Hobart gets wild fast on this day trip. You trade city streets for temperate rainforest walks and Tasmanian wildlife without needing to plan a thing. I like that the pace is built around standout natural stops, and I also like that admission fees are handled for you. One thing to consider: it is a hike-heavy day with lots of stairs and uphill bits, so comfortable shoes and real energy matter.

If you want a day that mixes big views with hands-on animal time, this works. You get Mt Field National Park, then the waterfall circuit at Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls, plus a Tall Trees Walk where you’re looking for giant Swamp Gums. Then you finish with a quick summit stop on kunanyi/Mt Wellington for wide Southern Tasmania views.

This is a long, active 12-hour day (about), and lunch isn’t included. If you’re expecting a relaxed stroll with minimal steps, plan to adjust your expectations and bring snacks and water like a pro.

Key things to know before you go

• Small groups (max 20) keep the day feeling personal instead of rushed.
• Admission fees included means you don’t play the pay-and-enter game all day.
• Mt Field + waterfall circuit is the core: rainforest trails and two major falls.
• Bonorong wildlife time is scheduled so you’ll have a real chance to see Tasmanian icons.
• Mt Wellington summit gives you a hard-to-replicate panorama at 1,271 metres.
• The walking is real: expect stairs and an uphill climb that can feel punchy.

Why this Hobart day tour makes sense for first-timers

If you’re only in Hobart for a short time, it’s hard to choose between beaches, historic streets, food, and day trips. This tour solves that problem by bundling Tasmania’s “main character” nature into one full day: rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife, and summit views.

I like how it’s built around variety. You start in the cooler, greener hush of Mt Field National Park, then shift into waterfall walking, then switch gears to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you’re learning about native animals up close. By the time you reach kunanyi/Mt Wellington, the day feels like a full loop through Southern Tasmania’s big scenery.

The value angle matters too. At $132.69 per person, you’re not just paying for transport—you’re paying for professional guides, interpretive walks, and included national park and wildlife sanctuary entry. Lunch is the only notable extra, and you can handle that easily with a bakery stop along the way.

Morning pickup in Hobart: 7:30am starts and why they help

The day kicks off at 20 Davey St, Hobart at 7:30am, and you’re back at the same place at the end. That early start is a big deal in Tasmania. It gives you daylight time for trails and views, and it helps reduce the chance that your key stops feel crowded or rushed.

This is also a maximum 20-person group. That matters because waterfall walks and viewpoint stops work better when people aren’t packed shoulder-to-shoulder. You’ll also have an easier time hearing guide explanations without playing the personal space game.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, which is handy on a day where you’ll likely be checking times, photos, and weather conditions. Just keep your phone charged.

Mt Field National Park: giant-tree rainforest and waterfall country

Mt Field National Park is where the day locks in. The drive is about 1.5 hours from Hobart, and the park visit is your longest stop at around 5 hours.

What you’re going for here is the feel of Tasmania’s temperate world: lush rainforest, moody moorland moments, and water moving through the area. The idea isn’t just to see one thing—it’s to walk through different “moods” of the park in a single morning-to-early-afternoon window.

Expect walking on trails and time outdoors. The reviews you’ll come across tend to agree on one theme: the scenery impresses, and the hike includes real steps. In particular, the day is described as quite stair-heavy later on, but even at Mt Field, you’re not doing this in flip-flops.

If you like being outside more than taking photos, Mt Field is a strong choice. It’s also a good mental warm-up: you’ll set your pace here before the waterfall section starts stacking up.

What to watch for

• Trail time adds up. Plan to move steadily, not to sprint between viewpoints.
• Bring a light layer even if the morning starts mild. Tasmania weather can shift.

Russell Falls: an easy win with a famous 3-tier drop

After Mt Field, you head to the Russell Falls walk. This is an easy, enjoyable trail with a duration around 45 minutes.

Russell Falls is described as Tasmania’s most recognisable waterfall, and that reputation is earned. You’re looking at a 3-tiered drop, and the walking route puts you in a good position to actually take it in, not just snap a quick photo from a single spot.

The practical value here is timing. A shorter waterfall walk gives you a mental break without losing the magic. If you’re the type who likes to linger and watch water change texture as clouds shift, this is the stop where you can do it without sacrificing the whole day.

Small consideration: wet ground

Even when trails are “easy,” waterfall areas can mean slick sections. Wear shoes with real grip. Your knees will thank you later when stairs appear again.

Horseshoe Falls and the stair-and-step rhythm

Just beyond Russell Falls, the itinerary turns to Horseshoe Falls. The walk is shorter (around 30 minutes), but it’s also where the step factor shows up more clearly.

Horseshoe Falls is described as majestic and tucked in the forest. Some people rate it as even more impressive than Russell Falls, and I get the appeal: it feels like a more sheltered waterfall moment.

However, this is where you should protect your energy. The overall day includes a serious “up and down” vibe, and this is an early warning system. If you’re pacing, you’ll enjoy Horseshoe Falls more because you won’t feel like you’ve already spent your legs.

The Tall Trees Track: Swamp Gums and a big dose of height

Next up is the Tall Trees Track as part of the larger Three Falls circuit experience. This section runs around 1 hour.

Here’s the standout natural detail: you’re looking at Swamp Gums around 80 metres tall. The guide framing (and what the area is famous for) is that Swamp Gums are the world’s tallest flowering plant. Even without fancy science, it hits you in the body—scale becomes real once you’re under those trees.

This walk is a great mid-day reset. You’ve done waterfalls, now you’re shifting to quiet height and forest air. It’s also a chance to take photos without feeling like every second is about rushing to the next stop.

One realistic note

Even if the timing is “only” about an hour, plan for uneven trail and standing pauses. I’d treat it like a slow hike, not a sprint. If you rush, you’ll miss the point—being under those giants is the whole story.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: your best chance at Tasmanian icons

After the forest time, the day moves to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll have around 2 hours 30 minutes here.

This is the wildlife portion of the trip, and it’s the stop most people remember. Tasmania has animals that feel like they belong to a different planet, and Bonorong is where you get structured, guided time with native fauna. You’ll learn about rare and precious species and hear explanations from expert staff during the wildlife tour.

What you may see includes Tasmanian devils, wombats, and echidnas. You may also encounter kangaroos. The focus is on interpretation—what these animals need, how they live, and why they matter.

One practical thing: animals don’t always perform on command. On some days they hide more than others. If you’re hoping for constant action, keep expectations flexible. The value here is the learning and the scheduled time, even if an animal is quieter than you’d like.

Tips that make this section better

• Go in planning to observe slowly. Wildlife behavior often becomes visible if you stop trying to “catch” it.
• Bring patience. This is not a drive-by wildlife safari; it’s a sanctuary visit.

Mt Wellington (kunanyi): the 1,271-metre payoff

The final big outdoor moment is kunanyi/Mt Wellington, with a drive of about 60 minutes from Bonorong to the summit area. You’ll get around 30 minutes at the top.

At 1,271 metres above sea level, the views are the payoff for the effort. You’re looking out across Southern Tasmania, and the elevation turns everything into wide angles: coastlines, valleys, and the general sense of scale that’s hard to appreciate from Hobart itself.

Why the summit time matters

Thirty minutes sounds short on paper, but it’s enough to:

• reach the viewpoint,
• take photos,
• and watch light shift a bit if the weather cooperates.

This is also a good time to reset mentally after active walking. You’ll feel it in your legs by now—so treat the summit like a breather, not a second hike.

Price and pacing: $132.69 feels fair if you match the activity level

At $132.69 per person, the biggest question is value. Here’s what helps the price feel justified:

• National park entrance fees are included
• Wildlife sanctuary entrance fees are included
• Guides and interpretive walks are included
• It’s a small group (max 20), not a huge bus shuffle
• You’re getting a lot of ground covered: Mt Field, Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tall Trees Walk, Bonorong, and Mt Wellington in about 12 hours

The one cost you should plan for is lunch. Lunch is not included, but there’s a stop en route at a local bakery where you can buy lunch and snacks to take with you. That’s actually a smart setup for active tours—having food you can eat on the go helps keep your walking energy steady.

Fitness note (read this before you book)

Most people can participate, but the day is described as involving plenty of steps. One example from the experience write-ups is a stair climb around 400 steps straight uphill. That’s not the kind of “just a few stairs” scenario.

If you’re used to hiking, this will feel manageable. If stairs are a strain, you’ll want to be strategic: take breaks, keep your pace slow, and don’t measure your progress by how fast you pass others.

Weather matters

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. With waterfalls and summit views, I totally get it—bad weather can turn the best moments into slippery frustration.

What I’d bring to make the day feel easy

I can’t guarantee weather, but I can tell you what makes a big difference on a day like this:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip (you’ll thank yourself for the stairs)
• A water bottle, since you’ll be outside for many hours
• A light rain layer or packable jacket, because Tasmania weather can change fast
• Snacks, especially if you want extra energy before/after lunch from the bakery stop
• Sunscreen + a hat, when Mt Wellington delivers clearer skies
• A charged phone for the mobile ticket and summit photos

Should you book this Hobart Waterfalls, Wilderness & Wildlife tour?

I think this is a strong booking for three types of travelers:

• First-time Hobart visitors who want nature highlights without logistics headaches
• People who enjoy guided walking and want their time outdoors to come with context
• Wildlife lovers who want a scheduled sanctuary visit (Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas are the big targets)

I’d skip it or adjust your expectations if you:

• want a low-effort day with minimal stairs,
• hate long sitting in transit between stops,
• or you’re not comfortable in English-guided conversations for explanations.

If you’re ready for a full-day outdoors experience with real walking and a good chance at classic Tasmania wildlife, this tour is a practical way to see a lot—and to see it with guidance—without turning your trip into a checklist.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 7:30am at 20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is about 12 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes national park entrance fees, wildlife park entrance fees, professional guides and interpretive walks, and small, friendly groups. Lunch is not included.

Do I need to pay admission fees at each stop?

No. The tour includes admission fees for the national park and the wildlife sanctuary.

What wildlife will I see at Bonorong?

The tour focuses on meeting Tasmanian devils, wombats, and echidnas at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is lunch provided?

No. You’ll stop en route in a regional town at a local bakery to purchase lunch and snacks to take along.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.