We'd seen the Spirit of Tasmania sail past our friends' window on many occasions, and my husband thought it would be a grand adventure to travel to the Apple Isle by boat. He was right. With our three kids in tow, we set sail for seven days in Tasmania.

One of the great advantages of taking the ferry to Tasmania is that you have your own car when you arrive. Another bonus for families is that this means your car is your suitcase — you're free to take as much clobber as you like.

Once we loaded up, we were able to drive directly onto the ferry — no expensive taxis to the airport or trying to fill in hours in congested airport terminals. As for the sea voyage itself, the kids loved it. The cabins were roomy, the bunks surprisingly comfortable and the food was good. There are comfortable lounges and bars to relax in after dinner and even low-key live entertainment. A cinema screened three movies in the evening, starting with one suitable for kids. On top of all this there was a small games room for those who enjoy computer games (my two sons!) The sea was very rough during our voyage south, so I’d definitely recommend taking seasickness tablets.

On arrival in Tasmania, we headed directly from Devonport to Richmond. This was possibly a mistake, as after our hours at sea we had to spend five hours driving to our first destination. However, waking the next morning in our cute old stone cottage in the charming, lush township was an absolute delight.

Richmond is very picturesque. The church, overlooking one of the oldest bridges in Tasmania, is beautiful. Ducks swam and waddled past as we walked along the banks of the river into town, where we found a delicious bakery with great coffee. This was our first introduction to the fresh, delicious food of Tasmania.

Based in Richmond, we went to Port Arthur and the Tasman Arch. Tours here give adults and children alike an appreciation of what life was like in one of our harshest early jails. There is also a discreet and strangely beautiful memorial site around what was once the Broad Arrow Café. For all its history, Port Arthur is a profoundly moving place.

Time spent in Hobart was most enjoyable. Constitution Dock is interesting and we spent a lot of time in the galleries along the waterfront at Salamanca Place. A trip to Battery Point, which was described to us as Hobart’s Paddington, is a must for its interesting little shops and more wonderful café. s. One of the surprising highlights of the city was the Hobart Aquatic Centre. It's very big and with its slides and fountains, the children just didn't want to leave.

We did the mandatory tour of the Cadbury factory just outside the capital. It was fascinating and our kids loved the chance to sample the wares during the tour and buy up big in the shop at the end.

From the city, we headed inland to a farm stay in Hamilton. We found ourselves on a working 30,000 head of sheep station, staying in a very comfortable and cosy wood cabin above the banks of the Derwent River. The view was breathtaking and for city kids, the odd wallaby and passing sheep caused great excitement. Here we were able to just hang out — going for walks and taking the rowboat onto the river's pristine waters.

Our final destination was Freycinet, another truly idyllic and scenic place where we walked up a very steep mountain and down the other side to Wine Glass Bay. It was simply stunning in every sense. While the vista was worth the hike up the mountain, I would only recommend the walk to the beach and around the bay for more experienced walkers.

Finally, the days had all gone and we had to head back to Devonport and the ferry. People had told us before we left that seven days in Tasmania would be more than enough — I couldn’t disagree more. I felt we hardly touched the surface. If I had my time again, I would take at least three weeks to journey at a leisurely pace, see the north and savour far more of the flavour of this amazing place.

More information: Spirit of Tasmania sails between Melbourne and Devonport and Sydney and Devonport. For more information on sailing schedules, pricing or to make a booking, visit www.spiritoftasmania.com.au or contact 1800 634 906.

Out & About with Kids is Australia’s premier family travel, activities and healthy lifestyle magazine. For more information or to subscribe please visit www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au

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