Rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife, and skyline views. This is a packed Hobart nature day that pairs guided walks at Mt Field with a wildlife-focused stop at Bonorong and then finishes with big views from Kunanyi. I like the way the day is organized around specific moments, like the Three Falls Circuit and the Tall Trees Trail, where your guide keeps the walk readable and the stops meaningful.

I also like the wildlife part of the day, because Bonorong is built for learning, not just staring. You get a guided visit led by the wildlife staff, with time to see native animals and understand why Tasmania’s fauna is so special. One drawback to plan for: this tour is active, and Mt Wellington can be cold and windy, so you will want a warm jacket and solid closed-toe shoes.

Key things that make this tour work

• Three Falls Circuit focus on Russel Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lady Barron Falls, with short stops built into the walk
• Tall Trees Trail at Mt Field to see the Swamp Gums stretching about 80 meters into the sky
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with staff-led explanations, not a quick drive-by
• Kunanyi / Mount Wellington summit views over Hobart and the Derwent River system
• Small, friendly groups with a professional guide and interpretive walking stops

From Davey Street to Mt Field in One Big Nature Day

This tour starts early, right at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre on Davey Street in Hobart. Pickup is at 7:25am, and the day returns around 5:30pm, which is tight enough to feel like a proper expedition but not so long that you lose the whole evening.

After a coach ride of about 1.5 hours, you land at Mount Field National Park and get into the fun part right away. I like this style because it saves you the stress of driving, parking, and timing multiple stops in a single day. You also travel light: there is no luggage on board, just your day pack, so plan to carry what you truly need.

Mt Field National Park: the Three Falls Circuit you’ll remember

Mount Field is one of Tasmania’s older national parks, and it has that moody mix of temperate rainforest and dramatic waterfall country. What makes it special on this tour is the way the walk is built around named waterfalls, so you always know why you’re walking and what you’re walking toward.

You start with Russel Falls, where water drops in three tiers. It’s one of those places where the sound starts before you fully see it, and the mist makes the whole area feel slightly cinematic. Then the route continues toward Horseshoe Falls, moving through dappled light and fern glades where the pace feels more like a guided stroll than a slog.

Lady Barron Falls brings the loop together, so you finish the day’s main walking section with that satisfied feeling of completing something. The practical side: the walks are described as easy for most people, but the day still involves real footing and some stairs. So if you usually avoid hills and steps, treat this as an active day and dress for it.

Tall Trees Trail and Swamp Gums: walking under giants

After the falls section, you head into the Tall Trees Trail, where Swamp Gums rise to about 262 feet (80 meters). The first time you look up at trunks that tall, it changes how you picture the forest. Instead of a flat view of greenery, it becomes vertical, like the trees are holding the sky in place.

This is also where the guide’s interpretation really matters. The walking is simple enough that you can stop, look up, and actually take the park in. If you care about plants and how they survive Tasmania’s climate, this part is usually a highlight, because the tour is set up for you to notice details, not just pass by them.

One consideration: if it’s wet or chilly, the ground can feel slick and cold underfoot. Pack layers and expect that the forest air can bite, even when the city felt mild earlier in the day.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: learning why Tasmania is different

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is the stop that shifts the day from waterfalls to fauna. The visit is guided by wildlife staff, which is a big deal, because it turns animal sightings into actual understanding. You’re not only looking at wildlife, you’re hearing about the rare and precious fauna that makes Tasmania unique.

This is also the part of the day where you might get close, depending on the animals and what’s happening that day. Many people highlight wombats, including a Tasmanian devil encounter, and some mention kangaroos and even the chance to feed them. Even if you don’t end up in the exact same animal moments, the structure of the visit is the value: you’ll learn what you’re seeing and why it matters.

What to keep in mind: this is still a walking day. Even though the sanctuary visit is not the long hike like Mt Field, you should still expect time on your feet, plus standing around for explanations and animal viewing.

Kunanyi / Mount Wellington: windy summit views over Hobart

The grand finish is Kunanyi, better known as Mount Wellington. The summit is around 1,271 meters (4,170 feet) above sea level, and the tour builds in time for scenic viewpoints on the way up and then a proper look from the top.

This is the moment when Hobart feels tiny. From the summit views, you can take in the city and surrounding mountains, plus the Derwent River system sparkling below when weather cooperates. I like that it’s not just drive-by scenery. You get enough time to stop, adjust your viewpoint, and take photos without feeling like you’re sprinting.

Plan for weather. Mt Wellington can be windy, and the air can feel icy even when you’re dressed for a casual day. One of the most useful tips I can give is to treat your jacket as non-optional, because a windy summit turns even mild cold into a problem fast.

