Getting there and access

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is north of Hobart. The sanctuary gives a street address for navigation: 593 Briggs Road, Brighton, Tasmania, 7030. Drive times given by the sanctuary are about 30 minutes from Hobart and about two hours from Launceston. On-site parking is available including coach and disabled bays.

Public transport is not readily available to the sanctuary. Ride-share services may be hard to find in the area and the sanctuary recommends not relying on them for the return trip. Taxis operate to and from the sanctuary but fares can be higher than equivalent urban trips, so factor that into your planning.

Opening hours and ticketing

Standard opening hours are 9am to 5pm every day, including public holidays, with the exception of Christmas day when the sanctuary closes at 4pm. General admission does not require advance bookings and daily keeper talks are included in the price of admission.

If you want a guaranteed place on a specific experience, book in advance. The sanctuary offers paid extras such as Animal Encounters, Sanctuary Day Tours and Private Sanctuary Day Tours that require prior booking. There are also a Sanctuary Night Tour and private night tour options for after-dark visits.

Animals on site and purpose

Bonorong keeps a range of native Tasmanian animals, many of which are resident because they are injured, orphaned or otherwise unable to return to the wild. Species listed by the sanctuary include Tasmanian devils, Forester kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats, short-beaked echidnas, Tasmanian bettongs, sugar gliders, eastern and spotted quolls, several cockatoo species, tawny frogmouths, Cape Barren geese and blue-tongue lizards.

The sanctuary runs a hospital and rescue service. The presence of a hospital means some animals are undergoing treatment or rehabilitation; keeper talks and guided experiences focus on the animals' stories and welfare reasons for being at Bonorong.

Tours, encounters and night visits

Daily keeper talks are included with admission and provide an introduction to the animals and their care. Animal Encounters and behind-the-scenes experiences are available to book for closer access; check age, health and booking requirements before you travel if you plan to join one.

Night visits are offered as a regular Sanctuary Night Tour and as private night tour options. These are specifically designed to see nocturnal species and behaviours. If a night visit is important to your plans, book ahead to secure a spot.

Facilities, food and payments

On-site facilities include a plant-based cafe called The Burrow, open from 10am to 3pm each day. You may bring your own food and use picnic tables around the sanctuary. A BBQ area is available and bookings are recommended for groups who want to use it. There is also a gift shop.

The sanctuary accepts cash, EFTPOS, credit and debit cards on site. There is no ATM or cash-out facility, so if you need cash plan to obtain it before you arrive.

Toilet facilities include accessible toilets and infant changing tables. If you rely on specific accessibility features beyond these, contact the sanctuary ahead of time to confirm arrangements.

Weather, clothing and site conditions

Tasmania is known for rapid weather changes and the sanctuary explicitly recommends preparing for variable conditions. Wear comfortable closed shoes suitable for walking around enclosures and paths. Bring a raincoat even if the day looks fine, and dress in layers so you can adapt to sun, wind or showers.

Check the local weather forecast before you travel and protect cameras or other sensitive gear accordingly. Paths and some viewing areas may be exposed to the elements.

Rescue reporting and the wildlife hospital

If you find injured or orphaned wildlife, use the sanctuary's rescue contact number to report the animal and get instructions. The sanctuary provides a dedicated rescue line for these situations. The rescue and hospital service is the appropriate route to coordinate help for wildlife in the area.

Accessibility and suitability checks before travel

The sanctuary offers disabled parking and accessible toilets. For visitors who need further accessibility support, contact the sanctuary before you arrive to confirm what is available. If you have mobility limitations, check event and encounter suitability, as some experiences may have age or health restrictions.

General admission and the keeper talks are suitable for family visits and provide educational value. Booked encounters, tours and night visits may have additional requirements, so confirm restrictions and booking conditions in advance.

Nearby services and timing your visit

Bonorong is a short drive from the Brighton town centre, where you will find basic shops, a small supermarket, fuel and cafés. Richmond is about 15 minutes from the sanctuary and offers more dining options, while Hobart is roughly 30 minutes away for full services.

If you plan to visit on a weekend or during school holidays, consider booking extras such as Animal Encounters or night tours in advance, as these experiences may fill before general admission timeslots.

Quick checklist before you go

  • Note the address for GPS: 593 Briggs Road, Brighton, Tasmania, 7030.
  • Check opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily, closed earlier on Christmas day.
  • Book paid encounters or night tours in advance if required.
  • Plan transport: on-site parking is available; public transport is limited and ride-share may be unreliable.
  • Bring closed shoes, layered clothing and a raincoat.
  • No ATM on site: bring a card or cash obtained beforehand.
  • If you find injured wildlife use the sanctuary rescue contact number before attending to the animal.