Hobart: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond Trip

Tasmania’s best wildlife moment may be the simplest one: sitting beside a kangaroo at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with food in your hand. On the same long day, you walk beneath giant trees at Mt Field, explore old Richmond, and reach Mt Wellington for huge views over Hobart.

I like the strong mix of nature and local culture, and I like how much the guides add, especially guides such as Brett, Jarrod and Gary, who bring animal facts and Tasmanian stories to the drive. The main drawback is the pace: nine hours covers a lot, but Mt Wellington can be cold, cloudy, or snowbound, and the bus may feel tight on legroom.

Key points at a glance

• Russell Falls and the Tall Trees: Walk through fern forest to one of Tasmania’s best-known waterfalls, with time for Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees area.
• Bonorong’s hand-feeding session: Feed kangaroos and see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, frogs and other native animals at close range.
• Weather-led Mt Wellington timing: The summit visit can happen early or late in the day, depending on cloud cover.
• Richmond’s colonial streets: Take a relaxed break for old buildings, shops, cafes, food and scones.
• A guide-led day: The best guides, including Brett, Jarrod and Gary, add useful Tasmanian wildlife, flora and history rather than simply pointing out the sights.
• Good value for a short stay: At $126, the tour combines transport, two admission fees and four very different stops in nine hours.

Why this Hobart day trip works

This is a sampler of southern Tasmania, not a slow escape into one national park. In one day, you move from rainforest to wildlife sanctuary, from a historic town to a high mountain summit. That variety is the point.

I would especially consider it if you have only a short stay in Hobart and do not plan to hire a car. Driving yourself to Mt Field, Bonorong, Richmond and Wellington Park would take planning, parking, weather checks and a good deal of attention. Here, the transport is handled and the guide fills the road time with local information.

The tour begins with pickup from one of seven central Hobart locations between 7:30 and 7:50 am. You need to arrive a few minutes early. Pickup points include the Grand Chancellor Hotel, Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Travelodge Hobart, Vibe Hotel, Allurity Hotel, Hobart Tower Motel and 64 St Georges Terrace.

The day runs for about nine hours. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and plan to buy lunch or snacks during the break. Comfortable shoes matter more than fancy hiking gear, but you should also bring warm layers for Mt Wellington.

The Derwent Valley road to Mt Field

The first stretch takes about 75 minutes through the Derwent Valley. This is more than a transfer from Hobart to the forest. Your guide may point out local places, tell stories about settlement and explain the area as you travel.

One detail included along the way is a drive past Australia’s oldest operating pub. The stop itself is not listed as a formal visit, but it gives the morning a sense of place. The tour is not just a string of famous photo points. You get small pieces of Tasmanian life between the major stops.

This is where the guide can make a real difference. Brett has been praised for his animal and plant knowledge, while Jarrod and Gary are noted for local stories, humor and practical suggestions for time in Hobart. The exact guide varies, so do not book expecting one particular person, but the operator clearly puts weight on a strong spoken presentation.

Walking beneath the tall trees at Mt Field

Mt Field National Park is the first major stop, with about 90 minutes for sightseeing and walking. The main goal is Russell Falls, reached by a walk through tall forest and large fern growth.

The walk is one of the strongest parts of the day. You follow the freshwater through forest toward the falls, with enormous ferns and some of the world’s tallest trees around you. The route gives you a taste of Tasmania’s wet forest without committing to a full-day hike.

You may also have time for Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees area. Several people have found this forest walk to be the day’s highlight, and I understand why. It is the stop where the tour feels least packaged. You are simply moving through cool, damp woodland toward falling water.

The walk is described as manageable by many people, but one important caution appeared in the feedback: one person found the hike strenuous and felt the description should make that clearer. The supplied itinerary does not give a trail distance or full difficulty rating, so you should be comfortable walking on a forest path and wearing proper shoes.

Ninety minutes is enough to see the main waterfall and enjoy the woods at a relaxed pace, but it is not enough for a long exploration of Mt Field National Park. If you want several trails, extended birdwatching or a quiet half-day in the forest, you will need a separate visit.

