Tasmania’s own unicorn.
The Bennett’s Wallaby is one of the most common critters you can come across while traveling Tasmania, however the white wallaby is one of the more unique animals you may come across. With only about 200 induvial animals the small population is only found on the popular tourist destination Bruny Island, a short drive and a ferry ride from Hobart.
My adventure started in September 2022 when I visited Bruny Island for the first time to try out my new (second hand) telephoto lens. It was my first big investment in my wildlife photography career I had a fantastic time photographing all sorts of birds (my from that trip favourite being my first ever encounter with a wild Wedge tail eagle) I got such a jolt of excitement when I saw my first white wallaby! Sadly even with my new 200-500mm lens the wallaby was so far away he was a tint spot in my view finder.
A white wallaby standing out among its fellow wallabies, showcasing a striking contrast in the midst of the group.
Fast forward nearly two years later an impulsive thought took me back out to Bruny to try again. I had some tips from a friend who grew up on the island but my luck started out much the same which a lovely mob featuring two white wallabies sitting in an open field on private property.
An obvious rule is I wont enter property with out permission so I left this location, slightly disheartened but with the idea to return later in the day and hope they would move closer to the road.
My luck did turn around as I drove a bit down the road and stopped when I saw a small fluffy white lump munching grass just off the side of the road. I pulled over immediately and jumped out, although this wallaby was still on private property she was much closer and I had a safe spot I could stand off the road and maintain a respectful distance from her and the other members of the mob. I couldn’t believe my luck and I was in awe the entire time.
She happily sat there and ate grass and let me take her photo for a good 10 minutes before she hopped off with her friends into the bush. While the white wallabies of Bruny Island are a wonderful sight, their population faces threats such as habitat loss, predation, and human disturbance. Conservation efforts are important to ensure their survival and the preservation of their unique genetic traits.
Remember, when going out to photograph wildlife, their safety and well-being should be your top priority
