Tasmanian devils meet you up close. At Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Hobart, you get a guided day built around conservation, plus the standout chance to hand feed free-roaming kangaroos. It’s the kind of place where wildlife care feels real, not performative.

I particularly love the close animal encounters (wombats, echidnas, and the famous Tasmanian devils), guided by staff who explain what makes each species vulnerable. My other big win is the sanctuary’s focus on protection and recovery for animals that can’t simply be released back into the wild. One drawback to plan around: it can be hot and sunny, and the shade situation isn’t perfect, so you’ll want to dress for warm weather.

Key Points That Matter Before You Go

• Feed kangaroos right in the roaming area with a bag of food included
• A daily guided tour helps you understand species, threats, and protection efforts
• Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, and more give you a proper taste of Australia’s oddballs
• You can get very close views for photos and wildlife spotting
• Sanctuary care is hands-on, including animal hospital moments you may be able to see
• Plan for sun and keep to sanctuary rules so animals stay calm and safe

Entering Bonorong: Sanctuary Energy, Not Theme-Park Vibes

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those places where the mood is practical. You’re not just there for a list of animals. You’re there because the sanctuary takes in injured, abandoned, or endangered wildlife and works toward long-term care and protection.

The big difference you’ll feel fast is the focus on why the animals are present. You’ll hear explanations tied to threats and animal welfare, not just fun facts. And when you see how close you can get, it makes the conservation message hit harder.

Feeding Free-Roaming Kangaroos (Food Bag Included)

If there’s one moment that tends to anchor the whole visit, it’s feeding the free-roaming kangaroos. Your admission includes a bag of kangaroo food, so you’re not guessing, and you’re not scrambling for snacks.

This is where you’ll want to slow down. Kangaroos are curious, and the best encounters happen when you follow staff directions and keep your movements calm. If you’re hoping for great photos, this is also the time to be ready—without rushing—so you capture the “hands-on” moment.

One practical tip: bring your own water (food and drink aren’t included), and plan for warm weather. A recent comment suggested more shade would be nice on hot sunny days, so think sunscreen, hat, and a light layer.

The Guided Tour: What You Learn With the Keeper

Your ticket includes access to daily guided tours, and the tour is a big part of the value. You’re not just walking around reading signs. You’re guided through animals and their stories, including what threatens them and how the sanctuary helps.

During the tour, staff often share details about the specific animals you’re seeing—things like age and why they’re at the sanctuary. You’ll also get general context about the species, and that makes the rest of your self-guided time more meaningful.

If your group includes kids, this is also a strong win. Some families noted they’d like more kids-focused story materials, but the core experience still lands well because the animals are right there and the explanations are tailored to what you’re looking at.

Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, and Echidnas: The Main Event

Bonorong is known for Tasmanian devils, and it’s easy to see why. Even if you’ve only seen photos of devils, in person they feel more real—active, alert, and full of personality. The sanctuary’s work with them also adds an emotional layer, because you’re learning about protection and care, not just viewing.

You’ll also see other iconic Aussie species such as wombats and echidnas. One guided circuit described in the included tour experience often centers on a small group of featured animals, with examples including Tasmanian devils, echidnas, and wombats. Even if the exact line-up shifts day to day, the overall approach stays the same: short, focused time with the stars, then time to wander and observe more.

Beyond the Famous Names: Sugar Gliders, Quolls, and Birds

The sanctuary experience doesn’t stop at the headline animals. You might also encounter sugar gliders, an eastern quoll, and other wildlife like parrots and kookaburras. That matters because it turns your day into more than one big photo moment. You start spotting patterns in behavior and habitat needs across species.

At close quarters, you’ll likely notice how much effort goes into animal comfort and safe observation. The best part is that the sanctuary doesn’t ask you to stay detached. You get clear views and the chance to understand the animal in front of you.

Animal Hospital Moments: Where Care Gets Real

One of the most memorable parts of Bonorong is how you can see the care side of the sanctuary. Some experiences include watching vet examinations and operations in the animal hospital area, which makes the work feel immediate rather than abstract.

This is also where you learn the reality behind the word sanctuary. Not every animal can be released. In at least some cases, animals stay because they’re too young or have injuries and handicaps that prevent safe return to the wild. Knowing that changes how you interpret your encounter—it’s not a show; it’s part of ongoing recovery.

Photo Tips That Actually Help (Without Stressing the Animals)

You can absolutely get “wow” pictures here, especially with kangaroos in the roaming areas and the more still, heavy-body animals like wombats and devils. But the goal shouldn’t be to bulldoze for the perfect shot.

