The name of this town derives from an Aboriginal word for Kangaroo, as the area was a prime camping, hunting and fishing ground for the Tasmanian tribes.

Situated 88 kilometres from Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula, Taranna was the site of the first railway in Australia. This was a convict built and powered tramway linking Taranna with nearby Long Bay at Port Arthur, and was used to transport goods and passengers to the penal settlement. Convicts would manually push the carriages up the hills and hitch a ride on the descent. The town overlooks Dart Island in Norfolk Bay, the site of a semaphore station used to convey messages to Hobart.


The Tasmanian Devil Park is located on the site of the old Aboriginal camping grounds. Both the Tasmanian Devil and Tasmanian Tiger are meat consuming marsupials which are unique to Tasmania. The devils exist throughout the state and are about the size of a small dog. Its size does not really reflect its amazing ability to consume entire carcases, bones and all. The Tasmanian Tiger, on the other hand is believed to be extinct, and certainly there has been no proof of its existence for quite a number of decades.

At the park you will have the chance to hear an interesting talk on the devils and see a video display of the tiger, which includes some historic film footage. There are numerous other native animals to meet, plus walk-in aviaries, a trout aquarium and an arboretum of endemic trees and shrubs. The park also engages in wildlife rescue work, and has a part time veterinary clinic assisting in this work. A "Night Owl" tour takes place at 9pm nightly. You can see the devils being fed at 10am and 11am every day. It is open every day, except for Christmas Day and for further information phone (002) 50 3230.

The remains of the railway terminal, which was later used as a post office and an inn, has been restored and is open to visitors who wish to experience the hardship endured by the convicts who had to power the tramway.

The largest oyster farm in Australia is also located in Norfolk Bay, as the rows of marker buoys will confirm. The farm is accessible from the town of Taranna.

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