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

If you’re planning a day trip from Hobart to explore some of Tasmania’s most iconic sights, this tour is worth considering. It offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tasmania’s wilderness, wildlife, and quaint history all in one day. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it looks like a solid option for travelers wanting to pack in a lot without straining themselves.

What really catches the eye is the balance between nature and culture—visiting Mt Wellington for panoramic views, exploring Mt Field National Park with its impressive waterfalls, and meeting native animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Plus, a stroll through the historic streets of Richmond adds a touch of Tasmania’s colonial charm. Two things we love about this trip are the knowledgeable guides—who seem to bring the places to life—and the opportunity for authentic wildlife encounters, especially hand-feeding kangaroos.

One potential downside? The day is packed, which leaves little wiggle room for extra activities or extended time at each stop. If you’re someone who likes to linger or take photos at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed. But overall, this tour suits those who want a comprehensive taste of Tasmania in a single day—especially if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for visitors who enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic landscapes and prefer a structured, guided day rather than long hikes or independent exploring. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a mix of education and sightseeing will find this appealing. It’s particularly good if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple stops yourself but still want to see Tasmania’s best bits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: Combines wildlife, waterfalls, mountain views, and historic towns.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers praise guides like Brett, Scott, and Jarrod for their friendliness and expertise.
• Wildlife Encounters: Hand-feeding kangaroos and meeting Tasmanian devils are highlights.
• Stunning Vistas: Mt Wellington offers breathtaking panoramic views, weather permitting.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Sufficient time at each stop for sightseeing and photos.
• Value for Money: Many reviews highlight this tour as great value considering the range of sights.

What the Tour Looks Like in Practice

The Morning Pickup and Journey

The trip kicks off early, with pickup from seven convenient locations around Hobart—most around 7:35 to 7:50 am. The atmosphere is relaxed, with friendly guides setting the tone. The 75-minute coach ride through Derwent Valley is your first taste of Tasmania’s countryside, and it’s a good way to get familiar with the landscape before hitting the sights.

Traveling in a comfortable bus, you’ll pass Australia’s oldest operating pub—a fun little touch of local history. The drive itself is scenic, and guides often share interesting tidbits along the way, making the journey part of the experience.

Mt. Field National Park

Once at Mt. Field, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore. This is a highlight, especially for waterfall lovers. The walk includes Russell Falls, a postcard-perfect cascade, and the chance to stroll through giant fern forests and among some of the tallest trees on earth. The rainforest walk offers a sense of stepping into a primeval world, and the fresh mountain air makes it all the more enjoyable.

Reviewers frequently mention the rainforest walk as a favorite, with one saying, “the walk including Horseshoe Falls and Russell Falls was spectacular,” and the tall trees left many in awe. Expect a relatively easy walk, though it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes to navigate potentially muddy paths.

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Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Next up is Bonorong, around 1.5 hours. This sanctuary is a beloved stop, especially for animal lovers. Here, you get to meet and hand-feed kangaroos, which is a real crowd-pleaser. Many reviews mention how special it is to get close to these iconic creatures, with one saying, “feeding kangaroos was so awesome.”

Tasmanian devils are also a major draw, and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts make this a meaningful visit. Guides often share fascinating facts about the animals, making it both fun and educational. Some reviews mention being surprised to learn about animals like quolls, padamelons, and even the Tasmanian tiger—animals many visitors had never heard of before.

Richmond – Tasmania’s Historic Charm

After wildlife and nature, the tour heads to Richmond, a charming town with well-preserved colonial architecture. Most visitors spend about 1.5 hours wandering its quaint streets, browsing local shops, and enjoying a quick bite or coffee at cozy cafes.

Reviewers praise Richmond’s picturesque feel, calling it a “fabulous old village,” and note that it’s a great spot to stretch your legs and soak up some local history. Though some say the time here is a bit short to explore everything, most agree it’s a worthwhile stop.

Mount Wellington (Wellington Park)

Finally, weather permitting, the tour visits the summit of Mount Wellington—a highlight for many. The views over Hobart and the surrounding landscape are spectacular, especially if the weather is clear. Some reviews mention snow and rainbows, which add to the experience, though poor weather can limit visibility.

