Hobart: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond Trip

The best part of this day is the variety. In nine hours, you move from rainforest and waterfalls to hand-feeding kangaroos, wandering old Richmond, and looking over Hobart from Mt Wellington. It is a smart way to see several sides of southern Tasmania without renting a car.

I especially like the Russell Falls walk beneath tall trees, and the chance to see Tasmanian Devils and other native animals at Bonorong. Guides including Brett, Jarrod, Gary, and Scott are praised for their local stories, animal facts, and easygoing help. The main drawback is a full schedule, plus a bus that some people find short on legroom.

Key points to know before booking

• Russell Falls leads into a peaceful forest walk: Allow about 1.5 hours at Mt Field for waterfalls, giant ferns, and tall trees.
• Bonorong is the hands-on wildlife stop: You can hand-feed kangaroos and see Tasmanian Devils, wombats, echidnas, and other animals.
• Mt Wellington is weather-dependent: The summit visit may happen early or late, and cloud, wind, snow, or rain can change the view.
• Richmond adds history and free time: You get about 1.5 hours for old buildings, shops, cafes, food, and a stroll.
• The guide makes a real difference: Brett, Jarrod, Gary, Scott, and others are praised for strong local knowledge and warm, practical help.
• The $126 price covers the main costs: Transport, selected hotel pickup, a guide, Russell Falls, and Bonorong entry are included, but food is not.

A full day from Hobart, with very little wasted time

This is a broad sampler of the country around Hobart rather than a slow visit to one national park. You spend much of the day on the road, but the stops are varied enough that the changing scenery keeps the journey interesting.

Pickup runs from seven central Hobart meeting points, generally between 7:30 and 7:50 in the morning. The Grand Chancellor is scheduled first at 7:30, followed by the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, 64 St Georges Terrace, Travelodge, Vibe Hotel, Allurity Hotel, and Tower Motel. Arrive a few minutes early, since the vehicle may have only a small window at each stop.

The route follows the Derwent Valley, with the guide pointing out local places along the way. You pass Australia’s oldest operating pub, and the drive provides a useful introduction to the towns and countryside outside Hobart before the first major stop.

The schedule is well suited to a short stay. If you have only one or two days in Hobart, this trip gives you waterfalls, wildlife, mountain views, and a historic town in one outing. If you have a week and plan to explore Tasmania at a slower pace, you may prefer to visit Mt Field or Richmond independently.

Mt Field National Park: the strongest nature stop

Mt Field is likely to be the most satisfying stop for walkers and anyone who wants a proper taste of Tasmania’s forest. You have about 1.5 hours here, including the walk to Russell Falls and time among the tall trees and fern-covered forest.

Russell Falls is the headline attraction, and rightly so. The walk takes you beneath enormous tree trunks and broad fern growth before reaching the waterfall. The route is short enough to fit the schedule, but it still feels like a real walk in the bush rather than a roadside photo stop.

You may also have time to see Horseshoe Falls, and the tall trees are a major part of the appeal. Several guides have added context about the plants, animals, and clean mountain air, making the walk more than a quick look at a waterfall.

Bring comfortable shoes. One important practical point is that the walk has been described as more strenuous than the short description might suggest, so do not treat it as a completely effortless stroll. You do not need serious hiking equipment, but firm shoes and a reasonable level of mobility will make the stop much more enjoyable.

The timing here works well. You are not given five rushed minutes beside a waterfall. At the same time, you will not have enough time for a long independent hike or every trail in the park. Think of Mt Field as a focused introduction to the forest.

New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley drive

After Mt Field, the route follows the freshwater back toward New Norfolk. This is a chance to stretch, get something to eat, and hear about the area’s past from the guide.

Food is not included, so plan to buy your own meal or snack. The stop matters because the day is active, and there is no need to wait until Richmond to eat. Carrying water and a small snack is sensible, especially if you prefer not to rely on the available break.

The guide’s commentary is particularly useful here. The trip is not only about scenic stops. Good guides connect the river, early settlement, local towns, plants, animals, and Tasmania’s everyday life. Brett has a background as a zookeeper, which is especially useful on the wildlife sections, while Jarrod, Gary, Scott, and others have been praised for adding history and local suggestions throughout the day.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: the hands-on highlight

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary gets about 1.5 hours, including a guided component and time to look around. This is the stop most likely to delight children, animal lovers, and anyone who has come to Tasmania hoping to see species that are difficult to find in the wild.

The big moment is hand-feeding kangaroos. You can also see Tasmanian Devils, wombats, echidnas, and other native animals. The sanctuary gives you close views and a useful introduction to Tasmania’s unusual wildlife, including animals you may not recognize before arriving.

The Tasmanian Devil receives plenty of attention, and that is a good thing. The animal is central to Tasmania’s identity, but it is easy to know little about its behavior, habitat, and conservation needs. A strong guide turns the visit into more than a photo opportunity by explaining what makes these animals special.

You should also know how the visit works. The stop includes a guided tour and free time, and you are able to explore the sanctuary rather than staying attached to the guide for every minute. If you want to focus on a particular enclosure or spend extra time with the kangaroos, use the independent portion wisely.

Bonorong is not a national park encounter. It is a wildlife sanctuary, and that distinction matters. You are seeing animals in a managed setting, but the close contact and clear explanations make it a valuable part of a first visit to Tasmania. The sanctuary also gives you a better chance of seeing several native species in one place than a day spent simply hoping to spot them beside the road.

Richmond: old buildings, cafes, and a relaxed pause

Richmond is only about 15 minutes from Bonorong, so the transfer is brief. You get roughly 1.5 hours to walk, shop, look at old buildings, and find food or a cafe.

