Mt Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife & Mt. Wellington summit

At Mt Field, the sound of Russell Falls reaches you before the three-tier cascade comes into view. From there, a forest walk leads past more waterfalls and towering swamp gums, with the option to turn back early or complete the full circuit. It is a fine way to trade Hobart’s streets for Tasmania’s cool, damp forest.

I like two things in particular: you can choose how much of the waterfall walk to do, and the day pairs wild scenery with a close-up look at native animals at Bonorong. The final stop at kunanyi/Mt Wellington adds a sweeping view over Hobart, if the weather gives you one.

The main consideration is the effort and length of the day. The full walk is around 6 kilometres, with steps and some uphill sections, and the advertised schedule runs from early morning to late afternoon. Conditions can also change sharply on the mountain, so pack for cold wind even if Hobart feels mild.

• Three waterfalls, one forest loop: Choose a short walk to Russell Falls or continue to Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls.
• A walk among giant swamp gums: The Tall Trees Trail passes trees that can grow more than 80 metres high.
• Wallaby feeding at Bonorong: Meet rescued native animals on a guided sanctuary visit.
• A high, weather-exposed finish: kunanyi/Mt Wellington rises to about 1,270 metres above Hobart, where it can be much colder and windier.
• Small-group transport: The tour caps its group size at 15 and includes return transfers from Hobart.

A full day, despite the short duration label

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This is best understood as a full-day outing, not a three-hour activity. The schedule gives a 7:25 a.m. departure from central Hobart and a 5:30 p.m. return. One booking detail labels the experience as three hours, which does not match that day-long schedule, so check the timing shown at checkout before you book.

The early start makes sense. Mt Field is about an hour and a half from Hobart, and the day covers three separate stops, with time for a substantial walk. You travel in a small group with an English-speaking guide, and the package includes transport and admission to both Mt Field National Park and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

The group limit of 15 is useful on a day with a hike. A smaller vehicle makes it easier to keep the group together and gives the guide more chance to adjust the walking pace. Groups can be much smaller: some departures have had only a handful of people. Exact group size varies, so do not book expecting a private tour.

Guides named by people who have taken this trip include Clinton, Trevor, Ben, Ian and Hannah. Their commentary has covered local plants, forest ecology, animals and Tasmanian history. The guide makes a real difference here: the forest is lovely on its own, but knowing what you are looking at gives the walk more meaning.

👉 See our pick of the 12 Best Tours In Tasmania

Choose your route through Mt Field

Mt Field National Park is the day’s main walking stop. Its changing scenery is part of the appeal: rainforest and cascading water around the falls, then a path through the Tall Trees Trail, where swamp gums stretch above the forest floor. The park is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks, and it offers a strong sense of how much variety sits within reach of Hobart.

The usual route begins at Russell Falls, an especially accessible and memorable first stop. Water drops over three tiers into a ferny setting, making this the right choice if you want the classic view without committing to a long walk. You can turn back after Russell Falls, extend to Horseshoe Falls, or carry on toward Lady Barron Falls to complete the Three Waterfalls Circuit.

The full loop is about 6 kilometres. It is described as reasonably easy terrain, but that should not be mistaken for a flat stroll. There are steep steps and ups and downs, and a full circuit can take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace and conditions. Choose your route based on how you feel that morning, not how ambitious you felt while booking.

That flexibility matters. If you are a keen walker, the longer loop gives you more time among the trees and a third waterfall. If your legs, the weather or the group’s pace suggest otherwise, the shorter options still deliver the park’s most famous sight. You do not need to complete every section for the visit to feel worthwhile.

Wear sturdy, closed shoes. Runners, sneakers or hiking boots are recommended, and muddy or wet conditions can make comfortable footwear especially important. Take a refillable water bottle and dress for outdoor conditions. A waterproof jacket is sensible in a park known for rain and waterfalls.

Pack lunch for the forest stop

Food and drinks are not included. The tour usually stops at a bakery in a regional town on the way to Mt Field, where you can buy sandwiches, rolls, wraps and snacks to take with you. If you have dietary needs or prefer a particular meal, bring your own rather than relying on the bakery selection.

Lunch is usually eaten at a picnic area in the national park. A good breakfast is wise, since the day starts early and the main walk comes before the later stops. Bring enough water for the hike, too. The tour is not a meal-focused outing, so a little preparation helps you enjoy the walking without getting distracted by an empty stomach.

Meet Tasmania’s native animals at Bonorong

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers a different kind of encounter from the national park. On a guided wildlife visit, you can learn about the animals and hand-feed wallabies. It is a particularly easy way to get close to native wildlife if you do not have a rental car or time to plan a separate sanctuary visit.

Depending on the animals out and about, you may see kangaroos, wombats, echidnas or Tasmanian devils. Some may be resting or less active, especially in hot weather, so the experience is not a guarantee of seeing every animal at close range. The sanctuary visit is a welcome change of pace after the hike, but it is not a large wildlife park. If you want hours with each species, you may find the stop brief.

