Jonathon and Vickie Deenick and their children Rebekah, 8, Joannah, 7, Sarah, 4, and Anthony, 2, headed just down the road to the Tamar Island Wetlands.

Mrs Deenick said that it had been ``some time'' since the family's previous visit.

``We went for a little walk along the boardwalk and came back _ we saw three copperhead snakes, which was a bit of a thrill,'' she said.

And while Joannah clearly enjoyed the encounter, her siblings were less enamoured of the reptiles that call the wetlands home.

``They all really enjoy the interpretive centre because they get to pat all the furry animals,'' Mrs Deenick said.

``The girls had their little map and we followed it to the bird hide and saw plenty of ducks.''

The boardwalk at the wetlands is about 1.5 kilometres long, allowing spectacular views of the Tamar Valley and viewing access to more than 20 endemic bird species.

Tamar Island's barbecue and toilet facilities make the area a popular destination and admission is by suggested donation of $3 an adult, $2 a child, student or concession, or $6 for a family.