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

The best thing about this day tour is the variety. In one long outing from Hobart, you move from cool rainforest and three waterfalls to close views of Tasmanian animals, then up to the bare summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Mt Field National Park is the heart of the day, especially if you like easy bush walks with plenty to see.

I like the mix of nature and wildlife, and I like that the guides, including Clinton, Nick, Hannah, Lucas and Ian, add local stories rather than simply driving you from stop to stop. The small groups, capped at 20, also make the walking easier to manage. The main drawback is pace: some departures feel rushed, especially at Bonorong and Mt Wellington, and the day can sometimes finish closer to nine hours than the advertised eleven.

Key points to know before booking

• Three waterfall walks at Mt Field: Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls are linked with forest tracks and boardwalks.
• A rare look at giant swamp gums: The Tall Trees Track features trees that reach about 80 metres, among the world’s tallest flowering plants.
• Bonorong adds live wildlife to the day: You can see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, kangaroos and other native animals.
• The walking is manageable but not effortless: Short routes are available, while longer options include steps and more time on foot.
• Kunanyi depends on the weather: Clear conditions can produce wide views across Hobart and southern Tasmania, but cloud can reduce the reward.
• You need to plan lunch: Food and drinks are not included, though you can pre-purchase food or buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch.

Why this Hobart day tour works so well

Hobart gives you an unusual amount of wild country within reach of the city. This tour makes practical use of that geography. You do not need to hire a car, navigate winding mountain roads or work out how to fit Mt Field, Bonorong and kunanyi into one day.

The route also gives you three different kinds of Tasmanian scenery. Mt Field shows you rainforest and waterfalls. Bonorong brings you close to native animals in a managed wildlife setting. Kunanyi gives you a high lookout over Hobart and southern Tasmania.

That variety is the tour’s main strength. If you have only a short stay in Hobart, it covers several major nature stops in one outing. If you have more time, you may prefer to visit Mt Field independently and spend longer on its trails, but the guided option removes much of the driving and planning.

The experience starts early, with a listed start time of 7:30 am. Hotel pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels, usually between 7:00 and 7:30 am, but you must arrange it with the operator at least 48 hours before departure. Airbnb pickup is not included.

Walking beneath the trees at Mount Field

Mt Field National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart, so the day begins with a proper road journey before the walking starts. That travel time is worthwhile if you want to reach one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks without driving yourself.

The park section usually allows about three hours, divided among several short walks. This is not one long, demanding hike. Instead, you get a series of forest routes, with your guide explaining the plants, waterfalls and wildlife signs along the way.

The forest changes as you walk. Mixed forest gives way to temperate rainforest, with damp tracks, tall trunks and flowing water. The cool shade is welcome on a warm day, while wet weather can make the setting feel even more atmospheric. Bring shoes with a decent grip and clothing that can handle changing conditions.

Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls

Russell Falls is the easiest and most famous stop in the park. The track leads through forest to a three-tiered waterfall, and the walk is generally gentle. It is a good first stop because you can reach a striking view without committing to a long hike.

You may also see Horseshoe Falls as part of the waterfall route. The water, ferns and tall trees create the classic Mt Field scene, but the path includes steps in places. The walking is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness, though it is not entirely flat.

Your guide can help the group choose how far to go. This flexibility matters because the same outing needs to work for people who want a relaxed stroll and others who are happy to take the longer options. Some departures have moved quickly through Mt Field, so tell your guide early if you need a slower pace for photographs or rest stops.

The Tall Trees Track

The Tall Trees section is one of the most memorable parts of the day. A short circuit of about 30 minutes takes you among giant swamp gums, some reaching around 80 metres. These trees are described as the world’s tallest flowering plants, which gives the walk a useful sense of scale.

You do not need a long hike to appreciate them. Look up and let your eyes follow the trunks. The quiet is part of the appeal, especially after the noise and road time of the morning.

This stop is also a good reminder that Tasmania’s appeal is not limited to famous viewpoints. The trees are the attraction, and the experience comes from being among them rather than simply taking a photograph from a roadside pull-off.

Lady Barron Falls and the Three Falls Circuit

Lady Barron Falls completes the main waterfall sequence. The route continues through the Three Falls Circuit and includes sections associated with the Tall Trees Track. Depending on the day’s timing and track conditions, your guide may adjust how much of the circuit the group completes.

That flexibility is sensible. Fallen trees or temporary closures can affect access, and one departure had a shorter walk because part of the track was closed. In that case, the guide added a stop at a raspberry farm, but you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of the tour.

The park walk is the most active section of the outing. It is still moderate rather than strenuous, but you should be comfortable walking on forest tracks and handling some steps. The tour requires a reasonable level of general health and fitness, and the minimum age is eight.

Meeting Tasmanian wildlife at Bonorong

After the forest, the tour heads to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. The visit usually lasts about an hour, and admission is included. Here, expert sanctuary staff provide information about Tasmania’s native animals and conservation work.

Bonorong gives you a different kind of encounter from seeing wildlife in the bush. Animals are easier to find, and you can learn about species that are difficult to spot in the wild, including Tasmanian devils. Depending on the day, you might also see wombats, echidnas, koalas, tawny frogmouths, pademelons and kangaroos.

Feeding kangaroos is one of the most popular parts of the visit. It gives you a direct, memorable connection with the animals, but the experience should still be respectful. The tour company says its guides keep disturbance low and explain how to watch wildlife patiently and from suitable distances.

Do not expect every animal to be active or visible. One less satisfying visit saw only a few Tasmanian devils and limited wildlife activity. That is a useful reality check: Bonorong improves your chances of seeing native species, but it cannot guarantee a dramatic animal encounter.

An hour is enough for an introduction, not an exhaustive visit. Some people feel this stop is rushed, particularly when road delays or a longer Mt Field walk reduce the available time. If Bonorong is your main reason for booking, a dedicated visit may give you more breathing room.

Reaching the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington

The final major stop is kunanyi / Mt Wellington, rising to 1,271 metres above Hobart. The drive to the summit saves you from handling steep, winding mountain roads yourself, which is a real benefit for anyone who prefers to enjoy the view rather than concentrate on driving.

On a clear day, the summit offers broad views over Hobart and southern Tasmania. It is a strong finish to the tour because you can look back across the area you have spent the day exploring.

The weather is the catch. Cloud, wind and poor visibility can change the summit from a wide lookout into a cold, grey stop. Even in summer, take a warm layer. One January visit found the alpine plants more rewarding than the view, while other departures had clear conditions and made the most of the summit.

Time here can be limited. Some groups have had about 40 minutes, while others felt the stop was too short. If you want a long walk on the mountain or plenty of time for photography, this tour is not designed for that. It gives you a summit visit, not a full kunanyi hiking day.

A full day, but not always eleven hours

The advertised duration is about 11 hours, though actual departures can be shorter. Some groups have completed the route in roughly nine hours, while others have spent longer at stops when the weather and group pace allowed.

That variation comes from several moving parts: the drive to Mt Field, the amount of walking, road conditions, wildlife viewing and weather at kunanyi. A careful guide may also shorten a walk if tracks are closed or conditions change.

I would treat the timing as a full-day commitment rather than a promise of eleven exact hours. Do not book a tight evening reservation immediately afterward. The early start and long return make this a substantial day, but the route covers a lot without requiring you to organize separate transport.

The maximum group size is 20. That is not a private tour, but it is far more manageable than a large coach. Guides can split walking options and keep an eye on different fitness levels. The quality of the day also depends heavily on the guide. Clinton, Nick, Hannah, Lucas, Ian, Peter, David, Jeremy, Steve, Ben, Trevor and others have been praised for clear explanations, humor, care with safety and strong knowledge of Tasmanian plants, animals and local stories.

Not every guide will have the same style. One departure felt less interactive and moved too quickly at Mt Field. If you want a slow, highly personal nature walk, a private guide or dedicated park outing may suit you better.

Lunch, clothing and what to bring

Food and drinks are not included. You can pre-purchase lunch, or there is usually an opportunity to buy a bakery-style takeaway meal during the day. Pack water and snacks so you are not relying on a short food stop.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, even though the routes are not hard hikes. You will encounter forest tracks, steps and boardwalks. Bring a warm layer and rain protection because Mt Field and the summit of kunanyi can have very different conditions from Hobart.

Only a day pack is allowed on board. Luggage cannot be stored on the vehicle, so this tour works best when you are based in Hobart and returning to the same accommodation afterward.

The walking is described as a small amount, but that phrase may understate the day for anyone with limited mobility. You should be able to manage a moderate level of walking and some steps. The minimum age is eight, and children should be comfortable with a long day that includes road travel and outdoor stops.

Is the $132.69 price good value?

At $132.69 per person, the price is reasonable if you want to combine transport, a guide, national park access and Bonorong admission in one day. You are paying for more than a ride to a viewpoint. The price covers professional guiding, interpretive walks, national park fees and wildlife sanctuary entry.

The value is strongest for a first visit to Hobart, a short stay or anyone who does not want to drive. You get three very different settings, and the guide adds context that you may miss if you simply follow a park map.

The value is weaker if you want long, unhurried time at each stop. The itinerary is ambitious. You see a lot, but you may not linger. Food is extra, and poor weather can reduce the reward at kunanyi.

I would compare the price with the cost of a rental car, fuel, park access, wildlife admission and the time needed to plan the route. For a small group day with a guide, the package is fair. For a dedicated hiker or wildlife photographer, a slower self-guided plan could be a better use of your money.

Who should book this tour?

Book it if you want a broad introduction to southern Tasmania and prefer not to drive. It is particularly useful if you have one free day in Hobart and want waterfalls, forest, animals and a mountain view rather than a single attraction.

It also suits families with older children, couples and active adults who are comfortable with short walks. The flexible walking options help, but you still need moderate fitness.

Think twice if you dislike early starts, long road transfers or changing weather. Also reconsider it if Bonorong or Mt Wellington is your sole priority. Both receive a useful introduction here, but neither gets the same time as on a dedicated visit.

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

I would book this tour for a first Hobart visit when I wanted one efficient day in nature. The combination is unusually strong: rainforest waterfalls, giant gums and Tasmanian animals followed by a summit view.

Go in with realistic expectations. The day is busy, lunch is not included, conditions can alter the route and some stops may feel brief. If you accept that tradeoff, the $132.69 fee buys a practical overview of several places that are awkward to combine without your own car. Choose a clear-weather day if possible, arrange pickup early, wear proper shoes and tell your guide what pace works for you.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The listed duration is approximately 11 hours, starting at 7:30 am. Actual departures can be shorter or longer depending on road conditions, weather, walking time and the group’s pace.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts in Hobart, Tasmania, and returns to the meeting point at the end of the day.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is available from most central Hobart hotels and hostels, usually between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Pickup is not available from Airbnb properties, and you should arrange it with the operator at least 48 hours before departure.

What is included in the price?

The price includes professional guides, interpretive walks, national park fees and admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Is lunch included?

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

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes short walks at Mt Field, including routes to Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, the Tall Trees Track and Lady Barron Falls. Some longer options include steps, and a moderate level of fitness is required.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age is eight years old.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 participants.

What animals can I see at Bonorong?

You may see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, koalas, tawny frogmouths and pademelons. Wildlife activity and visibility can vary.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires suitable weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can be offered another date or a full refund. The tour may also be canceled if minimum numbers are not reached, with an alternative or refund offered.