The Sanctuary
Experience conservation in action and discover a sanctuary dedicated to protecting Tasmania’s remarkable native wildlife.
A safe haven for Tasmania’s native wildlife
Step into Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary and immerse yourself in a place dedicated to protecting Tasmania’s unique native wildlife.
The sanctuary provides a safe haven for animals involved in conservation breeding programs, wildlife undergoing rehabilitation for release, and permanent residents who cannot return to the wild.
Every visit directly supports the ongoing conservation work helping to safeguard these remarkable species for generations to come.
Conservation from every angle
Trowunna’s work supports wildlife throughout different stages of care and conservation.
Habitats inspired by Tasmania’s landscapes
Located where alpine, forest and coastal regions meet, Trowunna contains a network of micro-habitats that support resident, transient and migratory wildlife.
Central lake
The sanctuary’s central lake supports ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl, with beautiful views towards Quamby Bluff and Mother Cummings Peak in the Great Western Tiers.
Alpine grasslands
Expansive grasslands provide natural spaces for free-ranging kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, birds and reptiles to forage, rest and display natural behaviours.
Shrubland and bracken
Shrubland supports smaller native animals such as pademelons, potoroos and bettongs. Dense bracken fern provides valuable shelter and protection from predators.
Mixed sclerophyll forest
Natural forest habitat supports Forester kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons and free-ranging wombats, with established ground cover and natural den sites.
Step into the wild
Many native animals are expertly camouflaged among bark, leaf litter, ferns and forest shadows. Look for subtle movement, flicking ears or a shape hidden beneath the trees.
Walking through Trowunna’s mixed sclerophyll forest feels like stepping into the Tasmanian wilderness. The habitat’s natural ground cover, shelter and den sites allow wildlife to move freely and behave much as they would in the wild.
Beyond the sanctuary’s main visitor areas, more than 10 hectares of untouched bushland form an important wildlife corridor.
Protected through the Land for Wildlife program, this area gives native animals space to forage, rest and establish home ranges, helping wildlife thrive within and beyond Trowunna’s boundaries.
“Trowunna is such a unique environment that native animals are naturally drawn to the sanctuary, knowing they are among friends.”
Observe natural behaviours up close
Across 85 acres of natural vegetation, Trowunna features towering eucalypts, thriving acacias and open landscapes where kangaroos, wallabies, pademelons, potoroos and wombats can roam freely.
This freedom gives visitors the opportunity to observe authentic behaviours in an environment that closely resembles the wild.
The sanctuary also provides important habitat for many animals that are not part of the captive collection but choose to visit, forage or establish homes within the property.
Helping wildlife return to the wild
Caring for injured and orphaned wildlife is a core part of Trowunna’s conservation work. Whenever possible, animals are rehabilitated and prepared for release back into suitable natural habitat.
Many animals are prepared for release using a soft-release approach. Instead of immediately returning an animal to the wild, soft release allows it to gradually rebuild confidence, fitness and natural survival behaviours while remaining under observation.
Animals unable to return to the wild become permanent residents and receive lifelong care, enrichment and the highest possible quality of life.
Some bird enclosures may appear empty because many birds can come and go as they choose. Whether temporary visitors or lifelong residents, every animal benefits from an environment designed around its individual needs.
A gradual transition to independence
Soft release helps rehabilitated wildlife adjust safely before becoming fully independent.
Every animal has a story
Since 1979, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary has cared for injured and orphaned native animals, with each individual bringing a unique history and set of needs.
Many have been successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild, while others have remained at Trowunna and received lifelong care. One of our most extraordinary long-term residents is a wedge-tailed eagle who has called the sanctuary home for more than 35 years.
Join one of our free daily interactive tours to hear more of these stories and experience Tasmania’s wildlife up close.
Watch our wildlife release videosExperience conservation in action
Explore natural habitats, meet Tasmania’s remarkable native animals and see how every visit supports wildlife conservation, rehabilitation and education.
Head to the Tours and Admissions page for further information.
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