Waterfalls and wombats, timed to cruise schedules. This small-group day from Hobart trades ship crowds for Mount Field rainforest walks, then finishes at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for close-up Aussie wildlife.

I love the easy walk to Russell Falls, especially when you see the three-tier drop up close. I also like the Tall Trees Trail, where Swamp Gums rise over 80 meters and you can look up for a long time.

One thing to plan for: this is built around strict cruise timing, so you’ll want to be at the meeting point on time even if your morning runs slower than expected.

Key highlights at a glance

• Cruise-friendly schedule that gets you out of town fast and back before departure
• Russell Falls (three tiers) on a walk that’s doable for most active cruisers
• Horseshoe Falls and rainforest shade that make the day feel cooler than it looks on a map
• Tall Trees Trail with Swamp Gums over 80 meters high
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary for wallabies and wombats (plus a hands-on vibe)
• Tasmanian Devil feeding show with real talk about a truly local animal

Cruise-ship timing from Hobart Waterfront to Mt Field

This tour is made for cruise arrivals, not for people who can wander whenever. You meet at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre, 20 Davey Street, and it’s an easy walk from the cruise terminal. Most ships run a pattern where you’re ready around 9:00am after an about-8:45am meet, and you get back around 4:00pm.

That timing matters because it shapes the whole day. You’re not burning daylight figuring things out. You’re also not guessing at transport or wasting time on parking. It’s efficient, and honestly, it feels like someone planned for your morning caffeine to still work.

Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls: the best waterfalls for a shore day

Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s older parks, and it delivers scenery without requiring a long hike day. After you head out from Hobart, you start with an easy walk along a quiet stream that leads to Russell Falls.

Russell Falls is famous for a reason: you see water spilling over rock in three neat tiers. The views are the kind you can enjoy without doing a sweaty climb, which is a big deal on a shore day when everyone is already on a clock.

Next you keep walking through dappled light and ferny glades toward Horseshoe Falls. Horseshoe isn’t just a name; it’s a calmer, more peaceful feel than Russell. The path and pacing turn the waterfalls into a sequence instead of a quick photo stop. That’s one of the big values here: guided time means you’re not sprinting between “must-sees.” You’re moving with purpose, and you’ll likely catch the falls at moments when the light looks good.

Tall Trees Trail and Swamp Gums over 80 meters

If you only came for one thing besides wildlife, I’d put Tall Trees Trail at the top of the list. The reason is simple: the forest scale hits you in the face.

On this walk, you’ll head into the Tall Trees area where towering Swamp Gums rise over 80 meters. That’s not a small “pretty forest” moment. You can actually look up and see how tall these trees are compared with everything else in the park. It’s the kind of place where your phone photos look fine, but your memory will be the feeling of being surrounded.

A practical tip: wear shoes with grip. Even when the routes are described as short and walkable, rainforest parks can be slick after humidity or recent rain. The guide helps you stay on the right path, but your footing still comes from your shoes.

New Norfolk break: a small reset that keeps the day humane

On the drive route, there’s a brief break in New Norfolk (about 15 minutes). It’s short, but it matters. In a long day built around a cruise schedule, you don’t want to be stuck with no options for a restroom or a quick stretch.

I like these mini pauses because they keep the tour from feeling like a nonstop drive-and-walk marathon. They also give you a moment to regroup if you’re feeling impatient or if you tend to get travel-jittery when the timing is tight.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: wallabies and wombats up close

After the waterfalls and trees, you switch gears to animals. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a highlight because it turns Tasmania’s wildlife into something you can actually meet, not just read about.

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at the sanctuary, and the experience centers on resident animals and keeper-style education. You’ll have a chance to hand feed wallabies, and you’ll meet wombats up close. This is one of the best parts of a shore excursion because you can’t easily recreate this level of animal time with independent planning in a limited day.

One more thing I really appreciate: the way the day is set up means you’re not rushing animals. You’re getting guided time, which usually translates into better explanations and fewer awkward moments where everyone wonders what’s allowed.

Tasmanian Devil feeding show: ferocious habits with local context

Then comes the Tasmanian Devil segment, and it’s one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in all of Australia. Tasmanian Devils are carnivorous marsupials found in Tasmania, and the show frames them as feisty and driven, not cute or cuddly.

You’ll learn about their rare and precious status, and you’ll watch a feeding moment. Devils have one of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom, and seeing that energy in person makes the information stick.

Guides often add extra context here, and if your guide is the type to spot wildlife carefully, you might also hear practical tips about what to watch for during the earlier walks. I’ve seen guides like Trevor—fast-moving but attentive—call out wildlife in thick growth and even point guests to good photo angles without slowing the schedule too much.

How the whole 7-hour day actually feels

A 7-hour shore tour sounds simple on paper. In reality, it’s a tight rhythm: guided walk, scenery, then guided walk again, then a wildlife facility with animal encounters. The “active day” label isn’t kidding, but it’s not an all-day trek either.

Here’s what usually makes the day feel smooth:

• You get guided pacing, so you’re not constantly stopping to figure out where to go next.
• The walking segments focus on short routes with big payoff.
• The schedule is designed for cruise passengers, so you’re not stuck late in the wrong place.

The main caution is stamina. You’re on your feet for multiple stretches, and you’ll want to keep energy for the wildlife portion at the end. If you’re the type who needs frequent breaks, you might find the day moves quickly. And if your morning is delayed by ship processing, you still have to meet the group on time—this tour is cruise-timed, which means tardiness is risky.

What you pay ($130) and what you get for it

At $130 per person for a 7-hour small-group day, the value comes from three things.

First, park and sanctuary entrance fees are included. That’s not a small detail in Tasmania, where entry costs can add up fast.

Second, you’re paying for guided walks in Mount Field National Park. Guides help you interpret what you’re seeing—waterfall formation, rainforest layout, and the forest trees you’d likely miss if you were just wandering on your own.

Third, the tour is built around cruise timing. That’s real value. If you try to do Mount Field + Bonorong on your own from Hobart in a single day, you’ll spend money and time solving transport, timing, and what to cut.

What’s not included: meals and drinks. You can buy bakery-style takeaway lunch along the way, and lunch is described as being in a relaxed setting around the Mt Field picnic area. That’s workable, but plan for it. Bringing a couple of snacks is smart if you get hungry between stops.

What to bring: shoes, water, and weather-proofing your day

Tasmania weather likes to change its mind. Bring clothing for layers, not for a single forecast.

The practical packing list for this day:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• Water
• Outdoor clothing appropriate for the conditions

Even if the morning looks mild, rainforest areas can feel cooler or damp. And if you want good photos, you’ll likely pause more than you expect—so pack like you’ll be out a bit longer than your brain predicts.

Who should book this Mount Field and Bonorong shore excursion

This is a strong fit for cruisers who want a nature-focused day without doing complicated planning. I’d also steer you toward it if you like your sightseeing to be guided and structured, because the route is set up for short walks that connect to big highlights.

It’s not a fit if:

• You need wheelchair access or have mobility impairments, since it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users
• You’re traveling with children under 6

If you’re an active walker, enjoy wildlife, and want a day that feels like Tasmania rather than just another port stop checklist, you’ll probably enjoy this.

Should you book this Hobart shore excursion to Mt Field and Bonorong?

Yes, if your number-one goal is a guided day that mixes waterfalls, rainforest trees, and genuine wildlife encounters—and you’re comfortable with a day paced to the cruise schedule. The included entry fees and the focused route make the $130 feel more like a ticket to convenience than a premium “just because.”

I’d think twice if you’re likely to be late to the meeting point, even for reasons beyond your control. Cruise-timed tours need you punctual. If you can reliably be at 20 Davey Street when the group meets, you’ll get a satisfying day: Russell Falls’ three-tier drop, the tall-ceiling wonder of Swamp Gums, then wombats, hand-feeding wallabies, and a Tasmanian Devil show that’s as educational as it is intense.

FAQ

How long is the Hobart Mt Field National Park & Wildlife shore excursion?

The tour runs for 7 hours.

Is this tour only for cruise ship passengers?

Yes. It is described as a specialized shore excursion for cruise ship passengers only.

Where is the meeting point in Hobart?

The meeting point is at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre, 20 Davey Street, Hobart. It’s a short walk from the cruise terminal.

What time will the tour depart and return?

Most cruise schedules suit an 8.45am meet for a 9.00am departure, with a return around 4.00pm.

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll visit Mount Field National Park for guided walks (including Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Tall Trees Trail), and then you’ll go to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

How long do you spend at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary?

The visit at Bonorong lasts 1.5 hours.

Is the price ($130) all-inclusive?

The price includes Mt. Field National Park entrance fees and Bonorong entrance fees, plus guided walks with professional tour guides. Meals and drinks are not included.

Can I buy lunch during the tour?

Yes. Meals aren’t included, but you’ll have a chance to purchase bakery-style takeaway lunch along the way, with lunch described as in the relaxed setting of the Mt. Field National Park picnic area.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and outdoor clothing.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 6, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The guide operates in English.