Timing and pacing: how the day feels from 7:25am to 5:30pm

The flow of the day is straightforward: coach to Mt Field, guided walks with several key stops, Bonorong visit, then Mt Wellington for views, and then you head back to Hobart. The coach ride is about 1.5 hours, which helps the day stay focused, since you’re not spending all day in transit.

I also like the pacing because it balances driving with walking. You get a real outdoors block at Mt Field, but it’s broken into recognizable sections, Russel Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls, then Tall Trees. That structure helps you keep energy, especially if you’re stopping for photos and short breaks.

Your guide’s job is to keep you moving without rushing you. Multiple guides on this tour are known for giving clear, interpretive talk throughout the day, with people like Matt, Lucas, Heather, David, Hannah, and Paris repeatedly mentioned in connection with plant and wildlife explanations. Different guides have different styles, but the common thread is that they help you understand what you’re seeing as you walk.

If you’re the type who needs frequent bathroom breaks, build that into your expectations since this is a full day with multiple stops. The tour day is long enough that you’ll want snacks, water, and a jacket ready, not stuck in the bottom of your bag.

What to bring so you don’t hate Mt Field or Mt Wellington

The tour is all about being outdoors, so pack like the weather could change. Here’s what’s explicitly recommended, and I agree with all of it:

• Comfortable shoes with good grip
• Hat and sunscreen
• Water and snacks
• Food and drinks for the day since meals are not included
• A jacket and weather-appropriate clothing
• A day pack, since there is no luggage on board
• Closed-toe shoes

If you forget one item, it’s usually the jacket. When the summit wind hits, you’ll wish you had it. And if you forget snacks, you’ll notice it around the time your Mt Field walking legs start asking for a break.

Price and value: is $130 a fair deal for this one day?

At $130 per person for a 1-day tour, the value comes from what’s included and how much you cover.

Included items:

• National park entrance fee
• Wildlife park entrance fee
• Professional guides and interpretive walks
• Small, friendly groups

The part that makes $130 feel reasonable is the double admission plus guided time. You’re not only visiting Mount Field, you’re also paying entry to Bonorong, and then you’re guided through the most interesting portions of both places. If you tried to do this on your own in a single day from Hobart, you’d likely spend time and energy arranging transport, and you’d miss the context that makes the rainforest and wildlife stops more than pretty photos.

The main thing that isn’t included is meals and drinks. That’s normal for a full-day coach tour, and it’s also why packing food is the smart move. If you budget for lunch and snacks, the rest of the day feels like a well-priced package.

Who should book this Hobart tour, and who might not enjoy it

This tour fits best if you want an outdoors day with structure. It’s a good match if you like walking in rainforest, seeing named waterfalls, learning about Tasmanian wildlife, and ending with dramatic viewpoints.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 8 years
• People with mobility impairments

And it does require general health and fitness. Even though many walks are classified as easy, the day includes some stairs and a few steeper parts. One important mindset shift: you’re not doing a casual sightseeing stroll. You’re doing an active nature day with breaks built in, but you still need your legs to cooperate.

Should you book this Mt Field, Bonorong, and Mt Wellington day tour?

If you’re on a tight Hobart schedule and you want a one-day hit of rainforest walks, waterfalls, wildlife, and a summit view, this is an easy yes. It’s especially appealing if you like guided interpretation, because the day is designed around stops that make sense together, not random pin drops.

I’d hold off if you hate cold wind and stairs, or if you know you struggle with uneven ground. Also think twice if you expect meals and drinks to be handled for you, because you will need to bring your own food and water.

If your ideal Hobart day includes a plan, not just driving around, book it. You’ll come back with the kind of Tasmania memories that feel specific, like the view from Mt Wellington and the sound of three-tier waterfalls from the Mt Field circuit.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and finish?

The pickup meeting point is scheduled for 7:25am at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre. The tour returns to the same location around 5:30pm.

Where do I meet the tour in Hobart?

You meet at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre, 20 Davey Street, Hobart. You should be ready and waiting 5 minutes before pickup, since the tour departs promptly.

Is breakfast or lunch included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring food and drinks, plus snacks.

How much walking is involved?

It is an active day with some walking. Most walks are classified as easy, but it still involves walking, stairs, and a suitable level of general health and fitness is essential.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes (closed-toe), a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a jacket. Also pack weather-appropriate clothing and a day pack.

What wildlife do you see at Bonorong?

Bonorong is a wildlife sanctuary with a guided tour by wildlife staff. You can expect native wildlife and learning about Tasmania’s rare and precious fauna, and some days may include close wildlife encounters.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility issues?

The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.