For better results:

• Keep your camera low and calm when you’re near animals, following staff guidance
• Use the guided tour window for your sharper photos because you’ll get positioned close and informed
• Expect motion with active species; plan for short bursts rather than one dramatic click
• Don’t crowd—you’ll see more by keeping space than by forcing angles

The sanctuary setup supports close viewing, but the animal welfare rules exist for a reason.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Pay For On Site)

Your admission includes:

• Entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
• A bag of kangaroo food
• Access to daily guided tours
• On-site car parking

Not included:

• Food and drink
• Transfer

In plain terms: you’re covered for the wildlife experience itself. You just need to plan for your own meals. There is also an on-site concession option mentioned as tasty in an experience, so you can likely grab something during your day—but treat meals as extra, not part of the $25 ticket.

Price and Value: Is $25 a Good Deal?

At $25 per person, this ticket feels like a fair trade for what you actually get. You’re paying for three things at once: admission, kangaroo feeding supplies, and access to guided tours. That’s better value than paying separately for animal viewing plus a separate activity.

You’re also paying for a mission-driven destination. Since the sanctuary takes in injured or endangered animals and works toward protection, your day isn’t only entertainment. It’s also supporting the care model that keeps these animals safe.

The best value move: show up with a plan to stay at least several hours so you can do the tour and still wander between animal zones without feeling rushed.

Rules That Keep the Day Smooth (and Animal-Friendly)

Bonorong has clear boundaries. These rules help protect wildlife and keep the environment safe for everyone.

Not allowed:

• Smoking and vaping within the sanctuary
• Bringing or taking animals onto the property without permission (this includes assistance animals unless permission is granted)
• Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or tricycles, plus other sporting equipment that could endanger animals or people
• Using or bringing in skate-type devices that could disrupt the sanctuary

This doesn’t feel strict for the sake of strictness. It helps you move slower, act more predictably, and keeps animals calmer around groups.

Getting There From Hobart: Simple Planning

Your ticket includes on-site car parking, which is great if you’re driving in from Hobart. Transfers aren’t included, so if you’re relying on public transport or tours, you’ll want to arrange that separately.

Also, since your ticket is valid for 365 days, you can pick a day that matches your schedule and weather. Just be aware that the sanctuary runs starting times on different days, and you’ll need to check availability for what’s offered.

Who This Experience Fits Best

This works well if you:

• Want hands-on wildlife moments (like feeding kangaroos) without heavy hiking
• Care about animal welfare and conservation, not just a quick photo stop
• Travel with kids who can handle a guided walk and attention to animal explanations
• Enjoy seeing Australia’s “weird and wonderful” lineup in one place

It’s also a good choice for people who like practical close viewing. The sanctuary design supports clear sightlines, and the guided portion helps you understand what you’re seeing instead of just guessing.

Should You Book Bonorong Admission Near Hobart?

Yes, you should—especially if you want a wildlife day that mixes close encounters with conservation education. The $25 price makes sense because guided tours and kangaroo food are built in, and the sanctuary care story gives the day more meaning than a typical zoo visit.

Book it if you’ll handle warm weather with sunscreen and water, and if you’re comfortable following animal-safe rules (quiet movement, no wheeled sports gear, no smoking/vaping). Skip it only if you’re looking for food-and-drink packaged into the ticket or you need guaranteed extra shade on a sunny day.

FAQ

How much is the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary admission ticket?

The price is $25 per person.

What is included with admission?

Your ticket includes admission, a bag of kangaroo food, access to daily guided tours, and on-site car parking.

Do I get to feed kangaroos?

Yes. You’ll have a bag of kangaroo food included, and you can hand feed free-roaming kangaroos.

Are guided tours included or do I have to book separately?

Guided tours are included with the ticket. You get access to daily guided tours.

How long is the ticket valid?

Your admission is valid for 365 days. You’ll check availability to see available starting times.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included, but you can find food on site via a concession option.

Is transfer included from Hobart?

No. Transfers are not included.

Is Bonorong wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The experience is wheelchair accessible.

Are there restrictions on bringing animals or using equipment?

Yes. You cannot take or bring animals onto the property without permission, and you also can’t bring certain items like skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, tricycles, or sporting equipment that could be dangerous. Smoking and vaping are also not allowed in the sanctuary.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’ll drive or use public transport, and I’ll help you pick a smart time slot and day plan around Bonorong.