Hobart Shore Excursion Aussie Wildlife and Sighseeing Shared Tour

Experience Hobart’s natural beauty and wildlife on this engaging 6-hour shore excursion. For about $169 per person, you’ll visit iconic sights like Mount Wellington, wander through Richmond Village, and meet Tasmania’s unique animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. With a flexible itinerary guided by a friendly storyteller, this tour seeks to maximize your time ashore, offering a personalized touch in a small group setting. Pickup is provided, and with general entry included at Bonorong, this trip strikes a nice balance between sightseeing, wildlife, and local charm.

We particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from Mount Wellington and the chance to stroll through Richmond’s historic streets at your own pace. The opportunity to get close to Australia’s iconic wildlife, especially Tasmanian devils and wombats, makes this a memorable experience. Plus, the optional cheese tasting at Wicked Cheese adds a tasty local flavor.

One thing to keep in mind is that on very hot days, some animals at Bonorong may be resting, so don’t expect to see every creature lively and active. This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic vistas, small-town charm, and wildlife encounters, especially those with limited time but a desire to see Tasmania’s highlights close-up.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Mount Wellington, Richmond, and Bonorong for a well-rounded experience
• Personalized storytelling guide tailoring the day for maximum sightseeing and enjoyment
• Inclusion of general entry to Bonorong allows up-close wildlife viewing
• Flexible schedule with free time for lunch, shopping, or relaxing at your own pace
• Small group setting ensures a more intimate and engaging experience
• Great value considering the sights visited and wildlife encounters included

Exploring Hobart on a 6-Hour Shore Excursion

When your cruise docks in Hobart, Tasmania’s capital on the southern coast of Australia, you’ll find an opportunity to explore a surprisingly diverse landscape packed into a manageable itinerary. The Hobart Shore Excursion Aussie Wildlife and Sightseeing Shared Tour, priced at approximately $168.67 per person, offers a balanced way to sample the best of what this charming city and its surroundings have to offer.

This tour lasts about 6 hours, and it’s designed to be flexible, fun, and informative. Your guide, whose storytelling helps bring the sights to life, aims to maximize your sightseeing opportunities while ensuring you’re back in port with plenty of time to spare. Pickup from the cruise terminal is included, making it easy to start your adventure without hassle.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We love the stunning views from Mount Wellington — standing at 1,271 meters, it provides a sweeping vista of Hobart and the surrounding landscape that’s hard to beat. The guide’s knowledge makes the panoramic experience even richer, sharing local insights about the landscape, weather, and history.

Another highlight is the visit to Richmond Village, a well-preserved example of Tasmania’s colonial past. This self-guided walk allows you to poke around boutique shops, admire Georgian architecture, and see the famous Richmond Bridge, which has stood since 1823. You’ll have around an hour and a half here, giving enough time to explore at your own pace and soak up the historic atmosphere.

A major draw for wildlife lovers is the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where general entry is included. You’ll have the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, and kangaroos up close — animals that are emblematic of this island. The sanctuary’s focus on conservation makes it a meaningful visit, and the chance to interact with these rare creatures is genuinely special. As noted by travelers, some animals may be resting on hot days, so don’t be disappointed if you miss a lively encounter.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Mount Wellington
This is an absolute must for first-time visitors. The drive up offers spectacular views, and at the top, the expansive panorama of Hobart, the Derwent River, and distant mountains makes it clear why this spot is a local favorite. The included admission ticket ensures you can spend as much time as you like taking photos and soaking in the scenery.

Stop 2: Richmond
This charming town is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll through cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and artisan shops. The self-guided nature of the walk allows you to take your time, and the free admission means it’s accessible without extra cost. Many travelers appreciate this pause to experience Tasmania’s colonial charm away from the busier city center.

Stop 3: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The highlight for many is getting up close with iconic Tasmanian fauna. The sanctuary’s general entry provides a chance to see and photograph creatures like wombats and kangaroos. The friendly staff and informative signs add to the experience. Some reviews note that on very hot days, some animals may be resting, but even then, seeing these animals in a conservation-focused environment is worthwhile.

Additional Experiences and Tasting

The tour includes a quick cheese tasting at Wicked Cheese, which adds a tasty local flavor to your day. This is a good opportunity to sample some Tasmanian cheeses and perhaps pick up a snack or souvenir before heading back to the ship. There’s also flexibility built into the schedule, with free time along the route to grab lunch, snacks, or drinks, allowing you to tailor the day to your preferences.

The Practicalities

This tour operates with a small group of no more than 20 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience. The guide’s ability to adapt the itinerary based on weather and time constraints is a plus, ensuring you return to the port on time. The cost includes general entry to Bonorong but not lunch, so bringing some cash or snacks is advisable.

The tour begins at Macquarie Wharf No. 2 at 9:30 am, and the overall schedule is arranged to give you a well-paced day with ample photo opportunities and local insights.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price and what’s included, this tour offers good value, especially if you’re interested in a small-group, flexible experience that combines natural beauty, history, and wildlife. The inclusion of Mount Wellington’s panoramic views and the wildlife sanctuary adds unique elements that are hard to find on larger, more generic tours.

Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views provided, making it clear that the small group format and personal storytelling enhance the overall experience. The ability to explore Richmond at your own pace and enjoy wildlife encounters makes it appealing for those who prefer a more intimate, authentic feel.

Some visitors note that the tour may be modified slightly for time, but this flexibility helps ensure everyone stays on schedule for the port departure, which is crucial.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a well-rounded taste of Hobart, especially those who love scenic views and wildlife but don’t have time for a full-day adventure. It’s ideal for cruise passengers looking for a stress-free, guided experience that covers key highlights and offers personal touches. If you enjoy small groups, storytelling guides, and the chance to see Tasmania’s iconic animals, this tour is a good fit.

Final Thoughts

The Hobart Shore Excursion Aussie Wildlife and Sightseeing Shared Tour strikes a nice balance between scenic exploration, wildlife encounters, and historic charm. It’s a good option for those seeking a personalized, engaging way to see Tasmania’s highlights without feeling rushed. The inclusion of Mount Wellington’s incredible vistas, the historic ambiance of Richmond, and the animal encounters at Bonorong make it a memorable day.

While not overly packed, it covers enough ground to leave you with a genuine appreciation for Hobart’s unique character. The flexible schedule and knowledgeable guide help make this trip both practical and enjoyable, especially for first-time visitors who want a taste of the island’s natural and cultural treasures.

FAQ

Q: Is pickup from the cruise terminal included?
Yes, pickup is offered from the Macquarie Wharf No. 2 cruise terminal, making it easy to start your day without additional arrangements.

Q: How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including stops at Mount Wellington, Richmond, and Bonorong.

Q: Does the tour include admission to all attractions?
Admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is included, but lunch is not. You’re free to purchase your own snacks or meals during free time.

Q: What should I bring for the wildlife sanctuary?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and possibly some cash for souvenirs or snacks. A hat and water are recommended, especially on hot days.

Q: Are animals at Bonorong active all year?
Animals may be resting during hot days, but the sanctuary remains a great place to see and learn about Tasmania’s wildlife.

Q: How flexible is the itinerary?
The guide may modify activities for time to ensure you are back at the port on schedule, but generally, it allows for a relaxed, self-paced experience at each stop.

Q: Can I bring my own lunch?
Yes, there is free time to purchase or bring your own lunch or snacks.

Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and wildlife encounters are often popular with kids, but it’s best to consider individual stamina and interest.

Q: What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Q: How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through Viator or contact the provider directly at +61 4 1833 6005 or [email protected] for more details.