Wildlife spotting on the Freycinet Peninsula
There is an abundance of wildlife (fauna) to encounter while walking on the Freycinet Peninsula - in fact, 49 prevalent species to Tasmania are found within the Freycinet National Park!
Yes, hello!
No matter how you choose to explore the Peninsula, you’ll want to see as many species as possible. You can encounter animals throughout the day, but as the Tasmanian climate can be too hot and/or dry for some animals, ours have found ways to cope by becoming crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk – making morning and evening popular times for sightings! Alternatively, both devils and wombats can be found in dense scrub during a night walk (as can many of our other nocturnal species!).
When out on a trail, one simple way to know you are on the right track is to look for scat (poo) found along the path. Fun fact: wombat poo is square to ensure it stays put on curved, hilly tracks! Many mammals, including Tasmanian devils and common wombats, use the track as a latrine or a means of communication. Devils in particular use their scat to communicate territories and mating readiness.
Other mammals that can be found along the track include:
Bennett’s wallabies (red-necked) are abundant throughout the Peninsula; best spotted in the afternoon or at dusk
Pademelons (Rufous-bellied or red-bellied) are shy, nocturnal creatures
Long-nosed potoroos, a small, nocturnal kangaroo; one of the most ancient species of its family
Bettongs (uncommon) are small, nocturnal marsupials known as rat kangaroos
Eastern quolls (no spots on tails) are easily encountered; spotted-tail quolls are more challenging to find
Brush-tail and ringed-tail (uncommon) possums will find you if you leave food out (so please keep bags and backpacks secured when camping!)
Eastern pygmy possums have also been found at our Friendly Beaches Lodge!
Introduced sugar gliders are small, nocturnal possums; they glide among the trees to reach food or evade predators and have been spotted on the Peninsula.
Echidnas forage for ants during the day (Tasmanian echidnas have more fur and fewer spines than mainland echidnas)!
Lesser long-eared bats are the most common species in Tasmania and can be spotted at dusk.
Keep your eyes and ears open for signs of wildlife both on and off the beaten path, and make sure to look up from time-to-time, as there is an abundance to see in the trees and sky as well!