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

Mount Field’s Three Falls Circuit is the heart of this day. You walk beneath huge swamp gums, pass through fern glades, and reach three very different waterfalls before meeting wombats, Tasmanian devils, and kangaroos at Bonorong. It is a big day, but the scenery keeps changing.

I like the mix of proper bush walking and easy wildlife viewing. I also like that park and sanctuary entry fees are included, with guides who point out plants and explain Tasmania instead of simply driving you from stop to stop. The main catch is the weather: Mount Wellington can be bitterly cold, and the Mount Field walk includes stairs and some steep sections.

At a glance

• Three waterfalls in one walk: Russell, Horseshoe, and Lady Barron Falls form the main Mount Field circuit.
• Tall Trees Trail: Look up at swamp gums reaching about 262 feet, or 80 metres.
• Native animals at Bonorong: See Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, and other Australian wildlife.
• Big Hobart views: Finish at kunanyi/Mount Wellington, 4,170 feet, or 1,271 metres, above sea level.
• A full active day: Expect around 2.5 to 3.5 hours of walking at Mount Field, depending on pace and route.
• Good value at $130: Transport, a professional guide, national park entry, wildlife park entry, and interpretive walks are included.

Why this Hobart day trip works so well

Tasmania is difficult to reduce to one day, but this outing gives you three useful angles on the island. Mount Field shows you cool temperate rainforest and waterfalls. Bonorong brings you close to native animals. Kunanyi/Mount Wellington gives you the grand view back across Hobart and the Derwent River system.

That variety matters. You are not spending the whole day on a bus, and you are not committing to one long hike. The day alternates between driving, walking, wildlife viewing, and scenic stops, which makes the long schedule easier to handle.

The tour costs $130 per person. For that price, you are paying not only for transport from central Hobart but also for entry to Mount Field National Park and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Add the guide’s commentary and the fact that you do not need to drive unfamiliar roads, and the price is fair for a full day.

Lunch and drinks are not included, so bring them. There is no room for luggage, only a daypack, and the tour is not designed for children under eight or people with mobility impairments.

The early start from Hobart

The general meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre at 20 Davey Street. Pickup is at 7:25 am, and the bus returns there at about 5:30 pm. Be ready five minutes early. This is not a loose hop-on arrangement, and the bus leaves promptly.

The first drive takes about 1.5 hours. That is a useful transfer rather than wasted time, since Mount Field is far enough from Hobart that independent visitors need to plan carefully around driving and park access. On a guided trip, you can watch the scenery and listen to local commentary instead of managing the route.

Past guides have included Clint, Nicholas, Hannah, Matt, Paris, Lucas, Heather, and David. The guiding style can vary, but the strongest part of the experience is the explanation during the walks. Guides point out plants, discuss local wildlife, and keep the group together on the forest paths.

Group size is described as small and friendly. That helps on the walking section, where you may want to stop for photographs or listen to an explanation about a tree without losing the group.

Mount Field: Tasmania’s best walking section

Mount Field National Park is the day’s most substantial stop. The park combines temperate rainforest, open moorland, tall trees, and waterfalls, so the scenery changes quickly even though the walking stays within one area.

The main route is the Three Falls Circuit. Russell Falls usually comes first, and it gives you the classic Mount Field view: water dropping over rock in three clean tiers, framed by forest. The path to the falls is the easiest part of the walk and works well as an introduction to the park.

From Russell Falls, the route continues toward Horseshoe Falls. The forest becomes the star here. Ferns fill the lower levels, the light is filtered through the canopy, and the path feels cool even on a mild day.

The walk includes stairs. One account counted just shy of 500 steps around the Mount Field section, while other estimates put the full walking time at roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours and the distance at about 6 kilometres. Those figures tell you more than the label easy. You do not need advanced hiking skills, but you do need to be comfortable walking for several hours and handling repeated steps.

The pace is generally manageable. You can go at your own speed within the group, but this is not a quick roadside stop. Bring closed-toe shoes with a good grip, and do not underestimate wet timber or slick steps after rain.

Tall Trees and Lady Barron Falls

The Tall Trees Trail adds something different to the waterfall circuit. Instead of looking down into a gorge or at falling water, you look up at enormous swamp gums that can reach 80 metres.

This is one of the most memorable parts of the park because it gives you a sense of scale. The falls are dramatic, but the trees make you feel small in a quieter way. The trail is also described as an easy section, making it a welcome change after the stairs near the waterfalls.

The circuit continues to Lady Barron Falls before looping back. Russell Falls is the most famous of the three, but seeing all three gives the walk a satisfying shape. You get a clear first destination, a more secluded middle section, and a final waterfall before returning.

