TasVacations Blog

Brilliant Bonorong

"Bonorong" - derived from the aboriginal word meaning “native companion” is a sanctuary located a 30-minute drive from Hobart. It is run to protect and assist Tasmania’s wildlife.

Operated by a team of passionate, like-minded staff and volunteers, this place is a must see on your visit to our island state. Being a local and living close by to the sanctuary, we often visit Bonorong throughout the year and have found that every visit has offered a different experience.

As you enter the park you are provided with a bag of complimentary Kangaroo food which you can handfeed to the native Forester Kangaroos which call Bonorong home. There are daily tours that run which - for first time visitors - gives you the knowledge and opportunity to learn about the Tasmanian Devils, Koalas (not native to Tasmania) and the resident wombats which you may get to view up close (as long as they haven't hit adulthood - when they become too territorial to pat!).

Bonorong - Photo by Kim

On our last visit we decided to tour the park ourselves by following the carved-out paths and greeting the animals along our way. This included the resident 100+ year-old Cockatoo, who even has his own birthday letter from the Queen! We also said hello to the Eastern Quolls and Tasmanian Bettongs, along with a variety of snake species enjoying a sunbake on their rock formation enclosure. The array of birdlife is a favourite for our 6-year-old son, who enjoys the Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos that saying hello to him on each visit. My personal favourite would have to be the echidnas who don’t shy away during their daily feed of insects. As mentioned earlier, every time we visit the sanctuary a new animal pops it head up and says hello in a new way!

Bonorong has established an on-site animal hospital which has become crucial for the rehabilitation of Tasmanian native animals. The hospital has a viewing platform allowing you to view the medical procedures in process. On our last visit we were able to witness a surgery that removed a fish hook from a seagull's mouth. Even though it was confrontational, it was nice to know that the sanctuary was there to save these animals in their time of need.

If you wanted to spend a few hours at the sanctuary, there is an onsite café (opening times vary) which offers hot food and drinks. You can also bring your own food and set up a picnic on the grass. We always opt for the hot chips with sauce from the café - it's our little treat!

If you wanted to learn more about the animals in Bonorong I would recommend joining one of their experiences - ranging from a Short Animal Encounter to a 3 Hour Private Premium Feeding Frenzy.