This is the cultural counterpoint to Mt Field and Bonorong. After a morning of trees and animals, Richmond offers streets, buildings, local products, and a slower rhythm. You can take a gentle walk, sit down with a coffee or scone, or use the time to browse.

Do not expect a full historical tour of the town. The stop is long enough to get a feel for Richmond, but not necessarily long enough to see everything. If you want to visit every shop, inspect each historic building, and enjoy a long meal, you may find the time tight.

I like the balance here. The day would feel relentless if it moved from one nature stop to another. Richmond gives you a chance to reset before the final mountain visit, and it lets you choose how active you want to be.

Mt Wellington: spectacular when the weather cooperates

The final major stop is Wellington Park and Mt Wellington, with about 45 minutes at the summit area. You can expect a photo stop, mountain scenery, and views over Hobart when the conditions allow.

The order of the mountain stop changes with the weather. The operator may take you to Mt Wellington early in the morning or late in the afternoon, depending on cloud cover. This is sensible because the summit can be hidden by cloud while conditions lower down are clear.

Mt Wellington is also the least predictable part of the trip. Reports from different seasons describe snow, rainbows, strong wind, cold temperatures, and cloud. On a clear day, the views over Hobart and the surrounding country can be outstanding. On a poor-weather day, you may see little from the summit, though the mountain itself can still feel dramatic.

Pack an extra warm layer, even if Hobart feels mild when you leave. The summit can be far colder, and the short stop may be uncomfortable without a jacket. Comfortable shoes also help, especially if the ground is wet or icy.

The 45-minute allocation is enough for photos and a quick look around, but it is not a mountain hike. If your main goal is to spend several hours walking on Mt Wellington, this day trip is not the right format. Here, the mountain is one part of a wider day.

The guide can shape the whole day

The vehicle gets you between the sights, but the guide is what ties the day together. The strongest feedback focuses on guides who explain Tasmania’s animals, plants, settlement, local towns, and daily life without turning the trip into a lecture.

Brett receives especially strong praise for his animal knowledge and former zookeeper background. Gary is noted for mixing history, local life, and humor. Jarrod is praised for helpful local suggestions and attention to the group, while Scott is described as calm, friendly, and clear with practical details.

That matters because much of the day is spent driving. A silent transfer would make the schedule feel longer. A guide who points out wildlife beside the road, explains unusual animals such as quolls and pademelons, or suggests places to visit in Hobart gives the journey more value.

Do not expect every departure to have the same guide or the same personality. The experience depends partly on who is driving that day. The guide names above give you an idea of the level of local input to expect, but they are not a guarantee of who will lead your departure.

Is $126 good value?

At $126 per person, the cost is reasonable for a nine-hour outing that includes transportation, a local English-speaking guide, Russell Falls access, Bonorong entry, and pickup and drop-off at selected central Hobart hotels.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to hire a car. A rental adds the cost of the vehicle, fuel, parking, and driving time, while you would also need to plan the route and pay separate entry fees. This trip handles the long loop for you and lets the guide manage the timing.

Food and drinks are not included. Budget for lunch, a snack, and something at Richmond or during the New Norfolk break. You may also want to bring water so you are not depending on a purchase during the day.

The price is less compelling if you only want one attraction. Someone focused solely on Mt Field may prefer a dedicated national park tour, while someone mainly interested in wildlife could choose a longer sanctuary visit. For a first look at the area around Hobart, though, the combination gives you a lot for one day.

Who should book this Hobart day trip?

I would choose this for a first visit to Hobart, a short stay, or a stop when you do not want to drive on unfamiliar roads. It suits people who want a mix of nature, wildlife, history, and views rather than a specialist hiking day.

Families can benefit from the kangaroo feeding and animal encounters, while adults will appreciate the forest walk, Richmond, and the guide’s local stories. People who enjoy photography should bring a phone or camera, but remember that Mt Wellington may be cloudy and the best view is never guaranteed.

I would hesitate if you dislike long vehicle transfers, need generous legroom, or want a slow pace at each site. The day is carefully packed, and one person found the bus a bit tight. You also need to be comfortable walking at Mt Field and standing in cold, windy conditions at the summit.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your plans are still moving around, but the weather remains the key variable for Mt Wellington.

FAQ

How long does the Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong, and Richmond trip last?

The experience lasts about nine hours, including transportation between the stops and return to Hobart.

Where can pickup take place?

Pickup is available from seven listed Hobart locations: Travelodge Hotel Hobart, Allurity Hotel, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Hobart Tower Motel, the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Vibe Hotel Hobart, and 64 St Georges Terrace.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup is scheduled between 7:30 and 7:50 in the morning. The Grand Chancellor pickup is scheduled for 7:30, while Tower Motel is scheduled for 7:48. You should arrive a few minutes early.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and plan to buy food during the break near New Norfolk or in Richmond.

Can I feed kangaroos?

Yes. Hand-feeding kangaroos is included during the visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Will the Mt Wellington summit visit always happen at the same time?

No. The timing depends on cloud cover and weather conditions. The stop may take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and water. A warm extra layer is also a sensible choice for Mt Wellington because the summit can be cold, windy, wet, or snowy.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want to see a lot of southern Tasmania from Hobart in one well-organized day. The strongest reasons are the Mt Field forest walk, close wildlife experience at Bonorong, and guides who add useful local detail between the stops.

Do not book it expecting a relaxed single-park outing or a guaranteed clear view from Mt Wellington. For most first-time visitors with limited time, the $126 cost buys a practical mix of Tasmania’s best-known sights, and the variety makes the long day worthwhile.