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![\"Tasmanian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/xwTasmanianTigerFilm01_2726-1-1-1.jpg\")
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\n Wonthaggi\u2019s long-running \u201cmonster\u201d mystery has become part of local folklore. <\/p>\n
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\n Wonthaggi\u2019s long-running \u201cmonster\u201d mystery has become part of local folklore.
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South Gippsland\u2019s history of Tasmanian tiger sightings will be brought to life when documentary feature \u2018Eyes Like Diamonds: A Tasmanian Tiger Story\u2019 lands in the region later this month.<\/p>\n
The self-funded Australian documentary follows conservationist Neil Waters on a decade-long quest to find evidence that the thylacine, commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger, may still exist.<\/p>\n
Director Jonathon Buckland said South Gippsland and its surrounding area was a natural place to bring the film, as the region holds a deep connection with thylacine sightings in local folklore.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Gippsland, in fact Victoria as a whole, has literally hundreds of sightings of thylacine or tiger-like animals, i.e. striped, dating back well into the early 1800s,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the Wonthaggi area as an example, a long history of sightings has led to the mystery animal becoming known locally as the \u2018Wonthaggi Monster.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Archived newspaper clippings from former local papers such as the Powlett Express, indeed, point to a previous fascination with the elusive animal, with reported sightings around Wonthaggi, Wilson\u2019s Promontory and other parts of Gippsland.<\/p>\n
Tom Gannon, former editor of the Powlett Express, was one journalist who wrote such articles, one of which in 1955 was titled \u201cWhat\u2019s up that tree,\u201d in which he interviewed two individuals who said they witnessed the creature, as well as a subject expert, and even a circus that had recently passed through the area to ask if they\u2019d had any animals go missing.<\/p>\n
Mr Buckland said the community interest was a big reason why the documentary was being brought to the area, with locals reaching out on social media asking for South Gippsland screenings.<\/p>\n
Mr Buckland emphasised that the film isn\u2019t designed to force audiences to believe one side or another.<\/p>\n
![\"Neil](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/xwTasmanianTigerFilm02_2726.jpg\")
Neil Waters\u2019 (pictured) decade-long search for the Tasmanian tiger is explored in a documentary coming to Wonthaggi soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis film is a story about the search for the Tasmanian tiger through the eyes of a really fascinating, passionate person,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t have to be obsessed with the tiger to enjoy this film, it\u2019s a great watch for any film lover because it takes you along this really interesting journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Waters, who is the primary subject of the film, originally came to national attention in 2021 after claiming he had trail-camera evidence of the thylacine\u2019s existence.<\/p>\n
Mr Buckland said he was initially drawn to Mr Waters\u2019 confidence, along with his personal story.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving visited Neil twice, in 2022 and 2024, I found a subject who was incredibly warm, intelligent, passionate and articulate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a story not just about one man\u2019s search for an elusive animal that many believe to be only recently extinct, but also a character story about resilience and purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
The film also explores broader issues around extinction, conservation, poison baiting, habitat loss and modern efforts to create gene-edited animals.<\/p>\n
There will be a Q&A following most screenings, giving audiences the chance to ask about the Tasmanian tiger, as well as the film-making process.<\/p>\n
\u2018Eyes Like Diamonds\u2019 will be screening at Manna Gum Community Hall, Foster, on Monday, July 13 at 7pm, before heading to Wonthaggi\u2019s Union Theatre on Tuesday, July 14 at 7pm.<\/p>\n
Information regarding tickets can be found on the Bass Coast Cultural Venues website or on Trybooking.<\/p>\n
\n Updated
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\n July 01, 2026 2:50 pm | 7 hours ago
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