Bruny Island

Bruny Island Family

Families on Bruny Island can join local early-learning and play sessions, while nearby and statewide services add story activities, parenting courses and specialised support. Whether you are raising a preschooler, guiding a teenager or helping a young carer, there are practical options for different stages of family life.

🧸 Early learning and children’s activities

Early Learning for Three Year Olds (EL3) – Bruny Island Trial Site

Bruny Island District School hosts this local trial during school terms. Delivered as outreach from Saltbush Child and Family Learning Centre, it offers drop-in and play sessions for children from birth to four, with priority for three-year-olds. Adjunct care is available while parents or carers participate in activities on site.

Kingston Library – children’s activities

For families travelling to Kingston, the library runs Rock and Rhyme on Fridays for babies and young children with their carers, plus Thursday Storytime for preschoolers. Baby book packs are available for children aged zero to three. Activities can be booked through Eventbrite or by calling the library.

🌱 Parenting and family support

Saltbush Child and Family Learning Centre

Saltbush serves the Kingborough local government area and delivers the Bruny Island EL3 outreach trial. Access is generally based on where the child or parent or carer lives. Contact the centre before visiting if you are asking to attend from outside its catchment.

Anglicare Tasmania – Parenting Programs

Parents and carers can register interest in free courses delivered periodically in southern locations. Options address different ages and needs, including Tuning in to Kids for ages three to 10, Tuning in to Teens for ages 10 to 18, Circle of Security Parenting, 1-2-3 Magic & Emotion Coaching and Engaging Adolescents Parenting. Registration is required.

Hobart City Mission – Integrated Family Support Services

Eligible southern Tasmanian families with children aged zero to 18, including those expecting a baby, can receive tailored case management, coordination and outreach in their home. Access is through Strong Families, Safe Kids on 1800 000 123.

❤ Separation, safety and caring responsibilities

Relationships Australia Tasmania – Parenting Separately Program

Free individual sessions and group workshops help parents, grandparents and carers support children after separation, communicate and manage disagreement. The program is offered in Hobart without a referral; call 1300 364 277 to book.

Relationships Australia Tasmania – Children’s Family Violence Counselling (ACORN)

ACORN provides free, confidential counselling for children and young people aged five to 18 who have experienced family violence, as well as support for parents and carers. The first 90-minute adult appointment may be by phone or video, while children’s sessions are face-to-face in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport. No referral is needed; enquiries and bookings are available on 1300 364 277.

Carer Gateway – Young Carer Support

Young carers aged 25 or under can get information and support to understand their caring role, explore financial assistance, arrange a break and care for their own wellbeing. Call 1800 422 737 from Monday to Friday, 8 am–5 pm, or use the statewide online service.

Tell Someone

This statewide Tasmanian Government service provides private and confidential support information for children and young people concerned about safety or wellbeing. Parents, carers and other adults worried about a child or young person can use its online reporting pathway.

📌 Before taking part

• Check current session dates, age ranges and school-term arrangements before travelling from Bruny Island.
• Ask whether registration, an appointment or eligibility assessment is required.
• Confirm adult supervision expectations and discuss any accessibility or participation needs.
• Allow for ferry and onward travel when attending Kingston or Hobart services.

✨ If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group that serves Bruny Island families, you are warmly invited to add or update your listing.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on brunyisland.tas.guide.