Carnivorous Mammals
Australia has over 50 marsupial mammals that are carnivorous (part of the Dasyurid family), with all having furry tails and pointed snouts. The largest and most famous of these is the Tasmanian Devil. They disappeared from the Australian mainland, most likely due to predation from dingos when they arrived in Australia. Tasmanian Devils possess extremely strong jaws and have a very distinctive scream that can be heard into the evening.
Living in dens, they scavenge for food and can hunt wallabies, possums and wombats. The population has been decimated recently by a viral disease causing facial tumours, with 90% of animals affected. In 2013, a group of 28 healthy devils were released on Maria Island and have since bred successfully. There are other pockets in Tasmania that seem to be immune to the disease where these intriguing animals can be observed and hopefully preserved for future generations.
Tasmania is also the only place to see the Eastern Quoll and provides plentiful viewing opportunities for the Spotted-tailed Quoll. Quolls have attractive white spots on their fur and pink noses. They typically feed on birds, insects fruits and small mammals with their sharp teeth. Spotted-tailed Quoll populations in North Queensland are low, but can be seen on a specialised tour of the region.
The Northern Quoll is the smallest of the four species in Australia and can be seen across Kakadu & Arnhem Land, especially around rocky outcrops taking advantage of their climbing prowess. They can also be found in the Wet Tropics near Cairns.
Bandicoots are omnivorous marsupials and are distinct due to their tapering snouts and upright ears. Numbers have decreased significantly since European settlement, with Tasmania the best place to see the Eastern Barred and the Southern Brown Bandicoot. Northern Brown Bandicoots are larger than their southern cousins and can be seen across Kakadu and Arnhem Land and the Wet Tropics outside of Cairns.
-
The Maria Island Walk
From $1,910 USD
4 days/3 nights
The Maria Island Walk
From $1,910 USD
4 days/3 nights
This four day guided walk across magnificent Maria Island, combines intimate wildlife encounters, fascinating history, pristine white sand beaches, and locally sourced gourmet food.
Small groups of maximum 10 guests and 2 guides, will explore the World Heritage Listed island with gentle walks by day and enjoy elegant private accommodation... -
5 Day Tasmanian Wildlife Encounter
From $2,250 USD
5 days/4 nights
5 Day Tasmanian Wildlife Encounter
From $2,250 USD
5 days/4 nights
Tasmania, Australia’s island state, provides a rare opportunity to encounter unique and endemic wildlife. Renowned as a prime area for marsupial spotting, Tasmania is a crucial habitat for many species, including quolls, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and the most famous resident, the Tasmanian Devil.
Experience a mix of beautiful eucalypt forests,... -
Kangaroo Island In Style
From $1,000 USD
2 days/1 night
Kangaroo Island In Style
From $1,000 USD
2 days/1 night
Discover what makes Kangaroo Island such a celebrated region, as you experience the Island's history, ecology, landscape, contemporary lifestyle, regional produce and incredible wildlife offerings.
Regions visited include the Cygnet Valley, Stokes Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, central plateau and extraordinary south coast landscapes at Seal Bay, where guests will... -
5 Day Tasmania's Western Wilderness
From $2,185 USD
5 days/4 nights
5 Day Tasmania's Western Wilderness
From $2,185 USD
5 days/4 nights
Explore Tasmania’s incredible alpine regions as well as the wild and rugged west-coast. Visit the famous Cradle Mountain National Park, get close to our icon animal, the Tassie Devil and feel the sea breeze while exploring quaint fishermen villages and old mining towns.
Wildlife highlights include the opportunity to see...