Waterfalls and wildlife, with zero fuss. This small-group Hobart cruise shore excursion strings together Mount Field National Park walks and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary wildlife time in a single 7-hour day. I love the mix of easy rainforest walking with big reward views at Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls. I also love that the day doesn’t feel theme-parkish because you get real hands-on animal encounters, plus that Tasmanian devil feeding show.

One thing to plan for: this tour is cruise-ship only, so timing matters. The meet point is a short walk from the terminal at 20 Davey Street, and the group moves at a steady pace; if you’re delayed, don’t assume the vehicle will wait. My favorite touch was seeing how guide Trevor kept the day moving while also making room for people who were missing, even spotting a pandamelon in thick tree growth.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls on short, rewarding walks without needing a long hike
• Tall Trees Trail with towering Swamp Gums stretching over 80 meters
• Bonorong hands-on wildlife time, including feeding wallabies and meeting resident wombats
• Tasmanian Devil feeding show (Tasmania-only wildlife you can actually see)
• Cruise-friendly timing with a meet from the Hobart Waterfront area and a return around mid-afternoon

A cruise-ship shore day that feels like the real Tasmania

This is the kind of shore excursion that makes sense when you only have one day in Hobart and you want more than a quick photo stop. You trade city crowds for temperate rainforest, cascading falls, and native wildlife that you can only find in Tasmania.

The best part is the balance. You get both scenery and creatures, with guided walking that helps you go where it matters and notice what you’d otherwise miss. For me, it’s a solid pick if you want an active day, not just a bus ride with scattered viewpoints.

Meeting at 20 Davey Street and the timing that drives the whole day

You start at 20 Davey Street, at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre. It’s an easy, short walk from the cruise terminal area, which is exactly what you want when you’re rushing between shore time and ship time.

Most cruise schedules work with a meet around 8:45am for a 9:00am departure, with return around 4:00pm. That time window is tight enough that the day stays focused, but it also means you should build in buffer if you’re doing anything like immigration, shopping, or a late breakfast.

Tip: keep your day simple. Put your layers in your day bag, have your water ready, and get to the meeting point early. Since this is cruise-ship only, the group can’t afford long delays.

Mount Field National Park: Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Tall Trees Trail

Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s oldest, and it’s also one of the prettiest for a short itinerary. The park setting runs from lush temperate rainforest to moody alpine moorland feel, with waterfalls dropping through it all.

You spend about 3 hours in the park on guided walks, so this is enough time to get a real sense of the area without feeling like you’re sprinting between stops. The route is built around iconic sights, but the pacing is the thing that makes it enjoyable.

Russell Falls: three tiers and real spray

You’ll begin with an easy walk following a quiet stream to Russell Falls. Water spills over rock in three distinct tiers, which makes it a great stop even if you don’t have your best hiking legs.

This is also where a good guide earns their keep. You’ll learn where to stand for the best view angles and how to take the path so you don’t waste time backtracking. It’s a classic Tasmania moment: lush forest above, water doing the talking in front.

Horseshoe Falls: calmer, slower, and still dramatic

Next up is Horseshoe Falls. The walk continues through ferns and dappled light, then opens into a more peaceful scene than the first waterfall stop.

Horseshoe Falls is shaped differently, so you get contrast in just a couple of hours. That’s one reason this day works well: you don’t repeat the same photo spot. You get variety while keeping the walking manageable.

Tall Trees Trail and Swamp Gums over 80 meters

After the waterfall portion, you join the Tall Trees Trail. This is where you see Swamp Gums stretch upward for over 80 meters, and it’s the kind of scale that makes you tilt your head without realizing you’re doing it.

Even if you’re not a dedicated “forest person,” this stop lands. Big trees slow your pace and change how you look at everything around you. Plus, it breaks up the day after the falls, so your legs get a different kind of workout.

Practical note: trails can be slick in wetter weather, so good grip shoes matter more than you’d think.

