Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent

REVIEW · HOBART

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent

  • 5.018 reviews
  • From $710.07
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Operated by Localing Private Tours Melbourne · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (18)Price from$710.07Operated byLocaling Private Tours MelbourneBook viaViator

Tasmanian giants and devils, all in one day. This private Hobart outing blends Mt Field National Park rainforest walks and Russel Falls with Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary wildlife encounters, so you get water, trees, and furry locals in one smooth loop.

I like the clear structure of the day: a long nature block first, then a wildlife stop, then optional food time if you want it. Guides named Daniel, Sonia, Noella, Penny, Angus, and Noah are repeatedly praised for keeping things moving at a comfy pace, while still letting you pause for photos and questions. One heads-up: it can get cold in the mountains, and one group mentioned snow up top.

Key highlights you’ll care about

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - Key highlights you’ll care about

  • Mt Field in one organized 4-hour window so you can hit the waterfalls without turning the day into a logistics puzzle
  • Russel Falls + rainforest walking among ancient ferns and towering gumtrees
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary included with chances to meet iconic Tasmanian animals up close
  • Optional Agrarian Kitchen lunch (Fridays to Sundays) if you want farm-to-plate food to end the day
  • Private tour, only your group meaning less rushing and more time where you want it

Starting from Hobart: pickup, pace, and why private works

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - Starting from Hobart: pickup, pace, and why private works
This is a private tour/activity running from Hobart with a 9:00 am start. If pickup is offered for your booking, you’ll avoid the stress of finding the right departure point on a busy morning. The day is designed as one long outing (about 8–9 hours total), so it’s better thought of as a full-day reset than a quick half-trip.

The private format matters more than people expect. Instead of “keep up with the group” pressure, you can linger when you spot something interesting—especially in a place like Mt Field where the best moments are often the in-between ones: a fern-lined path, a viewpoint that shows up just after a bend, or the slow realization that the trees here are older than most of your trip.

And yes, you’ll probably hear plenty of practical context from your guide. From the names that keep popping up—Daniel, Sonia, Noella, Penny, Angus, and Noah—it’s clear the guides aim to answer questions and tailor the flow to what you want to see.

One practical detail: the tour includes a mobile ticket, which keeps things simple on the day. You’ll also get confirmation within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability. Plan ahead because this kind of popular nature-and-wildlife day is commonly booked well in advance.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hobart.

Mt Field National Park: Russel Falls, ancient ferns, and all-level walking

Your first stop is Mount Field National Park. You get about 4 hours here, and it’s the heart of the day—temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and walking routes that suit different fitness levels. The park is a favorite because it doesn’t feel like a theme park version of nature. It feels like you’re stepping into Tasmania’s cooler, wetter side: ancient ferns, thick vegetation, and tall gumtrees that make the air feel shaded even when the sun is out.

Russel Falls is the big draw, and it’s easy to see why. When the falls are running, they act like a magnet for the whole area. You’ll likely spend time both looking and walking—because the magic here is that you never have just one view. The rainforest keeps giving you new angles, and the paths are made for moving at a human pace.

What I’d watch for: weather and temperature. One group mentioned snow near the top of Mt Field, and low temperatures came with it. That doesn’t mean the whole day is a winter hardship—but it does mean you should pack like it’s cooler than the city. Even if the morning in Hobart feels mild, the park can feel like another world by mid-day.

Best way to use the time: pick one “must do” walk, then leave space for the unplanned moments. With only four hours, trying to do everything fast can backfire. If you’re traveling with a mix of energy levels, this time block still works because the walking options are designed to match different abilities.

What makes the rainforest walk work (and what to do if you’re short on stamina)

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - What makes the rainforest walk work (and what to do if you’re short on stamina)
Mt Field is famous for its rainforest feel—thick greenery, cool shade, and that slightly damp air that makes the trees look even more detailed than you’d expect. But the real value for you is that it’s structured for varied comfort levels. You’re not forced into a single long hike.

So, if you’re fit and want motion, you can keep walking and follow more of the sights in sequence. If you’re not into big effort, you can still enjoy the park by focusing on the waterfall area and shorter strolls that get you the scenery without the burn.

My practical suggestion: wear shoes that handle wet ground. Even if you don’t see puddles, rainforest paths can be slick. Bring layers you can peel off or add back as the day changes. And take photos the moment you see the big “fern-and-gumtree” scene—because once you move on, you’ll want the earlier view as a reference.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Tasmanian devils and friendly furry locals

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Tasmanian devils and friendly furry locals
Next comes Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for about 1 hour. This stop is included, so you’re not juggling additional entry costs while you’re already paying attention to the day’s main beats.

Bonorong is a big deal in Tasmania because it’s set up for conservation and close encounters with native species. You’ll have the chance to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, and echidnas, plus other native birds. Based on guide-led experiences, this isn’t just a look-but-don’t-touch stop. You might also get animal interactions like petting and feeding kangaroos, depending on the day and how the sanctuary runs activities.

What to keep in mind: one hour is just enough time to make it memorable without turning it into a rush. If you’re going with kids or you’re deeply into wildlife, you may want to show up with curiosity ready to go—ask questions, pay attention to the keeper explanations, and don’t waste the first five minutes trying to decide where to stand.

If Mt Field is about slow nature immersion, Bonorong is about focused animal time. The contrast is the point. It makes the day feel balanced, not repetitive.

