Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (pronounced “Bon-a-rong” - Aboriginal meaning “Native Companion”) was established in 1981 as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife and is Tasmania's most popular wildlife park.

 

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Hobart take the A1 (Broker Highway) the main road from Hobart to Launceston. Follow this past Glenorchy, Montrose, Claremont and Granton. Turn right in Granton at roundabout onto Bridgewater Bridge. After bridge travel straight through first roundabout and turn left at second roundabout. This will bring you into township of Brighton.  Look for sign Saying “Bonorong Wildlife Park” and turn right at Shell service station into Andrew street. Drive one kilometre looking for sign on right hand side saying “Bonorong Wildlife Park 1km” and turn right into Briggs Road. Drive one Kilometre and Bonorong is on your left hand side.

ADMISSION/TICKET FEES:

General Admission 

Family (2 Adults & 2 Children)      $57.00

Adult                                                   $22.00

Pensioner (With pension card)    $19.00

Child (4 - 15 Years)                         $9.00

Child (3 Years & Under)                 Free  

ANNUAL PASSES

Adult                                                   $50.00

Child                                                  $24.00

Wild Child Kids Club                      $36.00

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people - please contact us for further information.

Every person receives a complimentary bag of kangaroo food with each entry.

Night Tours (minimum 2 adults)

2 Adults                         $149 each

2-6 Adults                      $149 each

7-14 Adults                    $99 each

15 or more adults         $74 each

Children (2-15 years) accompanying adults  $49 each

Children (2-15 years) accompanying 15 or more adults $29 each

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Contrary to my expectations, Bonorong is NOT at all a zoo that houses local Tasmanian animals, rather it is a sanctuary that specialises in care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. Some of which were hurt due to car accidents and other domesticated animals like dogs and cats.

First thing that I want to see at Bonorong was of course the Tasmanian devil. Ever since, I’ve always wanted to see a Tassie devil in person and the day tour at the Bonorong did not fail to impress me. I was able to see Tassie devils in action during mealtime. There was a short tour conducted by one of the keepers where he shared bits and pieces about the nature of the devils as well as information about the deadly Devil Facial Tumor Disease, which is really unfortunate. He also showed the visitors around and let us have photos with the koala.

Prior to that, Bonorong houses friendly mob of kangaroos and wallaby where we were able to feed them courtesy of the complimentary feed given at the entrance. It was really fun to feed the kangaroos and I was just amazed of how beautiful these creatures are. After a few shots, we visited other enclosures and saw other unique species, although some of them didn’t come out since most of these beautiful animals are nocturnal in nature.

Other animals in the sanctuary include the Eastern Quoll, the Tasmanian Pademelon and the shy Tasmanian Bettong.  These four marsupial species have made their last stand Tasmania and other marsupials sadly are at risk of joining that list. You can also have a chance to see golden possums, potoroos and emus to the brilliant spotted-tailed quolls, wombats and echidnas.

AMENITIES/FACILITIES:

The facilities at the sanctuary include, Picnic and Barbecue Facilities, Car park, Coach Parking, Access Without Assistance for the Disabled and First aid equipment.

OPENING/CLOSING HOURS:

I reckon, Bonorong is opened all throughout the week, since it is a sanctuary for injured animals. You can drop any wild animals at their door anytime during the day. However, for visitors there is a Day Tour from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm and for night tours booking is essential.

PERSONAL RATING: 5/5

“I loved it. My experience in Bonorong was really special and knowing the fact that the sanctuary continues to aid endangered wild animals and foster them with care gives great hope for the future of these endemic and uniquely beautiful animals.”

RECOMMENDATION:

“I definitely recommend Bonorong not only for animal lovers like mysef but to everyone so that they will be educated of the wild animals here in Tasmania. Of course the existence of these endemic species lies in our own hands.”

For more information contact

http://www.bonorong.com.au

Phone: (03) 6268 1184