New Norfolk and the freshwater valley

After Mt Field, the bus follows the freshwater back toward New Norfolk, a journey of about 50 minutes. The formal itinerary allows time to stretch and find something to eat before Bonorong.

New Norfolk adds a useful local-history layer. Your guide explains its past as you travel and stop, so the morning is not only about scenery. This is also the sensible time to deal with food, since lunch is not included.

Do not expect a long independent visit here. The main value is the pause between the forest and the wildlife sanctuary, plus the guide’s explanation of the area. It breaks up the day and gives you a chance to stretch your legs.

Meeting devils and feeding kangaroos at Bonorong

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary receives about 90 minutes, including a guided component, free time and wildlife viewing. Entry is included in the $126 price.

For many people, this becomes the most memorable stop. You can hand-feed kangaroos, then see Tasmanian devils and other native animals. The animals mentioned in the experience include wombats, echidnas, frogs, quolls and pademelons, although what you see at close range can vary.

The kangaroo feeding is easy to understand as a highlight. It is direct and personal, especially for anyone who has never seen Australian wildlife outside a zoo setting. Bonorong also gives you a chance to learn about rescued animals and the sanctuary’s work, rather than treating the animals as mere photo props.

Tasmanian devils deserve your attention here. They are one of Tasmania’s defining animals, yet many people arrive knowing little about them. A good guide can explain their behavior and place them within Tasmania’s wider wildlife story. Brett, in particular, has a former zookeeper background and has been praised for detailed animal facts.

The 90-minute visit should be treated as an introduction, not an exhaustive sanctuary tour. One useful practical point is that you may be able to explore parts of the grounds independently rather than following a sanctuary employee the entire time. Ask your guide or sanctuary staff how the visit is organized when you arrive.

Wild animal sightings along the road are possible, too. A guide with sharp eyes may spot something and point it out, but these sightings are bonuses, not promises. The guaranteed wildlife experience is at Bonorong.

Richmond’s old streets and a proper break

Richmond is only about 15 minutes from Bonorong, and the tour gives you roughly 90 minutes there. This is the day’s gentlest stop, with free time for walking, shopping, cafes and sightseeing.

Richmond is appealing because the historic buildings are close together and easy to explore on foot. You can wander without needing a complicated plan, browse local products and stop for food. Scones in Richmond have been a memorable treat for some people, and this is the place to buy something substantial if you skipped the earlier break.

The town also offers a change of mood. After the forest’s dripping ferns and Bonorong’s animals, Richmond gives you old streets, small shops and a slower pause. The guide may explain the area’s connection to British settlement and local life, adding context to the buildings you see.

Ninety minutes is enough for a taste, but not for everything. If you want to visit every shop, linger over a cafe meal and inspect every old building, you may feel the clock. I would choose one clear aim before you get off the bus: walk the main streets, eat, shop, or take photographs. Trying to do all four can make the break feel rushed.

Mt Wellington and the weather gamble

The final major sight is Wellington Park, with about 45 minutes for a visit and photographs. The summit timing is flexible. Depending on cloud cover, you may go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

That flexibility is sensible. Mt Wellington weather can change the entire experience. On a clear day, you can see across Hobart and the surrounding country from high above the city. On another day, cloud, rain, strong wind or snow may block the view.

Several people have described snow, rainbows and freezing conditions at the summit. That is part of the mountain’s appeal, but it also explains why you need warm clothes even if Hobart feels mild when you leave. A hat and extra layer are wise additions to the required comfortable shoes and water.

You should keep expectations realistic. The tour cannot control the summit weather, and 45 minutes is a short visit. If the mountain is covered in cloud, Mt Wellington may be more about the wild conditions and a quick photo than panoramic scenery. If the sky clears, the payoff is excellent.

The weather also explains why the stop is not fixed at one point in the schedule. The operator can place it at the better time of day. That helps, but it does not guarantee a view.

The guide is part of the value

The most praised part of this experience is not one single attraction. It is the guide’s role throughout the day.

Brett is repeatedly described as passionate about Tasmanian fauna and flora, with one person highlighting his former zookeeper experience. Gary has been appreciated for humor, local facts and recommendations. Jarrod is noted for his history knowledge, friendly manner and ability to help with photographs and small practical needs. Other guides named in the feedback include Scott, Paul, Hans, Stann and Brent.

