It’s not hard to find some incredible scenery around the Apple Isle. There’s beauty blooming everywhere! But a good backdrop is just one ingredient for a really great portrait of your babies, and let's face it, trying to take a naturally cheery photo of your kids can feel like trying to catch a greasy pig. Does this smile feature heavily in your family photos?

There is a way to outwit the fakers among us though.
Behold, a super simple formula for beautiful Tasmanian holiday snaps:

Tasmanian Scenery + Good Light + Happy Kids

Wait, what? Just “bring your happy kids” I hear you scoff? Fair, it’s never ever EVER ever EVER a guarantee, but once the basics are covered off (are they fed, warm and rested), then the odds are stacked well in your favour if you can also find a location where
there’s something fun for them to do!

So let’s go…

HERE ARE My top spots around HOBART & Tasmania for taking photos of genuinely happy ratbags without having to say “SMILE DARLING!” all day through gritted teeth:

THE BEACH AT THE END OF ROARING BEACH RD. in SOUTH ARM at SUNSET (you’ll know you’re at the right spot if you’ve walked from the small car park, over the little dune and you can spot the Iron Pot Lighthouse in the distance):

The reason it’s good: The sand dunes provide a super exciting space for kids to play. Add an afternoon/evening sunset behind the dunes and you’re going to get some beautiful shots of kids flying through the air, having the time of their lives. There’s also an awesome pizza truck stop called The Ember Box on your way back to Hobart, if you need a re-fuel.

“Smile darling!!” Index: OFF THE CHARTS LOW

THE WHARF / CONSTUTION DOCK on a CLOUDY DAY

The reason it’s good: Taking shots at the wharf on a really bright, sunny day isn’t an easy task. The sun is bouncing wildly off every shiny boat, building and splash of water, making your camera have fits and your kids’ eyes squint. Cloudy days at the wharf though…mmhmmm… chef’s kiss for taking photos. Rug the kids up, buy them a hot chocolate and take a stroll. There’s plenty for them to explore: Sammy the Seal is a frequent visitor to the wharf, as well as hungry birds looking for a chip butty, plus some cool old boats to marvel at. And if you get all the way to the Macq01 end of the wharf, cruise down Evans St. and get some shots against the old buildings. It’s a neutral back drop that provides a beautiful setting for “running race” portraits down an historic street.

“Smile darling!!” Index: LOW

CUTE ROADSIDE STOPS

That sounds vague and hard to find on Google, but Tassie is full of these types of little spots. I’ve taken sweet shots at Cubed Espresso on the Tasman Peninsula, pulled over at a little wildflower meadow in South Hobart and picked posies, taken a U-Turn to capture the most eclectic roadside stall on the way to Conningham Beach, and dreamt of taking some piccies at Tassie’s most iconic and photographed bread shop in Sheepwash Bay. These opportunities are everywhere - you just need to have your eyes peeled, and a willingness to make spontaneous stops. What could bring happiness to a long car trip, than getting the kids out of the car!?

“Smile darling!!” Index: EXTREMELY LOW

JETTY BEACH, SOUTH BRUNY ISLAND

The reason it’s good: If your kids are still little and the swells of Tasmania’s wild oceans scare them (let’s be real…they scare most adults too!), then Jetty Beach on Bruny Island is the perfect spot for you. It has a mix of that turquoise water/white-sand “paradise” look, but with a true Tasmanian bush feel. It’s protected from big waves, so littlies can comfortably explore in this truly gorgeous natural playground. Add a sunrise or sunset, and your photos will be next-level lovely.

“Smile darling!!” Index: SERIOUSLY LOW

RICHARDSONS BEACH (FREYCINET) @ SUNSET & LOW TIDE

The reason it’s good: At low tide, the kids can wade out a really long way into the ocean. Add a sunset to your low tide, and you get a truly unique scene where the kids will be literally wading into the sunset. Stunning!

“Smile darling!!” Index: EXTREMELY LOW

TYNDALL BEACH, BONNET HILL in THE MORNING

The reason it’s good: If you want a more relaxed adventure close to Hobart town, Tyndall Beach at Bonnet Hill is a really good option. Once you’ve parked your car at the Rowing Shed, take a short stroll up Tyndall Beach (north-easterly direction), all the way up to the end of the beach. There you will find a cute little swing hanging over the beach and some driftwood for the kids to climb on. In the mornings, the sun hits just right and while the kids happily play, you can snap away. Just beware, this is a off-lead, dog friendly beach.

“Smile darling!!” Index: PRETTY DAMN LOW

And if all of the above still has you struggling to take the shots you desperately want to adorn your family photo albums…I’m here for you. If you’re a Tassie local, or a visitor to our beautiful State - I would love to meet you.