From Hobart: Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington and Wildlife Day Tour

Mount Field gives this tour its real character. You walk beneath tall swamp gums, pass fern glades and follow water to Russell, Horseshoe and Lady Barron Falls. Then the day changes pace at Bonorong, where you can see Tasmanian devils, wombats and kangaroos before heading up to kunanyi/Mount Wellington for big views over Hobart and the Derwent.

I like the way the tour joins three very different Tasmanian experiences in one day, and I like that the national park entrance and wildlife sanctuary admission are included in the $130 price. Guides such as Matt, Heather, Lucas, Paris, Nickolas and Clint have been praised for clear explanations and careful group management.

The main drawback is the walking. The Mount Field section can last around two and a half to three and a half hours, with stairs, roughly 6 kilometres of walking and close to 500 steps in parts. Weather can also change the Mount Wellington stop, so bring warm clothing even on a mild Hobart morning.

Key points at a glance

• Three waterfalls in one rainforest circuit: Russell, Horseshoe and Lady Barron Falls give the Mount Field walk plenty of variety.
• Towering swamp gums: The Tall Trees Trail includes trees reaching about 80 metres, one of the most memorable sections of the day.
• Real Tasmanian wildlife: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers close views of wombats, Tasmanian devils and kangaroos, with a guided session from sanctuary staff.
• Two very different climates: You move from cool, wet rainforest to the exposed, icy summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
• Good value at $130: National park and wildlife park entry are included, along with transport and a professional guide.
• An active day with an early start: Meet at 7:25am in central Hobart and return around 5:30pm, with your own lunch and water.

Why Mount Field is the heart of the day

Mount Field National Park is the part of this outing that feels least like a standard sightseeing stop. From Hobart, the drive takes about an hour and a half, then you trade the coach for a forest walk among wet temperate trees, moss, ferns and falling water.

The Three Falls Circuit is well chosen because it gives you several types of scenery without requiring a full-day hike. Russell Falls is the first major reward. Water drops over rock in three neat tiers, and the short approach makes this the most accessible waterfall stop on the route.

From Russell Falls, the path continues through fern-covered forest to Horseshoe Falls. This waterfall is quieter and more enclosed, so I find it a useful contrast with Russell Falls. You get less of the immediate postcard effect and more of the feeling of being in a cool forest where water is part of the surroundings at every turn.

The Tall Trees Trail changes the scale again. Swamp gums rise about 80 metres above the track, making people on the ground seem very small. This is not just another pleasant woodland walk. Look upward and you get a clear sense of Tasmania’s giant trees and the age of the forest.

Lady Barron Falls completes the circuit. By this point, you have seen three waterfalls, but the walk has not felt like a series of identical viewpoints. The route moves between open streamside areas, fern glades, tall trees and darker rainforest.

The walking is easy in places, but not effortless

The walking is generally described as easy, yet that should not be confused with flat or short. You may spend two and a half to three and a half hours on the Mount Field section, and the route includes stairs and some steeper pieces. One detailed account put the walk at about 6 kilometres, while another noted that the Mount Field section has just under 500 steps.

I like that the pace can allow you to stop and look at plants, trees and small wildlife. Guides such as Lucas, Matt and Paris have been praised for pointing out details you could easily miss on your own. A pademelon has been spotted during a forest walk, though animal sightings in the national park are never guaranteed.

You need closed-toe shoes with a decent grip. Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and a jacket. The forest can be damp even when Hobart is dry, and the summit later in the day can feel dramatically colder.

If stairs are a problem, this is not the right excursion. The route is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and children under eight cannot join. You do not need specialist hiking skills, but you do need a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk for several hours.

Bonorong brings Tasmania’s animals close

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary gives the day a useful change of rhythm. After the forest walk, you can spend time seeing native animals in a setting designed around Tasmanian wildlife, with an informative session led by sanctuary staff.

