Tasmanian Devils Rule the Animal Kingdom

The animal kingdom of Tasmania has lots of celebrated subjects (like Tasmanian Devils and the now extinct Tasmanian tiger), as well as the base variety kangaroos, wallabies and wombats for the
Aussie photo safari.

The wildlife parks dotted around the state are testament to the magnetism of flora and fauna for holiday makers - combine these experiences with the wild and natural version and the Apple Isle has pretty much got all bases covered.

Tasmanian Devils - high profile
(Photo by Dan Fellow)

To see more Tasmanian Devil pictures click here

When talking animals, Tasmanian devils rate high on the celebrated list for curiosity value. They are undoubtedly unique, but also a cross between a cuddly stuffed toy (think koala) and a ferocious, mini-sized carnivore - not sure if they are cute, or terrifying? In the wild they are vulnerable to Devil Facial Tumour Disease which threatens to place them on the extinction list within ten years if a cure is not discovered.

So, whatever the answer to the cute question, they are a must-see-before-it's-too-late proposition, and that means including a sanctuary or nature park on the travel itinerary. A bit like the platypus, the devils are way too shy to present themselves to the bushwalker for a photo op.

Drivers watch out:
Tasmanian Wallabies

But don't think the only place you will see wildlife on the trip will be at a zoo or park - far from it. There are so many appearances from the royal subjects of the animal kingdom in Tassie that you have to be careful on the roads so you don't squish them - especially at night.

So far we have befriended a very placid wombat, met with a couple of wallabies and seen a mob of kangaroos out for an early breakfast! Don't know if this should rate a mention, but there was also one incident with a snake - nothing near-miss or anything dreadful, but it was still a snake.

If you like your animals to be stuffed before you see them (wouldn't mind that option for the snake, actually), factor in some time at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Friendly kangaroos & wallabies!!

Despite media reports of Tasmanian tiger sightings on the loose, a guaranteed close-up encounter with the legendary (albeit preserved) marsupial is available at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart, together with video footage of the last captive species. Their display of flora and fauna alone is worthy of the entry fee donation, but of course they offer much more.

So however you like to take your nature, the options are varied and numerous. As a family, we have a fascination with a broad-spectrum animal kingdom. Obviously the locals have a strong bond with Tasmanian Devils as a specific species. The devils, along with the Tasmanian tiger, are used as mascots for many clubs and businesses, reflecting that the world of nature plays a very important role in this island state.

No Tasmanian Tiger, but a
close encounter with a wombat

Hopefully soon our reports will include a few more sightings: penguin colony, glow worms and whales are high on the present wish list.

More snakes - not so much!!