Experience Tasmania’s Wildlife Up Close: The After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour at Cradle Mountain
If you’re visiting Tasmania and want to connect with its unique wildlife, this After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour at Cradle Mountain is a must. For around $28.82 per person, you get approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of engaging, educational, and genuinely memorable time with some of Tasmania’s most intriguing nocturnal animals, including the famous Tasmanian Devils and quolls. Led by knowledgeable guides like Pru, this tour combines a visit to the wildlife sanctuary Devils@Cradle with a hands-on feeding experience that’s both fun and insightful.
What we love most about this experience is how interactive and informative the guides are. They don’t just feed the animals—they share stories about their behavior, threats, and ongoing conservation efforts. Plus, the chance to see these shy creatures during their active hours is a rare treat. That said, a little preparation is advisable—since the tour begins at 5:30 pm and involves some walking outside, being prepared for cooler weather and uneven surfaces will make your evening even more enjoyable.
This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, families with older children, and anyone curious about Tasmania’s unique fauna. If you’re eager to learn about conservation efforts firsthand or simply want an authentic encounter with some of Australia’s most endangered species, this tour fits the bill.
Key Points
- Close Encounters: Get an up-close look at Tasmanian Devils during their active nighttime hours.
- Expert Guides: Guides like Pru offer detailed insights into animal behavior, biology, and conservation.
- Included Entrance: Save time and money with the entrance fee incorporated into the tour.
- Educational Focus: Learn about threats facing these animals and ongoing conservation projects.
- Weather Ready: The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for the evening chill.
- Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 45 travelers, you get a more personal experience.
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A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience
Location and Meeting Point
Your adventure begins at Devils@Cradle, located at 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd. While transportation isn’t included, most visitors find it straightforward to self-drive or arrange their own transfers. The sanctuary’s location offers a peaceful setting away from busy tourist spots, with onsite parking available. The tour kicks off promptly at 5:30 pm, giving you a chance to arrive early, explore the grounds, and perhaps take some photos of the surrounding wilderness.
The Sanctuary: Devils@Cradle
Before the tour officially begins, you’re welcome to wander through the sanctuary at your own pace. It’s a chance to get familiar with Tasmania’s other wildlife, such as quolls, which are also part of the conservation efforts here. Visitors consistently praise the spacious enclosures, noting that the animals seem well cared for, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.
The Guided Walk & Feeding
The core of the tour takes place on a guided walk outside within the sanctuary—an environment designed to mimic their natural habitat as much as possible. Your guide, often a passionate and knowledgeable keeper, will enter the enclosures to feed the animals, offering detailed explanations about their behavior, biology, and the threats they face in the wild.
One reviewer highlights how much she learned about the fierce yet shy nature of the Tasmanian Devil, noting how the guide’s enthusiasm made the experience even more engaging. Another mentions how watching the animals interact during feeding, including the ear-flaring red ears of the Devils when angry, was a highlight.
Listening and Learning
Throughout the walk, expect to hear about conservation projects aimed at restoring the Tasmanian Devil population and protecting other species like the quoll. These animals are critically endangered, and the sanctuary plays a vital role in their survival. Many guests found the explanations both informative and inspiring, fostering a greater appreciation for these creatures and the importance of wildlife preservation.
The Animal Encounters
Most visitors are surprised by how fascinating the creatures are—despite their fearsome reputation, they’re shy and gentle when not feeding. The feeding process itself is quite different for each species, which keeps the experience dynamic. The animals are fed in a way that minimizes stress, with environmentally sensitive lighting enhancing the viewing experience.
The Experience in Context
Reviews consistently praise the knowledge and passion of the guides, with many stating that they learned more about the animals than they expected. One visitor summed it up nicely, saying, “I went in not liking Tasmanian Devils and came out quite liking them!” It’s clear that the combination of education, animal interaction, and conservation messaging makes this tour very meaningful.
Practical Details
- Duration: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Cost: $28.82 (including entrance fees)
- Group Size: Up to 45 participants
- Weather: Operates in all weather, so dress warmly and comfortably
- Accessibility: Some uneven surfaces and a bit of walking involved; children must be accompanied by an adult
- Photography: Allowed, so bring your camera or smartphone to capture the moment
Considerations
While this tour is highly praised, some guests mention it can get cold, especially during winter months, so layering is essential. Also, since the tour involves outdoor walking, expect uneven terrain, which might be challenging for those with mobility concerns. The group size, while moderate, can sometimes make it harder to get close to the animals, especially when larger crowds are present.
Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time and Money
For just under $30, this experience offers an authentic, intimate look at Tasmania’s endangered wildlife. The expert guides truly elevate the experience—they’re passionate, well-informed, and engaging, making complex conservation topics accessible and interesting. The opportunity to see Tasmanian Devils being fed during their most active hours is rare and offers a glimpse into their natural behaviors that you simply can’t get in a typical zoo setting.
The tour’s value lies not only in the animal encounters but also in the knowledge shared—you leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing these animals and the ongoing efforts to ensure their future. The inclusion of entrance fees and onsite parking remove some of the typical logistical worries, making it a straightforward and hassle-free activity.
This experience also appeals to those who appreciate small-group tours and prefer a more personal touch. The max group size of 45 ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd, and the guided walk offers ample opportunity to ask questions and engage with the keeper.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers, conservation-minded travelers, and families with older children who can handle the outdoor walking and evening hours. It’s perfect for those who want more than just a quick look at animals, offering instead a deep dive into their behaviors and the efforts to protect them. If you’re a curious traveler eager for an authentic encounter with Tasmania’s most iconic creatures, this tour ticks all the boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation to the sanctuary provided?
No, transportation isn’t included. Guests are responsible for making their own way to Devils@Cradle, but onsite parking is available.
What time does the tour start?
The tour begins promptly at 5:30 pm. Arriving early allows some self-guided exploration of the sanctuary.
How long does the tour last?
Expect around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the guided walk and animal feeding.
Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour involves some walking and outdoor exposure, so plan accordingly.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly and comfortably, especially in winter, since the tour runs in the evening and involves outdoor walking.
Are photographs allowed?
Yes, photography is welcome, so bring your camera or smartphone for photos of the animals and your experience.
Are the animals in naturalistic enclosures?
Yes, the enclosures are spacious and designed to mimic natural habitats, ensuring the animals are comfortable and well cared for.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a meaningful wildlife experience that combines education with the chance to see Tasmania’s iconic creatures in action, this Devils@Cradle After Dark Feeding Tour offers excellent value. The combination of expert guides, close animal encounters, and conservation stories makes it stand out among other wildlife activities in Tasmania.
While it’s not a casual sightseeing stop, it’s perfect for those eager to learn, observe, and support efforts to save these fascinating animals. The experience’s intimacy, combined with the chance to see Tasmanian Devils behave naturally during their active hours, makes it well worth the modest price.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a unique activity that adds depth to your Tasmania trip, this tour will leave you with stories and images that will stay with you long after you’ve left Cradle Mountain.
Note: Always check current conditions and availability, especially if visiting outside summer months, to ensure the best experience.