Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary
About The Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for Tasmanian Devils, Quolls and one of Australia’s only chlamydia-free Koala populations
Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary is a 400-hectare, predator-proof haven in the heart of Barrington Tops, NSW. Protected by specially designed fencing, this sanctuary offers endangered native animals, including one of Australia’s only populations of chlamydia-free Koalas, the rare freedom to live wild without the constant threat of feral predators such as foxes and cats. Within this landscape, they forage, breed, and relearn the instincts they need to survive.
More than just a safe enclosure, Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary is the vital stepping stone between our intensive Species Recovery Unit and rewilding. Here, Koalas, Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls and many more species transition from managed programs to independence, restoring not only their own populations but the balance of the ecosystem itself.
Why This Sanctuary Matters
Aussie Ark’s work within the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary is focused on habitat restoration and species rewilding, ensuring native animals have the conditions they need to flourish. In November 2019, the sanctuary’s 400 hectare predator proof fence was completed and feral pests, including foxes and cats, were removed, eliminating two of the greatest threats to local wildlife.
The sanctuary officially opened in November 2020, and rewilding has been ongoing ever since. One of the most historic milestones came in 2020 with the first ever rewilding of Tasmanian Devils to mainland Australia. The event captured global attention when actors Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky released two devils, Lisa and Lenny, into the wild. Since then, 50 more adult devils have been rewilded and, remarkably, 20 joeys have been born in the sanctuary, a powerful sign that this model works.
But Tasmanian Devils are only the beginning. Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary is now home to chlamydia-free Koalas, Eastern Quolls, Greater Gliders, Parma Wallabies and more. Each rewilding effort strengthens the ecological balance of the Barrington Tops, helping to rebuild the web of life that once thrived here.
Aussie Ark remains committed to this ambitious mission, to secure the future of Australia’s threatened wildlife and restore ecosystems by returning species that play vital roles in the landscape.
At A Glance
Location: Barrington Tops, New South Wales
Size: 400 hectares, feral-proof perimeter fence
Purpose: Soft-release pathway and protection form feral predators
Key animals:
- Koalas – Home to one of Australia’s only disease-free populations, creating a vital stronghold for the species’ future.
- Tasmanian Devils – Building strong, disease-free populations on the mainland.
- Eastern Quolls – Supporting one of Australia’s most charismatic small carnivores.
- Greater Gliders – One of Australia’s most threatened arboreal mammals. To support them, we have installed 150 purpose-built nest boxes throughout the sanctuary, creating safe hollows and breeding sites.
- Parma Wallabies, Rufous Bettongs, Long-nosed Potoroos – Restoring vital ecosystem roles.
How You Can Help
You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.
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Donate
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Adopt
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Visit
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Shop
Browse the range of environmental gifts in our online store and buy an impactful gift for your special someone.
The importance of rewilding
Find out more about our Rewilding Programs to understand how sanctuaries like this are crucial to the survival of endangered Australian species.
Get involved and support our mission
Shop, adopt, or experience the Sanctuary for yourself through one of our educational tour experiences. Get involved today, and help us work towards a better tomorrow.
