Holidaying with my dog

A picturesque travel location ideal for a special family adventure, Tasmania is a bucket list destination for most Australians. Travelling with a camper and kids in tow can be a costly venture, so if your frugal family is planning a trip to Tasmania, check out this quick guide to kid-friendly, camper-friendly frugal travel in Tassie!

Are we there yet?

Getting to Tassie with a tribe and trailer in tow is potentially the most expensive part of the holiday. While catching the ferry may be cheaper than flying, it can add up if you're buying food and drinks on-board. Save some serious cash by packing some kid-friendly snacks in your luggage for the ferry ride, and don't forget to stock up on seasickness medication at your local chemist before heading off! If you're happy to travel off-peak, you may find that you can save on the cost of your ferry tickets and car/camper transport. If you are a member of Big4 or RACV you can also take advantage of their current ferry discount deals, saving 5% or 10% respectively.

Where are we? I'm bored!

Planning your trip is a must for a frugal family adventure, and the locations you choose to visit will really depend on your family's interests. If you have an adventurous and fit family, take advantage of the many national parks and beaches for bike-rides, hiking, chair-lift rides, cave explorations, cable hang gliding and kayaking escapades. Since you're travelling in with the luxury of your camper trailer's storage space, you can even bring the family's bikes along to save on hire fees. If your family is younger or less adventuresome, take in the epic scenery with forest picnics, free historical tours, riverside strolls and wildlife watching! While entry costs to museums and tourist attractions can be costly, take advantage of the many free programs on offer, such as the Parks and Wildlife Service's Discover Ranger summer program of 'free, fun and educational activities'.

Do I have to share a room?

If your family is happy to stay in free camping locations, there are plenty of beautiful free camping grounds to take advantage of across Tasmania. This is an ideal option if you have a solar set-up, and want to explore some of the wild and remote national parks. If you're travelling during the winter months or you have young children, you may want to stay in top-rated caravan parks with the comfort of mains power, children's play equipment and amenities. There are over fifty parks to choose from across the island—here are some of the best kid-friendly holiday parks in Tasmania.

For more information on travelling through Tassie with kids, check out Lonely Planet's helpful guide. Contact your local camper trailer retailer for expert advice on selecting the best camper for your frugal family's needs.