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

Three Tasmanian highlights fit into one long day. This tour links the rainforest and waterfalls of Mt. Field National Park, animal encounters at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and wide views from kunanyi, also called Mt. Wellington. It is a practical way to see far more than you could manage by public transport or a rental car in a single day.

I especially like the mix of short walks and wildlife stops. You get Russell Falls, giant swamp gums, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and a mountain summit without spending the day on one long hike. The small maximum group of 20 also gives the guide room to help people choose easier or longer walking options.

The main drawback is the pace. This is an 11-hour day on paper, though some departures have finished closer to nine hours, and the park, sanctuary and summit time can feel compressed. If you prefer slow forest walks or long stays at viewpoints, this may feel busy.

Key points to know before booking

• Russell Falls is the gentle opening walk: The track is easy, scenic and suitable for most people with a moderate level of fitness.
• The tall gums are a real highlight: The short Tall Trees circuit passes swamp gums reaching about 80 metres, among the world’s tallest flowering plants.
• Bonorong adds close wildlife encounters: You may see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, koalas and wallabies, with opportunities to feed kangaroos.
• Guides make a major difference: Guides including Clinton, Nick, Hannah, Lucas, David, Ian, Peter, Ben and Steve have been praised for local knowledge, humor and careful group management.
• kunanyi is weather dependent: Clear conditions can bring huge views over Hobart and southern Tasmania, but cloud can limit the payoff.
• Bring only a day pack: Luggage is not allowed on board, lunch is not included, and hotel pickup must be arranged in advance from an eligible central hotel or hostel.

Why this Hobart day trip works so well

Hobart is surrounded by excellent nature, but the major sights point in different directions. Mt. Field is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city, Bonorong is another stop on the way back, and kunanyi rises directly above Hobart. Connecting them yourself requires planning, driving, parking and watching the clock.

This tour removes that work. You can look out the window, listen to explanations about Tasmania’s plants and animals, and spend your energy on the walks. The day is active without being a serious hiking expedition. Most of the walking takes place on tracks, stairs and boardwalks, with different options available at Mt. Field.

The strongest part of the day is the contrast. The forest is cool, damp and shaded. Bonorong changes the focus to living animals and conservation. Then the summit of kunanyi gives you open air and long views. It feels like three different Tasmanian outings in one.

The price is $132.69 per person. That is fair value if you want transport, national park access, wildlife sanctuary admission and a guide in a single package. Lunch and drinks cost extra, but the tour provides an opportunity to buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch. You can also bring food with you.

Into the rainforest at Mt. Field National Park

The first major stop is Mt. Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks. The drive takes about 1.5 hours from Hobart, so the early start matters. Hotel pickup is generally between 7:00 and 7:30 am, with the main tour beginning at 7:30 am.

Mt. Field is not just a waterfall stop. The park contains mixed forest, temperate rainforest and enormous swamp gums. Your guide leads interpretive walks and explains the flora, wildlife and history of the area. That information adds real value because the forest can look like a wall of green at first glance. A good guide helps you notice the smaller details.

The walking is described as moderate overall, but it is not entirely flat. There are steps and wooden stairs on parts of the longer routes. You should be comfortable walking on uneven tracks and managing a series of short walks. You do not need an athletic level of fitness, but the tour is not designed for someone seeking a purely vehicle-based sightseeing day.

Russell Falls and the first forest walk

Russell Falls is Tasmania’s best-known waterfall, and it earns the attention. The three-tiered drop is reached by an easy walk through mixed forest and temperate rainforest. The track is short enough to feel accessible, yet the forest setting gives the walk a proper wilderness feel.

This is a good first stop because it offers a clear reward without demanding much effort. You hear moving water before the falls fully appear, and the route gives you time to adjust to the damp forest air and tall trees.

Allow about an hour for the Russell Falls portion. The actual walking time depends on the group and on how many photographs you take. Wet weather can make the track feel more slippery, so sensible shoes are important.