Lunch time: picnic in the wild or Agrarian Kitchen (Fri–Sun only)

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - Lunch time: picnic in the wild or Agrarian Kitchen (Fri–Sun only)
After the waterfall and wildlife, you’ll have lunch options. The day is set up so you can do a picnic lunch in the wild, or—if your day matches the schedule—choose a better-than-average restaurant experience at Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk.

Here’s the key detail: Agrarian Kitchen cooking classes are optional and shown as Friday to Sunday only, with availability. The time block is about 1 hour, and this part is not included in the tour price.

So you’ve got flexibility:

  • Picnic mode if you want to stay outdoors and keep the day feeling natural
  • Restaurant mode if you want farm-to-plate food and the structure of a cooking-class-style experience

If you’re deciding between the two, think about your energy level after Mt Field. A picnic can feel like a reward when the weather is good and you want quiet. A restaurant plan can be the calmer choice when the rainforest has made you a little chilly—or when you’re traveling with people who want a seated break.

Guides make the difference: Daniel, Sonia, Noella, Penny, Angus, and Noah

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - Guides make the difference: Daniel, Sonia, Noella, Penny, Angus, and Noah
In a day like this, your guide affects more than facts. They affect your flow. And across the stories tied to this tour, certain names keep appearing: Daniel, Sonia, Noella, Penny, Angus, and Noah.

You’ll likely feel that service through things like:

  • Picking up promptly and handling the morning so you don’t spend energy on logistics
  • Explaining Tasmania and the local plants and animals in a way that connects to what you’re looking at
  • Adjusting the day when weather changes or when your group wants to linger

One helpful detail that stuck out in the feedback is how guides handle extra effort—Daniel was praised for being ready to go the extra mile (or kilometer) to help you get the most from the trip. Another theme is how guides build a sense of place. Sonia, for example, is noted for sharing history and knowledge across flora and fauna, not just reciting facts at the roadside.

There’s also a pacing angle. One person contrasted this with group-tour pace, describing a day where they could linger rather than moving at a fixed tempo. That’s exactly what you want in a rainforest park where the best moments are rarely at stopwatch times.

Practical value check: what you’re paying for at $710.07 per person

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - Practical value check: what you’re paying for at $710.07 per person
This tour costs $710.07 per person, and that number can feel big at first glance. Here’s how I’d judge value instead of just reacting to the sticker price.

You’re paying for:

  • A full-day, private schedule (about 8–9 hours) with pickup offered
  • A guided nature portion at Mt Field, where admission is listed as free
  • A guided wildlife portion at Bonorong, where admission is included
  • A structured, low-friction day with a mobile ticket and a plan that doesn’t require you to drive yourself between stops

Optional costs can exist at the end if you pick Agrarian Kitchen, since it’s not included, and it only lines up Friday–Sunday.

So the price makes more sense when you consider what’s included. If you tried to DIY this, you’d still spend time coordinating entry fees, transport, and timing. Private guiding also adds “you won’t miss it” context—like where to focus your time at Mt Field and how to get the most out of the Bonorong experience in only an hour.

If you’re traveling with just two people, private tours can still be worth it when the schedule is tight and you want a calm day without stress. If you’re traveling in a small group, the cost often feels easier to stomach because you’re splitting the value of one guide across more people.

Who this tour suits best

Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent - Who this tour suits best
This fits best if you want a full Tasmanian day without turning it into a planning project. It’s a strong match for:

  • Couples who want a guided nature-and-wildlife day from Hobart
  • Families who want structured time at a sanctuary plus flexible walking at Mt Field
  • Anyone who wants to see both waterfalls and animals in a single outing

The tour also notes that most travelers can participate, which suggests there’s enough walking variety that you can choose how hard you want the day to feel.

Things to pack and plan for (so the day stays fun)

Because Mt Field can be cold—and even snow was mentioned at the top—you’ll enjoy the day more with the right layers. I’d plan on:

  • Warm top layers even if Hobart feels mild
  • Water-resistant shoes for rainforest paths
  • A light rain jacket or something that blocks wind

Also think about timing. With a 9:00 am start and a full-day structure, you’ll want an early breakfast and a ready-to-go mindset. There’s no “sleep in and stroll” energy built into this one.

And if you’re considering the Agrarian Kitchen option, remember it’s Fridays to Sundays only and depends on availability. If your travel dates don’t match, you’re still covered with the picnic-style lunch option.

Should you book Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals?

Book it if you want a day that hits three big Tasmania hits—Mt Field’s waterfalls and rainforest, Bonorong’s native wildlife, and a possible New Norfolk food experience—all without you driving and coordinating between locations. It’s also a great choice when you care about pace. The private format is built for lingering, not sprinting.

Skip it or reconsider if you dislike cold weather hikes or if you’re the kind of person who hates paying for a plan that can’t be swapped later. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so only book when your dates are firm.

If your dates do line up, and you’re ready for a mix of rainforest walking and up-close wildlife, this is the kind of day trip that feels made for Tasmania: cool air, big trees, loud water, and furry locals.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

Is pickup offered?

Pickup is offered (availability can depend on your booking).

Where does the tour take place?

It runs from Hobart, Australia, and visits Mt Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and New Norfolk (for the optional dining part).

How much of the tour is dedicated to Mt Field National Park?

You spend about 4 hours at Mount Field National Park.

Is admission included for Mt Field and Bonorong?

Mt Field admission is listed as free, and Bonorong admission is included.

What is optional about the Agrarian Kitchen part?

The Agrarian Kitchen cooking classes lunch is optional, not included in the tour price, and runs Fridays to Sundays only, subject to availability.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Will I get confirmation after booking?

You should receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

What’s the cancellation policy?

It is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

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