An afternoon in two different worlds. This Bonorong Wildlife Park plus Richmond tour hits you with up-close Tasmanian wildlife and an hour to wander historic Richmond Bridge on your own. I really like that the feeding is hands-on (pellets for kangaroos and wallabies) and that the guide adds context along the way (some guides like Barry, Phil, Mark, and Allen were praised for their stories). The main drawback to plan around is time: you only get about an hour in Richmond, so you’ll need to move fast if you want shops, sights, and a snack.

You start at 1:00 pm, with a drive out of Hobart on an air-conditioned coach and a small-group feel (maximum 48 people). At Bonorong, you’ll get a guided walk and then time for animal interactions, but if koalas are your top target, keep expectations flexible since koala sightings have not always matched what people hoped for in some cases.

Key things that make this tour worth your afternoon

• Pellet-feeding at Bonorong: you’re given food pellets to feed kangaroos and wallabies.
• A guided sanctuary circuit: you follow a route with commentary, then you can linger to interact.
• Richmond Bridge free time (about 1 hour): enough for antiques, historic landmarks, and a quick bite.
• Tasmanian devils feeding: the tour experience includes watching them during feed time in an open setting.
• Driver-guides with personality: people highlighted guides like Barry, Phil, Mark, Allen, Tim, and Baz for history and humor.
• Tight but efficient combo: ~4 hours 15 minutes that balances wildlife rescue work and heritage town time.

How the 4 hours 15 minutes actually feels

This is a true afternoon half-day, built around two clocks: a free hour in Richmond and about an hour at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Because you start at 1:00 pm and end back at the same meeting point (Mona Brooke Ferry Terminal), the day is compact. That’s great if you want a neat plan without spending half your trip in transit. It can feel rushed if you’re the type who likes to drift through shops for a long time or linger at museums.

The transport part is straightforward: you’re in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, plus pickup and drop-off from selected Hobart hotels (some departures may not cover every hotel). One useful thing to remember: if your pickup seems different from what you expected, double-check the pickup time and location shown in your confirmation materials.

Group size is capped at 48 people, and reviews often mention a coach that stays comfortable and not overly packed. Still, it’s a bus tour, so you’ll want to bring the usual bus-tour mindset: get your things ready, listen when the guide calls attention to what’s next, and don’t plan on long toilet breaks.

Richmond Bridge: your 1-hour game plan in a heritage town

Richmond is the first major stop, and you’re dropped near Richmond Bridge with about 1 hour of free time. This is the kind of hour that rewards speed and smart choices. The big anchors here are the historic sites tied to the bridge and the town’s old structures, including the oldest Catholic Church in Australia, plus long-standing claims about the oldest jail and oldest bridge.

So what should you do in that hour?

First, pick one walk route and commit. Many people will head straight for the historic core, then work outward to shops and food. Richmond is popular for antiques and browsing, but you don’t have time to cover everything at a relaxed pace. If you’re hungry, try to handle food early—one review specifically called out Richmond bakeries and even pie stops as a highlight.

Second, use the quick-visit options if you’re passing through for the day. Richmond has quirky attractions that fit in small pockets of time, like the Pooseum (a museum themed around poop) and Amaze (an outdoor maze). Those sound like detours, but if you only have an hour, they can be the difference between just walking and actually having fun.

The wildlife part: what Bonorong feels like on arrival

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is where the tour shifts from streets and shops to rescue and rehabilitation. You’re there for about 1 hour, and you’re not just looking at enclosures. You get pellets to feed kangaroos and wallabies, and you’ll also have guided commentary as you move through the grounds.

What I like about this setup is that it turns animal viewing into something interactive without requiring you to do anything complicated. You follow the guide’s flow, then you get the chance to participate at feeding points.

Also, the sanctuary experience isn’t one single moment. It’s usually a sequence:

• a guided part where staff talk about what you’re seeing
• time to stand near feeding areas
• opportunities to get photos and watch keeper-led moments

Some reviews mention that there’s an on-site handler who answers questions, and that some animals are in caged facilities while others are in open environments. That mix is normal for wildlife rehabilitation spaces, and it helps keep the focus on care and recovery rather than turning the animals into theme-park performers.

Feeding kangaroos and wallabies: the highlight you’ll remember

Feeding time is one of the most consistently praised parts of the day. You’ll be handed pellets and then guided to where feeding is permitted. People describe kangaroos as friendly and willing to approach for chest rubs, and wallabies often steal the show because they feel a bit smaller, closer, and easier to interact with while staying calm.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can trust. One review said the sanctuary isn’t fully pathed, so you may be walking on uneven ground. Comfortable shoes are the difference between enjoying the animals and constantly thinking about your footing.

