easy, winding through a beautiful forest. Another lovely option is the Fern Tree to Silver Falls Track on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, which leads to a serene waterfall amidst lush surroundings.

Yes, many family-friendly routes around Hobart offer a circular experience, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Cedar River Trail loop from Landsburg Reach Natural Area provides a moderate circular option. The Risdon Brook Dam Circuit is another popular choice for a pleasant loop walk with water views.

Several family-friendly trails in and around Hobart are accessible via public transport. The Hobart Rivulet Walk starts close to the city center, and sections of the Clarence Foreshore Trail are also well-served by buses. For trails on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, some bus services can take you part-way up, making tracks like the Pipeline Track more accessible.

Wildlife spotting is a highlight on many family hikes around Hobart! On kunanyi/Mount Wellington, you might see wallabies, pademelons, and various bird species. The Hobart Rivulet Walk is known for potential platypus sightings. Coastal trails, especially around Bruny Island or the Tasman Peninsula, offer opportunities to spot marine birds and sometimes even seals or dolphins from a distance.

The family-friendly trails around Hobart are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make these adventures enjoyable for all ages.

For spectacular views of Hobart and the Derwent River, the trails on kunanyi/Mount Wellington are unparalleled. The Pinnacle Circuit offers panoramic vistas from the summit. The Truganini Track on Mount Nelson also provides sweeping views over the city and river, leading to the historic Signal Station, which is a great spot for families.

Hobart's weather can be changeable, even in summer. It's best to dress in layers, regardless of the season. Always bring a waterproof and windproof jacket, as conditions can shift quickly, especially on higher elevations like kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential, and don't forget sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and plenty of water.

Yes, several family-friendly trails offer convenient access to cafes or designated picnic areas. The Clarence Foreshore Trail is dotted with cafes along its route, perfect for a refreshment stop. The Hobart Rivulet Walk also has cafes nearby in the city. Many parks and reserves, like those around kunanyi/Mount Wellington or Mount Field National Park, have picnic facilities available.

Dog-friendly policies vary by location in Tasmania. While national parks generally do not permit dogs on trails to protect wildlife, many local reserves and foreshore paths around Hobart do. Always check the specific regulations for each trail or park before you go. The Clarence Foreshore Trail and parts of the Hobart Rivulet Walk are often popular choices for families with dogs.