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

Tasmania packs a remarkable amount into this day. You move from rainforest and waterfalls at Mt Field to kangaroos and devils at Bonorong, then finish among old sandstone buildings in Richmond and high above Hobart on Mt Wellington. It is a smart way to see several sides of the region without hiring a car.

I like the friendly local guiding, especially the natural-history knowledge brought by guides such as Brett, Gary, Jarrod, and Scott. I also like the mix of active and easy stops: a forest walk, wildlife encounters, town time, and big mountain views. The tradeoff is a long, busy day, and Mt Wellington can be cold, cloudy, snowy, or completely hidden by weather.

Key points at a glance

• Russell Falls and the Tall Trees: Walk beneath giant ferns and enormous trees in Mt Field National Park.
• Hands-on wildlife at Bonorong: Feed kangaroos and see Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, and other native animals.
• Weather-dependent Mt Wellington: The mountain stop may happen in the morning or afternoon, with conditions changing quickly.
• A proper break in Richmond: Enjoy old buildings, cafés, shops, and time to stroll at your own pace.
• Useful local commentary: Guides explain Tasmania’s animals, plants, settlement, and places to eat around Hobart.
• Good value for a short stay: For $126 per person, you cover four very different places in nine hours, with transport and admissions included.

Why this Hobart day trip works so well

This is not a single-theme excursion. It is a broad introduction to the country around Hobart, with enough variety to keep the day moving.

You get a genuine forest walk at Mt Field, not just a roadside photo stop. You get close to native animals at Bonorong rather than simply looking across an enclosure. Richmond gives you a small-town pause, while Mt Wellington supplies the grand view back toward Hobart.

That range is the main reason I would suggest this trip to a first-time visitor. If you have only a day or two in Hobart, you can see places that are awkward to combine by public transport. The guide also fills the driving time with stories about local animals, plants, towns, and Tasmanian life.

Several guides have earned especially warm praise for their personal style. Brett is noted for his animal knowledge and former zookeeper background. Gary is described as funny and full of local facts. Jarrod is praised for his history of Hobart and for helping people with extra suggestions after the tour. Scott and the other guides are also described as friendly and attentive.

The exact guide matters less than the general pattern: this experience depends heavily on the person behind the wheel. A good guide turns the stretches of road into part of the day instead of dead time.

Starting early in Hobart and following the Derwent Valley

Pickup runs from selected central Hobart locations between about 7:30 and 7:50 in the morning. The listed stops include major hotels, the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, and 64 St Georges Terrace.

Arrive a few minutes early. Pickup times are close together, and the bus may have several stops before leaving the city. If your date falls on a Sunday, the Allurity Hotel pickup moves to the Vibe Hotel because of a farmers market road closure.

The first drive lasts about 75 minutes. You follow the Derwent Valley through changing scenery and pass Australia’s oldest operating pub. That detail gives the morning some local character, especially when your guide adds context about settlement and the communities along the route.

Transport is by bus or coach. One practical warning comes from the seating: one person found the legroom a little tight. I would not expect a luxury coach with room to stretch out, so keep your daypack compact and bring water where you can reach it.

Mt Field National Park: the best walking of the day

Mt Field is the strongest nature stop on the trip. You have about an hour and a half here, with time to walk through fern forest to Russell Falls and, depending on the route and conditions, see Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees area.

The walk takes you under large tree ferns and some of the tallest trees in the world. The appeal is not only the waterfall at the end. The path through the forest is the experience, with dense greenery, damp air, and a sense of scale that you do not get from a quick lookout.

Russell Falls is the headline sight and an easy choice for photographs. Horseshoe Falls adds another water feature, while the Tall Trees section gives you a better feel for the size of the forest. Several people singled out this first walk as the best part of the day.

You should wear shoes with a good grip. Most people find the walk manageable, but one account described it as strenuous, so do not treat it as a flat stroll through a garden. The time is well judged for seeing the main sights, though you will not have hours to wander every track in the park.

