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 effected. 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. Western Quolls have been introduced to the Flinders Ranges recently, with only 6,000 individuals remaining in the southwestern region of Australia.
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.
Search for tours including Carnivorous Mammals, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or find out more at the tour links below:
6-8 Day Tasmania's Wildlife & Wilderness
4 Day Private Tour Tasmania Wildlife Encounter
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tour Ultimate Nature
Three Day ‘Peek’ Kakadu & Arnhem Land
Six Day Lords Safaris, Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris and Bamurru Plains
From $1,940 USD
4 days/3 nights
The Maria Island Walk
From $1,940 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...
From $840 USD
Full Day
Tablelands & Crater Lakes
From $840 USD
Full Day
On this epic day adventure, you will experience a spectacular mix of habitats across the Atherton Tablelands; from lush rainforest, volcanic lakes, wetlands through to savanna country. Located in the highland region southwest of Cairns, this tour covers landmarks such as the Cathedral Fig Tree, Lake Barrine and Milla Milla...
From $2,050 USD
5 days/4 nights
5 Day Tasmanian Wildlife Encounter
From $2,050 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,...
From $6,785 USD
12 days/11 nights
South Eastern Highlights
From $6,785 USD
12 days/11 nights
Extraordinary marine and terrestrial wildlife encounters await you on this itinerary focussing on south-eastern region of the continent, covering the spectacular coastlines of the Tasmania, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln!
Traverse Australia's island-state of Tasmania, featuring incredible opportunities to encounter Platypus, Common Wombats and Forrester Kangaroos as well as iconic...