Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Night Tour

Travelers seeking a memorable encounter with Tasmania’s unique wildlife will find this Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Night Tour intriguing and fulfilling. Known for its ethical approach and focus on conservation, Bonorong offers a chance to see native animals in a naturalistic setting, especially after hours when they’re most active.

What makes this experience stand out are the personalized small-group format, the opportunity to hand-feed animals like sugar gliders and Tawny Frogmouths, and the chance to help feed the Tasmanian devils, one of Australia’s most iconic species. The expert guide ensures that every participant gets plenty of interaction, making it both educational and fun.

A potential consideration might be the price of $115 per person, which could seem steep for some, but many reviews suggest the value lies in the quality of the experience and the chance to get close to animals that are often shy or nocturnal.

This tour is perfect for animal lovers, families with older children, and eco-conscious travelers who want a deeper, hands-on understanding of Tasmania’s wildlife while supporting wildlife rescue efforts.

Key Points

• Small-group experience maximizes interaction with animals.
• Hand-feeding unique nocturnal wildlife like sugar gliders and Tawny Frogmouths.
• Educational insight from knowledgeable guides passionate about conservation.
• Supports animal rescue, as many animals are recovering from injury or are orphans.
• Evening timing offers a different perspective on wildlife activity.
• Includes dinner-time for diurnal animals and breakfast for nocturnal species.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From the Bonorong Night Tour

The Bonorong Night Tour is a carefully curated experience designed to bring visitors into the animals’ world after hours. It lasts about 2.5 hours and is conducted in a small group setting. This intimacy means you’ll get plenty of chances to ask questions and interact with the animals under the watchful eye of your guide, Johnny, who many reviewers mention as being exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Arrival and Orientation:
Arrive 15 minutes early to get comfortable and hear some background about Bonorong’s mission—saving and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife. The sanctuary’s caring staff are clearly passionate, and Johnny’s enthusiasm often comes through in his explanations, as noted by a traveler from Hong Kong who called him “very nice.”

Evening for Diurnal Animals:
The tour begins with the feeding of animals that are active during the day, such as kangaroos. One highlight is meeting the friendly Forester kangaroos, which are known for their approachable nature. Many visitors love the chance to pat these gentle creatures, a rare opportunity outside of zoos.

Nighttime Activities and Nocturnal Animals:
The core of the tour is helping to feed the nocturnal animals. Participants get to hand-feed Eastern quolls, sugar gliders, and Tawny Frogmouths—all creatures that thrive at night and are often difficult to spot during daylight hours. A reviewer from Mexico called the experience “excellent,” emphasizing how special it was to get close to these animals.

Feeding the Tasmanian Devils:
One of the tour’s focal points is helping staff feed the Tassie devils. Visitors noted that while they’re not allowed to hold animals, they can pat them under supervision and see them eagerly enjoy their dinner. The chance to assist in feeding gives a real sense of contribution to conservation efforts; many reviews highlight how meaningful this feels.

Supporting the Sanctuary’s Mission:
Throughout the tour, guides explain how the sanctuary’s work supports animals that are recovering from injuries or are orphaned. A reviewer from the U.S. called it “a great education” and appreciated the insight into how their participation helps these animals return to the wild.

Group Size and Interaction

The small-group format, often limited to just your party, ensures that every visitor has plenty of time to interact and ask questions. Many reviewers, like one from the UK, mention how “fantastic to be able to get up close” with the animals, a rare treat in wildlife encounters.

Duration and Comfort

The 2.5-hour duration is well-paced, with enough time to see multiple animals and learn about their behavior. Reviewers mention that the tour takes place in the evening, which adds a different dimension to wildlife viewing—many nocturnal animals are more active, making for a lively experience.

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Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes admission, the guide, and all feeding activities. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in, and visitors should be prepared with comfortable shoes and warm clothes—especially since Tasmania nights can be cool.

The Value of the Experience

While the $115 per person price might seem high at first glance, many reviews suggest it’s justified by the quality of interaction, the knowledge of the guides, and the support for conservation. Especially for those interested in hands-on, ethical wildlife experiences, this tour offers far more than just a walk through a zoo.

Participants are not allowed to hold animals, but the opportunity to pat and feed under supervision creates a genuine connection. Many reviewers emphasize that the guides—like Johnny—are passionate and knowledgeable, transforming a simple animal encounter into an educational journey.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

If you’re someone who loves animals, especially the quirky and elusive nocturnal species of Tasmania, this tour is a fantastic way to see them active and thriving. It’s especially appealing if you want to support wildlife rescue efforts while gaining a deeper understanding of conservation work.

Families with older children will appreciate the interactive nature of this experience, though younger kids might find it less engaging due to the evening timing. The small-group format makes it more intimate, giving everyone plenty of time for questions and photos.

The expert guide and well-organized itinerary mean you’ll leave feeling informed and inspired. Plus, the chance to help feed animals like Tasmanian devils is a rare privilege, transforming a typical wildlife tour into a meaningful conservation activity.

The Sum Up

The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Night Tour offers a genuine, interactive glimpse into Tasmania’s nocturnal life. Its focus on ethical animal interactions, conservation support, and expert guidance makes it a standout choice for wildlife enthusiasts. The experience’s small-group format guarantees intimacy and plenty of opportunities for personal contact.

While the price may be a consideration, reviewers consistently point out how worth it the experience feels—especially given the chance to get close to animals that are often hidden during daylight hours. If you’re after an educational, hands-on wildlife adventure that supports conservation work, this tour will be well worth your time and money.

For travelers eager for a memorable, meaningful encounter with Tasmania’s wildlife, the Bonorong Night Tour delivers. It’s perfect for those who value authentic animal experiences, expert guidance, and supporting efforts to rescue and rehabilitate native species.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. The experience is generally suitable for families with older kids, especially those interested in animals and conservation.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, providing ample time to see and interact with various animals.

What animals will I see and feed?
You’ll have the chance to feed and interact with Eastern quolls, tawny frogmouths, sugar gliders, and Tasmanian devils. You might also encounter the friendly Forester kangaroos.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to arrive early and discuss any specific needs with the staff.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, as Tasmania nights can be cool, especially during outdoor activities.

Can I hold the animals during this tour?
No, but you will be able to pat them under supervision. Feeding might be offered where appropriate, but holding animals is not permitted.

What is included in the price?
The admission, guide, and all feeding activities are included. Food and drinks are not part of the package.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours may be canceled due to severe weather or animal welfare concerns. Participants will be offered an alternative tour or full refund if this occurs.

In all, this guided night tour at Bonorong is a thoughtfully designed way to connect with Tasmania’s wildlife after hours, supporting vital conservation efforts while creating memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: