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

Waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain views in one day. This active Hobart outing links three very different Tasmanian experiences: rainforest walks at Mount Field, native animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and broad views from kunanyi / Mount Wellington. I like the excellent mix of nature and wildlife, and I like that small groups and local guides make the long day feel personal. The main catch is time: some stops can feel rushed, especially if you want a slow walk at Mount Field or a long stay on the summit.

The tour costs $132.69 per person, which is fair if you do not have a car and want several major sights handled in one outing. Guides such as Clinton, Nick, Lukas, Hannah, Ian, and David have earned strong praise for their local stories, careful driving, and ability to adjust walks for different fitness levels. Still, mountain weather can cancel or shorten the route, and the day requires an early start plus a moderate level of fitness.

Key points before you book

• Three big Tasmanian stops in one day: Walk among waterfalls and giant swamp gums, meet native animals, then ride up kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
• Mount Field is the active heart of the day: Russell Falls is easy to reach, while longer options add Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls, and the Tall Trees Track.
• Bonorong adds close wildlife encounters: You may see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, koalas, tawny frogmouths, and kangaroos.
• Small groups matter: The maximum group size is 20, making it easier to hear the guide and keep walking options flexible.
• Pack for changeable conditions: The mountain can be cold, windy, cloudy, or clear even when Hobart feels mild.
• Expect a full day, not a relaxed outing: The advertised duration is about 11 hours, though some departures have finished closer to nine hours.

Why this Hobart day trip works so well

Hobart gives you easy access to several very different settings. In one day, you move from cool rainforest to a wildlife sanctuary, then up to an alpine summit above the city. That range is the real appeal. You do not spend the whole day looking at similar scenery.

The tour is especially useful if you have limited time in Tasmania or do not want to drive. Mount Field is about 1.5 hours from Hobart, and the road to kunanyi / Mount Wellington includes steep, winding sections. Having a driver handle the route lets you focus on the views and the guide’s commentary.

The day also has a clear rhythm. The morning is for walking, the middle of the day is for lunch and wildlife, and the final stop is a high lookout. That order makes sense, since Mount Field is the most active part and you will appreciate the easier Bonorong visit afterward.

The tradeoff is pace. You are covering a lot of ground, and road time takes up part of the day. A few people have found the Mount Field walks too quick, while others felt the schedule was well organized and not rushed. Your experience will depend partly on group size, weather, track conditions, and how long the guide can give each stop.

Mount Field National Park and the walk to Russell Falls

Mount Field is the strongest part of the outing for anyone who enjoys short forest walks. The park is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks, and the scenery changes quickly as you move through mixed forest and cool temperate rainforest.

Russell Falls is the best-known stop. The path is easy and pleasant, with a beautiful forest setting leading to a three-tiered waterfall. You do not need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it, but the walk still feels like a proper introduction to Tasmania’s wet forests rather than a quick roadside photo stop.

I like this section because the guide can point out the relationship between the trees, water, and plant life. Several guides, including Jeremy and Nick, have been praised for making the park more meaningful through explanations of its flora, history, and local people. That kind of interpretation is useful here. Without it, you might see a waterfall and some tall trees. With it, the forest becomes easier to read.

The walk is generally manageable, but do not confuse short with completely effortless. There are steps on some sections, and the longer route adds more walking. Wear shoes with a firm sole, especially if the track is damp.

Three waterfalls, tall trees, and flexible walking

The Mount Field portion can include Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls, and the Tall Trees Track. The exact route may change if tracks are closed or fallen trees affect access. One group encountered a closed section and was taken to a raspberry farm instead, which shows that the operator may adjust the day rather than simply abandon the stop.

The Tall Trees Track is a short circuit of about 30 minutes. Its main feature is the giant swamp gums, which can reach about 80 metres. These trees are among the world’s tallest flowering plants, and their scale is hard to appreciate from a photograph. Look up and give yourself time to take in the trunks and canopy.

The Three Falls Circuit adds Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls to the forest experience. Some people choose the shorter options, while others continue on the longer paths. This flexibility is a major benefit for mixed groups. Hannah, in particular, received praise for helping people choose options suited to their ability.

Still, ask the guide early how much walking time is available. If you want all three waterfalls and the Tall Trees Track, you may need to keep moving. One useful approach is to treat Russell Falls as the essential stop, then add the other walks if conditions and timing allow.

Lunch without a restaurant stop

Food and drinks are not included. You can pre-purchase lunch, or you may have the chance to buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the tour. That is practical, but it means you should not leave food planning until the morning.

A takeaway lunch suits this schedule better than a long restaurant meal. It keeps the day moving and lets you eat in a scenic location within or near the park. Bring a water bottle and a few snacks if you need regular food, since the day begins early and the next major stop comes after the morning walks.

There is no luggage storage on board. Bring only a day pack, and keep it light enough to carry comfortably on the forest tracks.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: the close-up wildlife stop

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary changes the tone of the day. After walking through the forest, you spend about an hour learning about Tasmanian and Australian animals with sanctuary staff.

This is where you may see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, koalas, and tawny frogmouths. Feeding kangaroos is one of the memorable moments mentioned by several people, while encounters with wombats and Tasmanian devils provide the strongest Tasmanian focus.

