Family fun: Five experiences everyone will love

Tassie’s most magical shop

In the town of Latrobe there’s a beautiful big store with something for everyone – especially kids who love Reliquaire’s hidden spaces with themes like Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and dinosaurs. Just finding the little doors to enter these magical worlds is an adventure. Along the way they’ll discover all sorts of treasures to spend their pocket money on, from microscopes to action figures, construction kits to the cutest, softest teddy bears ever.

There’s countless grown-up temptations too, including beard balm, handmade ceramic house numbers and novelty teapots, plus a cafe for restorative coffee and cake.

Easy urban adventure

Those exploring Cataract Gorge on foot will look on your family with envy if you’re there with Launceston Kayak Tours. Glide around the confluence of three rivers, including along the South Esk through the towering gorge. It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of Tassie’s second city in this wild but tranquil place.

Children of all ages are welcome on these 90-minute guided tours. Choose from single or two-person kayaks, but either way there’s the option of pedal-power – great for young ones who aren’t up for much paddling, and adults who want to go hands-free for sipping coffee or taking photos of the fun.

Meet Peter Rabbit

Adults know Riversdale Estate for its fine wines, enjoyed on the cellar door’s leather lounges, in the French bistro, or with high tea in the elegant Orangery. For little ones though it’s all about the Peter Rabbit Garden. Just a short drive from Hobart, discover vignettes of Peter and friends like Squirrel Nutkin in this English cottage-style garden with pale-blue picket fences. There are storyboards along the way for those who aren’t familiar with Beatrix Potter’s timeless tales, or just want to read them again and again.

Don’t miss the gift shop stuffed with Peter Rabbit delights, from books to gumboots, and plan ahead for the regular child-friendly high teas themed around this adorable bunny or other favourites like Lord of the Rings.

Dress-up party

Take dress-ups to the next level and capture the moment forever with Olde Time Portraits. Open by appointment, this photographic studio just outside Hobart has more than 200 costumes for young and old, so the whole family can look the part for your ultimate holiday snap and souvenir in one.

Choose from themes like the Wild West, 1920s gangsters and flappers, Tasmania’s convict era, or Victorian elegance complete with top hats and bonnets. There are lots of props, from pistols to parasols, and classic backdrops too, plus the option to get your photos in living colour or old-timey sepia.

Underground explorations

Make like The Goonies or Indiana Jones and head underground in the Mole Creek Caves south of Devonport. What wonders you’ll see on the easy 45-minute guided tours available in three caves: crystals, stalactites, stalagmites, colourful limestone shawls, reflecting pools and, in Marakoopa Cave, Australia’s biggest glow-worm display. Whether your kids are budding geologists or daydream about fairies they will be amazed.

If you want to get more adventurous go exploring with Wild Cave Tours, who visit Mole Creek’s undeveloped caves (so no paths, handrails or permanent lighting). Their four-hour family-friendly option is suitable for school-age children, and is actually cheaper per person than their other tours.

Find out more about Spirit of Tasmania's new Victorian home, Spirit of Tasmania Quay, opening 23 October.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.