The animals named most often in the day’s accounts are Tasmanian devils, wombats and kangaroos. Bessie, a wombat, made a particularly strong impression, and feeding kangaroos is one of the more hands-on parts of the visit. You might also see other native species during your time there.

I value this stop because Tasmanian wildlife can be difficult to find in the wild, especially on a tightly timed day trip. Bonorong gives you a reliable chance to see animals that are central to Tasmania’s identity, while the staff explain more about the island’s rare and vulnerable fauna.

This is also a good point to remember the limits of the experience. Bonorong is a sanctuary, not a national park encounter. The animals are in a managed setting, so the visit complements the wild forest rather than replacing it.

The timing matters. This is a full day with a long forest walk before the sanctuary, so you may appreciate the chance to slow down, watch the animals and let your legs recover. Food and drinks are not included, so carry your own lunch and snacks. The supplied information does not specify a dedicated lunch stop, which makes packing something portable the sensible choice.

Reaching kunanyi/Mount Wellington above Hobart

The final major stop is kunanyi/Mount Wellington, rising to 1,271 metres behind Hobart. After the enclosed rainforest at Mount Field and the animal sanctuary, the summit offers a wide, open finish to the day.

On a clear afternoon, you can look across Hobart, the surrounding mountains and the Derwent River system. The views are the reward for the drive up, and they help you understand Hobart’s setting in a way that a city lookout cannot quite match.

The summit is exposed and cold. One account described the wind as intense, while another urged visitors to take the cold warning seriously. Rain can turn to snow, and bad conditions can close part of the mountain road or limit how high the coach can go. That happened during one particularly wet and snowy outing, but the lower section still provided worthwhile walking.

This is a key reason to pack layers rather than relying on the forecast for Hobart alone. A warm jacket, waterproof layer and covered shoes belong in your daypack. The mountain stop is weather dependent, and no tour operator can control cloud, wind, rain or snow.

How the day is paced from Hobart

The standard meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre at 20 Davey Street. Pickup is at 7:25am, and you should arrive at least five minutes early because the vehicle leaves promptly. The tour returns to the same location at about 5:30pm.

That makes this a long but efficient day. I like the arrangement for a first visit to Hobart because you avoid hiring a car, navigating unfamiliar roads and working out how to combine three separate places. You can watch the scenery from the coach and save your energy for the walks.

The tradeoff is that you spend part of the day on the road. Mount Field is outside Hobart, and kunanyi/Mount Wellington sits in the opposite direction from some of the city’s other sights. If you prefer to linger in one park or take long photography breaks, a self-drive trip may give you more control.

The tour uses small, friendly groups, which should make the walking and commentary more personal than a large coach excursion. The guide stays with the group during the forest section and helps keep everyone together. Guides have included Matt, Heather, Lucas, Paris, Nickolas, Clint, Hannah, David and others, and their approach can shape the feel of the day.

The strongest guide feedback focuses on local plant knowledge, Tasmanian history, practical care and the ability to adjust the day to weather. Paris has been praised for environmental detail, while Matt and Heather are noted for friendly, clear commentary. A few minor operational issues have appeared, including a weak speaker system on one outing and a guide who talked more than the small group wanted. Those are small concerns, but they are worth acknowledging.

What the $130 price really covers

At $130 per person, this is a solid value if you want all three major stops in one day. The price includes national park entry, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary entry, transport, a professional English-speaking guide and interpretive walks.

If you arranged the same day independently, you would still need to account for park and sanctuary admission, fuel or car hire, parking and the time involved in planning the route. The tour also removes the need to drive after an active forest walk.

Meals and drinks are not included. I would bring a packed lunch, water and extra snacks rather than assume you can buy food at the right time. You can carry a daypack, but luggage is not allowed on board, and the tour does not provide airport drop-off.

Hotel pickup may be available from selected locations if arranged in advance with the operator. The guaranteed general meeting point remains the information centre on Davey Street, so confirm your pickup details before the morning of the tour.