Rain can improve this part of the day. Water levels may make the falls more impressive, and wet forest gives the ferns and trunks a darker, moodier look. The trade-off is obvious: rain makes paths slippery and can reduce comfort, so a waterproof jacket is more useful here than an umbrella.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Tasmania’s native animals

After Mount Field, the tour shifts from wild forest to managed wildlife care at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary gives you a much better chance of seeing native species than a short roadside stop, especially if your time in Tasmania is limited.

The included wildlife tour is led by sanctuary staff. You may see Tasmanian devils and wombats, and visitors have also been able to feed kangaroos. Pademelons have been spotted during the Mount Field walk, but wildlife in the national park is never guaranteed, so Bonorong is the dependable place for animal encounters.

The sanctuary is especially useful if you want context. Tasmania’s native animals can be hard to spot in the wild, and a staff-led visit helps you learn about rare and vulnerable species while seeing them at close range. It is not a substitute for seeing animals in their natural setting, but it adds information and access that you might not get on the forest walk.

The wildlife stop also gives your legs a break. After several hours of walking, you can spend more time watching, listening, and asking questions rather than climbing steps. For many people, the Tasmanian devil and wombat encounters become the afternoon highlight.

Kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the final view

The last major stop is kunanyi/Mount Wellington, rising to 1,271 metres behind Hobart. From the upper areas, you can look across the city, surrounding mountains, and the Derwent River system.

This is a weather-dependent finish. The summit can be windy and icy, even when Hobart feels mild. One winter departure encountered rain, then snow, with part of the mountain closed, but the lower walk still proved worthwhile. That is a useful warning: do not pack for the city alone.

Bring a warm jacket, even in summer, and add a hat if you feel the cold. Sun protection still matters, since Tasmania’s weather can change quickly and the view stop may be bright after a wet morning.

Cloud can block the panorama. If that happens, the mountain still gives you a striking alpine setting, but you may not get the full city view shown in promotional photographs. Guides can adjust the day when conditions require it, and past departures have made the most of lower sections when the summit was not available.

Weather, fitness, and what to pack

The tour operates in conditions that can shift from rainforest rain to exposed mountain cold in the same day. Pack for all of it rather than relying on the forecast for Hobart.

Bring:

• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
• A warm, weatherproof jacket
• Water and snacks
• A packed lunch and other drinks
• Hat and sunscreen
• A small daypack
• Clothing that can handle rain and cold

The main physical demand is the Mount Field walk. Most of it is rated easy, but the stairs and occasional steep sections add up. If you are comfortable with a 6-kilometre walk and several hours on your feet, you should find it manageable. If stairs are difficult, the short route to Russell Falls is less demanding, but you should discuss your options with the guide.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and children must be at least eight years old. It is best for adults, older children, and active visitors who want more than a series of lookouts.

How the $130 price holds up

At $130, this is a strong value if you want to cover all three locations in one day. Driving yourself would still involve fuel, parking, park planning, wildlife admission, and the work of navigating the mountain road and forest area. The tour also adds a guide who can explain plants, animals, and local places during the drive and walks.

The value is less obvious if you want a slow, private day. You follow a set schedule, meet early, and spend most of the day with a group. The return to Hobart is around 5:30 pm, so this is not a casual half-day outing.

Meals are the main extra cost to plan for. Bring food from Hobart or prepare it in advance, since lunch and drinks are not included. There is no luggage storage, so leave suitcases at your accommodation.

Free cancellation is available up to two days before departure for a full refund. Hotel pickup may be possible from selected locations when arranged in advance, but the standard meeting point remains the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if I had one full day in Hobart and wanted a broad introduction to Tasmania’s nature without renting a car. It gives you a real forest walk, several waterfalls, native animals, and a high mountain viewpoint in one well-packed day.

It suits you best if you like walking but do not want a demanding full-day hike. It also works well for photographers, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a guide to explain what they are seeing.

I would think twice if you dislike early starts, cold weather, group schedules, or several hours on foot. The trip is active, and the mountain may be cloudy or partly closed. Still, the combination of Mount Field’s forest and falls, Bonorong’s wildlife, and the view from kunanyi/Mount Wellington makes this one of the more useful day trips from Hobart.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and finishes at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, 20 Davey Street, Hobart. Pickup is at 7:25 am, with return planned for around 5:30 pm.

How long is the tour?

It lasts one full day. The drive to the Mount Field area takes about 1.5 hours, and the tour returns to Hobart around 5:30 pm.

What waterfalls will I see?

The Three Falls Circuit visits Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lady Barron Falls.

How much walking is involved?

Expect an active day with roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours of walking at Mount Field. The route includes stairs and some short steep sections.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals, drinks, and snacks are not included, so bring your own food and water.

Is entry to Mount Field National Park included?

Yes. The national park entrance fee and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary entrance fee are included.

Can I bring luggage on the bus?

No. The tour allows a daypack only, so leave larger luggage elsewhere.

Is the tour suitable for young children or people with mobility impairments?

The tour is not suitable for children under eight or people with mobility impairments. A suitable level of general health and fitness is needed for the walking sections.