This is also where the weather matters in a good way. Rain can make the forest feel more atmospheric and keep the falls running strongly. Pack a light waterproof layer, even if Hobart begins with sunshine.

New Norfolk and the useful midday pause

After Mt Field, the coach follows the freshwater back toward New Norfolk. The guide explains the town’s past and its place in the Derwent Valley, giving you a short look at an area many independent visitors pass without stopping.

The schedule allows time to stretch and buy food before Bonorong. Food and drinks are not included, so use this break sensibly. If you are prone to getting hungry on full-day trips, carry a snack and a refillable water bottle.

This pause also helps the day’s rhythm. The morning is focused on walking, and the next major stop involves animals and a guided visit. A short break between them keeps the schedule from feeling like one long chain of attractions.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: the most memorable animal stop

Bonorong is where the tour becomes especially hands-on. The included entry gives you about an hour and a half for a guided visit, wildlife viewing, and free time.

The star moments are hand-feeding kangaroos and seeing Tasmanian devils. You may also encounter wombats, echidnas, quolls, frogs, and other native animals. One of the most useful parts of the visit is learning about creatures that many people know little about, including the unusual Tasmanian devil and the now-extinct thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger.

This is more than a quick animal photo opportunity. The sanctuary is a place for rescued animals, and the guide’s explanation helps you understand why these species matter. Brett’s background as a zookeeper has been especially valuable for visitors who want more than names and dates. His animal facts, along with the stories shared by other guides, are a major part of the experience.

You should allow the guide to explain how the kangaroo feeding works. The encounter is memorable, but the animals are still the focus, not props for a photograph. Free time gives you a chance to look around at your own speed after the main orientation.

Bonorong can be the best stop for families and anyone with a strong interest in wildlife. It also gives you a good chance to see Tasmanian species even if you do not have time for a longer trip into the island’s more remote areas.

Richmond: old buildings, cafés, and a slower hour

The short drive to Richmond takes about 15 minutes. After the forest and wildlife sanctuary, this small town changes the pace completely.

You have about an hour and a half for walking, shopping, food, and sightseeing. Richmond is known for its old buildings and colonial character, and the compact center is easy to explore on foot. You can look around, find a café or scone, and enjoy a little free time without another formal activity demanding your attention.

I like this stop because it prevents the day from becoming nature-only. Tasmania’s story includes forests and animals, but also towns shaped by European settlement. Richmond offers a visible connection to that past in a setting that feels relaxed and manageable.

The limitation is time. You can get a good first look at Richmond, but you will not cover every shop or historic building in detail. If the town appeals to you, make a note of what you want to revisit independently.

Mt Wellington: spectacular views with a weather warning

The final major sight is Wellington Park, with about 45 minutes for a visit and photographs. The mountain summit gives you wide views over Hobart and the surrounding country when the weather cooperates.

The timing is flexible. The operator may take you to Mt Wellington early in the morning or late in the afternoon, depending on cloud cover and conditions. That is sensible because the summit can be hidden in cloud while Hobart below enjoys clear skies.

Do not dress for Hobart’s waterfront alone. At the top, you may face strong wind, rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. People have described seeing snow and rainbows, as well as arriving when cloud blocked much of the view. The mountain is part of the appeal, but it is also the least predictable stop.

When visibility is good, this is a fitting finish. You can look down over Hobart and understand the city’s position between the Derwent River and the mountain. When the summit is cloudy, the experience becomes more about wild weather than panoramic views. That is not a flaw in the tour, but it is a reason to keep your expectations flexible.

The guide can make the road time count

The schedule includes several hours on the road, but the driving is broken into useful sections. You have about 75 minutes to Mt Field, 50 minutes toward Bonorong, 15 minutes to Richmond, 40 minutes back toward Hobart, and another 20 minutes after the mountain stop.

