Hobart: Mt Field National Park & Wildlife Shore Excursion

If you’re cruising into Hobart and craving a taste of Tasmania’s stunning wilderness, this 7-hour small group tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into some of the island’s most iconic natural attractions. For $122 per person, you’ll visit Mount Field National Park, home to towering trees and cascading waterfalls, and then meet some of Tasmania’s unique wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Led by knowledgeable guides dedicated to sharing their love for the island’s flora and fauna, this tour is ideal for those who want an authentic, active experience outside the crowds.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances easy rainforest walks with the chance to learn about Tasmania’s rare creatures like the Tasmanian Devil. The small group setting ensures plenty of personal attention and the chance to ask questions about everything from the tall trees to the local wildlife. One potential consideration? Since the tour is tailored for cruise ship schedules, timing is tight, so it’s best suited for travelers with limited time ashore who want a comprehensive yet relaxed taste of Tasmania’s wilderness.

If you enjoy nature walks, wildlife encounters, and guided storytelling that makes the environment come alive, this tour suits you. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate a balanced mix of active exploration and wildlife education without the hassle of planning transportation or multiple stops on your own.

Key Points

• Authentic natural experience: Visit Mount Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest parks, with lush rainforests and waterfalls.
• Wildlife encounters: Meet the island’s iconic creatures, including wombats and Tasmania Devils, and learn about their conservation.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights and spotting skills.
• Convenient timing: Perfectly tailored for cruise passengers, with clear meet and return times.
• Value for money: Includes entrance fees and guided walks, making it a hassle-free day.
• Light walking: Easy trails suitable for most fitness levels, but not for those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour in Detail

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Starting from Hobart’s waterfront, just a short walk from the cruise terminal, the tour departs around 9:00 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day without feeling rushed. The 1.5-hour drive to Mount Field National Park passes through scenic Tasmanian farmland and forests, setting the mood for a day immersed in nature.

Mount Field National Park is the centerpiece, a place that showcases the island’s diverse landscape. The first stop is the famous Russell Falls, often called Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall. The walk to Russell Falls is an easy, well-maintained trail, perfect for all ages, offering a lovely view of water tumbling over layered rocks amid ferns and moss. According to reviews, this spot “pours over rock in three perfect tiers,” making it a picture-perfect moment.

Next, the group often continues to Horseshoe Falls, a peaceful spot with a gentle walk through lush woodland. The guide might point out interesting plants, birds, or fungi along the way, enhancing the experience with short educational tidbits. This part of the park offers a serene contrast to the more energetic waterfalls.

One of the most captivating parts of the tour is the Tall Trees Trail, where Swamp Gums (Eucalyptus regnans) stretch over 80 meters into the sky. Walking among these giants, you can’t help but marvel at their size and age—some of the tallest trees in Australia. The tour guides love sharing interesting facts here, like how these trees help absorb carbon dioxide and support Tasmania’s unique forest ecosystem.

Wildlife Sanctuary and Tasmanian Icons

After soaking up the rainforest, the tour heads to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a highlight for many guests. This sanctuary specializes in rescuing and caring for native animals, giving visitors a chance to meet wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian Devils.

You’ll get the opportunity to hand-feed wallabies and learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. A popular highlight is the Tasmanian Devil feeding show, where the guides explain the importance of protecting these unique, feisty creatures. Guests share that this visit “was a fantastic chance to learn about Tasmania’s rare fauna,” with multiple reviewers noting the knowledgeable guides as a major plus.

The devil feeding show is both entertaining and educational, dispelling myths and highlighting the animal’s importance to Tasmania’s ecology. Watching a snarling, energetic devil in action is quite a sight—something that sticks in your memory well beyond the day.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour costs $122, which covers entrance fees for Mount Field and Bonorong, as well as guided walks. Since meals are not included, you’ll have chances to purchase snacks or a takeaway lunch at local spots or the picnic area within Mount Field Park. The flexibility to bring your own water and snacks is appreciated, especially on warm days.

The small group size means more personalized storytelling and a relaxed pace. The tour is not suitable for children under 6 or travelers with mobility issues, as some walking is involved but generally on accessible trails.

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The Guide’s Role and Guest Experiences

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, noting that they “kept our group moving at a swift pace” but also found time for memorable wildlife spotting or photo ops. One reviewer mentioned Trevor, saying he “was overly considerate waiting for guests who were no-shows,” highlighting the attentive nature of this experience.

While some found they “would have liked more time at Bonorong,” overall, the consensus is that the tour strikes a good balance between seeing key highlights and not feeling rushed.

Value and Suitability

Considering the cost, this tour offers a well-priced introduction to Tasmania’s natural beauty, especially when you factor in the entrance fees and guided commentary. It’s a solid choice for cruise passengers who want to maximize their short shore time with a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers who want a manageable day of rainforest walks, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters. It’s especially great if you appreciate guided insight, as the guides are enthusiastic and well-informed. If you’re traveling with family (above age 6) or enjoy easy walking with plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife sightings, you’ll find this offering quite satisfying.

It’s an excellent choice if your cruise schedule aligns with the tour’s set times, ensuring you get back to the ship on time without rushing. However, if you’re looking for a more extended or in-depth experience, you might consider other options, as this tour is designed for a short but rich taste of Tasmania’s wilderness.

The Sum Up

This Hobart: Mt Field National Park & Wildlife Shore Excursion offers a compact yet immersive look at Tasmania’s natural treasures. The combination of waterfalls, towering trees, and iconic wildlife creates a well-rounded experience that feels authentic and thoughtfully curated. The knowledgeable guides are a highlight, making the day informative as well as enjoyable.

For cruise passengers with limited time but a passion for nature, this tour hits the right notes—easy walks, plenty of wildlife, and scenic vistas all packed into a manageable day. The value is strong, given that entrance fees and guided walks are included, and the small group setting enhances the overall experience.

If you’re eager to see Tasmania’s wilderness, learn about its animals, and avoid the crowds, this excursion is a smart choice. Just pack comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a sense of adventure—you’re in for a memorable day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, usually starting around 9:00 am and returning around 4:00 pm, making it perfect for cruise shore days.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre at 20 Davey Street, Hobart, just a short 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 6 years old. The walks are light and manageable, but the tour involves some active walking.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You’ll have the chance to purchase snacks or a takeaway lunch along the way.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll meet wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian Devils. The sanctuary hosts these native animals, and you can often see the Devils during the feeding show.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
The walks are generally easy and suitable for most fitness levels, with trails leading to waterfalls and through forests.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable shoes, water, outdoor clothing suited for variable weather, and your camera for photos.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, guests consistently describe the guides as enthusiastic, considerate, and full of interesting facts about Tasmania’s natural environment.

This tour offers a real taste of Tasmania’s wilderness, perfectly suited for those wanting an active, educational, and scenic day ashore. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply eager to see Tasmania’s waterfalls and tall trees, it’s a trip that delivers genuine experiences without fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: