Meander Conservation Area

Meander Conservation Area is a protected area in Australia.

Meander Conservation Area at a Glance

Location
Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-41.717857, 146.520310
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season in the north). Year-round in southern parks.

Getting to Meander Conservation Area

Nearest airport: The Vale (YVAL), 39 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hobart Airport (HBA), 149 km away.

Weather & Climate in Meander Conservation Area

The warmest temperatures in Meander Conservation Area occur in January, averaging 11.8°C (up to 16.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 2.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 92.2mm. Average humidity: 80.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 11.8°C (rainfall: 140.7mm)
  • February: 10.6°C (rainfall: 92.2mm)
  • March: 9.1°C (rainfall: 114.1mm)
  • April: 6.7°C (rainfall: 123.1mm)
  • May: 4.2°C (rainfall: 133.0mm)
  • June: 2.7°C (rainfall: 155.7mm)
  • July: 2.3°C (rainfall: 156.2mm)
  • August: 2.8°C (rainfall: 205.9mm)
  • September: 3.7°C (rainfall: 141.1mm)
  • October: 5.4°C (rainfall: 229.8mm)
  • November: 8.1°C (rainfall: 127.6mm)
  • December: 9.5°C (rainfall: 102.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Meander Conservation Area

The best months to visit Meander Conservation Area are January, February, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 11.77°C, rainfall 140.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 79.5%
  • February: Good, temperature 10.57°C, rainfall 92.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 80%
  • March: Poor, temperature 9.07°C, rainfall 114.1mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • April: Poor, temperature 6.67°C, rainfall 123.1mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 86.4%
  • May: Poor, temperature 4.15°C, rainfall 133mm, sunshine 5.8 hrs, humidity 89%
  • June: Poor, temperature 2.68°C, rainfall 155.7mm, sunshine 4.6 hrs, humidity 91.7%
  • July: Poor, temperature 2.29°C, rainfall 156.2mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 89.6%
  • August: Poor, temperature 2.81°C, rainfall 205.9mm, sunshine 5.1 hrs, humidity 90.4%
  • September: Poor, temperature 3.71°C, rainfall 141.1mm, sunshine 6.8 hrs, humidity 86.8%
  • October: Poor, temperature 5.39°C, rainfall 229.8mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 83.2%
  • November: Good, temperature 8.12°C, rainfall 127.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • December: Good, temperature 9.46°C, rainfall 102.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 77.3%

Wildlife in Meander Conservation Area

Home to 30 recorded species including 9 waterbirds, 7 tropical birds, 5 birds of prey, 4 small mammals, 3 iconic birds, 2 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Meander Conservation Area

Based on average temperature of 6.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 6°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Meander Conservation Area

18 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Meander Conservation Area FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Meander Conservation Area for wildlife viewing, considering its Australian climate?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best conditions for spotting wildlife at Meander Conservation Area. During this period, water sources are scarcer, concentrating animals around remaining pools and making them easier to observe. Expect pleasant daytime temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.

What unique Australian wildlife can I expect to encounter at Meander Conservation Area, beyond common safari animals?

Meander Conservation Area is home to a diverse range of Australian native species, including various marsupials like kangaroos, wallabies, and potentially elusive platypus in its waterways. Birdwatchers will also delight in spotting numerous endemic bird species, making it a distinct experience from African safaris.

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, what specific safety precautions should I take when exploring Meander Conservation Area?

While malaria prevention is crucial, also be prepared for Australia's strong sun by wearing hats, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Additionally, be aware of venomous snakes and spiders, and always stick to marked trails or follow your guide's instructions, especially given the area's low crowding.

What kind of visitor experience can I expect at Meander Conservation Area, given its exceptionally low crowding level?

With a crowding level of 1/5, Meander Conservation Area offers a uniquely tranquil and intimate safari experience, far removed from bustling tourist spots. You can anticipate a sense of solitude and a deeper connection with nature, often having wildlife sightings all to yourself or with a very small group.

What are the typical activities and associated costs for visitors exploring Meander Conservation Area?

Visitors can enjoy guided bushwalks, birdwatching excursions, and potentially river-based activities like canoeing or platypus spotting along the Meander's waterways. While specific tour costs vary, expect an entry fee for the protected area, and consider budgeting for local guides who enhance the experience and ensure safety.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.