A new after-dark wildlife attraction has been announced as part of the Tasman Peninsula’s inaugural A Natural Escape festival.
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna will host “Devils & Candlelight” on Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 18, 2025, marking the first time the facility has offered exclusive evening wildlife tours paired with live entertainment. The events are part of A Natural Escape, a three-week celebration running October 6-26 that has received official recognition as a funded festival through Events Tasmania.
Rare Biofluorescence Phenomenon to be Featured
The evening tours will showcase a recently documented scientific phenomenon where Tasmanian Devils exhibit biofluorescence under ultraviolet light, causing their facial features to glow blue in darkness. This rare characteristic was first scientifically documented in 2020 by researchers at Toledo Zoo, making it the first recorded case of biofluorescence in the species.
The discovery has significant implications for wildlife research and conservation education, as biofluorescence in mammals is extremely uncommon. The Unzoo’s expert guides will demonstrate this phenomenon during the after-dark tours, providing visitors with unprecedented access to observe this natural occurrence in living animals.
Award-Winning Vocal Ensemble to Perform
Following the wildlife encounters, guests will attend an outdoor candlelit concert by ThylaSing, Hobart’s premier a cappella vocal ensemble. The group, which placed second in the 2022 Australian A Cappella Awards, has performed at major Tasmanian cultural events including MONA FOMA and Festival of Voices.
ThylaSing’s participation represents a collaboration between Tasmania’s wildlife conservation sector and performing arts community, with the ensemble’s haunting harmonies providing an atmospheric conclusion to the evening in the bush setting.
The exclusive evening format allows the facility to demonstrate nocturnal animal behaviors while generating revenue to support conservation programs. With tickets priced at $90 per person and strictly limited capacity, the events represent a premium eco-tourism offering that could serve as a model for other wildlife facilities.
A Natural Escape has emerged as a significant regional tourism development project for the Tasman Peninsula, featuring over 40 activities designed to promote sustainable nature-based tourism. Tasman Council has appointed a dedicated Project Coordinator to manage the festival, with the position running through November 2025 to ensure comprehensive evaluation and planning for future iterations.