Watch & Wander: 10 Documentaries to Inspire Your Tasmanian Adventure
Ignite your curiosity of Tasmania
Before joining an Under Down Under tour, dive into Tasmania’s wildlife, history, culture, and rugged landscapes through these standout documentaries and series. They’re a great way to build a deeper connection with the island and its stories before you explore it in person.
10 Documentaries on Tassie
1. David Attenborough’s Tasmania
What it’s about: A beautifully produced natural history journey across Tasmania’s national parks, forests, and unique ecosystems.
Where to watch: Search via JustWatch for current platform availability.
Why it matters: A perfect wildlife and landscape introduction for first-time visitors.
2. First Australians — Episode 2 Her Will to Survive
What it’s about: Traces the Tasmanian Aboriginal experience during colonisation.
Where to watch: Stream on SBS On Demand.
Why it matters: Provides foundational context on Tasmanian Aboriginal history and resilience.
3. The Platypus Guardian
What it’s about: Follows a Hobart resident who becomes dedicated to protecting a group of wild platypuses living along the Hobart Rivulet.
Where to watch: Often available via ABC (search “Platypus Guardian ABC”) or on documentary streaming platforms.
Why it matters: Brings Tasmania’s most curious animal into sharp focus—especially relevant for visitors exploring Hobart’s inner bushland.
4. Devil Island
What it’s about: Chronicles the Save the Devil Program’s reintroduction of Tasmanian Devils to Maria Island.
Where to watch: Search “Devil Island Tasmanian Devils” on YouTube or documentary services; availability also listed on NZ Geographic’s film portal.
Why it matters: Offers insight into one of Tasmania’s most important modern conservation efforts.
5. Satan or Survivor: The Tassie Devil
What it’s about: Explores both the myths and ecological role of the Tasmanian Devil.
Where to watch: Search title on YouTube and documentary aggregators.
Why it matters: Adds depth to the species you may encounter through wildlife parks and interpretation on tour.
6. Australia’s Ocean Odyssey: A Journey Down the East Australian Current (Tasmania episode)
What it’s about: A marine biology deep dive into the cold and temperate waters around Tasmania and the ecosystems that rely on them.
Where to watch: Search via JustWatch or ABC for broadcast archive availability.
Why it matters: Reminds visitors that Tasmania isn’t just mountains and forests—its oceans tell equally dramatic stories.
7. The Oldest Living Tasmanian: Huon Pine
What it’s about: ABC documentary profiling the ancient Huon Pine species and the West Coast pining industry.
Where to watch: Check ABC iView or ABC archival listings.
Why it matters: Connects natural history to local livelihoods, sparking appreciation for both heritage and conservation.
8. Tasmanian Tales: Whales & Whaling
What it’s about: Explores Tasmania’s maritime whaling past and how it shaped local communities.
Where to watch: Search “Tasmanian Tales Whales & Whaling ABC.”
Why it matters: Pairs well with coastal touring and helps contextualise old settlements and maritime museums.
9. The Navigators
What it’s about: A look at the expeditions of Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin around Australia, including their encounters with Tasmania.
Where to watch: ABC archives and library streaming collections.
Why it matters: Highlights the era of charting, mapping, naming and (mis)understanding the island.
10. Living Edens: Tasmania
What it’s about: A National Geographic portrait of Tasmania as a biodiversity hotspot, from misty forests to rugged mountains.
Where to watch: Search for “Living Edens Tasmania” on National Geographic streaming partners and YouTube.
Why it matters: Builds anticipation for Tasmania’s unique wilderness landscapes—including areas you’ll visit on tour.
⭐ One last tip:
Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife YouTube Channel
Short films and ranger-made clips showcasing parks such as Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and Maria Island.
Why it matters: Great bite-sized previews of places guests are likely to explore.
Then, get excited for our tour of Tasmania. We look forward to welcoming you.
