Devils@Cradle Day Feeding Tours

Map View Full Details Reviews

Walk the Devils@Cradle sanctuary at lunchtime with a keeper, meet all three of its carnivores, then stand inside the only walk-through enclosure while the Tasmanian devils are fed. Entry to the sanctuary is included, so you can stay on and wander before or after.

Days

1 hour

Age

All ages; children 3 and under free

Group size

Keeper-led group walk

Start / finish

Devils@Cradle sanctuary, Cradle Mountain / same place

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

No transport; parking on site

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

View map

Included experiences

Sanctuary walk — meet Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls and spotted-tail quolls with a keeper
Walk-through enclosure — watch the devils feed from all sides
Keeper talk — devil diet, behaviour and conservation
Self-guided visit — wander the sanctuary before or after the tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

1PM: MEET YOUR KEEPER

You'll find the sanctuary on Cradle Mountain Road, just before the gate into Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area since 1982. Cradle Mountain itself rises to 1,545 metres, and up here the weather turns fast, so bring a warm layer even in summer. Your ticket includes general entry, so come early and wander on your own first. At 1pm a keeper gathers the group and leads you out into the grounds on foot for about an hour.

THE WALK: DEVILS AND QUOLLS

The walk stops at each of the three species the sanctuary cares for. The Tasmanian devil is the largest meat-eating marsupial alive. The eastern quoll disappeared from mainland Australia in the 1960s and now lives in the wild only in Tasmania, while the spotted-tailed quoll is the larger cousin, with spots running right down its tail. Your keeper explains how each lives, what it eats and what threatens it, from devil facial tumour disease, which has wiped out most wild devils since the 1990s, to cars on country roads after dark.

FEEDING TIME IN THE WALK-THROUGH ENCLOSURE

The walk ends in one of the largest devil enclosures, and the only one you can walk into. At feeding time the devils are at their loudest and busiest, so you watch from all sides as they squabble over their food, with growls, screeches and the crunch of bone. Their jaws can break through bone, which lets them eat almost everything, fur included. The keeper talks you through the feeding behaviour and diet, and the sanctuary's work breeding devils as insurance against the disease.

AFTERWARDS

Stay on after the tour and wander the sanctuary on your own until it closes at 5pm. The gift shop at the entrance sells souvenirs and a small range of packaged Tasmanian food, and the national park gate is a few minutes up the road.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Devils@Cradle, 3950 Cradle Mountain Road, about 1.2 km past the Cradle Mountain visitor centre and bus terminal. On-site parking for cars and campervans; there is no pick-up.
Departure time: Daily at 1pm. General entry opens at 9:30am.
Duration: About 1 hour.
Minimum age: All ages. Children 3 and under are free; all children must be with an adult.
Fitness: An easy walk, but the grounds have uneven ground, steps, woodchip paths and gravel.
Suits: Families, wildlife lovers and anyone visiting Cradle Mountain. Wheelchairs can reach the main viewing deck and the grounds through a side gate, though not every area is accessible; there are accessible toilets.
Please note: The sanctuary is at altitude, and rain, snow and wind can come at any time of year. Tours run in all weather except severe storms, and the animals stay out and visible in the wet. Assistance dogs are welcome with 48 hours' notice. Open every day except Christmas Day.

What to bring

Warm, waterproof layers; the sanctuary is outdoors in alpine weather
Sensible walking shoes
Some cash, in case card machines are down

What is included

Keeper-guided walk through the sanctuary
Tasmanian devil feeding session
General entry to the sanctuary on the day

Not included

Transport to the sanctuary
Food and drink

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We did the 1pm feeding. The talks and watching these little creatures eat were incredible.

Ján Bocán Verified· Travelled 6th July 2026

Read original ↗