A good guide makes these journeys part of the experience. The strongest guiding comments focus on Tasmanian animals, eucalyptus trees, local towns, early settlers, and small details you might miss from the window.

Guides have also helped people make better use of the rest of their Hobart stay. Jarrod has been praised for local suggestions, while Brett has pointed people toward places to eat and even helped with platypus-spotting ideas. Those extras are not guaranteed, but they show why a local guide can be useful beyond the formal stops.

The English commentary is lively rather than academic. You can ask questions, and several guides are described as approachable and happy to chat. If you care about natural history, tell the guide early. If you prefer local stories and food tips, ask for those instead.

Is $126 good value?

At $126 per person, the price is strong for a nine-hour day. It includes transport, a local English-speaking guide, entry to Russell Falls, and entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. You also receive hotel pickup and drop-off from selected central Hobart points.

The admissions alone are useful inclusions, but the real saving is time. You do not need to plan a route between Mt Field, Bonorong, Richmond, and Mt Wellington, and you avoid the cost and effort of driving yourself.

Food and drinks are not included. Budget for lunch or a snack during the New Norfolk break, and bring water. You should also allow for the possibility that the mountain view will be limited by cloud. The value is in the full mix of places and the access to a guide, not in a guaranteed clear summit.

A few people wished the day lasted longer, but that is the unavoidable compromise. You cover a lot in nine hours, yet each stop has a clear purpose. The tour works best when you want a broad first look rather than long, unhurried visits at one or two places.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this for a first visit to Hobart, a short stay, or a day when you want someone else to handle the driving. It suits nature lovers, families, solo visitors, couples, and anyone curious about Tasmanian animals.

It is particularly good for you if you want to combine forest, wildlife, local history, and mountain views in one outing. The relaxed pace at each stop also helps, despite the full schedule.

I would think twice if you dislike coach travel, need lots of legroom, or want a serious hiking day. The Mt Field walk is worthwhile but limited by the schedule, and Richmond is an introduction rather than a full historical tour. People who need guaranteed Mt Wellington views should also remember that weather controls the summit experience.

Practical advice before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip. Bring water, food money, warm layers, and a rain jacket. The mountain can be far colder than Hobart, and the forest may be wet even when the city is dry.

Arrive early at your pickup point. The morning collection runs from 7:30 to 7:50, with exact times varying by hotel. If you are staying near the center but not at one of the listed locations, confirm the nearest meeting point before booking.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Hobart plans may shift, but the main decision is whether you are happy with a full nine-hour schedule.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the best all-round introduction to the sights around Hobart in one day. The forest walk at Mt Field and the animal encounters at Bonorong are the anchors, while Richmond adds character and Mt Wellington supplies the big finish when the clouds lift.

Book it with sensible expectations: the coach may feel snug, the day is full, and the summit weather is never guaranteed. If you can accept those points, $126 buys a strong mix of scenery, wildlife, local stories, and practical access, with guides such as Brett, Gary, Jarrod, and Scott adding much of the day’s personality.

FAQ

How long does the Hobart Mt Wellington and Mt Field trip last?

The experience lasts about nine hours, including transport between the stops and pickup and drop-off in central Hobart.

What places does the tour visit?

The tour visits Mt Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Richmond, and Wellington Park at Mt Wellington. It also passes through the Derwent Valley and New Norfolk.

Is entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary included?

Yes. Entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is included in the price.

Can I feed kangaroos at Bonorong?

Yes. Hand-feeding kangaroos is one of the activities included during the Bonorong visit.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have time to stretch and buy something to eat during the day.

What happens if the weather is poor at Mt Wellington?

The Mt Wellington visit may take place early or late in the day depending on cloud cover. Conditions can include cold, strong wind, rain, snow, or limited visibility.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from seven listed Hobart locations, including selected hotels, the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, and 64 St Georges Terrace. Pickup times run between about 7:30 and 7:50 in the morning.