Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond

The best thing about this tour is the variety packed into one day. You move from cool rainforest and waterfalls at Mount Field to kangaroos and Tasmanian devils at Bonorong, then on to historic Richmond and the high, windy summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

I like the easy mix of nature, wildlife, local history and city views. I also like the small-group format, with no more than 20 people and guides such as Brett, Jarrod, Hans and Gary bringing local stories to the drive. The main drawback is the amount of time on the road, and Richmond or Bonorong may feel brief if you prefer slow, in-depth visits.

Key points to know before booking

• Russell Falls leads with the strongest nature stop: Allow 90 minutes for a rainforest walk and one of Tasmania’s best-known waterfalls.
• Bonorong brings Australian wildlife close: You may feed kangaroos and see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas and wallabies.
• Mount Wellington is weather-dependent: The summit can be sunny, foggy, snowy, cold and windy in the same day.
• Richmond adds a historic country-town pause: You have time for the bridge, local food and a look around town.
• The 9-hour schedule covers a lot: Pickup begins around 7:50 am, with air-conditioned transport and a maximum group of 20.
• Lunch is not included: Bring money for a meal or snack in Richmond, where scallop pies and other local food are available.

A full day beyond Hobart

At $128.39 per person, this is a practical way to see four well-known sights without arranging a car, paying separate entry fees or working out the route yourself. The price includes a local guide, selected hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, Russell Falls entry and Bonorong entry.

That matters in Tasmania. The stops are spread well beyond central Hobart, and the day includes enough driving that route planning can become a chore. Here, you can watch the Derwent River and countryside pass by while your guide covers local history, wildlife and geology.

The tour starts at about 7:50 am and lasts roughly nine hours. It is not a relaxed, stay-all-day visit to any one attraction. It is a broad introduction to southern Tasmania, useful if your time in Hobart is short or you want your first day outside the city to cover several different sides of the region.

The group limit of 20 is another plus. It is still a shared outing, but it should feel more manageable than a large coach tour. Several guides, including Brett, Jarrod, Hans, Gary and Jo, are praised for giving useful background information and helping the day run smoothly. The guide can also be multilingual.

Russell Falls and the quiet of Mount Field

The first major stop is Mount Field National Park, Tasmania’s first national park, with about 90 minutes set aside for Russell Falls. This is the part of the day for tall trees, cool air, mossy forest and running water.

Russell Falls is reached by a straightforward rainforest walk. The setting is more than a quick photo stop. The damp forest gives you a sense of Tasmania’s southern wilderness, and the waterfall is framed by greenery and tree trunks rather than open viewpoints. One review described the forest as peaceful, with fresh cool air and a calm feeling. That is exactly the appeal here.

The included entry is useful because you do not need to handle another ticket during the morning. Your time is limited, though. If you enjoy walking, birdwatching or taking your time around waterfalls, 90 minutes may pass quickly. The tour is designed to show you the highlight, not to give you a full day in Mount Field.

This stop is also a good reason to wear proper shoes. The information provided does not specify trail conditions, so you should expect a walk rather than a roadside lookout. Bring a light rain layer even if Hobart looks clear. Tasmania’s weather can shift quickly, and the forest may feel cooler than the city.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and close encounters

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary gives the day a different rhythm. You have about 90 minutes to see Australian animals in a sanctuary setting, including Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, echidnas and wallabies.

The kangaroos are a particular draw because you can feed them. This makes Bonorong a strong choice for families and for anyone who wants more than distant animal sightings. The sanctuary is run as a social enterprise with a focus on wildlife care, so the visit has a clear conservation purpose as well as an entertainment value.

Guides with animal-care backgrounds can add a lot here. Brett, for example, has worked in animal support, while other guides have explained Tasmanian wildlife and ecosystems throughout the day. If your guide is especially interested in animals, this may become one of the most informative parts of the outing.

Keep expectations realistic. Bonorong is described by one review as small but informative, and 90 minutes is not enough to see every animal in depth. You may see Tasmanian devils and baby wombats, but you are not guaranteed every advertised animal during your visit. Daylight, animal behavior and timing all matter. One person hoped to see devils and baby wombats but did not encounter them.

That uncertainty is part of any wildlife visit. You are going to a sanctuary, not a controlled animal show. You might get a memorable animal encounter, such as feeding a kangaroo or seeing an echidna, but you should not book the tour on the assumption that one particular creature will appear on cue.

Richmond Bridge, pies and a short history stop

Richmond provides the heritage part of the day. The town is known for its picturesque bridge, historic character and local food, and you get about 90 minutes to explore.

This is a useful pause after the morning’s forest and animals. You can stretch your legs, look around the town and buy lunch. Tasmanian scallop pies are specifically highlighted, and other food mentioned by past participants includes a chicken and Camembert pie and slow-cooked lamb with vegetables at Richmond Arms.

Lunch is not included, so plan for that expense. The tour does not state a fixed restaurant or meal arrangement, which gives you some freedom but also means you should not assume food is covered in the price.