Free cancellation is available up to two days in advance for a full refund. That is useful in Tasmania, where weather can strongly affect the mountain section, though you should still check the latest conditions and the operator’s terms before booking.

The weather can improve the waterfalls and spoil the summit

Tasmania’s weather is part of the experience, not a minor detail. Rain can make the waterfalls more forceful and dramatic. One outing had pouring rain, a rainbow near the falls and then snow on Mount Wellington, creating a memorable day despite the poor forecast.

The other side is that clouds can hide the summit views, wind can make the mountaintop uncomfortable and snow can limit access. You should book this trip for the full mix of forest, animals and mountain air, not only for a perfect photograph from Mount Wellington.

The forest remains worthwhile in wet weather. The trees and ferns feel at home in rain, and the waterfalls may look better. Wear a waterproof layer and protect anything important in your daypack.

A clear day gives you the best chance of seeing across Hobart from the summit. If that view matters most to you, keep your schedule flexible and consider booking the tour when the forecast looks reasonably settled. Even then, conditions can change quickly at 1,271 metres.

Who will get the most from this day tour

I would recommend this tour to a first-time Hobart visitor who wants a broad taste of Tasmania without renting a car. In one day, you get a proper forest walk, close animal encounters and a high lookout over the city.

It also suits active adults and older children who can manage several hours of walking, stairs and changing weather. The route is not technical, but it asks more of you than a short stroll to one waterfall.

Nature lovers will appreciate the guide commentary. The value is not only transport between stops. Guides point out plants, trees and local wildlife, explain the character of the forest and share information about Tasmania’s natural environment.

You may want a different plan if you use a wheelchair, have limited mobility, dislike stairs or want a relaxed day with long café breaks. It is also not suitable for children under eight. A self-drive itinerary works better if you want to set your own pace or spend a full day at Mount Field alone.

Practical packing advice for a 7:25am start

Pack as if you are preparing for several seasons in one day. The most useful items are:

• Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
• Warm jacket and waterproof outer layer
• Water bottle and food for lunch
• Snacks for the long day
• Hat and sunscreen
• Small daypack
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Do not judge your clothing by the temperature in central Hobart. The rainforest can be cool and wet, while kunanyi/Mount Wellington can be icy and windy. Extra layers take little room and can make the final stop far more comfortable.

You should also arrive ready to walk. The tour is active from the Mount Field section onward, and the best parts come when you leave the coach and follow the forest paths.

Should you book the Mount Field and Mount Wellington tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety in one day and are comfortable with a fairly active schedule. The strongest parts are the Three Falls Circuit, the Tall Trees Trail and the chance to see Tasmanian devils, wombats and kangaroos at Bonorong.

The $130 cost is fair because entry fees and guiding are included, and you do not need to drive. I would book with realistic expectations: bring lunch, expect stairs, prepare for cold mountain weather and accept that the summit view may be limited by clouds or snow.

If you have only one free day from Hobart, this is a sensible way to see several sides of Tasmania. If your priority is a slow, accessible outing or a guaranteed Mount Wellington panorama, choose a less demanding plan.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The general meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre at 20 Davey Street in Hobart. Pickup is at 7:25am, and the tour returns to the same location around 5:30pm.

What is included in the $130 price?

The price includes national park entry, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary entry, transport, professional guides and interpretive walks. Meals and drinks are not included.

How much walking is involved?

The Mount Field section involves a guided walk of roughly two and a half to three and a half hours. Depending on the route and pace, you may walk about 6 kilometres and tackle many stairs, including close to 500 steps in parts.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under eight are not permitted. Older children need a suitable level of general health and fitness because the tour includes several hours of walking and some stairs.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, food, a daypack, a jacket and clothing suited to the weather. Warm layers are especially important for kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to two days in advance for a full refund. Hotel pickup may be available from selected locations if arranged ahead of time, but airport drop-offs are not provided.