Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary sits in bushland at Brighton, roughly 25 minutes' drive north of central Hobart, and it is the easiest place on the island to meet Tasmania's native animals up close. The sanctuary is home to Tasmanian devils, koalas, wombats, quolls, echidnas, Forester kangaroos and a wide range of birds, many of them animals that arrived injured or orphaned. It is known for its wildlife rescue work, so a visit supports the care of animals as well as giving you a good look at them. The paths are flat and short, the enclosures are open and well shaded, and keepers give talks through the day. It suits almost every age and mobility level, which is why it appears on so many family itineraries.
What to do
Walk the loop of enclosures at your own pace and plan your visit around the keeper talks and feeding sessions, which are the highlight. The devil talk is the one most people come for, because it explains why the Tasmanian devil is endangered and why the facial tumour disease that has affected wild populations matters so much.
Elsewhere you can pat a wombat or a koala only where staff allow it, and you can buy a bag of feed and walk among the kangaroos in the open paddock. Look for the nocturnal animals in their dim houses, since quolls, bettongs and devils are most active around dawn and dusk and can be asleep at midday.
Planning
The easiest way to see Bonorong without a car is the Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond afternoon tour from Hobart, which pairs the sanctuary with the historic village of Richmond. It is rated 4.6 from 131 reviews, and it suits a half-day slot after a morning in the city.
If you have a hire car, Brighton is on the main road north, so you can combine it with Richmond or with the road to Mount Field. Confirm the opening hours and the times of the keeper talks before you set out, and book ahead in school holidays and summer when tours fill up.
Fitting it in
Allow about two hours on site, or an afternoon if you add Richmond. Wear closed shoes, because the kangaroo paddock is grassy and animals can be unpredictable, and carry a hat and sunscreen in summer and a warm layer in winter. Photography is welcome, but flash is not appropriate near the nocturnal animals, so follow the signs.
Children love the feeding and the close encounters, but they must be kept close and calm around the animals, and hand sanitiser is sensible after touching feed. The sanctuary is a good choice for a rainy-day alternative to the mountain, because most of the visit can be done under cover or in light drizzle.
Pair it with the Cascade Brewery or Salamanca Place on the same day to round out a varied Hobart itinerary, and consider it a strong choice if you are travelling with younger children who will not manage the long drives to Cradle Mountain or Freycinet. Do not expect a quick stop: the best encounters come when you slow down, listen to the keepers and let the animals settle.
Early arrival also means cooler paths in summer and fewer tour groups at the popular enclosures, and it leaves time for a coffee at the cafe afterwards. If you are travelling in winter, dress warmly, since the sanctuary is open to the weather and the Derwent Valley can be crisp in the morning.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced walk through open wildlife enclosures with keeper talks, feeding sessions and a kangaroo paddock, usually done as part of an afternoon tour from Hobart.
Best time
Go in the morning or late afternoon, when the nocturnal animals are most active, and aim to arrive in time for the devil talk.
How long
About two hours on site, or a half-day tour that also visits Richmond.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and a hat, check the keeper talk times, and bring a little cash or a card for animal feed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone who wants to see Tasmanian devils, wombats and kangaroos without a long drive.
- Families
- Excellent for children of all ages, with flat paths, hand-feeding and short keeper talks that hold attention.
- Couples
- A relaxed, low-effort afternoon that pairs well with a stroll around Richmond and a coffee.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Richmond village, or with Cascade Brewery and Salamanca Place on the same day.
- Time needed
- Two hours at the sanctuary, or a half day with Richmond included.
Good questions
Where is Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary?+
It is at Brighton, roughly 25 minutes' drive north of central Hobart. Most visitors arrive by afternoon tour or hire car.
Can I see Tasmanian devils there?+
Yes, Tasmanian devils are among the main residents, and keeper talks explain their conservation story. They are often most active at dawn and dusk.
Can I feed the kangaroos?+
Yes, visitors can buy feed and walk among the Forester kangaroos in the open paddock. Follow the keepers' guidance on how to approach the animals.
How long should I allow?+
Allow about two hours at the sanctuary. A half-day tour that also stops at Richmond is a common way to combine the two.
Is Bonorong suitable for young children?+
Yes, the paths are flat and short, and the hands-on encounters suit children. Keep them close and calm around the animals.