Richmond’s appeal is modest compared with Russell Falls or kunanyi/Mt Wellington. One review found it only marginally interesting, while another enjoyed the town and its food. I would treat it as a pleasant historic stop rather than the main reason to book. If you like old buildings, local produce and small-town streets, 90 minutes should feel worthwhile. If you want maximum time in national parks, this is the stop you may find easiest to shorten.

The final climb to kunanyi/Mt Wellington

The last stop is a drive to the summit of Mount Wellington, also called kunanyi, for about 40 minutes. The reward is a broad view over Hobart and the surrounding area, along with the stark rocky setting at the top.

This is a dramatic finish when the weather cooperates. Several people describe the views as breathtaking, and one outing ended with light snow, rainbow conditions and a memorable change in weather. Another visit had clear views over Hobart. That variety tells you what to expect: the summit is not simply a warmer version of the city below.

Bring layers, gloves and something to cover your ears, even in summer. The summit can be very cold and windy, and one person found warm clothes essential despite bringing them only as a precaution. Tasmania can shift from sunshine to rain in a short time. Sunscreen is also worth packing because cool air does not prevent sunburn.

The weather may block the view entirely. Fog covered the summit during one outing, leaving no panorama and making the stop particularly cold. This is not a flaw that the operator can fully control, but it is an important part of the decision. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund if the tour is canceled.

The 40-minute stop is enough for photographs and a quick look around. It is not enough for a long summit walk. If you want extensive time on the mountain, a dedicated kunanyi/Mt Wellington visit would suit you better.

The drive is part of the experience

This tour includes plenty of road time, especially on the route to Mount Field. That can feel long if you want constant activity, but it also lets you see agricultural country, vineyards and the Derwent River beyond Hobart.

The quality of the day depends heavily on the guide during these stretches. Brett, Jarrod, Hans, Gary and Jo are all noted for explaining local history, geology, wildlife and the places along the route. One guide was praised for making the longer rides interesting, while another was described as efficient and able to adjust the timing to changing weather.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a welcome detail on a nine-hour outing. Selected hotel pickup and drop-off make the morning simpler, though you should check whether your Hobart accommodation is among the pickup locations. The meeting time is early, so keep the morning free and be ready at the stated pickup point.

The group can include up to 20 people. That is small enough for a more personal guide experience, but you still need to stay aware of the schedule. One person felt rushed and wanted more time at the stops. Most of the day is carefully timed, so this tour works best if you enjoy seeing several highlights rather than setting your own pace.

What the $128.39 price really covers

The cost is reasonable for a full day with transport, a guide and two included admission charges. A self-drive visitor would need to arrange a vehicle, fuel, parking and entry costs, then manage a route that includes four separate stops. The tour also removes the stress of driving in unfamiliar conditions, especially on the mountain road.

It is less compelling if you already have a rental car and plan to spend several days around Hobart. With your own vehicle, you could give Mount Field a longer visit, wait for clearer conditions on the mountain or spend more time in Richmond. You would also control your lunch and stop times.

For a first visit, though, the value is in the range. In one day you get rainforest, a waterfall, native animals, a country town and a summit viewpoint. The tour gives you a useful overview before you decide where to return for a longer visit.

The 98 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 735 reviews suggest strong satisfaction, but the practical details matter more than the numbers. The most consistently praised features are the guides, the variety and the small group. The clearest cautions are the long drives, changeable weather and limited time at each stop.

Who should book this Hobart day tour

I would choose this tour if you have one or two free days in Hobart and want to see beyond the waterfront without renting a car. It suits first-time visitors, families, wildlife fans and anyone who wants a broad taste of southern Tasmania.

It is also a good fit if you value explanation. Guides such as Brett and Jarrod are described as passionate about Tasmanian animals, while Hans and Jo are praised for covering history, geology and local context. That human layer can turn a long drive into part of the visit.

You should think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or prefer serious hiking. Russell Falls gives you a rewarding forest walk, but the day does not provide long, independent time at Mount Field or Mount Wellington. Richmond may also feel like a minor stop if your main interest is wilderness.

Pack sunscreen, water, comfortable walking shoes and warm layers. Add a rain jacket, gloves and something for your ears if you are heading to the summit. Bring money for lunch, and keep your plans flexible in case mountain weather changes.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want nature, wildlife, history and mountain views in one day with transport handled for you. Its strongest moments are Russell Falls, the chance to feed kangaroos at Bonorong and the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington when the clouds clear.

Skip it if you want a slow, single-focus outing or if you already have a car and plenty of time. For most short Hobart visits, though, $128.39 buys a well-filled day and a sensible introduction to the countryside beyond the city.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately nine hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 7:50 am.

Is hotel pickup available?

Selected hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Check that your accommodation is within the available pickup area.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should budget for food during the Richmond stop.

Are attraction admission fees included?

Entry to Russell Falls and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is included. Richmond Bridge and Mount Wellington do not list an admission charge.

Can I see Tasmanian devils at Bonorong?

Tasmanian devils are among the animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, but sightings of any specific animal are not guaranteed during your visit.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

The tour information says most people can participate. It includes walking at Mount Field and time outdoors at the other stops.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather. You are also offered another date, another experience or a full refund if the minimum number of participants is not reached.