The visit is about 45 minutes, so be prepared for high winds and cold temperatures if the weather turns. Many travelers find this a memorable end to their day, with a chance to take photos and appreciate the vastness of Tasmania’s wilderness.

How the Day Flows and What You Can Expect

The entire trip lasts about 9 hours, which is quite packed. The schedule is tight but well-managed, with enough time at each stop to see the highlights and take photos. Guides are often praised for their storytelling and local knowledge, making even short visits informative and engaging.

Transporting in a comfortable coach makes the long drives manageable, and the small group size (most reviews suggest a friendly, intimate vibe) helps keep things relaxed. The tour is designed to be accessible, with walks that are generally easy, but packing comfortable shoes and a water bottle is wise.

The Weather Factor

Since the Mt Wellington summit depends on weather, some days might see the view clouded or snow-covered. That’s part of the adventure—many reviewers mention the varying weather adds to the experience, like catching snow or rainbows. Keep in mind, weather can impact the visibility from the summit, but the other stops offer plenty to see regardless.

Cost and Value

At the price point, many reviewers find this tour offers good value—covering a broad range of sights in one day. The inclusion of wildlife encounters, scenic spots, and historical towns makes it a well-rounded experience for its duration. It’s especially attractive for those who prefer guided tours to organizing everything independently, saving time and effort.

Authentic Feedback From Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the guides—like Brett, Jarrod, and Scott—for their passion, friendliness, and wealth of knowledge. Comments like “Brett’s passion about wildlife made the trip so memorable” and “Scott explained Tasmania’s history in such an approachable way” showcase how much guides can elevate the experience.

Wildlife encounters are a recurring theme—feeding kangaroos, seeing Tasmanian devils, and learning about animals most visitors only see at zoos. Many say these moments are the highlight of their day.

Several travelers also mention the scenic walks at Mt. Field and the awe-inspiring views from Mt Wellington as unforgettable. And with reviews praising the well-paced schedule, it’s clear the tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided glimpse of Tasmania’s natural beauty and wildlife without the hassle of planning multiple excursions themselves. If you’re short on time but eager to see the best of Hobart’s surroundings—like waterfalls, mountain views, and adorable animals—you’ll find this a good fit.

It’s especially good for those who love to learn and value knowledgeable guides, as well as anyone keen on getting close to Tasmania’s unique fauna. The included stops are picturesque, and many reviews highlight the value for money, considering the variety of sights covered.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or want more time at each stop to explore or take photos, this might feel a little rushed. Weather can also affect the Mt Wellington experience, so come prepared for changing conditions.

Overall, if you want a fun, educational, and scenic full-day adventure with friendly guides, this trip is a solid choice.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Most pickups are scheduled between 7:35 and 7:50 am. It’s best to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start and avoid missing your pickup.

Are the walks at Mt. Field National Park easy?
Yes, the rainforest walk and visits to waterfalls at Mt. Field are described as manageable, with some reviewers mentioning that the walk is easy and suitable for most people.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. The weather can vary, so packing a jacket or layers might be wise, especially for the Mt Wellington summit.

Can I see wildlife up close?
Absolutely. At Bonorong, you can hand-feed kangaroos and see Tasmanian devils. Many reviews emphasize how special these encounters are.

How long is the stop at Richmond?
Most travelers get about 1.5 hours to explore the town’s shops and historic sites, but some wish there was a bit more time to see everything.

What if the weather is poor on Mt Wellington?
The summit visit depends on weather conditions. If it’s cloudy or snowy, the guide may decide not to take you up or to alter the schedule. Regardless, the other stops still offer plenty to enjoy.

Final Words

If you’re after a well-balanced day of scenery, wildlife, and culture—and value guides who bring Tasmania’s stories to life—this tour checks many boxes. It’s a reliable choice for those wanting an introduction to Tasmania’s diverse landscapes without the stress of independent planning. Just be prepared for a full day with lots of sightseeing, and keep your camera ready for epic views and adorable animals.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone simply curious about Tasmania’s charm, this trip offers a taste of everything that makes Tasmania special.

You can check availability for your dates here: