Get up close to the beautiful and mysterious Tasmanian pot belly seahorse at Seahorse World - a must-see at Beauty Point in the magnificent Tamar Valley just 45 minutes’ drive from Launceston or Devonport.

Thanks to this amazing facility - the only Environment Australia-approved farm for endangered seahorses in Australia - you don’t have to be a deep sea diver to observe the fascinating movement and interactions of these pretty creatures and many other marine animals such as the giant crab, sea dragons, cuttlefish, cowfish and local sharks.

Join in the educational tour through the Cave of Seahorses, the working Seahorse Farm and the Wonders of The Southern Ocean Aquarium, before ending with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hold a seahorse in the palm of your hand.

Seahorse World has been an iconic attraction in Tasmania for more than 16 years, recently winning a Silver Medal at the 2016 Tasmanian Tourism Awards.

Guided tours are held daily from 9.30am.

For more information and to book online visit www.seahorseworld.com.au

Discover the magic of monotremes at Platypus House

Only at Platypus House can you experience what it’s like to watch live platypuses and echidnas indoors, undercover and during daylight hours.

Nestled in the majestic Tamar Valley on the Beauty Point wharf, the centre was established to increase community awareness about the wonderful and unusual world of monotremes.

Led by one of the venue’s  knowledgeable guides, guests can embark on an unforgetable fun and educational tour,  learning all there is to know about these beautiful creatures, while pausing for photographs along the way.

Walking through the echidna garden visitors will see the curious animals foraging in the bushland setting.

In the platypus ponds you can watch these amazing creatures up close and personal as they feed and play.

But it doesn’t end there. Other attractions include a theatrette playing films on platypuses, a waterfront cafe, and a gift shop stocked full of fun mementos for family and friends.

Platypus House is open daily from 9.30am.

More information at: www.platypushouse.com.au or call (03) 6383 4884.

Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre – open for business!

The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is open for business throughout Christmas and New Year - in fact the only portion not open is the mine yard itself.

The good news is there’s viewing platforms and opportunities to see the work being completed on the headframe and mineshaft which is currently undergoing maintenance.

Visitors will be able to access the mine rescue display, the life and times display, boiler and engine house and view the entrance to the Grubb shaft and the historic ruins of the mine itself.

The whole family can pan for gold, hunt for animals, crawl through tunnels and get hands on with many of the exhibits.

Viewing access to the work on the headframe will be the same as that used during the famous mine rescue in 2006, so work around the access to the mineshaft should make an interesting exhibit in its own right, so come and play with history!

The Centre is open from 9.30am-4.30pm every day except Christmas and Good Friday.

For more information call 03 6394 4454 or email: beaconsfield@wtc.tas.gov.au