Three wonders in one Hobart day. This active day tour strings together Mt Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) summit so you get waterfalls, gum trees, and big-sky views without renting a car.

Two things I really like: the day is built around short, doable walks with great guide interpretation (I’ve heard stories and practical plant-and-animal explanations from guides like Clinton, Lukas, Hannah, and Nick), and the mix of rainforest and wildlife makes it feel like more than just another scenic drive. You’re out in nature, then you’re face-to-face with Tasmania’s icons.

One thing to consider: it’s a long, full day starting early, and the schedule can feel a bit tight at peak spots—especially if you prefer lingering. Also, Mt Wellington is a clear-day rewards kind of stop, so if the weather is grey, you’ll want to manage expectations.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small-group feel (max 20 people) that keeps the day calmer and easier to follow.
• Short walks with options, so you can choose the lighter route or the stepier one.
• Mt Field’s famous waterfalls and giant swamp gums, including the 3-tier Russell Falls and Tall Trees Track views.
• Bonorong wildlife encounters, with Tasmanian devils plus other native animals from the sanctuary.
• Guides who connect the dots, explaining flora, fauna, and what you’re actually seeing on the tracks.
• A summit payoff at Kunanyi, with sweeping views over Hobart on clear days.

Why this Hobart day works: waterfalls, devils, and summit views

If you’re in Hobart for a short stay, this is one of those rare days that hits big Tasmania themes back-to-back. You start with Mt Field’s rainforest scenery—think layered waterfalls and giant trees—then you shift to Bonorong, where you’re not just looking from afar. Finally, you finish at Kunanyi (Mt Wellington), the classic “up high, look far” viewpoint over southern Tasmania.

I like how the itinerary balances moving with moments to actually look. Mt Field is all about walking the short sections that get you to the good angles of Russell Falls and the surrounding falls circuit. Bonorong gives you a structured wildlife experience with an interpretive component, not a random stroll. Then Mt Wellington is your dramatic finale, a proper viewing stop where the sky and the city feel linked.

The best part for value is that it’s not a long list of separate tickets. The day includes national park fees and the wildlife sanctuary entrance, plus professional guiding. You still handle your own food, but for a day tour that packs this many major stops, that’s a fair trade.

Getting there and keeping it easy: pickup and small-group setup

This starts early. The tour begins at 7:30 am, with hotel pickup running between 7:00 and 7:30 am depending on where you’re staying. Your pickup is from most central hotels and hostels (not Airbnb), and it returns you to the same meeting point.

The small-group limit matters more than you’d think. With up to 20 people, the guide can keep everyone together without the day turning into herding cats. That’s especially helpful at stops where tracks narrow or where you pause to look at wildlife and trees.

One practical note: no luggage on board—you’ll want to travel with a day pack only. It’s a small thing, but it keeps the vehicle from becoming a storage nightmare and it speeds up boarding.

If you’d rather avoid the stress of driving and parking around curvy roads, this is a comfort win. One common relief I’ve seen from people doing this kind of Hobart-and-summit day: you skip the steep hairpin driving and just show up ready to walk and look.

Mt Field National Park: Russell Falls and the rainforest-walk rhythm

Mt Field is Tasmania’s older national park, and it shows in the way it feels: cool, shaded, and built for short walks that lead to real payoff. The drive out is about an hour and a half from Hobart, then you dive into the park on foot.

The centerpiece is Russell Falls, famous for its 3-tiered drop. You’ll walk along an easy forest track through mixed forest and temperate rainforest species. Even if you don’t consider yourself a hiker, this is the kind of trail that helps you feel the rainforest instead of just passing through it.

What makes this stop work on a group day is the pace. You get enough time to take photos and absorb the sound and spray, without the day bogging down in too much “just walking to walking.” It’s a well-chosen anchor that sets the tone for the rest of the morning.

