Up Close with Tassie Devils at Tasmanian Devil Unzoo – Hobart

When you think of Tasmania, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Tassie Devils. If you haven’t fallen head over heels for these wild little creatures yet, you simply need to see one up close! They are undeniably some of the most fascinating and adorably quirky animals you’ll ever encounter.

As an initial visitor to Tasmania for an incredible week-long adventure (before we ended up moving here), our first stop right after landing at Hobart Airport was an absolute must-visit: the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, where we got to experience these amazing Tassie Devils up close and personal! Just an hour’s drive from Hobart along the scenic Arthur Highway and a mere 10 minutes from the iconic Port Arthur Historic Site, this gem is the ideal pit stop before immersing yourself in rich history.

If you have a passion for animals, a heart for ethical wildlife experiences, or simply want to connect with some of Australia’s most iconic and endangered species, this destination is a must-visit on your Tassie adventure! You won’t believe how unforgettable this experience is!

So, What Exactly Is Tasmanian Devil Unzoo?

The clue is in the name—Unzoo. Unlike traditional zoos, Unzoo flips the script. Instead of cages and barriers, the focus is on creating open, natural habitats where animals roam freely (or as freely as possible). The outcome? An immersive experience that transports you right into their world, making you feel like a part of it all!

Absolutely, the highlight here is the Tasmanian Devils, but don’t miss out on the incredible array of marsupials! You’ll encounter kangaroos, wallabies, and the cutest little pademelons, plus a stunning variety of native birds that will take your breath away. Keep your eyes peeled for the chance to encounter wild echidnas, wombats, or possums! We didn’t have the pleasure of spotting any echidnas or wombats this time around, but there’s always a next adventure waiting for us!

Before you dive into the incredible wildlife, let me tell you, the concept of this destination.  Unzoo is a revolutionary concept that completely transforms the way we think about wildlife experiences. Instead of confining animals and showcasing them as mere exhibits, Unzoo invites visitors into the animals’ world—immersing them in the experience—while ensuring the creatures enjoy the freedom and natural habitat they deserve. You’re stepping into their realm, embracing the experience they offer.

The enclosures are a vibrant paradise, bursting with lush greenery and a stunning array of native plants just waiting to be explored. Imagine the thrill of watching kangaroos and wallabies roam freely in their natural habitat! Colourful parrots and other stunning birds gracefully soar above, adding a vibrant touch to the sky! And what about the devils? Even though they’re in secured spaces for safety—both for them and for you—the design and layout create an incredible illusion that you’re witnessing them in their natural habitat. This animal attraction is truly a refreshing escape from the usual, offering a delightful experience that feels both modern and ethically sound. It’s like stepping into a eucalyptus-scented paradise!

Saving the Tassie Devil: A Story Worth Knowing

Before we get back to the cuteness overload, it’s worth understanding a bit about the park’s background. Tasmanian Devil Unzoo opened in 1979, beginning with a few orphan devils and other hand-raised or rehabilitated wildlife. A year later, they started a captive breeding program. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and Unzoo became part of critical conservation efforts when Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD)—a contagious and deadly cancer—started wiping out the population.

Between 1996 and 2007, devil numbers plummeted from around 150,000 to just 10,000–15,000. It’s heartbreaking, but also a reminder of how important places like Unzoo are in protecting and preserving Australia’s unique wildlife.

A Mission That Matters: Devil Facial Tumour Disease & Conservation

It’s easy to get caught up in the cuteness of Tassie Devils, but the story behind them is serious—and heartbreaking.

Since the 1990s, Tasmania’s devil population has been under siege from a rare, contagious cancer called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). The disease is brutal: it causes large facial tumours, making it difficult for affected devils to eat. It spreads through biting, which is common among devils when they fight or feed, and it’s almost always fatal.

By the mid-2000s, populations had declined by more than 80%, dropping from an estimated 150,000 individuals to fewer than 20,000—and in some regions, nearly to extinction.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo was one of the first wildlife sanctuaries to jump into action. Starting in 2006, they joined a network of wildlife conservation groups working to create insurance populations—captive devils kept disease-free and safe, with the goal of maintaining genetic diversity and one day reintroducing devils into wild areas.

They’ve also supported breeding programs, public education, and habitat restoration—all while providing a platform for visitors to learn about these amazing animals and the threats they face.

It’s one thing to see a Tasmanian Devil in a photo. It’s another thing entirely to watch one pace, yawn, sniff the air, and look directly at you, knowing just how rare and vulnerable they’ve become.

A Devil of a Time: Face-to-Face with Tasmanian Devils

Unzoo features four unique Tasmanian Devil habitats, with one just off the main entrance. But the Devil Den is the showstopper—you crawl through an underground tunnel and pop up in a clear dome right inside the enclosure. At one point, we were this close to touching noses with one of the devils!

We got to the park not long after it opened and practically had the place to ourselves, which meant loads of time to hang out with the devils and snap some incredible shots. Honestly, we expected them to be shy, but they were the total opposite—one little guy even walked right up to sniff us, and another sat with us for 10 minutes inside the Devil Den, just yawning and chilling.

It was part-cute, part-menacing—but we later learned that this “yawn” is actually a fear or stress signal. It’s the devil’s way of saying, “Back off.” This display captures the essence of fear, anxiety, and stress, showcasing a journey through the complexities of human emotions rather than just aggression. It’s a fascinating way to channel nervous energy into something completely harmless and enjoyable! We kept still and respectful, and he rewarded us by hanging around for a full 10 minutes before lumbering off into the trees.

And that wasn’t the only interaction. Just outside the Den, there are other enclosures where you can see devils in pairs or small groups. Some were snoozing in the sun. Others were play-fighting or investigating their surroundings. Unlike zoo animals that sometimes pace in boredom, these devils were active and alert—and genuinely seemed interested in us.

Kangaroo Valley & The Cutest Joey Ever

After almost an hour mesmerised by the devils, we ventured out to explore more of the park’s 2km+ of bush trails. Along the way, we spotted curious pademelons, cheeky parrots yelling “hello,” and the sleepy eyes of tawny frogmouths.

But the real magic happened in the open kangaroo paddock (a.k.a. Kangaroo Valley). Dozens of roos and wallabies were relaxing in the sun when a baby joey hopped straight over to us—demanding a scratch. And once we started, there was no going back. This tiny bundle of cuteness followed us around the whole time and even tried to hop out of the enclosure with us when we left. We’re not crying, you’re crying.

And we’re not exaggerating—this tiny roo was a total social butterfly. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments where nature feels like magic. If you’ve ever doubted whether animals can show affection or curiosity, spend five minutes with this joey and you’ll be a believer.

15 Fascinating Facts About Tassie Devils

Want to impress your friends with some devilish trivia? Here are some amazing facts we learned during our visit:

1. They weigh up to 12 kg—smaller than you might think.
2. They’re the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial.
3. Their chubby tails store fat (think of it as their survival stash) – —so a plump tail is a sign of a healthy devil.
4. They have one of the most powerful bites on Earth and can open their jaws up to 80 degrees!
5. Their “yawn” is actually a fear response, not aggression.
6. They can run up to 24 km/h—for a whole hour.
7. They won’t attack humans, but they will defend themselves if cornered.
8. A 10 kg devil can eat 1 kg of food in a day—and up to 40% of its own body weight in one sitting!
9. They mate once a year, in March.
10. Females are only pregnant for about 21 days.
11. Joeys stay in their mother’s pouch for around four months.
12. When threatened, they growl, scream, and show their teeth—classic devil mode.
13. Baby devils are adorably called “imps.”
14. Their lifespan is around five to eight years.
15. Yep—they’re pretty good at climbing trees, too.

Where Is the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo?

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is located just an hour’s drive from Hobart, along the Arthur Highway, in a small town called Taranna. It’s also only about 10 minutes from the Port Arthur Historic Site, which makes it a perfect half-day stop before or after a dive into Tasmania’s convict past.

The drive itself is scenic and easy, winding along the Tasman Peninsula’s rugged coastline and lush bushland. There are plenty of spots to pull over for coffee or a photo, but honestly, we were too excited—we headed straight for the devils.

Final Thoughts: Why You Must Visit Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

In a world where many wildlife parks are either overly commercialised or ethically questionable, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo stands out as a shining example of conservation, education, and compassion done right. It’s more than just a tourist stop—it’s a living, breathing mission to protect one of Australia’s most endangered and fascinating species.

If you’re heading to Tasmania, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is a must-visit. From the up-close encounters to the heartfelt conservation work, to the chance to hand-feed a wallaby or befriend a baby joey, every minute we spent here was memorable. Whether you’re an animal lover, a conservation enthusiast, or just someone looking for an authentic Tassie experience, this place belongs on your bucket list – —you’ll leave with a full heart, a camera roll bursting with cuteness, and a whole new appreciation for one of Australia’s most misunderstood animals.

Travel Tip:
Go early for a quieter experience and better photo ops. Allow 2–3 hours minimum to explore the full park. And bring a jacket—it’s Tassie, after all!