Photo: wallygrom / CC BY-SA 2.0
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Tasmania, Tasmania Zoo offers an intimate encounter with the island's unique wildlife. This family-run zoo is a conservation-focused haven where you can get up close to Tasmanian devils, quolls, and wombats, all set against a backdrop of native bushland. It’s a must-stop for wildlife lovers on a Tasmanian road trip, providing a hands-on experience that’s both educational and memorable.
Highlights & What to See
- Meet the Tasmanian Devils – Get face-to-face with these iconic marsupials at daily feeding sessions, where keepers share insights into their behaviour and conservation.
- Keeper Talks & Encounters – Join scheduled talks to learn about devils, wombats, and reptiles; book a private encounter for a behind-the-scenes experience.
- Free-Ranging Kangaroos & Wallabies – Wander through walk-through enclosures where friendly kangaroos and wallabies hop right up to you – perfect for photos.
- Nocturnal House – Step into the dimly lit nocturnal house to spot shy bandicoots, possums, and gliders active in their simulated night-time environment.
- Reptile & Bird Aviaries – See pythons, lizards, and colourful parrots, including the striking green rosella, in thoughtfully designed habitats.
- Conservation Focus – The zoo runs a successful Tasmanian devil breeding program; your visit directly supports vital conservation work.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for 2–3 hours to comfortably see all exhibits, attend a keeper talk, and enjoy a relaxed stroll. If you’re keen on a private animal encounter or want to linger in the kangaroo walk-through, allow an extra hour. The zoo is compact but rich in experiences, making it easy to fit into a half-day itinerary when driving between Launceston and the north-west coast.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Launceston – Just 20 minutes south, explore Cataract Gorge and the vibrant food scene at Harvest Market.
- Tamar Valley Wine Route – Follow the Tamar River through vineyards and cellar doors, perfect for a post-zoo tasting.
- Low Head – Visit the historic lighthouse and penguin colony on the coast, 30 minutes north.
- Bridport & the Bay of Fires – Drive east for stunning white beaches and orange-lichen-covered boulders, about an hour away.
- Narawntapu National Park – Known as the “Serengeti of Tasmania,” this park offers wildlife spotting and coastal walks, 40 minutes west.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Launceston — File:Launie (cropped).JPG : User: (WT-shared) Plug at wts wikivoyage derivative work: Georgfotoart / Public domain
- Tamar Valley — PBVmedia / CC BY 2.0
- Low Head — Lauchlin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bridport — Steven Penton / CC BY 2.0
- Bay of Fires — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Narawntapu National Park — E. B. from Phnom Penh, Cambodia / CC BY 2.0
- Devonport — YSSYguy at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0