We let the kids plan our Tassie getaway and the itinerary surprised us

The brief was simple: choose things that won't make you whinge "I'm booooored". Now I know why this is a 2025 trend. 

There comes a time in your life when holidays stop becoming about you. It usually coincides with welcoming a little one into the mix.

You start booking family-friendly stays that have a portacot, high chair, and dinners are scheduled before it’s bedtime while you sit in a dark hotel room before it’s even 8pm with the TV really low (if you dare) so you don’t wake the baby.

Then, as the kids get a bit older, you graduate to stays that might have a nice pool, a kids' club, and a good menu for fussy eaters.

I’ve done all that and I now find myself in those preteen years where my kids just want a holiday where they’re not walking everywhere and feeling “bored”. 

With this in mind, it didn’t surprise me to learn that according to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, 71% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z Aussies are shaping family travel plans, with 69% of parents across Asia-Pacific choosing destinations based on their kids' interests.

From room configurations, dining options, nearby activities, and youth programs available, our little miracles are determining how our days are spent when we're away from home. 

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The selection begins.. what will they choose? Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

We let the kids create the itinerary

During a recent getaway to Hobart, Tasmania, I decided to test the theory that Gen Alpha's way of travel is the perfect way to hit the road (or skies).

I completely handed over the holiday-planning power to my two kids during our stay - fully prepared that this would either be a great trip or a complete disaster. 

We stayed at the newly opened DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, just steps from Hobart’s waterfront, CBD and Salamanca Place. At the request of my 12yo son and 10yo daughter, we checked into a connecting room with plenty of space and separate beds. We've officially moved on from sharing a sofa bed to save money. Joy. 

The family room was spacious, with a great connecting layout that gave us both privacy and togetherness. It was ideal for traveling with kids and everyone slept with no complaints about a sibling hogging the covers. The first request proved to be a winner!

After filling our bellies at the impressive breakfast buffet, we were off to begin three days of carefully selected activities. 

Amaze in Richmond kept the kids entertained (and challenged!) Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Amaze Richmond

With only three days in town, we hit the ground running with a visit to Amaze Richmond, about a 20-minute drive from the CBD. 

The outdoor maze attraction offered two fun and engaging options: a classic hedge maze and a unique wooden maze. Each one challenged us in different ways—while the hedge maze had us searching for hidden animal figures among the greenery, the wooden maze was all about spotting symbols cleverly tucked away in corners and along paths.

Both mazes were beautifully designed and just the right level of tricky to keep the kids entertained without causing frustration. The real highlight was the code-breaking element at the end, where the items we found came together to reveal a secret message. It kept their minds buzzing and added a fun layer of purpose to the whole experience.

A great mix of outdoor adventure and mental challenge - perfect for families looking for something a little different.

Entry: A family pass (2 adults, 2 children) is $60

RELATED: I spent a weekend in Hobart and it felt like Europe

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery was a good pick. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

My daughter loves art so a visit to an art gallery was one of the first things she put on their list. 

"How about this Mona place?" she suggested to her brother, who delicately explained that he had heard it has "inappropriate" art there. 

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery was the next best thing - and it had free entry. How good. 

From the moment we walked in, my daughter was completely captivated. There’s something really special about seeing a child light up in a space that sparks their creativity and curiosity and this spot does a beautiful job of blending natural history, culture, and art in a way that’s engaging for all ages.

Entry: Free

Tahune Airwalk was an adventure and a half. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Tahune Adventures

Next on the list was a day-trip (about an hour and a half drive) to Tahune Adventures. This outdoor playground is where the river, the forest and the sky come together. It's a hiker's paradise!

The highlight for us was definitely the AirWalk – a spectacular steel walkway that stretches high above the forest canopy with breathtaking views over the Huon River. It’s an incredible experience being up that high, surrounded by Tasmania’s beautiful wilderness.

The kids absolutely loved it! They were full of wonder, especially on the cantilever section that juts out over the river – though I’ll admit, it’s not for the faint-hearted. If you’re afraid of heights, you might find parts of the walk a little nerve-wracking, but the views more than make up for it.

You can also take the Swinging Bridges track that leads to exactly that (a swinging bridge) or book the family into a Eagle Hang Glider experience for an additional cost. The weather was starting to turn on us so we missed out this time, but my kids insisted we come back to try it!

It was a brilliant way to experience Tasmania’s natural beauty. Highly recommended for families, adventurers, and anyone after something a little different. Another winner from the youngsters. 

