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

The best part of this 11-hour Hobart day tour is the variety. In one long outing, you move from cool rainforest and three waterfalls to giant swamp gums, native animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the high summit of Kunanyi, also called Mt. Wellington. It gives you a broad look at southern Tasmania without renting a car.

I like the short, clearly different walks at Mt. Field, and I like that the small group size, capped at 20 people, lets guides such as Clinton, Hannah, Nick, David, Ian, and Lucas adjust the pace. The main thing to consider is time: this is a full day, and some departures have felt closer to nine hours than the advertised 11. A few stops, especially Bonorong and Mt. Wellington, can feel brief.

Key points to know before booking

• Three waterfalls and giant trees: Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lady Barron Falls fit into a series of short walks at Mt. Field.
• Bonorong adds real wildlife encounters: You may see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, koalas, wallabies, and kangaroos.
• Kunanyi depends heavily on weather: Clear skies bring wide views over Hobart and southern Tasmania, but cloud can hide the payoff.
• The walking is manageable but not flat: Easy tracks include steps, and longer options require a moderate level of fitness.
• Lunch is your responsibility: Bring food or buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the day.
• Small groups make the long day easier: The maximum group size is 20, with hotel pickup available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels.

Why this Hobart combination works so well

Many Hobart day trips ask you to choose between mountains, wildlife, or rainforest. This one links all three. That matters if you have only a short stay and want more than a single viewpoint or wildlife park.

The route also gives the day a natural rhythm. Mt. Field supplies the walking and forest, Bonorong changes the mood with close views of native animals, and Kunanyi finishes with a broad look back toward Hobart. You are not spending the whole day doing one kind of activity.

At $132.69 per person, the price is fair for a small-group outing that includes transport, a professional guide, national park fees, and Bonorong admission. You still pay for lunch, but the main entrance costs are covered. The value is strongest if you do not want to drive Tasmania’s winding roads or arrange three separate stops yourself.

This is not a luxury tour, and it is not a serious hiking day. It is an active sightseeing trip, with a lot packed into one schedule. You get interpretation about Tasmania’s plants, animals, and history, but you also need to accept an early start, a long day in a vehicle, and a schedule that may move quickly.

Mt. Field begins with rainforest and rushing water

Mt. Field National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart, so the day starts with a substantial road trip. That drive is part of the trade-off: you reach one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks without handling the route yourself, but you will want to be comfortable with a full day out.

Russell Falls is the park’s easiest major reward. The walk follows a pleasant forest track through mixed forest and temperate rainforest, ending at a graceful three-tiered waterfall. The route is accessible compared with the longer walks that follow, though the overall park visit includes steps and uneven sections.

I would treat Russell Falls as more than a quick photo stop. The forest is the point. Look up into the tree canopy, listen for the water, and let your guide explain the plants around the track. Guides including Jeremy, Nick, Ian, and Clinton have been praised for adding useful context about local flora, wildlife, and the people who worked in these areas.

After Russell Falls, the day can include Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls as part of the Three Falls Circuit. Water levels and track conditions affect how dramatic the falls appear, but the sequence keeps the walk interesting. You are not simply returning along the same path after one viewpoint.

Tall Trees Track puts the scale into perspective

The Tall Trees Walk is short, about a 30-minute circuit, yet it may be the most striking section for anyone who enjoys forests. The swamp gums rise to around 80 metres and are described as the world’s tallest flowering plants.

That fact is useful, but the real impact comes from standing at ground level and trying to take in the height. The track passes through cool, quiet rainforest, with the trunks drawing your eyes upward. You do not need a long hike to feel the size of this place.

The longer walking options add steps, so you should choose according to your fitness rather than trying to keep up with the fastest person in the group. The guide can offer alternatives for different walking abilities, which makes the tour more practical for mixed groups.

Track closures can happen because of fallen trees or other park conditions. On one outing, a shortened walk was balanced with a stop at a raspberry farm. That sort of change is useful to understand before booking: the guide may adapt the route, but the exact walking time and order are not guaranteed.

Lady Barron Falls completes the park visit

Lady Barron Falls gives the Mt. Field stop a strong finish. The route continues through the tall trees and rainforest, with the sound of flowing water adding to the sense of distance from Hobart.

The itinerary allows roughly three hours at Mt. Field, broken into several walks and viewpoints. That is enough to see the key features, but it may not feel leisurely if you want to stop for every photograph or take the longer options. One person found the pace at Mt. Field too quick, while others felt the day was well organized and full without being rushed.

My advice is simple: wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, and decide early how much distance you want to cover. This is a better fit for someone who enjoys several short walks than for someone seeking one long, quiet bush hike.

Bonorong brings Tasmania’s animals close

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is the most hands-on part of the day. The sanctuary provides a staff-led wildlife tour focused on Tasmania’s rare and vulnerable fauna, and the visit can include Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, koalas, tawny frogmouths, wallabies, and kangaroos.

The kangaroo area is a clear highlight for many people. You may be able to feed the kangaroos, while wallabies can often be seen at close range. These moments are fun, but the more important value is learning how to watch animals without disturbing them.

The tour operator places emphasis on respectful viewing, suitable distances, and staying on tracks and boardwalks. That is a good approach, especially when the day includes animals that are central to Tasmania’s identity but face serious conservation pressures.

Bonorong is not a guarantee of seeing every animal at close range. Wildlife has its own schedule, and one account found only a few Tasmanian devils visible. You should see the sanctuary as a place for a range of encounters, not a promise of a perfect checklist.

The scheduled visit is about an hour. That is enough for a useful introduction, but it can feel short if Bonorong is your main reason for booking. If you want a slow wildlife visit with plenty of time at each enclosure, a separate sanctuary visit may suit you better.

