Hobart: Mt. Field, Mt Wellington & Wildlife – Active Day Tour

The best thing about this day is the variety. In one outing, you move from cool rainforest and three waterfalls to kangaroos and Tasmanian devils, then finish high above Hobart on kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Guides such as Clinton, Nick, Hannah, Ian and Lucas bring plenty of local stories and explain the plants, animals and history along the way.

I like the small groups of up to 20 and the easy choice of short or longer walks at Mt Field. I also like the way the day joins three places that are awkward to cover without a car: Russell Falls, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the mountain summit. The tradeoff is time. It is a full day, and some stops can feel brisk, especially Bonorong and Mt Wellington.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different Tasmanian settings: rainforest waterfalls, a native animal sanctuary and a high mountain summit all fit into one day.
• Mt Field provides the main walking: Russell Falls is easy, while the Tall Trees and Three Falls sections add steps and a little more effort.
• Bonorong offers close wildlife encounters: You may see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, koalas and kangaroos, with opportunities to feed some kangaroos.
• The summit depends on weather: Clear conditions can bring broad views across Hobart and southern Tasmania, but cloud can reduce the payoff.
• Lunch is not included: Bring food or buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the day.
• The day suits active visitors aged 8 and over: You need a reasonable level of fitness and room for walking on tracks, stairs and boardwalks.

Why this Hobart day tour works so well

Hobart is a fine base for Tasmania, but its best natural sights spread well beyond the city. Mt Field National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive away, Bonorong lies in another direction, and kunanyi rises directly above Hobart. Seeing all three in one day saves you from arranging several separate trips.

I see this as a broad introduction to southern Tasmania rather than a slow wilderness outing. You get a taste of forest, mountain and wildlife in a single run. The guide also handles the driving, including the steep and winding road to Mt Wellington, which is a real benefit if you would rather watch the scenery than concentrate on the road.

The tour begins around 7:30 am, with hotel pickups generally between 7:00 and 7:30 from many central hotels and hostels. It returns to the starting point after roughly 11 hours, though the exact length changes with road conditions, weather, group size and time spent at each stop.

Walking beneath Mt Field’s giant trees

Mt Field National Park is the heart of the day. It is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks, and the forest gives you a quick lesson in how varied Tasmanian plant life can be. The tracks pass through mixed forest and temperate rainforest, with cool shade, damp air and plenty of water after rain.

The usual focus is the Three Falls Circuit, which includes Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls. The tour description also gives special attention to the Tall Trees Track, where giant swamp gums reach around 80 metres. These trees are often described as the world’s tallest flowering plants, a detail that helps explain why the walk feels more than just a stroll to a waterfall.

The walking is not presented as a hard hike. The Russell Falls path is easy and pleasant, and the Tall Trees section is a short circuit of about 30 minutes. Still, the longer options include steps, stairs and uneven track sections. I would wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a light waterproof layer, even if Hobart begins the morning in sunshine.

One useful feature is the guide’s ability to adjust the walking. If you want an easier outing, you can stay with the shorter routes. If you are comfortable with more steps, you can take the longer sections when conditions allow. This flexibility makes the trip workable for a mixed group, but it also means the exact experience may not be identical for everyone.

Russell Falls, the easiest major walk

Russell Falls is Tasmania’s best-known waterfall, and it earns that reputation through access as much as appearance. The path follows a beautiful forest track, making the falls reachable without a demanding climb. The water drops in three visible tiers, framed by rainforest plants and tall trees.

You get about an hour here as part of the schedule. That is enough to walk to the falls, pause for photographs and listen to the guide’s explanation of the forest. If you enjoy taking your time with every photograph, the schedule may feel tight.

The falls are also a good place to notice the difference between a guided walk and a self-guided stop. A guide such as Jeremy or Nick can point out plant life, explain how the forest fits into Tasmania’s natural story and keep the group moving without turning the walk into a race. Several guides on this tour are praised for making their information lively, with stories and practical details rather than a string of dry facts.

