One long day, lots of scenery. This active Hobart tour strings together Mt Field National Park, the famous Russell and Horseshoe Falls, Bonorong wildlife encounters, and a Mt Wellington viewpoint so you can cover major highlights without stitching together lots of separate plans. I especially like the small-group feel (maximum 20) and the way your guide adds local context as you walk. The only real caution is the hiking has real steps, including a tough uphill stretch for the Three Falls circuit.

You’ll start early and move at a steady pace, which is exactly what makes this work as a first “get your bearings” day. I also like that admission fees are built in, so you’re not constantly checking prices at each stop. If you’re not used to wet trails, steep stair climbs, and cool mountain air, plan for sore legs and bring proper shoes.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Mt Field National Park: temperate rainforest vibes, plus moody alpine moorland and big tree scale
• Russell Falls to Horseshoe Falls: two iconic waterfalls in a tight loop of walks and stairs
• Tall Trees Track: Swamp Gums up to around 80 metres tall
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: guided time focused on native wildlife and rare Tasmanian fauna
• Mt Wellington / kunanyi summit: high-elevation views across Southern Tasmania for a short-but-satisfying visit

A first-day nature hit from Hobart that feels efficient

I like tours that save you thinking time. This one does that by grouping the best “out of town” moments into a single 12-hour day. You’re picked up in central Hobart at 20 Davey St starting at 7:30am, then you’re off into the greenery and cool air that Tasmania does so well.

The route is designed around variety. You get forest walking and waterfall stairs first, then an animal-focused stop at Bonorong, and you end with a viewpoint high above Hobart at 1271 metres on kunanyi/Mt Wellington. That mix matters. It keeps the day from turning into one long “same scenery” slog.

Mt Field National Park: where giant trees make scale obvious

Mt Field National Park is one of the best bets for people who want big nature quickly. It’s about 1.5 hours from Hobart, so you’re out of the city fast, but the setting still feels deep and remote. The park is known for lush temperate rainforest, moody alpine moorland, and cascading water—so even early in the day you’re already getting multiple “modes” of scenery.

This is also where the tour sets expectations for your fitness level. The walking is not presented as a casual stroll for everyone. You’ll be moving along forest tracks and joining a circuit that includes stairs later in the day. One review highlight noted the last step climb can be intense, described as roughly 400 steps straight uphill. You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker, but you do want to come with sturdy shoes and a mindset that you’ll earn some views.

Russell Falls: easy walking and the waterfall that people can’t stop naming

Russell Falls is often the first waterfall stop for a reason: it’s recognisable and it’s approachable. The walk is around 45 minutes, and it’s an easy track through mixed forest. The big payoff is the 3-tiered drop, where water shows up in layers rather than just one simple fall.

This is the kind of stop I like on active tours because it balances effort and reward. You’re not spending hours hiking just to see a single viewpoint. Instead, you get a short forest walk and a waterfall that looks good from more than one angle. If you’re visiting Tasmania for the first time, this is a strong “yes, that’s really what it looks like” moment.

Horseshoe Falls: more stairs, and a waterfall that can feel even bigger

Right beyond Russell Falls you climb stairs to reach Horseshoe Falls. The walk time listed is shorter—about 30 minutes—but don’t let that fool you. Stairs make time feel slower, especially when the trail is damp or when you’ve already used your legs earlier.

Some people consider Horseshoe Falls even more impressive than Russell Falls. Whether you agree, the experience is different. Russell feels open and layered; Horseshoe feels tucked in, reached by steps, and framed by forest. It’s a nice change after the first waterfall and it helps the day avoid repeating itself too much.

Tall Trees Track on the Three Falls circuit: the Swamp Gums are the headline

After the waterfalls, you continue along the Three Falls circuit and enter the Tall Trees Track area. This portion is about 1 hour, and it’s aimed at scale.

The star here is the Swamp Gum, described as reaching around 80 metres. That’s not just a number; it changes how the forest feels. When you’re near trees that tall, your sense of proportion resets. Even if you’re not a “tree person,” you’ll feel it as you look up and realize your eye keeps trying to find where the canopy ends.

One practical note: this part of the day still involves walking that can be demanding. If you’re sensitive to steep climbs, take it slow, keep your footing careful, and give yourself permission to pause for photos.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: native animals with an interpretive focus

Bonorong is where the tour shifts from legs to learning and wildlife time. You’ll spend about 2 hours 30 minutes at the sanctuary, which is plenty of time to watch activity even if animals aren’t instantly visible.

