Located deep within the rugged landscapes of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, the After Dark Feeding Tour at Devils at Cradle offers visitors a unique glimpse into the mysterious nocturnal world of the Tasmanian devil. Cradle Mountain, famous for its dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife, is one of Australia’s most iconic natural areas, and this tour brings an extraordinary wildlife encounter right to your fingertips.
The Tasmanian devil, a carnivorous marsupial native solely to Tasmania, is famed for its fierce feeding frenzy and powerful jaws. While these elusive creatures are primarily nocturnal, Devils at Cradle opens the door to observe them in full activity during specially arranged nighttime feeding sessions. The tour runs daily at 5:30 pm and lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with an additional 8:30 pm tour during busier seasons to accommodate more wildlife enthusiasts.
What sets this experience apart is the rare opportunity to witness a group feeding, a spectacle where multiple devils interact and compete for food. Using environmentally sensitive lighting to minimize disturbance, expert keepers provide insightful commentary on the devils’ behaviors, biology, and the significant conservation challenges they face due to disease and habitat loss. This behind-the-scenes perspective makes the encounter both educational and thrilling.
The sanctuary itself is embedded in the natural Tasmanian bushland, allowing visitors to explore the habitat where these creatures thrive during the day, including access to day keeper tours and sanctuary grounds from 9:30 am until 5 pm. The nocturnal feeding tour, included with sanctuary entry, completes the full picture of the devils’ daily rhythms.
Cradle Mountain’s pristine environment enhances the experience, with native eucalyptus forests and crisp mountain air adding to the immersive feeling. Beyond the spotlight on devils, the region offers a stunning array of flora and fauna, from ancient rainforests to elusive platypus sightings.
For wildlife lovers visiting Tasmania, this tour is a standout chance to see one of the island’s most iconic species in naturalistic conditions, making it a compelling complement to other outdoor adventures like hiking around Dove Lake or exploring the Overland Track.
Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or a curious traveler, the After Dark Feeding Tour at Devils at Cradle provides a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation while delivering a captivating wildlife encounter not easily found elsewhere.