Teacup wombats, Spirit of Tasmania passenger submarine among best April Fool’s pranks

From a startling new discovery of a miniature species of wombat to passenger submarines and fairy bread pies — here are the best April Fool’s Day pranks from Tassie and around the nation >>

A startling new discovery of a miniature species of wombat in a Tasmanian national park has the nation’s scientists excited.

On any other day aside from April 1, a headline involving a teacup wombat would have excited even the non-animal lovers around the country.

But the CSIRO was just one of dozens of companies and organisations having some fun on social media for April Fool’s Day.

We’ve rounded up some of the best posts and pranks from Tasmania and Australia-wide:

Spirit of Tasmania subs on the way

“Prepare to experience Bass Strait as no spirited traveller has before,” Spirit of Tasmania announced on their social media page.

“Introducing the Spirit VI submarine — our first underwater ferry! A sleek exterior is matched by state of the art design, features and facilities.”

The ferry company spruiked that while the new passenger sub wouldn’t feature a sea breeze or views from the deck, it would provide “an unforgettable journey”.

“Strap yourself in for the ferry experience of the future, taking innovation to new depths,” the post read.

The news attracted hundreds of comments from travellers, keen to see something like this in the future.

“That’s awesome! How many caravans does it take? Are the viewing decks waterproof? Will I get seasick?” asked Raylene Hocking.

Banjo’s launches new fairy bread pie

Popular Tassie pie brand Banjo’s Bakery Cafe announced their “new fairy bread meat pie” on social media on April 1.

“We’ve taken two Aussie classics and combined them into one deliciously unexpected treat,” the marketing team wrote.

“Inside our signature pie pastry, you’ll find a hearty classic meat pie, but that’s not all! We’ve added a layer of butter and a generous sprinkle of 100s & 1000s.”

Honestly, if they kept the mince meat out of it and replaced it with marshmallow or custard, it probably would fly off the shelves.

The combo attracted a fair few comments on their Facebook page, with some actually agreeing the concept — with some tweaking — would actually be OK.

“Hubby just said fill it with fruit mince and actually make it lol,” Aimee Goodwin said.

Tas Police rolls out e-scooter squad

Tasmania Police announced they were rolling out an e-scooter squad for patrols through city streets.

“They’ll see us rollin’ while we patrollin’,” the post read.

“In keeping with our high-visibility vehicle fleet, our e-scooters are fitted with police livery, flashing red and blue lights and a ‘nee naww nee naww’ siren.

“Unlike traditional models, to ensure on-the-go charging, our police e-scooters will be fuelled by black coffee.”

New miniature wombat species

Just when we thought wombats couldn’t get any cuter, CSIRO announced they had discovered a new miniature species of the cute fluffy marsupials right here in Tassie.

“Growing up to 15 centimetres in length, the newly described Vombatus iocus, or teacup wombat, is endemic to Alpo Floris National Park in Tasmania,” CSIRO said on their page.

“We’re looking forward to learning more about this adorable little species that eats, frolics and hides among the park’s famous buttongrass.”

The post concluded with a link where people can find out more about this adorable species, taking people to a YouTube clip of Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up — or the classic “Rick-rolling” move of pranksters worldwide.

Crazy frappé flavours turn stomachs

We’re not sure whether to laugh or cry at this attempt at an April Fool’s Day prank: The Coffee Club announced a suite of new brekkie flavours this morning.

The national cafe franchise spruiked a new menu featuring frappé flavours of mash potato and gravy and chicken caesar salad, as well as ‘coffee seasoned chips with espresso dipping sauce’.

Jatz launches sweet new flavour

“Two of Arnott’s most iconic bickies have come together to create the most desirable, sweet and salty biscuit that there ever was,” a PR email read in many media outlets’ inboxes this morning.

“Arnott’s has teased the launch of a new product combining two of its most iconic, best-selling biscuits,” it continued. “With crisp layers of Jatz sandwiching the luscious, velvety Tim Tam cream centre, all covered in smooth chocolate. What more could you wish for?

“Using the OG Tim Tam recipe, Arnott’s have been inspired by the trend of combining sweet with salty and are replacing the Tim Tam biscuit layer with rectangular Jatz crackers.”

But the best thing about this little joke is that it’s not a complete April Fool, with two Aussies getting the chance to win a limited edition pack of Tim Tam Jatz by heading to the Tim Tam or Arnott’s Biscuits Facebook page on April 2 and tagging their partner in crime.