My DH & I spent 3 weeks in Tasmania for our honeymoon & loved it. The places we stayed at probably wouldn't be suitable for extended family, they were more B&Bs. But there are heaps of self contained cottages if there are going to be lots of you going.
As for things to do there is heaps!! Some of my favs were:
West Coast Wilderness Railway & Gordon River Cruise both in Strahan
East Coast nature World in Bicheno. You get to hand feed animals, so cute!!
Port Arthur, go on the Ghost Tour at night if you're feeling brave
Cascade Brewery in Hobart. You get 3 free drinks after the tour!!
Cataract Gorge in Launceston
The Tahune Air Walk. There is also a Jet Boat on the way to this that is pretty cool, they take heaps of pictures & you can buy them on CD
Mole Creek Caves. Near this is Trowunna Wildlife Park where you get to pat koalas & Tassie devils & hold a baby wombat!!
I went on one of the tourism websites & requested information - one of the things they sent was a book full of the accomodation, prices included which was really helpful when deciding where to stay. There are 3 different "seasons" for tourism: peak, shoulder & off peak. We went in March which is classified as the shoulder season so it was abit cheaper. Plus the weather was pretty nice, had mainly sunny days.
The great thing about Tasmania is the whole island is in relatively close driving distance to everything. The warmer months are generally better if you're driving all over the place as the weather conditions are much better on the roads.
A few places we love to visit: (I have family down there and visit almost once a year)
Richmond - about 1/2 hour out of Hobart - fun wooden mazes and a really old bridge. Terrific town bakery too!
Westbury Maze - a really neat hedge maze about 20 min drive from Launceston
Tasmazia & the Village of Lower Crackpot - about a 40 min drive from Devonport/ 90 min drive from Launceston. 8 different mazes of all different levels to complete.
Oh, umm did I mention we really enjoy visiting mazes? lol
If you can get to the Western coast I'd recommend it....it's a side of the island many don't get to and the wilderness and sights can be breathtaking! As mentioned, Gordon River cruises are great, and if you're in town make sure you see The Ship That Never Was - a daily play put on by the local theatre group. It is great entertainment and worth going for in itself imho
We normally hire our own car to get around, and as for accommodation, if not staying with family, and it's not peak or shoulder season, we tend not to book ahead and just take our chances at finding something wherever we stop the car. Although if you're with a big group it may not be that easy? Lots of little pubs and motels with cheap rooms along the way.
Best of luck and enjoy your trip when you get there!
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