A beach day in Hobart with kids
This is a beach day around Hobart's waterways, with playgrounds and an indoor pool as back-ups. Long Beach in Sandy Bay (4.1 km from the centre) and Mount Nelson Oval and Playground (4.8 km) are closest. Kingston Beach and Kingston Pool are 11.0 and 11.3 km out, and Opossum Bay Beach is 13.5 km out. The beaches and playgrounds are free, and the pool charges entry. It suits kids of all ages.
You will need a car, and the stops range from 4.1 to 13.5 km out, so treat this as a menu. Patrols are limited: Kingston Beach is patrolled only from the first Saturday in December to the last weekend in March, and Long Beach and Opossum Bay list no lifesaver patrol. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, and check the beach's official page. Kingston Pool is the indoor alternative.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Long Beach
- Late morning: Mount Nelson Oval And Playground
- Lunch: Opossum Bay Beach
- Afternoon: Kingston Beach
- Late afternoon: Kingston Pool and Wellness Centre
Morning
Start at Long Beach
Long Beach, Sandy Bay · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A beach in Sandy Bay beside Long Beach Reserve, with the sheltered waters of Little Sandy Bay, a bathing pavilion and a pontoon. The reserve has a large fenced boat-themed play area, barbecues, picnic tables, shade trees and toilets. It is 4.1 km from the centre.
Tip: No lifesaver patrol is listed. Testing shows the water is suitable for swimming, but avoid it after heavy rain.
Late morning
Play at Mount Nelson Oval
Mount Nelson Oval And Playground, Mount Nelson · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 2-12 · Free · 4.4 stars (85 reviews)
A City of Hobart playground at 555 Nelson Rd, Mount Nelson, beside the oval, with a barbecue, picnic tables, a shelter and toilets. It is free, 4.8 km from the centre and listed for ages 2 to 12.
Tip: Listed hours are Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 5:15pm. Check the listing for weekends.
Lunch
Picnic at Opossum Bay Beach
Opossum Bay Beach, Opossum Bay · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A beach usually sheltered from southern ocean swells by the rocky headland at its southern end, though it can be exposed in stormy westerly weather. Opossum Bay Park has a playground (slide, spring rider and swings), free barbecues and a picnic area. It is 13.5 km from the centre.
Tip: No lifesaver patrol is listed. Toilets are nearby at 24 Spitfarm Rd.
Afternoon
Swim at Kingston Beach
Kingston Beach, Kingston Beach · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
Patrolled by Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club from the first Saturday in December to the last weekend in March. Swim between the red and yellow flags in the middle of the beach, in front of the public toilets. The club describes it as relatively safe, with usually low wave to calm conditions.
Lifeguard patrol: First Saturday in December – last weekend in March.
Tip: Toilets, showers by the playground, drinking taps, a picnic area and parking are on site.
Late afternoon
Warm up at Kingston Pool
Kingston Pool and Wellness Centre, Kingston · Swimming & Aquatics · Ages 3-17 · From $10 · 4.4 stars (143 reviews)
An indoor heated pool in Kingston with Swim Safer lessons from 6 months and casual swimming. Child entry (4 to 12) is $10, adults $11 and a family ticket is $35. It is 11.3 km from the centre and works whenever the beach is not patrolled.
Tip: A 10-swim pass is $100. Check the listing for hours.
Before you go
- Kingston Beach is patrolled from the first Saturday in December to the last weekend in March, so outside that, use the pool.
- Long Beach and Opossum Bay Beach list no lifesaver patrol.
- Avoid swimming at Long Beach after heavy rain.
- Mount Nelson Oval and Playground lists hours for Monday to Friday only.
- Kingston Pool: child (4 to 12) $10, family $35.
Questions parents ask
Which Hobart beaches are patrolled?
Kingston Beach is patrolled by Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club from the first Saturday in December to the last weekend in March. The council pages for Long Beach and Opossum Bay Beach list no lifesaver patrol. Check each beach's official page for current patrol times.
Is there a playground near a Hobart beach?
Long Beach Reserve in Sandy Bay has a large fenced boat-themed play area. Opossum Bay Park has a playground with a slide, spring rider and swings, and Kingston Beach has a playground with showers by it.
Where can kids swim in Hobart if the beach is not patrolled?
Kingston Pool and Wellness Centre has an indoor heated pool with casual swimming, $10 for children aged 4 to 12, and Swim Safer lessons from 6 months. It is 11.3 km from the centre.
More days in Hobart with kids
- Your first day in Hobart with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- A rainy day in Hobart with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A free day out in Hobart with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Hobart with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Hobart with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Hobart with kids: all guides