You should expect an English-speaking guide and live commentary. The strongest version of this tour is not a silent bus ride between attractions. You hear about animals, eucalyptus trees, settlers, local places and the stories behind what you are seeing.

This matters because the stops are short. A guide helps you decide what deserves your attention at Mt Field, explains why Tasmanian devils matter at Bonorong and gives Richmond more meaning than a quick walk past old buildings.

The tone also appears to be relaxed rather than rigid. People have valued prompt pickups, smooth timing and guides who answer questions without making the day feel formal. That is useful on a long group tour.

Is $126 good value?

At $126 per person, I consider this strong value for a first Hobart visit. The price includes transportation, pickup and drop-off from selected central hotels, a local English-speaking guide, entry to Russell Falls and admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

You also get four distinct settings:

• Mt Field’s rainforest and waterfalls
• Bonorong’s native animals
• Richmond’s historic streets
• Mt Wellington’s high views

Food and drinks are extra, and you should budget for those during the New Norfolk or Richmond break. The bus is practical rather than luxurious, and one person found the legroom tight. That is worth considering if you dislike long road days or need generous personal space.

The tour is good value because it removes the cost and effort of arranging several separate visits. It is less good value for someone who wants long, quiet time in one place. You are paying for range, transport and interpretation, not a deep visit to Mt Field or a full day at Bonorong.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose it for a first visit to Hobart, a short Tasmania stay, or a day when you do not want to drive. It suits couples, solo visitors and families who want wildlife, scenery and a small historic town in one outing.

It is also a good fit for anyone curious about Tasmanian animals. Bonorong is more than a quick kangaroo photo, and the right guide can turn the sanctuary into a useful introduction to devils, wombats, quolls, echidnas and pademelons.

Families should note the long day and walking at Mt Field. One parent described a very positive experience with a 10-year-old, but the forest walk still calls for comfortable footwear and some stamina.

I would hesitate if your main aim is serious hiking, long photography sessions or a warm-weather outing. Mt Wellington can be bitterly cold, and the schedule leaves limited time for wandering at each stop.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup is limited to the seven listed central Hobart meeting points, so check that your hotel is convenient or plan how to reach one of them.

Should you book the Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond trip?

Book it if you want a broad, well-organized taste of southern Tasmania in one day. The combination is unusually useful: a real forest walk, close contact with native animals, a historic town and a mountain viewpoint.

The clearest warning is simple: this is a busy day. You will see a lot, but you will not have hours to linger. Pack water, wear shoes you can walk in, bring serious warm layers for Mt Wellington and keep a little money aside for food in Richmond.

For a first Hobart visit, I would book this before adding several disconnected half-day outings. The guide, the included entries and the mix of stops make $126 a fair price, especially when your time in Tasmania is short.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about nine hours, including transport, sightseeing and return drop-off in Hobart.

What attractions are included?

The day includes Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Richmond and Wellington Park, including the Mt Wellington summit area when weather permits.

Is entry to Russell Falls included?

Yes. Entry to Russell Falls is included in the tour price.

Is Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary admission included?

Yes. Admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is included.

Can I feed kangaroos?

Yes. Hand-feeding kangaroos is one of the activities at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Will I see Tasmanian devils?

The tour includes a visit to Bonorong, where you can discover Tasmanian devils. Animal sightings and viewing conditions can vary.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have time to stretch and get something to eat during the day.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from seven central Hobart meeting points: Travelodge Hotel Hobart, Allurity Hotel, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Hobart Tower Motel, Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Vibe Hotel Hobart and 64 St Georges Terrace.

What time is pickup?

Pickup times run from about 7:30 to 7:50 am. The Grand Chancellor pickup is scheduled for 7:30 am, with later times for the other meeting points.

What happens if Mt Wellington has bad weather?

The Mt Wellington visit may take place early or late in the day depending on cloud cover. Weather can limit the views, and the summit may be cold, windy, rainy or snowy.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and water. Warm clothing is also strongly advisable for Mt Wellington, especially in colder or unsettled weather.