Entry: Family pass (2 adults, 3 children) $82.50. Eagle hang glider (adult) $25 or (child) $22.

A little treat for the adults... trying all the alcoholic things at Pattex Distillery, Frogmore Creek Winery and Willie Smith's Apple Shed. Images: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Taste testing our way through Tasmania

Back to Hilton's trend report, 54% of parents like to carve out “adult time” during family getaways - because we can also whine "we're boooored" too, kids!

With outdoor adventures ticked off, it was now time to enjoy another element that Tasmania is famous for... produce!

Having a car hired meant that we could drive along the picturesque countryside, paying a quick visit to places we found along the way. We sampled some famous Leatherwood Tasmanian honey at The Honey Pot, creamy brie at Wicked Cheese Co, and some artisan chocolate at Coal River Farm. 

No kids complained here because... who doesn't love a sample???

A visit to Frogmore Creek winery was also a must, where the adults tasted crisp Rieslings and elegant Pinot Noirs, as well sampling some delicious Tasmanian apple cider at Willie Smith's Apple Shed. (Hot tip.. try the hot cider!). But the standout produce pit stops were yet to come - both being surprise finds we didn't anticipate adding into the mix. 

In the afternoon, we switched gears to the world of Tasmanian spirits and a surprise find was made at the end of a hidden warehouse driveway - Pattex / Section 44 Distillery. This warehouse isn't set up for tourist tours and large group taste-testing but that's what made it absolutely perfect. We were greeted by the lovely co-owner, Raj, who was patient in explaining the process of whiskey and gin making, but also offered up a gin I've never tasted before. All I'll say is, try the Masala gin if you go!

The next highlight was the only foodie visit the kids chose for the trip - a visit to an oyster farm. 

Purely based on reviews and the location not far from Hobart CBD, we stopped by Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. We arrived just as the restaurant kitchen was closing but the takeaway area downstairs still allows you to sit down casually for a seafood feast. We took on two trays of fresh oysters for $31 along with some fresh cooked prawns. My god - they were deliciously fresh!

All of the fresh produce at Salamanca Markets. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Salamanca Market

My kids love a good market, so the famous Salamanca Market didn't need any push from us to make it on the itinerary. 

Held every Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s most popular and vibrant outdoor market. Set against the backdrop of historic Georgian sandstone warehouses along the picturesque waterfront, the market features over 300 stalls showcasing local arts, crafts, gourmet produce, fashion, and handmade treasures.

There’s a distinctly European feel to Salamanca Place — cobbled streets, live music echoing between old buildings, and the smell of artisan breads, roasted coffee, and fresh flowers in the air. It’s as close to Europe as you can get in Australia, blending history, culture, and a buzzing community atmosphere all in one unforgettable location.

Combining a trip to Salamanca Market with a wander through Battery Point is the ultimate way to experience Hobart’s heritage and soul. It boasts old-world charm combined with European ambiance and is also home to a stunning bakery, Jackman & McRoss, perfect for a little pitstop and refuel.

Entry: Free

A refuel at Battery Point - the closest you'll get to Europe right now. Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

Where to eat in Hobart

The piers along the waterfront boast many options for casual and fine dining, as does Hobart's CBD. 

If you're after a seafood feast without being too fancy-pants, head to Mures Lower Deck. The prices are reasonable and there are enough options there to keep the family happy and well-fed. Make sure you end the meal with one of their famous ice creams. You'll get the biggest single scoop imaginable for just $8!

When we were all seafooded out, we dined at Frank, which offered a decent selection of steak and sides, and when we just didn't want to walk or think anymore, a reservation at the hotel's restaurant, Leatherwood Bar and Kitchen was a lifesaver. 

Chilli muscles at Mures Lower Deck and the biggest single scoop ice-cream too! Image: Leah Goulis / Kidspot

From the moment we arrived, Hobart’s mix of wild natural beauty and foodie charm had us hooked. Sure, the kids took the lead with the planning but their choices were full of adventure that we all didn't mind tapping into.

This trip reminded us that a family holiday doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the adult experiences — with a bit of balance (and some cleverly timed snack breaks), Hobart delivered something for everyone. 

Leah was a guest of DoubleTree By Hilton Hobart and definitely saw that Gen Alpha are onto a winner by taking the reins on family getaways. 

Originally published as We let the kids plan our Tassie getaway and the itinerary surprised us