- 22.63 acres/9.16 hectares site up for grabs, including a large family home
- 10 minutes from Port Arthur
- First time offered in 42 years
Now and again, Tasmania comes up with some very interesting buys.
Earlier this month, we reported on half a Tasmania village being on the market for offers over $700,000. At the time of publication, the Waddamana Village is currently under offer.
Here is another unique one from the Apple Isle.
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo along Arthur Highway in south-eastern Tasmania, about ten minutes away from Port Arthur, is for sale.
The concept of the ‘unzoo’ was established in 2005 when two zoo design consultants, Jon Coe and Ray Mendez, had the idea of allowing human visitors to be immersed in an environment natural to animals. It’s the opposite of a normal zoo, hence the concept of ‘unzoo’.
In 2007 the master plan was developed by the consultants and given to the owners, the Hamilton family.
They argue the unzoo concept is a win-win. Animals have more dignity, freedom and self-determination than in a traditional zoo environment, whilst human visitors have more personal and memorable encounters with wildlife and nature.
Whilst feeding of other animals such as kangaroos are allowed, notably, the only enclosures at the zoo are for the four famous residents themselves.
Enclosures for Tasmanian devils are required by law.
Tasmanian devils are the largest carnivorous marsupials in the world, having been sadly honoured with that title since the extinction of their close relative, the Thylacine – better known as the Tasmanian Tiger.
The expression of interest campaign marks the first time the zoo has been offered in 42 years.
The zoo was opened in 1979 as the Tasmanian Devil Park before changing its name to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park after the Hamilton family acquired the land.
The sale includes bushland, a native botanic garden, café, visitor centre and a large family residence which could be used as a lodge or bed and breakfast.
The sale is being handled by John Blacklow of Knight Frank Tasmania, with expressions of interest closing on Thursday the 25th March at 4pm.