Another practical point: you’ll get the best experience if you stay present during the feeding moments. It’s tempting to drift off for photos, but the feeding setup works best when you follow staff instructions and keep your attention on the handlers and the animals’ behavior.

Tasmanian devils feeding: what to expect in an open setting

Tasmanian devils are a major reason people book this combo tour. The tour description includes a chance to watch Tasmanian devils feed, and reviews describe it as happening in an open environment, with staff on site.

A real-world consideration: the devils may be affected by temperature. One review mentioned that if it’s hot, the Tasmanian devils may not want to be out as much, with advice to go earlier in the day if your schedule allows. Since your tour starts at 1:00 pm, you may hit warmer conditions depending on the day. If seeing devils is your top priority, that’s something to keep in mind.

Koalas at Bonorong: how to manage expectations

The tour summary says you can get up close to koalas at Bonorong. But one review reported no koalas were seen during their visit. That doesn’t mean koalas are never present; it means you should treat koalas as a good chance, not a guaranteed checkbox.

My advice: if koalas are your top “must,” go with the intention to enjoy the broader sanctuary experience too. Even without koalas showing well, Bonorong still delivers plenty of action through feeding, other native birds, and the devil feeding moment.

Richmond time feels short for big snack-and-shop plans

This tour gives you about an hour in Richmond. For many people, that’s perfect: quick history, a browse through antique shops, and time for something sweet or savory. For others, it can feel limiting—especially if you want to sit down for a proper meal or add extra attractions like museums or mazes.

If you love food and shopping, consider arriving hungry and prioritizing one place for a snack. One review mentioned a stop for sweets and another raved about beef and mushroom pies from a Richmond bakery. Those kinds of choices can work nicely within the hour, but only if you don’t spread yourself too thin.

A smart strategy: choose your Richmond “three.” For example: one historic landmark area, one short browse zone, and one food stop. When the hour is up, the coach moves on—so don’t get stuck in a line or browsing loop.

The guide makes the day: names you might hear on your tour

A big part of why this tour lands well is the guiding. Multiple reviews praised different guide-driver combinations, including Barry, Phil, Mark, Allen, Tim, and Baz, with comments ranging from helpful humor to historical storytelling.

Even if you’re mostly there for animals, you’ll probably enjoy the drive-by context: how Tasmania fits together, what Richmond is known for, and what the sanctuary is doing with rescued wildlife. Good guiding also helps you get the most out of short time blocks, like making sure you hit the right spots for feeding and you don’t miss key moments.

Price and value: why $89.66 can make sense (or not)

At $89.66 per person for about 4 hours 15 minutes, the value mostly depends on two things: (1) whether you want both Richmond and a wildlife sanctuary in one shot, and (2) whether you’ll use the included parts (park time and feeding) rather than treating it as just a bus ride.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• Bonorong entry is included, along with the feeding pellets experience.
• A guide runs you through the day.
• You get air-conditioned transport plus selected hotel pickup and drop-off.

You’ll still need to budget for meals and drinks since those aren’t included. If you already planned to visit Bonorong anyway, the combo with Richmond can feel efficient. If you only care about Richmond, you might decide you want more time there on another day. If you only care about wildlife, you might question whether an hour is enough at Bonorong for your taste.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great match if you:

• want an easy plan from Hobart that includes both wildlife and an old town
• like animal encounters where you can feed kangaroos and wallabies
• appreciate guided storytelling while you’re on a schedule

It may be less ideal if you:

• want a long, unhurried day in Richmond (the hour is tight)
• need a guaranteed koala sighting
• dislike bus tours with timeboxed stops

If you’re traveling with kids or you just want a memorable afternoon without complex logistics, it’s a strong option.

Should you book the Bonorong and Richmond afternoon tour?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, high-impact afternoon: feeding at Bonorong, Tasmanian devil feeding in an open setting, then a sprint through Richmond’s historic streets and shops. The included guidance and the hands-on feeding component are what make this stand out, not just the fact that you’re seeing animals.

I’d think twice if you’re the kind of traveler who wants more than an hour in Richmond or who treats koalas as a must-have with zero flexibility. In that case, you might be happier building a wildlife-focused day instead.

If you do book, go in with two priorities: one for Richmond (a historic walk plus one food stop) and one for Bonorong (feeding and the devil moment). You’ll leave with a full afternoon story, not just a photo dump.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Hobart?

The tour starts at 1:00 pm.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins at Mona Brooke Ferry Terminal, Franklin Whrf, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the Bonorong and Richmond afternoon tour?

It runs about 4 hours 15 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (including the feeding pellets experience).

What is not included?

Meals and drinks are not included.

Is pickup from hotels guaranteed for everyone?

Pickup is offered from select Hobart hotels only. If your hotel isn’t included, you’ll meet at the terminal area listed for the start point.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.