Pulling together the wild side of Tasmania, this 1-hour Tasmanian Devil Feeding Day Tour at Cradle Mountain offers an up-close look at one of Australia’s most iconic animals. Usually, when we think of wildlife tours, we picture long drives or remote hikes, but this experience hits the sweet spot for those seeking a meaningful encounter without a full-day commitment.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils at their most active during feeding time is genuinely captivating. Second, the knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with expert insights, helping you understand these creatures’ vital conservation work.
That said, it’s worth noting that this is a guided tour with a fair amount of commentary, which might be less ideal if you’re simply after a relaxed, audio-visual wildlife viewing. Still, it’s perfect for visitors who want an educational and meaningful interaction with these fascinating animals.
This experience is most suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers with an interest in conservation. If you’re visiting Cradle Mountain and want to deepen your understanding of Tasmania’s unique fauna, this tour should be on your list.
- Close-up encounters with Tasmanian devils during feeding time.
- Knowledgeable guides provide in-depth information and context about the animals and conservation efforts.
- Self-guided access allows flexibility to explore the sanctuary at your own pace before and after the tour.
- The tour offers stunning views of the animals and their habitat, even in less-than-ideal weather.
- At just over an hour with a reasonable price point, great value for a memorable wildlife experience.
- Suitable for most travelers, including children, with some walking involved on uneven terrain.
The tour begins at the Devils@Cradle sanctuary, just a short drive from Cradle Mountain National Park, making it convenient to include in your day trip. Meeting at the designated starting point, you’ll find yourself in a well-organized setting that emphasizes conservation and education.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The Guided Tour & Feeding Session
The highlight of the tour is the feeding of the Tasmanian devils, conducted in the sanctuary’s largest behind-the-scenes enclosure. Here, the keeper, who is often praised as friendly and highly knowledgeable, will explain the animals’ behaviors, diet, and conservation challenges. You’ll witness the devils at their liveliest, with reviews mentioning seeing “devils awake and showing off” even in less-than-ideal weather, such as rain. One reviewer describes it as “up close and personal,” emphasizing how the enclosure design allows for 360-degree viewing, making it easy to observe the devils’ antics from multiple angles.
Time for Exploration
Admission to the sanctuary is included with your tour ticket, meaning you can wander freely outside the guided session before or after. This is a great chance to see other animals like quolls, which are also mentioned as a highlight by visitors. Many reviews comment on the healthy, active animals, which indicates the sanctuary’s focus on animal welfare.
The Guides Make the Difference
What sets this tour apart is the passion and knowledge of the guides. Multiple reviewers praised the guides for their friendliness and depth of information, with some calling the experience “extremely informative” and “a privilege.” The guides take the time to answer questions, making the encounter both educational and personal.
The Weather & Terrain
Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, visitors should dress appropriately, especially because much of the experience is outdoors. Some walking on uneven terrain is involved, but reviews suggest the effort is worthwhile. Even on rainy days, visitors found the experience to be “fabulous,” thanks to the covered viewing areas and the engaging presentation.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park.
Duration & Flexibility
Clocking in at about an hour, this tour is a perfect quick addition to a day at Cradle Mountain. The ticket includes general entry, providing the freedom to explore the sanctuary further on your own. It’s a flexible setup, suited for those wanting a guided highlight with time to linger.
Pricing & Value
At approximately $29.05 USD per person, this tour offers impressive value. For less than the price of a nice restaurant meal, you gain an intimate, educational experience that’s both fun and enriching. Many reviews highlight how “the guides really know their stuff” and how close-up views of the devils are “really special,” making this tour an exceptional value for wildlife lovers.
The overall impression from reviews is overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.9/5 rating based on 65 reviews. Enthusiasts repeatedly mention how friendly, knowledgeable guides significantly enhance the experience. One reviewer describes it as a “must-do experience,” emphasizing the opportunity to see animals “so close up.” Several comments highlight how the tour is ideal for families, with children enjoying the chance to see the devils and quolls up close.
A few reviews mention the weather—notably rain—which doesn’t seem to spoil the experience. Instead, visitors appreciate the covered viewing areas and the chance to observe the animals in their natural activity times. One reviewer even remarked, “Even on a rainy day, this was a fabulous experience,” which speaks to the tour’s resilience and adaptability.
The Conservation Angle
Many reviews mention the sanctuary’s focus on conservation work—a crucial aspect given the declining numbers of Tasmanian devils due to disease and habitat loss. Visitors leave not just with photos and memories but with a better understanding of the plight of these animals and the efforts to protect them.
This tour offers a wonderful balance of education, engagement, and wildlife viewing. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll appreciate how interactive and accessible the experience is. For wildlife enthusiasts, the chance to see Tasmanian devils actively feeding is a rare treat that’s well worth the price. Nature lovers who enjoy guided tours and want to learn about local conservation efforts will find this a meaningful addition to their Cradle Mountain visit.
While it is a short tour, its depth of information and the opportunity for close-up viewing make it highly worthwhile. Keep in mind that it’s outdoor-based with some walking on uneven terrain, so appropriate clothing is advised. The tour’s flexible format allows for further exploration of the sanctuary afterward, making it a smart choice for those wanting a compact yet impactful wildlife experience.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate. It’s a family-friendly experience, especially for those interested in animals.
How long does the tour last?
About 1 hour, including the guided feeding session. You can explore the sanctuary afterward at your leisure.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended, especially since the tour is popular and books over five times in a week.
What should I wear?
Since the tour operates in all weather conditions and involves some outdoor walking, dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Is transportation provided?
No, guests are required to make their own way to the sanctuary, which is located at 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd.
What does the tour include?
A guided tour with an experienced guide, general admission to the sanctuary, and the feeding session.
Can I see the devils outside of feeding time?
Yes, general entry is included, so you can explore the sanctuary and see other animals at your own pace before or after the tour.
Is there an age limit?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Will the tour operate in poor weather?
Yes, it runs in all weather conditions. Some parts are outdoors, but covered viewing areas are available.
What makes this tour special?
The close-up view during feeding, the expert guides, and the opportunity to understand conservation efforts make it a standout experience at Cradle Mountain.
For travelers seeking a meaningful wildlife experience that combines education, animal observation, and conservation awareness, the 1-hour Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour at Cradle Mountain offers excellent value. It’s perfect for animal lovers, families, and those curious about Tasmania’s unique fauna, especially since the experience is both interactive and informative.
Though brief, the tour’s engaging guides, the chance to witness devils in their most active moments, and the opportunity to learn about ongoing conservation efforts make it a memorable highlight of any Cradle Mountain visit. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the sights and sounds, this tour is a genuine window into Tasmania’s wild heart.