Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania’s most striking wilderness areas, famed for its rugged peaks, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife. While exploring on your own is rewarding, taking a guided tour can reveal hidden stories and close encounters with the park’s unique creatures. Our list highlights five of the best tours—each with its own flavor, whether you’re after up-close animal experiences or stunning sunset views. We especially recommend the After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour for animal lovers, because it combines education and rare wildlife sightings in an intimate setting. But no matter what you’re after, each of these tours offers a special way to deepen your appreciation of this remarkable landscape.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include a night walk to spot nocturnal animals, a day keeper tour to meet the wildlife up close, and a special sunset experience with Tasmanian devils and quolls. All tours are designed with different interests and budgets in mind, from affordable sanctuary visits to more comprehensive wildlife adventures. For a detailed look at each, see the list below.
1. After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour at Cradle Mountain
If you’re passionate about wildlife, this night tour at Devils@Cradle is a must-do. It offers a rare chance to see Tasmanian Devils being fed in their naturalistic enclosure, with the added bonus of a guide explaining their behavior, conservation issues, and biology. The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and includes entry fees—saving you the hassle of long lines and entry logistics.
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to observe Tasmanian Devils at their most active. The sanctuary’s environmentally sensitive lighting creates an authentic nocturnal atmosphere, perfect for getting close without disturbing the animals. The guide, often a wildlife expert, offers insights that go beyond what you’d learn on your own. Several reviewers mention how informative and entertaining the tour is, with one noting, “excellent value for money,” and others describing it as “an incredible experience” that they’d recommend to anyone interested in Tasmania’s iconic species.
Bottom line: If you want an educational, close-up wildlife experience, especially focused on Tasmanian Devils, this tour hits all the right spots. It’s suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and night owls alike.
2. Wildlife Night Spotting at Cradle Mountain
For those eager to see a variety of native animals in their natural habitat, this guided night tour is ideal. Departing from your accommodation, the tour covers Ronny Creek and the surrounding areas, where you’ll use a spotlight to find creatures like wallabies, wombats, possums, and sometimes even Tasmanian Devils. The approximately 1.5-hour experience is highly rated, with many travelers praising the expert commentary and the chance to see animals in the wild—something you can’t do from just the car or a self-guided walk.
The tour includes complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it convenient. Some reviewers mention that success with sightings depends on luck, but the guide’s local knowledge maximizes your chances. During the tour, you’ll enjoy scenic views at sunset and learn about the park’s ecosystem, making it both educational and memorable.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for families or anyone wanting a guided, interactive wildlife experience under the cover of night, with the flexibility of seeing animals in their natural settings rather than in captivity.
3. Day Keeper Tour
If you’re interested in learning what it takes to care for Tasmania’s wildlife, the Day Keeper Tour at Devils@Cradle is an excellent choice. It lasts about 45 minutes and offers an up-close look at the sanctuary’s Tasmanian Devils and quolls as they go about their daily routines. You’ll walk through the enclosures and observe the animals during their daytime activity—sleeping, playing, or exploring—while a keeper explains their behaviors and ongoing conservation efforts.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to wander at your own pace before and after the guided part. It’s well suited for families and those who like a more relaxed, personal experience. The sanctuary’s affordable price ($16.95) provides great value, especially since you can revisit the enclosures after the tour. Several visitors mention how informative and touching it was to see the animals so close, with one writing, “Learnt much more about endangered Tasmanian animals and fell in love with them.”
Bottom line: The Day Keeper Tour is ideal if you want a personal, educational encounter with Tasmania’s iconic wildlife, especially for families or travelers on a budget.
4. 1-Hour Tasmanian Devil Feeding Day Tour at Cradle Mountain
At number 4, this daytime feeding tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Tasmanian Devil sanctuary. It centers around a guided feeding session in the largest behind-the-scenes enclosure, giving you a 360-degree view of these rowdy carnivores. The tour lasts about an hour and includes general entry, so you can explore the sanctuary on your own before or after the feeding.
Reviewers highlight how close they got to the famous Tasmanian Devils and appreciate the knowledge of the guides, who share great details about the animals’ biology and conservation. The feeding itself is described as a highlight, with many noting how the devils are active and lively. The experience is suitable for wildlife lovers interested in up-close animal behavior and conservation efforts.
Bottom line: If you want a focused, behind-the-scenes look at Tasmanian Devils during their most active time, this tour offers excellent access and insight, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cradle Mountain visit.
5. Sunset Experience
For travelers seeking something a little different, the Sunset Experience at Devils@Cradle combines wildlife, scenery, and local treats. During this small-group evening tour, you’ll visit the sanctuary after hours to meet quolls and Tasmanian Devils, enjoy snacks and drinks, and then take a walk around the enclosure as the sun sets. The experience lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and emphasizes a personal, relaxed atmosphere.
Reviewers mention how engaging and passionate the guides are, often saying the fireside snacks, drinks, and close-up animal encounters make for a memorable, intimate experience. The tour offers an excellent way to combine wildlife observation with a taste of Tasmanian hospitality, especially in the cooler months when the animals are more active in the evening.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for those wanting a personal, evening wildlife experience, with the added bonus of local food and drinks, ideal for couples or groups seeking a relaxed, social outing.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and what kind of experience you crave. Want to see Tasmanian Devils in action? The After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour offers intimate feeding encounters with expert insights. If wildlife spotting in the wild intrigues you, the Wildlife Night Spotting provides a guided, natural habitat adventure. For a more educational, personal approach, the Day Keeper Tour delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the sanctuary’s residents. Budget-conscious travelers might find the 1-Hour Tasmanian Devil Feeding offers good value, combining insight with close-up viewing. Lastly, if you fancy an evening with animals and local treats, the Sunset Experience stands out for its relaxed, small-group atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park offers a range of memorable wildlife tours suited for different interests. For those who want a close-up, educational experience with Tasmania’s most famous marsupial, the After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour is hard to beat. Wildlife lovers who prefer observing animals in their natural environment will appreciate the Night Spotting tour, while families and conservation enthusiasts might prefer the Day Keeper Tour for its relaxed, personal touch.
If you’re after a special evening experience, the Sunset Experience blends wildlife with local hospitality for a truly memorable outing. Whichever you choose, booking early is recommended—these tours are popular, and limited spots fill quickly. With a little planning, your trip to Cradle Mountain will be packed with close encounters, stunning scenery, and stories to tell long after you leave.