Tall Trees and the Three Falls Circuit

The Tall Trees Track gives Mt Field its sense of scale. Looking at an 80-metre swamp gum from below is different from viewing a waterfall. The forest becomes the main attraction, and the short circuit lets you appreciate the quiet, cool conditions beneath the canopy.

Lady Barron Falls comes later on the Three Falls Circuit. The walk combines running water, boardwalks and the tall-gum forest, so it offers more variety than a simple out-and-back route. Horseshoe Falls is also part of the park’s waterfall story, although the amount of time you spend at each fall depends on the group and the day’s conditions.

Some sections may close because of fallen trees or other park issues. On one reported outing, a track closure shortened the walk, and the guide added a stop at a raspberry farm instead. That is worth keeping in mind: Mt Field is the main outdoor portion, but nature and park management can change the plan.

The tour stays on tracks and boardwalks. This is good for safety and helps limit damage to the forest. It also means you should not expect an off-track bush adventure. The appeal is careful access to a protected place, with interpretation from the guide.

Lunch is simple and self-funded

Food and drinks are not included in the $132.69 price. You can bring your own lunch, or there is an opportunity to buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the day. I would plan this before leaving Hobart rather than assume you will find a full café meal at the perfect moment.

A packed lunch also gives you more control. The schedule is busy, and you may prefer to eat quickly at a scenic spot instead of waiting for a restaurant service. Bring water as well, since the walking and long day on the road make hydration useful.

There is no room for luggage on board, only a day pack. Pack lightly: water, lunch, rain protection, warm layers, sun protection, a camera and any personal medication. Mt Field can feel cool and damp, while the summit of kunanyi can be much colder and windier than Hobart below.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary brings Tasmania close

After Mt Field, the day shifts from wild forest to managed wildlife care at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary focuses on native Australian animals, and staff conduct an informative wildlife tour. This is where you have a strong chance to learn about species that are difficult to spot in the bush.

The animals highlighted for the visit include Tasmanian devils, kangaroos and wombats. The experience may also include echidnas, koalas, tawny frogmouths and other native species. Kangaroo feeding is one of the more hands-on parts of the visit, although animal activity is never fully predictable.

Tasmanian devils are a major reason to include Bonorong. You might see several, but the visit is not a guarantee of a long or intimate devil encounter. Animal viewing depends on where the animals are and what they are doing. The sanctuary is valuable because it gives you an informed introduction to rare and vulnerable Tasmanian fauna, not because it promises a staged show at every turn.

The scheduled visit is about an hour. That is enough for a useful orientation and several animal stops, but it can feel short if you want to explore every enclosure. I would treat Bonorong as a focused wildlife visit within a larger day, not as a full-day sanctuary tour.

The operator also stresses respectful viewing and minimal disturbance. You are told how to watch animals patiently and from suitable distances. That approach matters in Tasmania, where responsible wildlife tourism should not mean chasing, touching or crowding wild creatures.

The final climb to kunanyi / Mt Wellington

The day ends at the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington, 1,271 metres above Hobart. From the top, clear weather can open wide views over the city and across southern Tasmania. After the enclosed forest at Mt Field and the close animal encounters at Bonorong, this is a dramatic change of setting.

The mountain is not only about the view. In January, alpine plants can be a highlight even when the outlook is less clear. Weather changes quickly at the summit, so bring warm clothing regardless of the forecast in town. Clouds can cover the views, and poor weather may force a change to the plan.

You generally have around an hour here, though some outings have allowed closer to 40 minutes. This is one of the stops most likely to feel rushed. You have time to step out, see the main outlook and take photographs, but not necessarily time for a long summit walk.

I like having the guide and vehicle handle the mountain road. The climb includes steep, winding sections, and driving yourself can take attention away from the view. The downside is that weather and road conditions can affect access. If the summit is closed or hidden by cloud, the day may include a lower viewpoint instead, as happened on an outing affected by road closures.

The guides shape the experience

The strongest part of this trip is often the guide. Names attached to particularly well-regarded days include Clinton, Nick, Hannah, Ian, Lucas, Peter, Jeremy, Steve, Ben, David and Trevor. That is a long list, but it shows the experience depends on the individual leading your small group.

