For your next family adventure, consider a remote escape and visit Aussie Ark. Located at Tomalla, near the Barrington Tops, Aussie Ark is a dedicated Tasmanian Devil and Australian Native Animal Breeding Centre where you can get up close and personal to this endangered species, learn what the Aussie Ark team are doing to help them and how you can play your part.
Experiencing firsthand how the Tasmanian Devils are thriving in this special facility is hands-down the best animal/conservation experience I’ve ever had and it was amazing to be able to share it with my kids. It’s an interesting, educational and enjoyable day out for all ages.
‘Devils in the Wild’ tours are available throughout the year. These tours are 2.5 hours long and available dates and times can be found on the Aussie Ark website.
To get to Aussie Ark, there are two routes from Newcastle to choose from – an approximately 3.5 hour drive via Muswellbrook or an approximately 3 hour drive via Gloucester.
Tip: Both routes have sections of winding road, so plan ahead and ensure you take sick bags and wipes, especially with young kids or passengers prone to car sickness.
We chose to do the loop – driving to Aussie Ark via Muswellbrook and home via Gloucester. If you choose the Muswellbrook route, head there from Newcastle via the Hunter Expressway and New England Highway. The drive is picturesque, especially past Muswellbrook where you’ll pass horse studs and tree-lined properties.
From Moonan Flat onwards most of the road is natural surface, including the last 25km to Aussie Ark along Tomalla Road. Take care at the single-lane bridges as you’ll need to give way to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.
There are signs guiding you to Aussie Ark and plenty of wildlife to spot, including goannas, wallabies and wild rosellas. Adventurous families will love it.
If you choose the Gloucester route, caution and skill are required on Scone Road as it’s steep and winding in places. It’s an extremely picturesque drive through the stunning, World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park. Again, there is wildlife to spot and signs directing you to Aussie Ark.
Tip: The Barrington Tops Forest Road, on the Gloucester route, is natural surface and wet weather can cause structural damage to the road so check ahead for road closures before leaving home.
Be prepared for a substantial amount of time in the car if you intend to make the round trip in a single day. A 4WD or AWD is recommended, but not essential. Dawn, dusk or night driving in this area should be avoided.
Tip: As there is limited phone service at Tomalla, screenshot or print a map and your tickets before leaving home.
Allocating ample time for your journey will ensure prompt arrival for your tour. If you happen to arrive at Aussie Ark early, take the opportunity to explore the gift shop or acquaint yourself with the Tasmanian Devil and Aussie Ark by watching the informative video.
Alternatively, you can relax on the verandah and enjoy watching the devils in the nearby enclosure. They’re curious, unique little creatures and fascinating to watch.
The verandah also serves as the starting point for the tours. Our tour guide, Hugh, was passionate and knowledgeable. He informed us of Aussie Ark’s achievements, their conservation work and vision for the future.
Set on 400 hectares and surrounded by predator-proof fencing, the vision of Aussie Ark is to create a long-term future for Australia’s threatened wildlife.
I was surprised to learn that Tasmanian Devils prefer scavenging to hunting. Watching them argue loudly and play tug-of-war with a kangaroo leg was fascinating. With their strong jaws and powerful teeth, they swiftly devoured it, bones, fur, and all.
Fun Fact: The collective noun for Tasmanian Devils is a ‘muddle’ or ‘jubilee’.
Our fully escorted walking tour then took us down past the free-range enclosures, all designed to encourage and facilitate wild behaviours. Since its establishment in 2011, Aussie Ark has evolved to protect not only Tasmanian Devils but various other threatened Australian species including the Eastern Quoll, Long-nosed Potoroo, Rufous Bettong, Parma Wallaby and Brush-Tailed Rock Wallaby.
The kids received an endangered wildlife checklist on entry and had fun ticking them off as they spotted each one. They were then able to return their checklist at the end of the tour to claim a small prize.
All the animals have names and the kids had a great time reading out all the funny names, like Principal Skinner and Toyota, and trying to work out which devil they belonged to.
The highlight of the tour was stepping into one of the free-range enclosures and getting a firsthand, up close encounter with the devils, standing just metres away from them as they were feeding. Having the chance to witness Aussie Ark’s conservation efforts in action was inspiring and emphasised the importance of their work.
It also provided a rare and valuable opportunity to understand the preciousness of Australia’s endangered wildlife.
A pre-paid barbecue lunch was cooked and ready for us on our return. We were able to choose from a sausage sandwich or a cheeseburger and a selection of drinks and snacks.
Tip: To assist staff in preparation, it’s best to order and pay for lunch when purchasing tour tickets.
It was impossible to keep the smiles from the kids’ faces when visitors were given the chance to hold a baby Tasmanian Devil. Aussie Ark staff introduced us to two hand-raised Tasmanian Devil joeys and two hand-raised Eastern Quoll pups who stayed snugged-up in their pouches while the kids held them. Being able to hold a real Tasmanian Devil concluded a spectacular and unforgettable day.
Tasmanian Devils are no longer found in the wild on mainland Australia, and their population in Tasmania is affected by the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease. Aussie Ark boasts the world’s largest disease-free insurance population of devils, safeguarding them from the brink of extinction.
Experiencing firsthand how the Tasmanian Devils are thriving in this special facility is hands-down the best animal/conservation experience I’ve ever had and it was amazing to be able to share it with my kids.
No doubt, it involved a long day of driving but, if the distance deters you, a visit to Aussie Ark would perfectly complement a camping trip to the Barrington Tops National Park. There’s also nearby accommodation options as well as accommodation for couples, families and groups at “Quoll Cottage” or “Devil’s Retreat”, both of which support Aussie Ark.
Visit the Aussie Ark website for more information and other ways to support them including merchandise, animal adoption or donation.
Good to Know
Address: Tomalla Road, Tomalla NSW
Phone: 02 4326 5333
Email: admin@aussieark.org.au
Hours: See 2025 Tour Dates here.
Amenities: Toilets onsite.
Cost (as at January 2024): The 2.5 hour ‘Devils in the Wild’ tour costs $150 for adults and $100 for children (children 3 and under are free). Tours are capped at 15 people.
What to take: Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, clothing and footwear suitable for walking, individual first aid or medical needs, take some warm clothing (even in summer, it gets cool in the mountains), a sense of adventure!
Disclosure: Newy with Kids received complimentary admission to Aussie Ark in January 2024 for review purposes. However, all opinions are our own.
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