Cradle Mountain: After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour

Summary

Night walks with devils at Cradle Mountain’s wild edge

You’ll walk through Devils@Cradle after dark with a local guide, watch Tasmanian devils and quolls feed up close (it gets noisy), and learn what makes them tick. Expect laughter, real animal drama, and a few surprises in the shadows — plus time to wander before the tour starts.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the crunch of gravel underfoot and the way the cold air felt sharper as we stepped onto the viewing deck at Devils@Cradle. It was already dusk — that blue-grey light where you can’t tell if it’s late or early. Our guide, Sam, had this quiet way of talking about Tasmanian devils like they were old friends. He pointed out three species in the sanctuary, but honestly, my eyes kept drifting to the shadows moving behind the wire — you could hear them before you saw them, these low snuffling sounds mixed with little yelps. I didn’t expect to feel nervous (they’re not that big), but there’s something about seeing them at night that gets under your skin a bit.

We followed Sam along a path that wound between enclosures — he’d stop every so often to shine an eco-friendly torch just enough to see fur glinting and tails twitching. When he started tossing food into one of the pens, everything got loud fast. The devils barreled in, jaws snapping, pushing each other around for scraps. It wasn’t scary exactly, more like watching siblings fight over dinner (if your siblings could bite through bone). Someone asked about their screeches — apparently it’s mostly bluffing, not anger. I tried to say “quoll” properly and got it wrong; Sam grinned and said even locals mess it up sometimes.

The best part? There was this weird moment of silence after feeding — just heavy breathing and the smell of damp earth and eucalyptus leaves settling back in. You could almost forget there was a fence between us and them. I still think about how wild they looked under that faint red light, like little ghosts from some other time. The whole day trip to Cradle Mountain for this felt worth it just for those few minutes when everything went quiet again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — After dark Tasmanian devil feeding tour

• Arrive and self-guide sanctuary
• Attend introduction on main deck
• Join guided walk inside sanctuary
• Observe keeper feeding animals
• Learn about behavior and conservation
• Ask questions to tour guide

Top questions

Is the after dark Tasmanian devil feeding tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult during the tour.

Is Devils@Cradle wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most areas are wheelchair accessible; let them know at booking if you have specific needs.

How long does the feeding tour at Devils@Cradle last?

The main guided portion lasts about 1–1.5 hours; you can arrive early to explore on your own.

Can I take photos during the night feeding tour?

Yes, photography is welcome throughout your visit at Devils@Cradle.

What animals will I see on this Cradle Mountain night tour?

You’ll see Tasmanian devils and quolls — both are most active after dark.

Is parking available onsite at Devils@Cradle?

Yes, free onsite parking is included for all visitors.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or cold nights.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted within Devils@Cradle Wildlife Park.

What’s included

Your evening includes free onsite parking at Devils@Cradle Wildlife Park, full access to wander through parts of the sanctuary before your guided night walk begins, plus a local guide leading you through animal enclosures as they feed and share stories about conservation efforts along the way.