A good question.
A local answer.

Compare return-drive hours with the effort of changing hotels; one fixed base is not always the easier option.

Compare the tour's very early start and long road time with how much walking time remains at Cradle Mountain.

If Coles Bay is a priority, give it an overnight and remove a different outing rather than squeezing it into transit.

Avoid night driving on unfamiliar roads and keep the route flexible if high areas are icy.

Compare excess, roadside assistance and any medical or insurance requirement before paying.

Look for a property with several self-contained units and shared outdoor space, then confirm each family's bed layout.

Check current kitchen closing times, not just the listed bar or venue closing time.

Use the arrival evening for a short, straightforward transfer and leave unfamiliar rural roads for daylight.

Give one or two priority regions a proper visit and cut a distant stop if it turns each day into a transfer.

Pack warm layers and waterproof outerwear for everyone, then check the forecast close to each mountain visit.

Walk the waterfront and nearby streets while there is daylight, choosing a short route for the children.

Check the shuttle operator's current fare, eligibility and booking process directly.