Kunanyi offers the final high point

The final stop is Kunanyi, or Mt. Wellington, rising to 1,271 metres above Hobart. On a clear day, the summit gives you broad views over the city and southern Tasmania. It is an excellent way to finish because the earlier stops show you the forest floor, while the mountain lets you see the region from above.

The summit is weather-sensitive. Cloud, wind, rain, or poor visibility can reduce the view, and the mountain may not deliver the dramatic finish you hoped for. On a clear day, though, the stop can be spectacular. One January visit found the alpine plants more memorable than the views, which is a useful reminder that the summit has its own appeal even when the horizon is not perfect.

Time here can vary. Some groups have stayed about 40 minutes, while others felt the stop was too short. If you want a long summit walk, this tour may disappoint. The purpose is mainly to reach the top, take in the view, and explore a little before returning to Hobart.

There is also practical value in letting someone else handle the road. The route to Mt. Wellington includes steep, winding sections, and you can focus on the mountain rather than driving and parking.

Guides make the difference on a packed day

The strongest part of this experience is often the guide. The tour has featured guides such as Clinton, Hannah, Nick, David, Peter, Lucas, Ian, Ben, Steve, Jeremy, and Trevor. Names are subject to change, but the consistent pattern is clear: the guide shapes how much you learn and how smoothly the day runs.

Good guiding matters here because the schedule covers several unrelated-looking places. A strong guide connects the waterfalls, giant trees, wildlife, alpine plants, and mountain views into one story about Tasmania. The best guides also explain the route, watch the group’s pace, and adjust when weather or track conditions change.

Not every guide will have the same style. One person found the presentation less interactive and the Mt. Field pace too fast. If you prefer long stretches of independent time, the commentary and group schedule may feel more structured than you want.

The maximum group size is 20, which is much easier to manage than a large coach. Smaller groups can move through short tracks with less fuss, and guides can usually respond to different walking speeds. The exact group size on your departure may be smaller.

Timing, lunch, and what to bring

Pickup begins between 7:00 and 7:30 am, with the advertised start at 7:30. Hotel pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels, but not Airbnb properties. Arrange pickup with the operator at least 48 hours before departure.

The full day is advertised at about 11 hours, though actual departures have sometimes run closer to nine. Traffic, weather, track conditions, group size, and time spent at each stop can all change the day. Do not plan a tightly timed evening activity immediately afterward.

Food and drinks are not included. You can pre-purchase lunch or buy a bakery-style takeaway during the tour. I would bring water and a few snacks even if you plan to buy lunch, since the first major stop is a long drive from Hobart and the walking comes in several stages.

Pack a day bag only. Luggage is not allowed on board. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring layers, and prepare for changing conditions at Mt. Field and Kunanyi. Tasmania’s weather can shift between rainforest, open mountain, and city conditions in one day.

The tour requires a moderate level of general fitness. You need to manage short walks, steps, and several hours of activity, but this is not presented as a technical hike. The minimum age is eight, and the operator asks for suitable physical ability.

The main strengths and limits at a glance

I see five clear strengths:

• You cover three major types of Tasmanian experience in one day.
• Mt. Field offers real forest walking rather than only roadside scenery.
• Bonorong gives you a better chance of seeing native animals than a random wildlife search.
• A guide adds plant, animal, environmental, and local history context.
• Small groups and included entry fees keep the logistics simple.

The limits are just as clear:

• The day is long and can feel compressed.
• Lunch costs extra.
• The summit views rely on good weather.
• Bonorong cannot guarantee every animal will be active or visible.
• Track closures or poor conditions can alter the Mt. Field portion.
• The tour is not suited to anyone wanting a slow, deep exploration of one site.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 112 ratings, with 95 percent recommending it. That matches the tour’s strongest qualities: capable guides, a varied route, easy-to-moderate walks, and a lot of scenery for the price. The lower ratings point less to a bad core experience than to expectations about pace, weather, and time at each stop.

Who should book this active day tour

I would choose this trip if you have one or two free days in Hobart and want a broad introduction to Tasmania’s natural side. It suits families with older children, first-time visitors, couples, and people who would rather watch the road than drive it.

It also works well for nature lovers who want both wild settings and managed animal encounters. You can see rainforest, waterfalls, huge trees, wallabies, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils in a single day.

I would think twice if your priority is a long hike, extended wildlife photography, or a relaxed mountain visit. You may prefer separate trips to Mt. Field, Bonorong, or Kunanyi so you can set your own pace.

Should you book it?

Book it if you value variety and want the practical convenience of one small-group route from Hobart. The $132.69 price includes the national park and wildlife sanctuary fees, and the combination is hard to arrange as neatly without a car.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a busy nature day, not a slow wilderness retreat. Bring layers, water, lunch money, and comfortable shoes, then accept that the weather and track conditions may change the plan. If clear skies line up at Kunanyi and the waterfalls are flowing, you get one of the most satisfying all-round day trips close to Hobart.

FAQ

How long does the Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington and Wildlife tour last?

The tour is advertised as approximately 11 hours, beginning around 7:30 am. Actual duration can vary, and some departures have finished closer to nine hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes professional guiding, interpretive walks, national park fees, and admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Food and drinks are not included.

Is hotel pickup available in Hobart?

Hotel pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels. Pickup generally occurs between 7:00 and 7:30 am, and pickup from Airbnb properties is not available.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes several short walks at Mt. Field, including Russell Falls, Tall Trees, and Lady Barron Falls. Steps are present, especially on longer options, and a moderate level of fitness is required.

What animals can I see at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary?

The visit can include Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, wallabies, koalas, and tawny frogmouths. Animal sightings and activity are not guaranteed.

Does the tour include lunch?

No. You can bring food or buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the day. Food and drinks are at your own expense.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.