This twilight tour lets you share dessert with a Tasmanian devil

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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Dining with the devil – but make it cute.

We all know Tassie does winter differently. Its calendar of seasonal events could turn anyone into a winter person, from pagan-themed festivals and week-long whiskey tastings to a range of winter internships. Still need convincing? What if we told you dessert with a Tasmanian devil was on the agenda?

What is the ‘Dessert with the Devil’ experience?

Hosted by Devils@Cradle in Cradle Mountain, the ‘Dessert with the Devil’ encounter is exactly what it sounds like. In small groups, guests are invited to enjoy an intimate after-dark experience where Tassie devils and dessert co-exist.

Devils@Cradle in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Meet adorable Tassie devils on this rare after-dark tour. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The evening kicks off with an exclusive after-hours tour of Devils@Cradle, guided by a wildlife expert. Once you’ve spent some time with the other creatures that call this special place home, you’ll meet the sanctuary’s resident Tasmanian devils – joeys included! Watch on as they play and scuffle together before tucking into dinner and winding down for bed. And while cuddles aren’t allowed, you may be in for a gentle pat.

Devils@Cradle in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Feast on decadent local desserts after your wildlife encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Leaving your curious new companions won’t be easy, but a decadent dessert spread awaits. And while it can’t quite compete with your meet-and-greet, you’ll be spoilt with locally produced sweets, drinks and marshmallows to roast over an open fire. It’s truly one of the most memorable ways to spend your time in Cradle Mountain.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Why are Tasmanian devils invited to dinner?

Devils@Cradle is more than just a zoo. It’s a dedicated conservation and breeding facility for three of the state’s most important marsupial species – the Eastern quoll, spotted-tail quoll and Tasmanian devil. The latter of which is officially listed as endangered under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It is also home to a range of injured, orphaned and rescued wildlife from across Tassie.

Devils@Cradle in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
The conservation facility works to protect Tassie devils. (Image: Laura Helle)

It’s places like Devils@Cradle, and the dedicated team behind it, that are working to ensure these native creatures don’t disappear for good. While encounters like ‘Dessert with the Devil’ are fun and exciting for guests, they are also a significant part of broader conservation efforts – which means you are too! These experiences are designed to be both engaging and educational; a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties. Who wouldn’t want to make a difference and have a blast while doing it?

Devils@Cradle in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
The Tasmanian devil is at risk of extinction. (Image: Lauren Bath)

How do I book?

The ‘Dessert with the Devil’ experience can be booked via the Devils@Cradle website. Tours operate daily from 7pm and run for approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations are essential and will only be available until 30 September 2025. Tickets are priced at $99 per adult and $75 per child.

While every effort is made to create memorable moments, animal interactions are not guaranteed. The welfare of all animals remains the top priority and participation is at the discretion of sanctuary staff. Guests are kindly asked to follow all instructions from keepers and staff.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

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    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

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    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

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    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

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    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

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    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro.

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

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    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.