It’s full of fantastic wildlife

Tasmania’s isolation from mainland Australia makes it a refuge for animals and plants that are rare or even extinct in the rest of the world, including the legendary Tasmanian Devil, a marsupial the size of a small dog.

The most common way to encounter Tas' most well-known animal is through its nighttime scream. The little, hyena-like marsupial is infamous for its eerie hiss, which Tasmanian author Richard Flanagan likened to a woman being strangled. Initially thought to be tormented souls by prisoners, they are now treasured icon that is threatened by a rare illness called DFTD, or Devil Facial Tumor Disease.

There are sanctuaries all around the state, including Bonorong and Devils@Cradle, where you can learn about the terrible sickness that threatens them, observe the devils up close, and perhaps even get the chance to pet one of the animals while helping to alleviate their condition. Visit during feeding time to witness these marsupials fighting, screeching, and gnawing into wallaby bones.