Hobart: Admission Ticket to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Planning a trip to Tasmania and looking to get up close with some of Australia’s most iconic animals? The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers an engaging and meaningful experience that goes beyond just seeing wildlife. This sanctuary, just a 30-minute drive from Hobart, is dedicated to caring for injured, orphaned, and endangered animals, with a focus on conservation and education. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or traveling with curious friends, this visit offers both adorable moments and insightful stories about Australia’s remarkable creatures.

What really stands out about Bonorong is the chance to hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos—a real treat for animal lovers—and the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides about the threats facing Tasmania’s wildlife. Plus, the sanctuary’s focus on rescue and rehabilitation adds a layer of depth to the visit, making it a meaningful experience rather than just a zoo visit. However, the warm weather can be a consideration, as some visitors noted the need for more shade on hot days.

This experience suits those who want to connect with nature authentically, appreciate conservation efforts, or simply enjoy adorable Australian animals in a caring environment. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for a relaxed, educational outing that’s accessible and family-friendly (with some considerations for comfort in warmer weather). Overall, it’s highly rated for its staff knowledge, animal care, and intimate feel—making it worth a spot on your Tasmania itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic Wildlife Experience: Focus on rescue animals and conservation, not just a tourist attraction.
• Close Animal Interactions: Hand-feed kangaroos and see iconic species like koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Staff share stories, explain conservation challenges, and demonstrate genuine animal care.
• Accessible and Family-Friendly: Wheelchair accessible with flexible booking options, including free cancellation.
• Consider the Weather: Hot days may require extra planning for shade or water, as some visitors noted.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings (4.7/5) from over 120 reviews highlight its quality and impact.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Experience

Location and Setting

Nestled just a short drive from Hobart, Bonorong makes it easy to escape the city buzz and step into a space dedicated to Tasmania’s wild residents. The sanctuary is thoughtfully designed with pathways that allow visitors to get close to the animals without feeling cramped, and the setting feels relaxed and welcoming. It’s not a zoo but a rescue centre, which adds to its authenticity.

What to Expect on Your Visit

Once inside, you’re greeted by a team of passionate and knowledgeable keepers eager to share their stories. The experience begins with a walk through a sanctuary that’s home to animals that either can’t be released back into the wild or need special care. These include Tasmania’s famous Tasmanian devils, friendly wombats, adorable sugar gliders, and Eastern quolls.

An essential part of the visit is the free-roaming kangaroos. You’ll be handed a bag of food, and then it’s your turn to step into their territory and hand-feed these gentle animals. The joy of having kangaroos hop around you and munch from your hand is hard to beat. Several reviews mention just how special this moment is—one visitor from Australia said, “Feeding the kangaroos was a phenomenal experience,” and they kept returning for more.

The Guided Tour and Animal Care

Joining one of the sanctuary’s guided tours is highly recommended because it provides context about each species. Guides share facts about the animals’ backgrounds, their injuries or reasons for being at Bonorong, and what conservation efforts are underway. Many reviews praise the guides for their enthusiasm and knowledge. One visitor from the USA appreciated how the guides shared personal stories about the animals’ journeys, which made the experience more meaningful.

Feeding and interacting with the animals isn’t just fun—it’s also educational. You learn about the threats facing native wildlife such as habitat loss, disease, and invasive species. The sanctuary plays a vital role in caring for injured or abandoned animals, and many visitors comment on how the staff clearly love their jobs.

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Photo Opportunities and Animal Encounters

Photographers will love the chance to snap images of wombats snoozing in their burrows, Tasmanian devils scurrying in their enclosure, or koalas cuddling high in the trees. The animals are generally quite comfortable around visitors, and the keepers often pose for photos while sharing stories about each animal’s personality and history. Several reviews mention how close-up views and interactions make for memorable photo moments.