The guided format helps make the visit more than a quick look around. You hear about the animals and the sanctuary’s work while having a chance to feed wallabies. That mix of explanation and direct contact is one of the day’s most distinctive features, particularly for families with children old enough to join the tour.

Take in the view from kunanyi/Mt Wellington

The day ends on kunanyi/Mt Wellington, above Hobart. At about 1,270 metres, the summit gives you a broad view over the city and southern Tasmania when the sky is clear. After forest paths and wildlife, this final stop offers a dramatic change of scale.

The mountain is also the stop most at the mercy of weather. Clouds can hide the view, and strong winds can make even a short time outside feel bracing. The temperature may be around 10 degrees Celsius colder than Hobart, and winter visits can bring snow. Take a warm jacket, and consider gloves in colder months.

Summit time can feel short, especially if the weather is clear and you want to linger over the view. The schedule needs to fit in all three destinations, so this is not a tour built around a long stay at the top. Treat the summit as a final lookout rather than a mountain walk, and you will have a better sense of what the stop offers.

What the price covers, and what it does not

The advertised starting price is $151.65, while the package information also shows US$131.85. Since those figures are not presented in the same currency, check the total and currency at checkout. For the price, the main value is in combining transport, park and sanctuary admission, a guided forest walk, wildlife access and the mountain viewpoint in one long day.

Doing the same route independently would mean arranging transport to Mt Field and Bonorong, as well as driving up kunanyi/Mt Wellington. The tour removes that planning and driving, and an experienced local guide can add context along the way. That is especially useful if you have only a short stay in Hobart and want a broad introduction to the region’s nature.

The trade-off is that you follow a set schedule. You cannot spend the whole day at Mt Field, stay longer at Bonorong, or wait indefinitely for clouds to lift at the summit. Meals are extra, and the hike requires a reasonable level of mobility. This is a good-value package if you want variety and guided transport, but less appealing if you prefer a slow, single-park day.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This tour suits nature lovers who want waterfalls, forest and wildlife in one outing. It works well for active visitors who are comfortable walking for a few hours, and for people who would rather not drive Tasmania’s roads themselves. The flexible route also makes it possible to do a shorter walk if the full circuit is not right for you.

It is less suitable if you have impaired mobility, need wheelchair access, or want a relaxed day with long stops and little walking. The activity is not wheelchair-accessible, and participants must be at least 8 years old. Families should consider whether children in their group can manage the walk and the full schedule.

Weather can change the character of the day. Rain does not necessarily spoil Mt Field, where a damp forest can feel atmospheric, but cloud can obscure the view from the mountain. The summit may be cold even in warmer months. Dress for the conditions you might meet, not just the weather in central Hobart at departure.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre at 20 Davey Street in Hobart. The scheduled departure is 7:25 a.m.; arrive at least 10 minutes early, as late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable. Hotel pickup is available for Hobart CBD hotels, but you need to arrange it with the operator at least 48 hours before departure. If you are staying outside the CBD, make your own way to the meeting point.

Bring a mobile voucher, sturdy closed shoes, a refillable water bottle, food for lunch and warm layers. A rain jacket is a good idea. The tour operator may cancel for extreme weather, in which case you can reschedule or request a full refund. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the activity date qualify for a full refund.

Should you book this Mt Field day tour?

Book it if you want a full day of varied Tasmanian scenery without organizing transport yourself. The waterfall walk is the anchor, Bonorong adds an engaging wildlife stop, and kunanyi/Mt Wellington gives you a memorable final view when conditions cooperate. The option to shorten the walk is a real plus.

Skip it if a long day, several hours on foot or a weather-dependent summit sounds like more work than fun. Before paying, confirm the actual tour duration and final price shown at checkout, since the supplied duration and price details do not fully align. If those details suit your plans, this is a practical way to see three very different sides of Tasmania from Hobart.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The schedule runs from a 7:25 a.m. departure in Hobart to a 5:30 p.m. return. Although one activity detail gives a three-hour duration, the listed schedule is for a full day.

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre at 20 Davey Street, Hobart. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long is the walk at Mt Field?

The full Three Waterfalls Circuit is about 6 kilometres and can take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. You can choose a shorter walk to Russell Falls or continue to two or all three waterfalls.

Is the Mt Field walk difficult?

The route is described as reasonably easy overall, but it includes steep steps and some ups and downs. The tour is not recommended for people with impaired physical mobility.

Is lunch included?

No. You can usually stop at a bakery in a regional town to buy food and snacks, or bring your own. Lunch is usually eaten at a picnic area in Mt Field National Park.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear sensible closed shoes for walking and bring a refillable water bottle, lunch, warm layers and a waterproof jacket. The summit can be about 10 degrees Celsius colder than Hobart.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. Participants must be at least 8 years old.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are available for hotels in Hobart’s CBD. Arrange the service with the operator at least 48 hours before departure. If you are staying outside the CBD, go to the meeting point yourself.

What happens if the weather is extreme?

The operator may cancel the tour because of extreme weather. If that happens, you can reschedule or request a full refund.