Wildlife & Birds
Tasmanian Odyssey specialises in wildlife and birding holidays, giving our guests the best possible chance of spotting as many species as possible in their natural habitat - that's to say, in the wild - including Tasmanian devils and the elusive Duck-billed Platypus.
Wildlife in Tasmania is abundant, unafraid, often unique to the island, and for the most part, relatively easy to spot if you know where to go. Compared to the mainland and other popular wildlife-spotting destinations, it is easy to get to within an exceptionally close proximity to birds and animals - a veritable dream come true for photographers. Being a temperate island, birding is a pleasure at any time of day. However, due to the diverse ecology and diverse habitats, many of the species are only found in certain regions of Tasmania, and even where they can be found in abundance, you still need to know where and when to go.
We have over 20 years' experience of wildlife spotting, along with the best possible contacts, enabling us to craft itineraries that will take you to all the spots where you stand the best chance of seeing every species, with a bit of luck and patience.
"The trip was fabulous and I am going to recommend you to all my friends. You should know that your name opened a lot of doors in Tassie. Everyone down there likes and respects you."
Tasmania is also fortunate to have some of the best wildlife and bird guides in Australia so those who enjoy a private guided experience can benefit from the expertise of those who have dedicated their lives to studying Tasmania's endemic animals and birds. With some careful itinerary planning there is no reason why it isn’t possible to see all Tasmania’s wonderful creatures and birds in their natural habitat. Even those with limited mobility can get 'up close and personal' with mammals, birds and reptiles in as natural an environment as possible. There are also some world-class wildlife sanctuaries which are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife, and to educating others, locals and visitors alike, about the need to be vigilant and responsible.
No matter what your preferred style of travel or your budget, we will work with you to create the best possible holiday to make your wildlife dreams come true.
Tasmanian Devil
The Tasmanian Devil cannot be mistaken for any other marsupial. Its spine-chilling screeches, black colour, and reputed bad-temper led the early European settlers to call it The Devil. And although only the size of a small dog, it can sound and look incredibly fierce but is actually one of the most misrepresented creatures on earth. Read more...
Other Marsupials
Compared to the mainland and other popular wildlife-spotting destinations, the animals are often exceptionally easy to get close too. Start off on your guided tour or walking adventure and discover wombats, wallabies, and possums in their natural habitat. Read more...
Monotremes
Whilst out walking or on your own private tour, you'll discover the Platypus and the short-beaked Echidna. The Platypus and the Echidna are the only monotremes or egg-laying mammals to be found on earth, both found widely in Tasmania. Read more...
Marine
The Australian Fur Seal can be found around the waters of Tasmania and its surrounding islands. This is the world's fourth-rarest Seal species - being hunted to the brink of extinction last century, population recovery has been slow, and seals are now wholly protected.
Among the larger species of Baleen whale, Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales can be seen at east coast vantage points such as Frederick Henry Bay and Great Oyster Bay. While most species migrate some distance off the continental shelf, the Humpback and Southern Right whale come sufficiently close to the coast to allow regular sightings from the land. Read more...
Birds
Tasmania has twelve species of bird which are found nowhere else on Earth (i.e. endemic birds). There are also a number of species which are endemic at the subspecies level, such as the threatened wedge-tail eagle, and a number of species which are known as breeding endemics. Breeding endemics breed only in Tasmania and migrate to mainland Australia outside the breeding season. The endangered orange-bellied parrot and swift parrot are two such species.
Reptiles
There are three species of snakes and seventeen species of lizard found in Tasmania and of these, seven lizards have distributions restricted to Tasmania. Tasmania's relatively cool climate and high mountain ranges provide certain challenges for reptiles. Reptiles need to raise their body temperature, usually by basking or by absorbing warmth from rocks which have been heated by the sun. Most species only become active when the air temperature is well above 15 degrees. Consequently, some species of reptile enter a torpor over winter and most have developed strategies and adaptations to thrive in Tasmania's cooler environment.
Wildlife & Birding Experiences
Tasmanian Odyssey specialises in wildlife and birding holidays, giving our guests the best possible chance of spotting as many species as possible in their natural habitat - that's to say, in the wild.
Even the endangered Tasmanian Devil and elusive Duck-Billed Platypus can be seen by our guests on a self-drive tour with careful planning and a bit of patience. However, due to the diverse ecology and diverse habitats, many of the species are only found in certain regions of Tasmania, and even where they can be found in abundance, you still need to know where and when to go.
We have over 20 years' experience of wildlife spotting, along with the best possible contacts, enabling us to craft itineraries that will take you to all the spots where you stand the best chance of seeing every species, with a bit of luck and patience. Even those with limited mobility can get 'up close and personal' with mammals, birds and reptiles in as natural an environment as possible.
There are also some world-class wildlife sanctuaries which are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife, and to educating others, locals and visitors alike, about the need to be vigilant and responsible.
Get in touch to secure your very own Tasmanian Odyssey
Photo Credits: S. Group, Tourism Tasmania & Kentish Council, Stuart Gibson, Sean Scott, Rob Burnett, Kathryn Leahy