It depends on your children I guess. The cruise does stop at Sarah Island for probably about 45 mins (where you do get off for a history lesson and a walk around the island, which is very interesting for adults) but apart from that you're on board the boat. From memory, we weren't allocated seats - it was just a case of choosing your own on arrival but people did move around the boat throughout the trip and just sat at their seats to eat lunch etc. The commentary is interesting but your children probably wouldn't find it so unless they're into history at that young age! The food was great! Really, only you can know whether your children would cope and enjoy the trip. My brother-in-law was bored when he did the cruise so it's not just children that are prone to boredom!

Hi,

My husband and I both found the cruise too long and were bored by half way through. Our kids would not have enjoyed it.

Hope this helps.

The children would probably enjoy the 'Dismal Forest'

much better. They can whiz down the shute and discover things at the bottom. I think that it is more geared for children.

Well thanks for your help. I am thinking that it would be too long for them.

What is the Dismal Forest?

Hi Qld aussie, me again!

Dismal Swamp is a State Forest reserve, in the NW cnr. About 30mins west of Smithton. It is an old sunken blackwood swamp that has been done up by the Forestry commission. The kids would enjoy the slippery slide shute, that you can use to reach the bottom. (forgotten its length) but you are insertedinto a bog, wear a helmet to slide down. It is fun an exilerating. You can also walk or get a ride on a shuttle vehicle if not gameenough for the slide. It has very interesting arty structures around amongst the walk, and unique wooden animals hidden amongst the foliage along with other interactive displays.

Personally, for the price ( I think it was around $25) we didn't like it when we visited 4 years ago, But it was during a very dry summer, so there was no swap or signs of animal life. The artwork etc was fine. Everyone to their own likes etc.

Just do your own research.

Depending on your itinerary, something I have just been told about which your kids would probably enjoy is a place called "Zoo Doo". Apparently it is near Richmond (inland from Bicheno). Just Google it!. It is referred to as Australia's zaniest zoo. They recently acquired 2 bengal tigers, and have lots of different animals, apparently, including albino wallabies. Check it out anyway.

Have you heard about The Seahorse World at Beauty Point NW of Launceston? It is the only seahorse farm of its kind in the world.

Cheers for now

I think from reading the replies that it is very much dependant onyour children and you! Me and my husband have been twice when family have visited us inTassie and are going a third time this year. We love it! We have so far been with Gordon River Cruises and next time are trying the World Heritage, though both look pretty similar. My neices and nephews ages between 10 and 18 all enjoyed it (although the gameboy came out some of the time!) But there is a real variety of fast exhilerating speed (especially if you go on the open top deck!) and slow serene movement up river (perhaps the bit children like least) The Hell's gate is fun and we stopped both at Sara Island and the Heritage landing so got off twice. Lunch was included too so that broke up the return journey from upriver.

So, really depends on you! One comment said they were bored but we were not so......sorry probably not much help!

Thanks to everyone's comments. I have decided to book the cruise.

For other families who may be interested, I sent an email off to the Cruise Company and they have also said that on the World Heritage Cruise (the one I booked) that they have some kind of play room, probably nothing big, might only be a box of toys but should help out a bit.

My son will take his Nintendo as well and they did say there were two stops.

For anyone else booking with a family. There are a few table seats in Premier seating that you can book, I have booked one of these, good for eating & lunch etc.

I don't really think I will be bored on the trip and we didn't do it last time, so I thought it was a must do this time.