Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close to Tasmanian Devils and other native Australian wildlife in an ethical, relaxed, and friendly setting.
At Bonorong, you can meet the iconic Tassie Devils, gently pat wombats and koalas, and hand-feed the sanctuary’s friendly kangaroos. The kangaroos often approach visitors for a scratch—interestingly, they particularly enjoy a chest rub, as their short front paws can’t quite reach that spot themselves! If you notice an unusual orange, curry-scented stain on your hands after petting the larger male kangaroos, don’t worry—it’s completely normal, washes off easily, and facilities for handwashing are readily available.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary plays a vital role in Tasmanian wildlife conservation by rescuing injured animals, rehabilitating them, and releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. Animals that remain at Bonorong are those that couldn’t survive independently due to their injuries. The sanctuary actively participates in the Tasmanian Devil population insurance program and is working toward establishing Tasmania’s first dedicated native wildlife hospital.
If you’re especially fortunate during your visit, you might encounter Greg Irons, Bonorong’s passionate director. As a young boy, Greg famously declared he would one day run Bonorong, and today he’s a respected local conservation hero dedicated to protecting Tasmania’s wildlife.
The best times to visit Bonorong during the day are during the guided tours, offered daily at 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm. During these tours, you’ll have the opportunity to pat a koala, perhaps meet a baby wombat (if one is in care), and see the Tasmanian Devils during their feeding time. Because most marsupials are nocturnal, the animals are typically sleepy during daylight hours. For a more active wildlife experience, the night tour is highly recommended.
Bonorong is peaceful and relaxing, featuring picturesque views that make it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. A small snack kiosk is available on-site.
We love Bonorong so much that we purchase an annual pass each year—it truly is one of our favourite places to visit!