This stop is guided by expert staff, with interpretive explanation geared toward Tasmania’s fauna—especially rare and precious wildlife. The tour summary calls out Tasmanian devils, wombats, and echidnas, and at least one review mentioned Tasmanian devils and wombats as a satisfying animal highlight.

The one drawback is simple: wildlife can hide. One review noted that animals were in hiding and it wasn’t the tour company’s fault. That’s normal in real-world wildlife parks. My advice is to treat Bonorong as a chance to learn and look, not a guarantee of constant action. When animals do show up, it usually feels extra meaningful because you’ve already been listening for what to notice.

Mt Wellington / kunanyi summit: high views, short time, big payoff

After Bonorong, you drive about 60 minutes to Mt Wellington. At the summit, you get around 30 minutes at 1271 metres above sea level. That time is short, but it’s placed well: you’ve already done the harder walking earlier, and now you get views without needing another long trek.

This is a classic Tasmania “stand back and take it in” moment. You’ll get broad views across Southern Tasmania, with a sense of distance that’s hard to replicate in town. Even if the weather is changeable—as it often can be on mountain tops—this quick summit block is a strong close to the day.

Pace, group size, and what that means for your day

This tour runs for about 12 hours, and the day is packed. It works best if you like moving between stops and don’t mind a tight schedule. The group is kept small—maximum 20 travelers—and the tour includes professional guides and interpretive walks.

The time balance is part of the value. You’re not stuck waiting long stretches at one place, and you’re not racing through every stop. One review praised good time management for the number of activities included, and that lines up with the structure: short waterfall walks, a forest circuit segment, a dedicated wildlife block, then the summit.

What to bring (so you enjoy it more)

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for damp steps and forest tracks
• A warm layer for the mountain drive and summit area
• A rain-ready outer layer, because wet weather affects trail comfort and visibility
• Snacks or drinks for the gap before lunch (lunch is handled at a bakery stop)

Price and what you actually get for $132.69

The price is listed at $132.69 per person for a full day. On its face, it’s not a bargain. But it becomes more sensible when you look at what’s included.

Admission fees are covered for:

• National Park entrance
• Wildlife park entrance

So you’re paying for transport time, guide-led interpretation, and multiple paid-entry sites in a single bundle. You’re also getting a mix of walking, waterfall viewing, wildlife time, and a summit viewpoint—things that would cost you extra money and planning if you tried to assemble them independently.

The one extra cost to plan for is lunch. Lunch isn’t included. Instead, you stop en route in a regional town at a local bakery so you can buy your own lunch and snacks to take along.

Who should book this tour, and who should choose something gentler

I’d book this if you want a full day that covers the “big hits” outside Hobart and you’re okay with walking that includes stairs. It’s a strong fit for people who like guided facts as they move, and who enjoy mixing active outdoors with a more relaxed wildlife sanctuary stop.

You might choose a gentler option instead if:

• You avoid steep stair climbs or long uphill efforts
• You don’t feel steady on wet, uneven walking surfaces
• You want more time at each stop rather than an all-in-one schedule

Language note: one review said English can be tough if you don’t understand it well, but the guide was helpful in explaining again. So if you’re relying on English, come ready to ask questions, and don’t be shy about repeating yourself.

Should you book Hobart: Waterfalls, Wilderness & Wildlife?

If you like structure, variety, and value through included entry fees, I think this tour is a smart booking. The Mt Field waterfall circuit plus Bonorong plus Mt Wellington is a lot for one day, and the small-group size helps the experience feel human, not chaotic.

I’d book it when you have only one day to see beyond Hobart and you want a guided route that hits the highlights without you building the itinerary yourself. Just be honest about the step climbs. If you’re ready for that, you’ll likely leave with sore legs, lots of photos, and a real feel for Tasmania’s wild side.

FAQ

How long is the Hobart Waterfalls, Wilderness & Wildlife tour?

It runs for about 12 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where is the meeting point?

The start time is 7:30am, and the meeting point is 20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia.

What main stops are included in the day?

You’ll visit Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, the Tall Trees Walk, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

Are entry fees included?

Yes. National Park entrance and wildlife sanctuary entrance fees are included, so you don’t pay admission separately.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch isn’t included, but you stop at a local bakery en route so you can purchase lunch and snacks to take along.

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size is 20 people, and the tour is described as small and friendly.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes. You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What happens if weather is poor?

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.