Something Wild is a non-government funded, private rehabilitation and conservation wildlife sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals. It is a special place where native wildlife is nurtured back to good health and prepared for release.
For animals unsuitable for release or those bred in captivity, there are a number of special habitats. Visitors love meeting these special creatures.
The family business is owned and operated by Ray and Leanne Green. Their sanctuary is around 458 hectares and visitors experience a wide range of Australian native wildlife in a natural bushland setting on the banks of the Tyenna River. A very active family of platypus lives there and can be spotted in the ponds most times of the day.
Other creatures living at Something Wild are koalas, wombats, golden possums, squirrel gliders, pademelons, quolls, Bennetts wallabies and Forester kangaroos. Not to forget our feathered friends, there are emus, masked owls, sulphur crested cockatoos and other Australian parrots.
The park is home to the eastern quoll, and is part of a government-recognised breeding program for the animals which are now extinct on mainland Australia.
It includes the world's largest private Tasmanian Devil sanctuary. A facial tumour epidemic has spread so quickly throughout their population, they need to be held captive for their own protection and survival.
The Devils in Danger Foundation Inc has been formed. Its aims are to raise awareness worldwide of their plight and to let people know what they can do to assist.
A really exciting thing to do is to take part in a Nightstalk Wildlife Experience. It includes setting up three movement-activated stealth cameras to capture animal movements overnight. Fruit and carrots are prepared for animals and set in front of the cameras.
You take a 45-minute spotting tour along a cleared and safe path, looking for wild animals in the sanctuary. The walk takes you through eight hectares, led by a guide with a green spotlight which animals cannot see. Everyone else wears a low wattage head lamp.
There is the chance of being a wildlife nanny. See what a keeper is all about — holding, patting and feeding baby animals with Wombaroo, a milk substitute.
You may like to consider spending some time at Russell Falls Holiday Cottages. They are self-contained riverside cottages with one or two bedrooms. Stoves and microwaves, soft doonas and luxurious sheets make for a very comfortable stay at the cottages.
It is suggested you buy supplies at New Norfolk before arriving, though there is a corner store and post office nearby.
With its proximity to Russell Falls in MT. Field National Park, all visitors will be close to this wonderful natural attraction. Don't forget to complete your wilderness experience with a visit.
Location
About one hour north-west of Hobart
Cost
Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary day entry is $14 for adults and $7 for children. The Nightstalk Experience is $150 for adults and $100 for children over eight years.
Russell Falls Cottage accommodation starts at $140 for a one bedroom cottage.
For more family holiday ideas, get yourself a copy of Holidays with Kids on sale at your local newsagency.
Virgin Blue has flights to Hobart.
One-way fare from
- Melbourne, $89
- Sydney, $99
- Adelaide, $119
- Brisbane, $139
- Perth, $300
- Darwin, $340
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one-way on the Net. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at February 21, 2008 and are subject to change.
Prices correct at February 21, 2008.
For more information
Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary
2082 Gordon River Road
National Park
Tasmania 7140
Ph: (03) 6288 1341, (03) 6288 1013
Website: www.somethingwild.com.au
Website: www.devilsindanger.com.au
Email: mail@somethingwild.com.au
Russell Falls Holiday Cottages
Lake Dobson Road
National Park
Tasmania 7140
Ph: (03) 6288 1198
Fax: (03) 6288 1341
Email: rfhc@bigpond.com
Virgin Blue
Ph: 13 6789
Website: www.virginblue.com.au
You can become a part of rehabilitating an orphan baby back to the wild by adopting one of them. You can help the animal of your choice and the money you give goes directly to the care and attention of your special animal. It may contribute to food and housing — temporary or permanent — or to maintain its habitat. You can be secure in the knowledge that all money raised goes directly to the animals. For more information, visit Something Wild's website.
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