Where do you go with a young family on a budget holiday? Tasmania of course! A natural choice for getting back to nature, eating fresh produce, creating adventures and making memories. Where the sea and land have so much to offer. Wombats, wallabies, quolls and Tasmanian devils will educate and delight all ages.
We have put together for you a ‘Tassie taster’ of a list highlighting Northern Tasmania as a focus. Happy Holidaying!
Mole Creek Caves Tour
There are 3 different Mole Creek Cave tours, all of which last 45 minutes. Tours are conducted everyday of the year with the only exception being Christmas Day. The caves sit at a regular temperature of approximately 9 degrees celcius, so wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Tickets for both caves can be purchased at 330 Mayberry Road, Mayberry. Bookings are only needed for large groups.
These magnificent caves are formed by water dissolving the limestone rock. Large dolerite rocks and boulders that resided in the mountains have been pushed through and consequently made themselves at home. There are 2 catchment systems that feed into the caves. With the Western Tiers directly above. Senior cave guide – Haydn Stedman told of how the infamous flooding (during June 2016) cleared the caves revealing fossils previously unseen. Although many repairs were needed they are again open to the public and fitted with a new electrical system.Instead of driving all the way up to the cave entrance, park your car at the Marakoopa Cave Ticket Office car park and allow yourself extra time to meander through the Fern Glade Walk (approximately 15 minutes).“Underground Rivers and Glow-worms Tour (10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm daily, plus an additional 4.00 pm tour between 1 Oct – 31 May)
Visit the lower chamber and be dazzled by its sparkling crystals, reflection pools, stalactites and stalagmites. Take time to listen to the music of underground streams and soak up the silence of abandoned river passages. This easy tour caters for all age groups and levels of fitness.
Great Cathedral and Glow-worms Tour (11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm daily)
The magnificent cavern known as the ‘Great Cathedral’ is a highlight not to be missed. The ‘Gardens’ feature delicate formations and beautiful colours. Medium fitness levels are required for this tour, to ascend the stairway to the ‘Great Cathedral’.” – http://molecreek.info/natures-wonders/mole-creek-caves
Marakoopa Cave: 330 Mayberry Road, Mayberry
King Solomons Cave: Liena Road, Liena
Sparkling calcite decorate the chambers of this cave, creating a magical atmosphere that has to be seen to be appreciated. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness this is an enticing cave for those with young families or able elderly. During summer the cave tours are quite popular, so make sure you arrive approximately 30 minutes early to secure your spot. Book ahead if you have a group. Prices and tour times can be found on the link below:
Liffey Falls State Reserve
Waterfalls, hiking, cool temperate rainforests – what is not to love!? The Liffey Falls State Reserve is well equipped for visitors, including toilets with disabled access, sheltered picnic areas, and gas barbecues at the upper end of the reserve. Myrtle, sassafras and leatherwood dominate the landscape into a beautiful green scene to delight the senses. It has also been included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (1989), in recognition of its significant global value.
Please note that the upper Liffey Falls Picnic Area and lower Liffey campground is a steep slippery, gravel road and therefore not suitable for caravans or buses.
The walk to Liffey Falls is included in the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania!
Tamar River Hobie Canoe Tour
Located in Launceston, just a 40 min drive from Beauty Point Tourist Park. The 90 minute guided tour of the Tamar River in Launceston are on Hobie pedal powered canoes. The Mirage drive foot powered flippers let your legs do the work whilst you hands are free to take that selfie! …and steer of course. These tours are weather dependent and will require you to book ahead. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Launceston Indoor Rock Climbing
Located in central Launceston, 49 – 55 Frederick Street, this indoor activity will be of interest to many kids, big and small. Open Monday through till Saturday and allowing 10 climbers at one time, allowing siblings and friends to climb together. There climbing walls have varying difficulties plus bouldering walls and caving for all ages.
Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Beauty Point Tourist Park, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary offer an experience of native wildlife in their natural habitat. Set on over 65 acres and established in 1979 Trowunna is privately owned and open daily from 9 – 5pm and hosts 3 interactive tours per day 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Another great National Park close to Beauty Point is Narawntapu at Bakers Beach, check out our previous blog to find out more: http://beautypointtouristpark.com.au/campervanning/campervanning-in-north-east-tasmania/
Greens Beach & Bakers Beach / Narawntapu National Park
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Brian Dullaghan
We have spoken about the joys of Narawntapu National Park in a previous blog, and a day at the beach is a classic family favourite. Take a picnic or some hot fish and chips from the local takeaway store to relax and enjoy. Build sand castles, go for a swim, play in the sand dunes, run along the beach and just kick back and relax. There is also some great fishing spots around the area if you are keen. Greens Beach is just 20 minutes drive from Beauty Point Tourist Park and still quite the hidden secret, despite the long stretch of sand and unspoilt natural beauty.
Find more interesting things to do
To help you plan your trip to Tasmania, check out the following links: