Devils in the Dark

Devils in the dark showcases the iconic Tasmanian devil at night. This amazing animal can be seen at many parks and zoos but the opportunity to see this nocturnal animal come to life after dark in an, as wild as possible setting, is a trully amazing experience. Devils in the dark was established by a wildlife expert with 30 years experience viewing Tasmanian devils in the wild places of Tasmania.

Our Mission

Our Vision at Devils in the Dark is to continue promoting awareness to our visitors on the current status of the Tasmanian devil. This unique night time viewing experience will allow you to see devils displaying wild behaviours within a natural setting, enabling visitors to watch devils at their best.

 

Providing this experience helps raise the necessary funds to allow us to carry on being an active member of the Insurance Population breeding program. Insurance population devils are maintained and bred not only to insure greater numbers of healthy devils in captivity, but to create a wider genetic diversity within the species. This greater diversity then contributes to boosting diversity in the wild population. In theory, greater diversity in the wild population could help combat the devastating Facial tumour disease.

The world's largest marsupial carnivore

Historically the Tasmanian devil was named, Satanic meatlover, Prince of Hell's pup and the Aboriginal 'Terabah' (Nasty one). Even the latin Sarcophilus harrisii translates to Harris's meat lover. Many have perceived this animal to be a dangerous predator of the night, but in reality it’s a timid and elusive animal.

Since the extinction of the Thylacine, the devil has become Tasmania's primary scavenger and predator. The largest remaining marsupial carnivore, equipped with formidable jaws, teeth and a fearsome reputation, capable of consuming an entire carcass; fur to bone! An extraordinary 40% of its body weight in just thirty minutes.

As a predator and scavenger the devil is a solitary animal. Capable of detecting carcasses and prey items from kilometres away, a single individual is able to bring down large prey items in comparison to their overall size. However, when it comes to feeding it’s regularly a communal affair. Many devils can gather around a carcass, all attempting to fill their phenomenal appetite. At the seemingly chaotic scene of a kill, this opportunistic hunter can communicate with its competitors, using up to twenty known body postures and eleven vocalisations. To an onlooker this can seem like a feeding frenzy, but the reality is a constantly changing battle for dominance, organised through screaming, snorting and grunting. A whole host of bluff noise and deceiving body language, to ensure each gets its feed within the group without risking injury.

This unique animal now only resides in Tasmania, a land which in many ways is like stepping back in time from mainland Australia. 3000 years ago devils roamed the mainland in great numbers. Subsequent habitat and ecosystem changes have left the devil isolated to the diverse habitats of Tasmania, an island paradise where they have become the top predator.

Facial tumour Disease

Almost 20 years ago the first facial tumours were spotted by gifted wildlife photographer, Christo Barrs whilst photographing devils at Mt William National Park in Tasmania's North East. He alerted government wildlife authorities who subsequently managed to trap some infected animals and were horrified by what they saw. The disease has decimated what was a very healthy and numerous population of devils. The disease has almost spread across the entire state with only a small area in the far Northwest untouched at December 2014. It is expected to reach all areas of Tasmania within the next twelve months.

The great news is, devils are extremely tough and tenacious and until the disease came along were an amazingly successful species. This ability to adapt and survive almost anywhere within Tasmania has meant that little pockets of disease free devils are breeding really well and nowhere have they disappeared all together. There is evidence that females are breeding younger and significantly, extending their recognised breeding season. This is likely, one of those wonderful marsupial responses to good times. In this instance perceived good times is a reaction to low numbers of competitors on the landscape which translates into an abundance of food.

This does not mean all is well, as new infection from a roaming diseased individual will send the population tumbling again. This rise and fall in population density could go on for decades with the best case scenario being one day in the distant future, the last diseased devil dies and the remaining devils are free to prosper and once again colonise all areas of Tasmania.

Important information

* Tours run with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 20 people – the tour may be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met, tickets will be automatically refunded upon cancellation.

* The Tour duration is 1 1/2 hour return.

* Natureworld can arrange pick up from the Bicheno Information Centre if required, guests can also meet at the Natureworld car park.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, you are in an enclosed viewing area and we supply umbrellas for the short walk from the bus to the viewing area.

Can we take pictures?

Yes, but we do ask that you wait for the guide to say it is okay to do so

Is there a toilet?

No toilet at the viewing area but we do have a toilet stop before the tour and after the tour, if needed.

What do I wear?

Casual, comfortable clothing. The viewing area is enclosed.

What time should I be at my pick up location?

10 mins prior to the pickup time given.

Are you guaranteed to see Devils?

This tour is based on a concept the owner of Devils in the Dark developed after 30 years of taking people to see devils in the wild. The Facial tumour disease has reduced number so much that wild viewing is now very unreliable. As such, this viewing experience is the closest, to the wild experience you will get in Tasmania.

The devils are in a 10 hectare enclosure and the number of devils in the enclosure is very similar to what you would find in an equivalent wild landscape, containing a healthy population, they come and go at their own free will, we have only had one night in the 3 years the tour has been running where no devils showed up. Every effort is put into ensuring these animals are as wild as possible and they are not exposed to any other human contact other than this tour.

Can my child younger than 8 come on the tour?

Yes they can but only if the following conditions are adhered to. DO NOT book this tour unless you are prepared to abide by the following conditions.

We like you to be aware; we require complete silence at certain stages during the evening. A crying or disruptively noisy child will frighten the devils away. If your child is making a noise then you are required leave the viewing area and return to the bus with your child where you will wait until the rest of the group are ready to go home. We ask that you respect other tour participants and not disrupt the experience for other paying customers. We also feed the devils a wallaby carcass during the tour. Some young children may get upset by this. If you think your child will be fine with the conditions outlined here you are welcome to bring your child/children along. Most children find the tour fascinating, and enjoy the experience.

Tour Choices

We offer a range of tour options utilising our comfortable nocturnal viewing facility.

Tasmanian devil veiwing evening

This tour is for everyone who would love to see how the nocturnal Tasmanian devil behaves after dark. It's the only way to see how devils behave in the wild and we take every effort to replicate this fascinating behaviour.

Cost:
Adult - $89
Child - $65

Conditions apply for children under the age of 8. See under IMPORTANT

 

Where to find us

The Devil Bus picks up from 6 locations in the Bicheno area and other localities by appointment

You can book a tour at most places where you see this poster

 

Tour timetable for this week

The departure times change as this tour operates after dusk and each day the sun sets at a different time we have to alter the pickup times accordingly. We average out several days sunset times to give us the departure time. These times will be update and displayed on our website.

Sunday 20th January to Saturday 9th February

Departure time: 20:45

There are 6 pickup locations in the Bicheno area. These can be found on our Location section. They can also be selected during the online booking process.

You are required to be at the pickup location 10 mins prior to the shown departure time.

The bus will not wait for anyone who is late. If you miss the bus you will forfiet your booking.

If you miss the bus we are sorry but no refund can be given.

 

Links

Here is a list of important Tasmanian devil websites, attractions and accommodation places in Bicheno and surrounds.