Tall Trees Track and the giant swamp gums

The Tall Trees circuit takes about 30 minutes. Its short length can be misleading because the trees are the main event. Swamp gums rise around 80 metres above the track, creating a quiet, enclosed feeling that is very different from the open summit later in the day.

These trees are identified as some of the world’s tallest flowering plants. That fact is worth keeping in mind as you walk. The scale is difficult to capture in a photograph, and looking up for too long may leave you stepping around roots and stairs, so enjoy both the trees and your footing.

The Tall Trees section is one of the best reasons to choose this tour instead of visiting only Russell Falls. It gives you a broader sense of Mt. Field’s plant life and makes the park feel like more than a quick waterfall photo stop.

Lady Barron Falls and the longer option

Lady Barron Falls forms part of the Three Falls Circuit. The route continues through the forest and tall-gum section, with more steps and a longer walking commitment than Russell Falls alone.

This is where the tour’s flexible approach helps. You can take the shorter options if you want an easier day, while people looking for more walking can choose the longer sections when conditions and timing allow. Some departures have moved quickly through Mt. Field, so do not assume you will have unlimited time to pause at every viewpoint.

The park portion is listed at about three hours, with Russell Falls, Tall Trees and Lady Barron Falls each given their own approximate time. In practice, the exact order and time at each section can change with weather, track conditions, group pace and road access. A fallen tree or closed section may shorten the walk. On one such day, the guide substituted a raspberry farm visit, which gave the group a pleasant local stop but was not the same as completing the full route.

Lunch without a formal restaurant stop

Food is not included, and there is no promise of a sit-down meal. You can pre-purchase lunch or buy a bakery-style takeaway during the day. This arrangement keeps the tour moving, but it also means you should think ahead.

If you need a substantial meal or have strict dietary requirements, bringing your own food is the safer choice. You will have an opportunity to eat in a scenic setting within the park, but the break is part of a tightly arranged day rather than a long restaurant visit.

Drinks are also your responsibility. A filled water bottle is a sensible addition, particularly if you take the longer forest walks.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Tasmania’s animals up close

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary changes the rhythm of the day. After the forest walks, you get a more direct look at native Australian animals, with an informative wildlife tour led by sanctuary staff.

Tasmanian devils are a major draw, but they are not the only animals you may see. The day can include wombats, echidnas, koalas, tawny frogmouths, pademelons and kangaroos. Feeding the kangaroos is one of the most memorable parts for many people, especially families.

Do not expect every animal to perform on schedule. One departure had only limited devil sightings, while other visits included several animals and close encounters. Wildlife is unpredictable, and the sanctuary’s approach is based on respectful viewing rather than forcing an interaction.

That is a strength of the tour. The guide and sanctuary staff explain how to observe animals patiently and from suitable distances. Activities remain on tracks and boardwalks, which helps reduce disturbance. You get a more responsible encounter than a rushed attempt to touch everything in sight.

Plan on roughly an hour at Bonorong. That is enough to see a good selection, but not enough for every enclosure at a leisurely pace. If wildlife is your only reason for booking, you may want a longer standalone visit. If you want wildlife as one part of a broader Hobart day, this stop works very well.

Reaching the summit of kunanyi, Mt. Wellington

The final major stop is kunanyi, or Mt. Wellington, at 1,271 metres above Hobart. The drive up saves you from handling the steep, winding road yourself, which is a useful benefit if you are not comfortable with mountain driving.

On a clear day, the summit offers broad views across Hobart and southern Tasmania. This is a dramatic finish because you can look back over the city and the surrounding country after spending the morning among trees and waterfalls.

The summit is weather dependent. Cloud, wind or poor conditions can reduce the view, and the tour may stop lower on the mountain if the road or weather makes the summit unsuitable. One departure had to adjust its Mt. Field plans because of road closures, so flexibility is important in Tasmania.

Time at the summit can be brief. Some departures have allowed around 40 minutes, while others have felt rushed, particularly when the day has run behind schedule. If you want a long mountain walk or plenty of time for photographs, this stop may not satisfy you. If you mainly want to reach the top, take in the view and avoid driving the road yourself, it is a worthwhile final stop.

The alpine plants can also be a highlight in their own right, particularly in January. Even when the view is partly obscured, the summit environment gives you something to see.

The guides are a major part of the value

The itinerary is strong, but the guide can determine how much you get from it. Several guides have been singled out for being friendly, careful drivers and effective storytellers.

Clinton is praised for his energy, stories and local insight. Lucas has been described as professional and well informed about Tasmania’s environment and history. Hannah has been appreciated for offering walking choices and keeping the day fun. Nick has received repeated praise for explaining the flora, fauna and history of Mt. Field, as well as for his considerate manner.

David is noted for going out of his way to make the day memorable, with strong knowledge of plant and animal life and a good sense of humor. Ian is praised for getting the whole group involved, while Peter is described as attentive to safety and individual needs. These details matter because the day includes long periods on the road and several changes of pace.

The small-group format helps. With a maximum of 20 people, it is easier to hear the guide, stay together on the tracks and adjust the walking pace than it would be on a large coach. Still, small group does not mean private tour. You will need to follow the group schedule.

Timing, fitness and practical details

This is a full-day outing. The advertised duration is about 11 hours, but actual departures have ranged closer to nine hours. That difference can affect how much time you get at each stop, so avoid booking an evening commitment that cannot move.

A moderate level of general health and fitness is required. The tour includes short walks, stairs and uneven surfaces, though you can choose easier options at Mt. Field. The minimum age is eight.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers. Tasmania’s weather can change between the rainforest and the summit, and the mountain may feel much colder than Hobart. A day pack is allowed, but luggage is not carried on board.

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. The activity returns to the meeting point.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or insufficient bookings can also cause cancellation, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Hobart and want a broad introduction to Tasmania’s nature. It suits families with older children, first-time visitors, couples and solo visitors who prefer not to drive.

It is also a good choice if you like moderate activity but do not want one demanding hike. The walks are broken into manageable sections, and the wildlife stop gives you a change of pace.

I would think twice if your priority is a slow day. The combination of three waterfalls, giant trees, Bonorong and kunanyi creates a packed schedule. You may have to leave a stop just as you are settling into it.

Final call: a strong all-round day from Hobart

At $132.69, this is a sound buy for a transport-free day covering three very different parts of southern Tasmania. The best parts are the rainforest walks, the variety of animals at Bonorong and the chance to reach kunanyi without driving its steep road.

The main tradeoff is time. You are sampling each place rather than exploring any one of them in depth. Book it if you want a well-organized overview and appreciate a guide who can connect Tasmania’s trees, animals, weather and history. Skip it in favor of separate day trips only if you want long, unhurried walks or extended time at the mountain summit.

FAQ

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

The advertised duration is approximately 11 hours. Actual departure times can vary, and some days may finish closer to nine hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:30 am. Hotel pickup generally takes place between 7:00 and 7:30 am, depending on your location.

Is hotel pickup available in Hobart?

Pickup is available from most central city hotels and hostels. Pickup is not available from Airbnb properties, and you should arrange it with the operator at least 48 hours before departure.

What walks are included at Mt. Field?

The tour includes walks to Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tall Trees Track and Lady Barron Falls, subject to conditions and track access.

Is Russell Falls suitable for people who do not hike regularly?

The Russell Falls walk is described as easy. The wider Mt. Field visit includes additional walks, stairs and possible longer options, so a moderate level of general fitness is still required.

Can I choose a shorter walk at Mt. Field?

The tour offers alternatives for different walking levels. Longer options include additional steps, so you can choose a route that suits your ability and energy.

Is lunch included?

No. You can pre-purchase food or buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch during the tour. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What animals can I see at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary?

The sanctuary may include Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, koalas, tawny frogmouths and pademelons. Wildlife sightings can vary.

Does the tour go to the summit of Mt. Wellington?

The tour heads to the summit of kunanyi, Mt. Wellington, at 1,271 metres when conditions and access allow. Poor weather can affect the views or the summit visit.

What happens if the tour is canceled?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather or insufficient bookings, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.