Some animals you just really want to see in real life. Not in a book, not on National Geographic, but there, in the place where they belong. Because if you’re going to Tasmania, you simply have to see a Tasmanian Devil, right? Maybe because of their name, maybe because of that terrifying scream, or simply because they only occur here. During our trip through Tasmania, we managed it: we saw them. And not just once. Just not in the wild. That’s virtually impossible.
Tasmania is the best place in the world to see Tasmanian devils. In the wild, but also in special nature parks and sanctuaries where protection and experience go hand in hand. In this blog, I share where you can see them, what you can expect, and our own experiences at Cradle Mountain and Tasman National Park.
Contents
What is a Tasmanian devil actually?
The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world and only occurs in Tasmania. The animal is compact, muscular, and looks quite innocent with its black fur and white chest patches… until it opens its mouth. The scream sounds like something terribly wrong is happening, and their teeth immediately make it clear that you should keep your distance. Take a look and listen in the video below that I made.
They are mainly nocturnal and live solitarily. During the day, you rarely see them in the wild, which makes spotting them extra difficult. That’s exactly why special places like sanctuaries are so popular (and honestly also so valuable). The enclosures are not made purely for tourists, but precisely for the protection of the animals due to a serious tumor disease circulating among Tasmanian Devils. Your visit provides income to keep this project going.
Spotting Tasmanian devils at Cradle Mountain
After a long day of hiking at Cradle Mountain National Park – one of the most beautiful places in Tasmania – we do something I’ve secretly been looking forward to all day. End of the afternoon, after a nice shower, we drive to a shelter near Cradle Mountain to spot Tasmanian devils.
And yes, there they are.
The Tasmanian devil is a marsupial that only occurs in Tasmania. It’s a carnivore and you notice that immediately. As soon as they become active, you hear the typical growling and screaming. Pretty impressive… and honestly also a bit intimidating 😈. You immediately understand where their reputation comes from.
What I found nice here is that you see them as they really are: not as a “cute animal,” but as a robust predator with an important role in the ecosystem. They clean up carcasses and keep nature in balance.
And then there was still a surprise.
The last photo I took was not actually a Tasmanian devil, but a Quoll. These are also predators and relatives of the Tasmanian devil. They occur in Australia and New Guinea and are quite similar in hunting technique and diet. Only… these are cuter. And to be honest: that spotted fur certainly helps.
The Unzoo: a special encounter with Tasmanian animals
Before we drove to the airport for our departure from Tasmania, we made one last stop at The Unzoo. This is not a traditional zoo, but a place that works according to the so-called unzoo concept. That means the animals here live as much as possible in a natural, open environment, with space for their own behavior and rhythm. No cages or concrete enclosures, but spacious areas where animals can roam freely.
The Unzoo focuses mainly on native Australian animals, such as wallabies, birds, kangaroos, and of course the Tasmanian devils. For us, a dream really came true here: we could pet and feed the friendly kangaroos. Something you would never do in the wild, of course. These animals are no longer suitable for life in nature due to previous rescue, but they clearly didn’t mind the feeding.
The Tasmanian devils also made a big impression. These unique predators only occur in Tasmania, and their population has dramatically declined over the past decades: from an estimated one million animals to just a few tens of thousands. This is mainly due to the contagious tumor disease (DFTD), which has caused enormous damage. Rescue centers like The Unzoo therefore play an important role in protecting the species and reintroducing resistant animals into the wild. Want to know more about this? You can look it up online – although some images are quite intense to see. Especially because they have been threatened by diseases like Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) for years.
Can you see Tasmanian devils in the wild?
Yes, but… it’s difficult.
Tasmanian devils are nocturnal, shy, and often live in remote areas. The chance of just encountering one during a hike is small. Sometimes you see them along the road at dusk (unfortunately often also as roadkill), but really “spotting” them is no guarantee.
If you want to see them for sure, places like:
- Devils@Cradle
- The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
- East Coast Natureworld (Devils in the Dark)
are a much better choice. You see the animals up close and you immediately support nature conservation.
Why are Tasmanian devils so special?
What sticks with me is the contrast. On the one hand, they are loud, rough, and almost frightening. On the other hand, they are vulnerable and completely dependent on this island.
The fact that you can only see them here makes it extra special. And once you’ve heard, seen, and experienced them up close, you understand why this is one of the highlights of Tasmania for many travelers.
Practical tips for seeing Tasmanian devils
- Combine a visit with places you’re already at, like Cradle Mountain or Tasman National Park
- Go to a sanctuary rather than hoping for luck in the wild
- Evening or dusk tours give the best experience, because that’s when they become active themselves
- Always keep your distance and respect the animals
- See it not only as “looking,” but also as contributing to protection
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