The best guides do more than drive. They explain Tasmanian flora and fauna, share local history, adjust the walking pace and watch out for safety. Clinton is noted for his energy and stories, while Nick is especially strong on the history of the people who lived and worked in the area, as well as plant and animal life. Hannah is praised for offering walking choices that suit different fitness levels.

Your guide also manages the practical rhythm of the day. A small group is easier to gather at a waterfall, easier to brief at Bonorong and less cumbersome at the summit than a full coach group. The maximum is 20 people, though some departures may be smaller.

The style can vary. If you prefer constant conversation, ask questions early and let the guide know what interests you. One criticism of a particular outing was that the guide offered less interaction than expected, and the Mt Field walking pace felt fast. That is a fair reminder that a group tour cannot stop for every person at every tree.

Is the $132.69 price good value?

At $132.69 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a full day of transport, a national park visit, wildlife admission and guiding without renting a car. National park fees and Bonorong entrance are included. You still pay for lunch and drinks, so allow for that extra cost.

The value is strongest for short Hobart stays. You cover three major sights in one day and avoid the planning, driving and parking involved in reaching them separately. The guide’s interpretation also adds something you would not get from simply following a map to Russell Falls.

The price is less attractive if you want long, unhurried walks or a full wildlife sanctuary visit. The itinerary packs a lot into one day, and each stop has a time limit. A self-drive trip could give you more freedom, but it would require a car, careful route planning and a driver willing to handle the mountain road.

Who should book this day?

I would choose this tour if you have one or two free days in Hobart and want a wide sample of Tasmania’s nature. It suits couples, families with children aged 8 and over, solo visitors and anyone who prefers a small guided group to a large bus.

You should have a moderate level of fitness. The walks are manageable, but there are steps, boardwalks and uneven surfaces. The day also involves a lot of sitting in the vehicle, early pickup and a long return, so it is not a relaxed sightseeing loop.

This is a particularly good fit for nature lovers who want both scenery and animals. It is less suitable if your main goal is serious hiking, extended photography time or a slow visit at Bonorong. You will see a lot, but you will not linger everywhere.

Practical details that matter

Hotel pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels, not private Airbnb addresses. Arrange the pickup with the operator at least 48 hours before departure. Confirmation is provided when you book.

The minimum age is 8, and the tour requires a suitable level of general health and physical ability. The maximum group size is 20. Minimum numbers also apply, so a departure can be cancelled if too few people book, with an alternative or full refund offered.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 7:30 am start. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather can also lead to a new date or full refund, which is important for a summit visit where conditions can change the day completely.

My verdict: book it for variety, not for a slow pace

I recommend the Mt Field, Mt Wellington and Wildlife Active Day Tour if you want the most varied nature day you can reasonably fit around Hobart. The rainforest waterfalls and giant trees are the strongest outdoor section, Bonorong adds animals you may never spot in the bush, and kunanyi gives you the big closing view.

Book it with realistic expectations. Pack lunch, wear proper shoes, bring warm and wet-weather clothing, and accept that a clear summit and every planned track cannot be guaranteed. If you want a compact, well-guided introduction to southern Tasmania, this is a strong choice. If you want to hike at your own pace, rent a car and spread these stops over two days.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The tour is listed at approximately 11 hours and begins around 7:30 am. The exact return time can vary with weather, road conditions, group size and the time spent at each stop.

What is included in the price?

Professional guiding, interpretive walks, small-group transport, national park fees and entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Bring your own food and drinks, or buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the day.

How much walking is involved?

A small amount of walking is involved, including the Russell Falls track, the Tall Trees circuit and sections of the Three Falls Circuit. Longer options include steps, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?

Pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels, generally between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Pickup is not available from Airbnb properties, and you should arrange it with the operator at least 48 hours before departure.

What happens if bad weather affects the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled because of poor conditions, you can be offered another date or a full refund. Minimum passenger numbers also apply, with an alternative or refund offered if the departure is cancelled for that reason.