Bonorong is not simply a place to collect animal photographs. The staff explain the sanctuary’s work and the conservation needs of rare native species. The tour operator also emphasizes viewing animals from suitable distances and keeping disturbance low. That matters, especially with animals that are sensitive to noise and close approaches.

An hour is enough to get a good introduction, but it is not enough to see everything at a leisurely pace. You may get only a limited look at some animals, and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. One disappointing experience included seeing only a few devils, while other visits included a much wider range of animals. Go in expecting an educational wildlife visit, not a guaranteed checklist.

The climb to kunanyi / Mount Wellington

The final major stop is the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, which rises to 1,271 metres above Hobart. On a clear day, the views across Southern Tasmania and the city are expansive.

This is an easy place to appreciate the value of taking a tour. The road has steep, hairpin turns, and you do not need to concentrate on driving or parking. You can watch the scenery change as you climb and arrive ready to look around.

The summit is weather-dependent. Clear skies can produce an excellent panorama, but cloud and wind can block the view. Even when the city view disappears, the alpine plants and mountain conditions can still make the stop worthwhile. One January visit found the alpine plants more impressive than the view itself.

Time at the summit can vary. Some departures have allowed around 40 minutes, while some people felt the stop was too brief. If the mountain is clear, use your time for both the main lookout and a short look at the alpine surroundings. Bring a warm layer, even in summer.

Guides make the difference

The strongest feature of this outing is the guide. The tour is not just transport between attractions. The guide explains Tasmania’s plants, animals, natural areas, and history while also managing the pace and safety of the group.

Clinton has been praised for his energy, stories, and personal approach. Lukas received strong marks for environmental and historical information, while Peter was noted for considerate driving and attention to safety. Nick appears repeatedly as a calm, informative guide who helped make Mount Field and the mountain stop more rewarding.

Other praised guides include Hannah, Ian, David, Ben, Steve, Jeremy, and Trevor. The common thread is not a scripted show. It is the ability to explain what you are seeing, answer questions, and keep a small group moving without turning the day into a race.

That said, guide style can vary. One person found the commentary less interactive and the Mount Field pace too fast. If you prefer long, quiet walks with plenty of time for photography, a private outing or separate visit to Mount Field may suit you better.

Price, group size, and practical value

At $132.69, this is good value for a full-day outing that includes national park fees, Bonorong admission, professional guiding, and transport from Hobart. You are paying for access to several places that would otherwise require a rental car, fuel, parking, and careful route planning.

The maximum group size is 20. That is small enough for a more personal feel than a large coach, though the actual group may be smaller. Some departures have had only a few people, which allows the guide to adjust walking choices and timing more easily.

Hotel pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels, generally between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. The stated start time is 7:30 a.m. Arrange pickup with the operator at least 48 hours ahead. Airbnb pickup is not offered.

The tour returns to the meeting point. The full day is advertised at about 11 hours, but actual timing can be shorter. Plan your evening with some flexibility rather than booking a tight dinner reservation.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to first-time Hobart visitors who want a broad introduction to southern Tasmania. It suits you especially well if you like short walks, waterfalls, wildlife, mountain views, and useful local commentary.

Families can enjoy it, but the minimum age is eight. You should have a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable with some walking and steps. The tour is not designed for heavy hiking, yet it is more active than a simple sightseeing drive.

It is also a good choice for solo visitors and anyone who does not want to rent a car. Small groups make it easier to meet people, and the guide handles the roads.

I would think twice if your main goal is a long hike at Mount Field, extended wildlife photography, or a slow afternoon on kunanyi. The schedule has several highlights, but each receives a limited amount of time.

Weather and minimum numbers can affect the trip. If poor weather or low bookings cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, but late cancellations and changes are not accepted.

Should you book the Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington and Wildlife tour?

Book it if you want three very different Tasmanian experiences in one organized day and value a guide who adds context to the scenery. The waterfalls and tall trees are the morning highlight, Bonorong brings the animals close, and kunanyi provides a fitting final view when the weather cooperates.

Skip it if you want complete control over timing. The day can feel compact, and some stops may be shortened by road conditions, track closures, weather, or the needs of the group.

For most visitors with only a short stay in Hobart, I think the mix is worth the early start and the long day. Pack a warm layer, sturdy walking shoes, lunch or money for a takeaway meal, and a small day pack. Then let the guide manage the bends, the timing, and the question of which waterfall comes next.

FAQ

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

The advertised duration is approximately 11 hours, with a 7:30 a.m. start. Actual departures may finish earlier, with some lasting about nine hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes professional guides, interpretive walks, national park fees, wildlife sanctuary admission, and transport as part of the organized tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can pre-purchase food, and there may be an opportunity to buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the day.

How much walking is involved?

A small amount of walking is required, but the Mount Field section can include several short walks, steps, waterfalls, and the Tall Trees Track. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.

What animals can I see at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary?

The sanctuary includes native animals such as Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, koalas, and tawny frogmouths. Specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. Pickup is not available from Airbnb properties, and arrangements should be made at least 48 hours before departure.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age is eight years old. Participants should also have suitable general health, fitness, and physical ability for the walking sections.

What happens if the tour is canceled?

If poor weather or insufficient bookings causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.