Conservation and Rescue Focus

Unlike traditional zoos, Bonorong’s mission centers on rescue and rehabilitation, which adds a layer of purpose to your visit. The sanctuary takes in animals that are injured or unable to survive in the wild and provides them with care. Some visitors have noted the sanctuary’s impressive work, describing it as “not just a zoo but a place doing marvelous work with precious animals,” as one reviewer put it.

Practical Details

• Duration: Expect around 2-3 hours to see the main highlights, join a tour, and feed the animals.
• Pricing and Booking: Tickets are flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before your visit. This flexibility is helpful given weather considerations or last-minute changes.
• Accessibility: The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all visitors to enjoy.
• Weather considerations: The reviews highlight the need for more shade on hot days. Bringing hats, sunscreen, and water is advisable to stay comfortable.

Value for Money

While this isn’t a free experience, the ticket price reflects the quality of the interaction, the care behind the animals, and the educational value. Many visitors feel it’s a worthwhile investment, especially knowing their money supports wildlife rescue efforts. The chance to see Tasmania’s iconic animals up close and learn about their conservation makes it a meaningful addition to your trip.

Real Visitor Perspectives

Fiona from Australia mentioned, “Some more shade would be nice—hot sunny weather today. More kids story books about animals,” which shows the sanctuary is aware of visitor comfort. Others, like Natalia from Austria, praised the staff’s dedication, saying, “The team is doing a great job caring for injured or endangered animals.”

The enthusiasm continues with travelers like Jayana from Australia, who called it an “AMAZING experience,” and Debra from the US, who appreciated the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils and learn their stories. These reviews reinforce that Bonorong is appreciated for its authenticity, animal care, and friendly staff.

Who Should Consider Visiting?

If you’re interested in wildlife, conservation, or just love animals, this sanctuary hits the right notes. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a relaxed, educational day out that provides genuine insights into Tasmania’s native species. Families with older children will enjoy the close encounters and interactive aspects. The sanctuary’s focus on rescue also appeals to those who want their visit to have a positive impact.

While kids might find the animals adorable, the experience is low-key and centered around education rather than entertainment. Expect a walking, outdoor experience—so come prepared for the weather.

Final Thoughts

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers more than just cute animal photos; it’s a place where conservation and animal welfare are front and center. The knowledgeable staff, the chance to feed kangaroos, and the presence of iconic species like Tasmanian devils make it a highlight for many visitors to Hobart. The high ratings and heartfelt reviews reflect its genuine care and the memorable moments it creates.

If you’re in Tasmania and want to connect with the island’s wildlife in a meaningful way, this sanctuary is a solid choice. It’s especially valuable if you value supporting rescue efforts and learning about the animals you’re seeing—an experience that’s both fun and impactful.

FAQ

Is the ticket price worth it?
Given the opportunity to see and interact with iconic Australian animals and learn about conservation firsthand, most visitors find the ticket price reasonable and worthwhile.

Can I walk through the sanctuary on my own?
Yes, you can explore the sanctuary independently after your guided tour, viewing other animals and taking photos at your own pace.

Is it suitable for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, the sanctuary is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all visitors to enjoy the experience.

How long should I allocate for my visit?
Typically, 2-3 hours is enough to see the main highlights, join a tour, and feed the animals, but you can adjust based on your interests.

Are there any restrictions on bringing animals?
Yes, without permission, animals cannot be brought onto the property, including assistance dogs, and sporting equipment like skateboards is not allowed.

What should I bring for the visit?
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended, especially on sunny days since some visitors noted the lack of shade.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for older children and families, provided they’re prepared for outdoor walking and weather conditions.

What animals will I see?
You’ll encounter kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, sugar gliders, eastern quolls, and many more native species.

Can I purchase souvenirs?
Yes, the sanctuary offers gifts that support their conservation work, making for meaningful keepsakes or presents.

Whether you’re passionate about wildlife or just want a uniquely Australian experience, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary makes for a rewarding, educational outing just outside Hobart. It combines adorable encounters with a genuine commitment to conservation, making it a visit worth remembering.

You can check availability for your dates here: