From Hobart: Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington and Wildlife Day Tour

Exploring Tasmania’s wild heart doesn’t have to be a multi-day adventure. This full-day tour from Hobart offers a well-rounded introduction to some of the island’s most iconic natural sights. It’s popular for its combination of lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, towering trees, and panoramic mountain views—perfect for travelers looking for a taste of Tasmania’s diversity without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

What we really like about this experience is how smoothly it combines different environments into one day. First, you get to walk among ancient forests and waterfalls at Mount Field National Park. Then, you have the chance to see native wildlife up close at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Finally, an ascent to Mount Wellington provides a sweeping view of Hobart and surrounds, making this tour a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and local insights.

A potential consideration is the pace—since it’s a packed day, some walking, especially on the rainforest circuit, can be physically demanding for those with limited mobility or stamina. Also, the weather can vary dramatically, so being prepared with weather-appropriate clothing is essential.

This tour suits active travelers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Tasmania’s outdoor beauty in one convenient trip.

Key Points

• Diverse landscapes: Rainforests, waterfalls, mountain views, and wildlife parks all in one day.
• Expert guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.
• Active but manageable: Most walks are easy, but some involve stairs and uneven terrain.
• Great value: Combining multiple stops offers an efficient way to see Tasmania’s highlights.
• Authentic encounters: Opportunities to see native wildlife like wombats, Tasmanian devils, and kangaroos.
• Unforgettable vistas: The views from Mount Wellington are considered some of the best in the area.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview: A Day Filled with Natural Wonders

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins bright and early at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre in Hobart, where the tour departs at 7:25 am. The coach ride to Mount Field National Park takes about 1.5 hours, giving you time to enjoy the scenic drive through Tasmania’s rolling hills and forests. The small to medium group size means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and most guides tailor the experience to suit the group’s interests and pace.

Mount Field National Park: Ancient Forests and Waterfalls

Once at Mount Field, the highlight is the Three Falls Circuit, a 2 to 3-hour walk that packs a punch despite its relatively easy classification. The walk takes you past lush fern glades, tall trees, and several waterfalls—most notably the Russell Falls, which cascade over rocks in three elegant tiers. The falls are iconic for good reason, with water flowing over mossy rocks into clear pools, making it an ideal spot for photos and reflection.

Travelers consistently praise the guide’s storytelling and ecological insights. One reviewer noted, “The walk in Mount field was nice; we saw wildlife and huge trees.” The circuit also includes Horseshoe Falls, a tranquil spot ideal for a break, and the Tall Trees Trail, where you’ll marvel at Swamp Gums that reach over 262 feet (80 meters). These giants make you realize just how small we are, and you’ll love the way the forest feels untouched and ancient.

Wildlife Encounters at Bonorong

After soaking in the rainforest ambiance, the tour moves to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, visitors enjoy a guided tour with expert staff, offering insights into Tasmania’s unique fauna. Many reviews highlight how engaging and informative the sanctuary staff are—”We saw a wombat, a Tasmanian devil, and even fed kangaroos,” said a traveler from Australia, emphasizing the hands-on nature of the experience.

This part of the day is especially valuable for animal lovers or families. You’ll get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s most famous residents, learning about conservation efforts and the animals’ habitats. The sanctuary is praised for its well-organized and caring environment, making it more than just a sightseeing stop.

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Panoramic Views from Mount Wellington

The final leg is a scenic drive up Kunyani, or Mount Wellington, which towers at 4,170 feet (1,271 meters) above sea level. Once at the summit, the views are breathtaking, stretching over Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding mountains. Many reviews mention the awe-inspiring vistas, with one saying, “The views from Mount Wellington are spectacular; I couldn’t stop taking photos.”

Though the weather can be unpredictable—sometimes cold, sometimes snowy—most travelers find the experience worthwhile, even in winter. The high-altitude air and sweeping scenery make it a memorable way to end the day.

Return to Hobart

By 5:30 pm, the tour makes its way back to the starting point. You’ll arrive tired but satisfied, having experienced a curated slice of Tasmania’s wild beauty.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Itinerary and Its Value

This tour’s strength lies in its careful balance of activities. It’s a jam-packed day, but each stop offers a different perspective on Tasmania’s environment—forest, waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain vistas. It’s an efficient way to see several sites without the stress of planning or driving yourself.

Guided Expertise

Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. One said, “Matt was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable and passionate,” highlighting how a good guide can truly enhance your experience. The guides’ insights about Tasmania’s flora and fauna, local history, and ecological significance make the trip more meaningful than a simple walk.

Scenic Highlights

The waterfalls at Mount Field are undeniably beautiful—especially Russell Falls, which captures many visitors’ cameras. The tall trees on the Tall Trees Trail demonstrate the island’s ancient forests, offering a tangible connection to earlier eras. The panoramic views from Mount Wellington are often described as unforgettable, with some reviewers saying they are “spectacular” and “far-reaching.”

Wildlife Encounters

Seeing Tasmania’s iconic animals—devils, wombats, kangaroos—up close at Bonorong is a highlight. The sanctuary’s focus on conservation and education ensures that visitors leave with a better understanding of the island’s unique fauna.

Practical Aspects and Value

For a full-day tour, the price point is generally considered reasonable, especially given the amount of ground covered and the quality of guides. The inclusion of multiple highlights in one day offers a good return on investment, making it ideal for travelers who want a structured, informative experience without the hassle of logistics.

The Practical Side: What to Know Before You Go

What to Bring

Weather in Tasmania can be unpredictable, so pack comfortable shoes, a jacket, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a daypack. Since most walks are easy but involve some uneven terrain, physical fitness and mobility are considerations—most reviews note that most walks are suitable for most travelers, but be prepared for some steep parts and stairs.

Group Size and Tour Duration

The tour departs promptly at 7:25 am and returns around 5:30 pm. The group size is manageable, allowing for personal interaction and a more tailored experience. The total duration makes it suitable for most travelers, especially those wanting to pack a lot into a single day.

Accessibility and Suitability

While most of the tour is suitable for active individuals, it’s not recommended for children under 8 or travelers with mobility impairments due to the active nature of walks and uneven terrain.

Cancellation and Booking

You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak seasons.

Authentic Perspectives from Past Travelers

Many reviewers emphasize how well-organized and engaging the experience was. One traveler from Germany said, “Despite the rain, the waterfalls turned into stunning sights, and a rainbow appeared,” illustrating how weather can enhance the scenery. Others appreciated the guides’ local knowledge and friendliness, with one mentioning, “Our guide Heather was very knowledgeable and friendly—she made the day special,” and “Nick was a great guide, very considerate and informative.”

The value for money is often highlighted, with several reviewers stating that for the price, they experienced more than they expected. The combination of wildlife, waterfalls, forest walks, and mountain views offers a comprehensive snapshot of Tasmania’s natural wonderland.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is perfect for active travelers eager to explore multiple environments in a single day. If you enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic drives, you’ll find this tour an excellent way to make the most of your time. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate guides with a passion for ecology and local stories, making each stop more meaningful.

Families with older children will enjoy the manageable walks and wildlife encounters, while solo travelers or couples seeking a structured, informative day will also find it rewarding. However, those with mobility challenges may want to consider the terrain involved, and travelers expecting a leisurely, relaxed pace might find it a bit busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is provided via a coach that departs from and returns to Hobart’s Travel & Information Centre. The ride is about 1.5 hours each way.

How long is the tour?
The tour runs from around 7:25 am to approximately 5:30 pm, covering all stops and allowing enough time at each site.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a daypack. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, so be prepared.

Is the walk difficult?
Most walks are classified as easy, but expect some small steep parts, stairs, and uneven terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Can children participate?
Children under 8 are not suitable due to the active nature of the walks and terrain involved.

What makes Mount Wellington special?
The summit offers sweeping views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and surrounding mountains. The weather at the top can be quite cold and sometimes snowy, which adds to the adventure.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their friendly, informative, and engaging manner, which enriches the experience.

This Hobart day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Tasmania’s natural riches. From towering trees and cascading waterfalls to the chance to meet native wildlife and enjoy panoramic mountain views, it captures the essence of what makes this island so special. It’s a great pick for travelers who want to see a lot in one day, guided by experts who make the experience both educational and fun.

While it’s not designed for those seeking a leisurely, slow-paced day or with mobility limitations, most active visitors will find this tour offers fantastic value and memorable moments. It’s a perfect way to kick off your Tasmania adventure, especially if you’re eager to connect with the island’s stunning landscapes and unique wildlife in a single, thoughtfully curated trip.

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