Potential drawback: if you’re the type who wants total freedom of time—like you want to stop whenever you see something interesting and not move on—this part may still feel structured. The guide keeps the group flowing between points, which is how they fit in all three big Mt Field areas.

Tall Trees Track: 80-metre swamp gums you can’t ignore

Next comes one of the best “how is that tree even standing?” moments: the Tall Trees Track. The route is a short loop—about a 30-minute circuit—and it’s designed so you’re not wrestling the terrain for the views.

Here’s the standout detail: you’re looking at swamp gums around 80 metres tall. On top of that scale, you’re also learning what makes these trees special in this environment, which is exactly why a guide adds value. Without interpretation, a tall-tree walk can turn into a photo scramble. With guiding, you start noticing the forest patterns and the plant logic that shapes the place.

If you want a fun mental picture, think of it as a tall-tree viewing path inside a cooler, quieter world. The air feels different under the canopy, and the soundscape shifts too—fewer city noises, more wind and bird calls.

What to watch for: the park walking is generally manageable, but there can be steps depending on which options you choose. One review-style theme I’ve seen reflected in feedback: people loved the scenery, but wanted the option of going slower or taking fewer steps. The good news is that alternatives are offered for different walking levels.

Lady Barron Falls and the Three Falls Circuit: the “best of” finishing move

After Tall Trees Track, you continue through the area around the Three Falls Circuit, heading toward Lady Barron Falls. This is where the day keeps its momentum: you’re still in the tall-gum zone, still surrounded by rainforest, but the walking transitions you from one waterfall payoff to the next.

Lady Barron Falls is fed by the same kind of landscape drama—wet forest, steep drops, and those giant swamp gums looming overhead. It’s also a spot where your timing matters. If you hit it when the waterfalls are running strongly, you’ll get more movement and atmosphere in your photos.

One extra interesting nature fact tied to this whole Mt Field experience: those giant swamp gums are described as the world’s tallest flowering plant. Even if you don’t remember the wording later, you’ll remember the physical feeling of being under something that big.

If you’re sensitive to brisk group movement, aim to pick your walking options early in the morning. If the group is moving fast, your best strategy is to communicate your pace preference to the guide and choose the route that matches how you want to spend your time.

Lunch in the park: plan for food so you’re not rushed

Food is the one category not included. The tour doesn’t provide meals, but you’ll have a chance to buy a bakery-style takeaway lunch. That means you’re not stuck hungry, but it also means you’ll want to keep it simple so the day stays smooth.

My advice: treat lunch like logistics, not like a sit-down restaurant meal. Bring a snack for the morning if you’re the type who gets lightheaded waiting for the lunch window, and consider a small water bottle if you’re prone to thirst on walks.

Also, if you’re picky about food, don’t wait until you’re already on the clock. Buy/pack what you need before the day gets going so you can focus on the views once you’re out there.

The good news: lunch happens in a scenic location within Mt Field National Park, so even though it’s practical, it doesn’t feel like a chore.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: close encounters with Tasmanian icons

After the rainforest walking, the day shifts gears to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. This is where Tasmania’s animals move from “interesting species” to “wow, that’s real.”

You get an informative wildlife tour run by sanctuary staff, and the day highlights include seeing Tasmanian devils, plus other native animals such as kangaroos and wombats. Depending on the day and animal schedule, you may also see other species—people commonly report a mix of animals during their sanctuary time.

The sanctuary approach is another reason this stop is worth paying for. The tour includes viewing with a respect-first mindset: wildlife disturbance is minimized by viewing from appropriate distances and by using patience and proper viewing habits. In other words, you’re not encouraged to crowd animals for a quick photo.

One consideration: wildlife time can feel different from trail time. You can’t always control when animals move or when enclosures are most active. That’s normal and part of the experience. The value here is that the sanctuary and guide help you understand what you’re seeing instead of leaving you guessing.

If you’re traveling with kids (or anyone who loves animals), this is the part where the day’s energy often spikes—because it’s hands-on in the emotional sense, even if it stays respectful and controlled.

Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) summit: the Hobart view that caps the day

Finally, you head to the top of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington, which rises to 1271 metres above Hobart. This is the “go up, look around” finale, and on a clear day it’s genuinely impressive: wide views over Hobart and across southern Tasmania.

You don’t just drive up and leave. The tour includes time at the summit (about an hour in the overall plan), and that’s enough to take photos, get your bearings, and enjoy the alpine feel.

A practical tip from how people talk about this stop: weather is everything. If the summit is clear, you’ll get the big sky payoff. If it’s not, you’ll still get a sense of elevation, but it won’t be the same dramatic panorama. The tour is designed around good conditions, and it’s also set up to offer a different date or refund if the weather is too poor to operate as planned.

If you’re tired from the walking earlier in the day, this is still a good finish. You’re not doing a long hike at altitude—your effort is largely about standing around, watching, and staying bundled.

What to bring and how much walking to plan for

This is an active day tour with small amounts of walking, but it’s not a sit-and-look-everywhere day. You’ll move between short walks and stops, and you should have a moderate level of fitness.

Tracks and trails involved include:

• Russell Falls walk (easy, along a forest track)
• Tall Trees Track circuit (short loop)
• Lady Barron Falls area via the falls circuit (short walking, likely including steps)

In feedback from real riders, people often describe the walking as pretty easy overall, with steps showing up if you choose longer options. That’s why I think the route flexibility matters. If you’re going with someone who’s less mobile, or if you’ve got older knees, choose the shorter/lighter walking options and still get the best views.

Bring:

• comfortable walking shoes with grip (rain can happen)
• a day pack (no luggage allowed)
• a light rain layer or warm layer for the colder summit air
• your own water and any snacks you want before lunch

Also remember that the day starts early. A quick breakfast before pickup can make the morning feel easier, especially before you get to Russell Falls.

Who should book this tour (and who might want a different plan)

I think this tour is ideal if you want a lot of Tasmania in one go without spending your whole day driving. It’s especially good for:

• first-timers who want a tight sampler of Mt Field, Bonorong, and Hobart’s views from Kunanyi
• families with kids age 8 and up
• nature lovers who like both landscapes and animals, but don’t want a long wilderness trek

It may not be perfect if you’re the kind of traveler who wants lots of free time at each stop. The schedule is built to fit multiple major locations, which can mean less lounging and more steady movement.

Also, if you’re coming for one specific reason—like only waterfalls or only wildlife—you might feel like you’re splitting your focus. But if you like variety, this is one of the better “do it all” combinations from Hobart.

Should you book it? My honest take

Book it if you want a day that’s structured, scenic, and guided—so you learn while you walk. The value is strong because national park fees and wildlife entry are included, and you’re getting professional guiding plus interpretive time at both Mt Field and Bonorong. At $132.69 per person for an ~11-hour day, it’s not the cheapest option—but it is the kind of day that replaces multiple separate activities and takes the driving stress off your plate.

Skip it or choose a lighter pacing if you hate tight timing or you’re very weather-sensitive. Mt Wellington is the big visual climax, and cloudy conditions reduce the wow factor.

If you’re on the fence, I’d decide based on your travel style: if you like being active, seeing iconic stops, and having a guide turn scenery into context, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 7:30 am. Hotel pickup runs between 7:00 and 7:30 am depending on your location.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 11 hours (approx.).

Is this tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age to participate is 8 years.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What walking is involved?

There is a small amount of walking, but you should have a moderate fitness level. Some routes can include steps, and there are options for different walking levels.

What is included in the price?

Professional guides and interpretive walks, small-group touring, national park fees, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary entrance are included.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included. There is an opportunity to purchase a bakery-style takeaway lunch on tour.

Do I need to bring luggage?

No luggage is allowed on board. You should bring a day pack only.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

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

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.