New Norfolk stop: a short break that keeps the day comfortable

There’s a break stop in New Norfolk (around 15 minutes). On paper, it sounds like nothing. In practice, it helps you reset during a day that includes a lot of getting on and off vehicles plus walking in rainforest conditions.

Use it for water, quick toilet stops if needed, and a final check that your layers are set. If the weather turns, you’ll be glad you already adjusted before heading deeper into the walking part of the program.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is where the day turns from scenic to hands-on. You spend about 1.5 hours here, which is enough for guided guidance, a few meaningful animal encounters, and time to catch the feeding show.

This is also where you’ll see why Tasmania’s wildlife feels so different from other places you’ve visited. Many of these animals are only found here, and the sanctuary does a good job turning that fact into a close-up experience instead of just a lecture.

Feeding wallabies and meeting resident wombats

You can hand feed the wallabies, then meet the resident wombats. That’s a big deal because you’re not just viewing animals from a distance.

For your comfort, follow the guide’s instructions on when and how to approach. Animal handling rules are there for a reason, and the better you cooperate, the more relaxed everyone will be.

Tasmanian devils: feisty, carnivorous, and fascinating

Tasmanian devils are carnivorous marsupials found only in Tasmania. They look a bit like a small bear, and they have a reputation for being feisty, with one of the more powerful bites in the animal kingdom.

You’ll also get the chance to watch a snarling feeding show. If you like wildlife experiences that feel real and active, this is the moment you’ll remember when you’re back onboard and the ship horn sounds again.

Time note: 1.5 hours goes quickly once you factor in animal encounters plus the show. If Bonorong is your #1 priority, keep your attention on what’s happening right now, because the day won’t pause for long hangs around one exhibit.

How the guides shape the experience (and why it matters)

A guided day is only as good as the person leading it, and here that makes a difference. In particular, you’ll see how guides can adjust timing without losing the overall flow.

Trevor’s pace stood out to me because he kept the group moving while staying considerate, including waiting for guests who didn’t show up right away. Another guide style I liked was flexibility with how long each section lasted, which matters on a day where weather and animal sightings can change the plan.

Also, guides help you notice wildlife. In one case, the group got a sighting after the guide spotted a pandamelon in thick tree growth. That’s not something you can manufacture on your own.

Pacing, weather, and what to bring so you enjoy every stop

This is a full day that includes rainforest walks and forest trails, plus sanctuary time. It’s not listed as suitable for children under 6, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes with grip
• Water
• Outdoor clothing for changing weather

Rainforests can do sudden things. Even when the morning is fine, you might want a layer you can add or remove quickly. And if you’re not used to walking on damp surfaces, that’s another reason to wear shoes you trust.

Meals and the lunch reality

Meals and drinks are not included. You’ll have a chance to purchase a bakery-style takeaway lunch along the way, and lunch is in the relaxed setting of the Mount Field National Park picnic area.

If you want a more predictable meal, consider bringing snacks that travel well. Even with a lunch stop available, having extra water and a small snack can save you when timing feels rushed.

Price and value: is $130 worth it?

$130 per person for a 7-hour cruise shore excursion is not cheap, but it can be good value if you add up what’s included. Your day includes:

• Mount Field National Park entrance fees
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary entrance fees
• Guided walks with professional tour guides
• A small group active day experience

That matters because entrance fees and guided time can add up fast on their own in Tasmania. You’re not just paying for transportation; you’re paying for structured access to the park, guided walking, and the sanctuary experience plus the feeding show.

The trade-off is that meals are on you. But since you also get the option to buy lunch along the way, you can keep costs in check by packing snacks and deciding on lunch closer to the picnic stop.

For best value, come with a clear goal: see the falls, walk the Tall Trees Trail, and spend your wildlife time at Bonorong. This tour is designed around that mix, so if your priorities are different, you might prefer a different shore option.

Who should book this Mt Field and Bonorong shore tour?

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a guided rainforest day with iconic waterfalls
• Like wildlife experiences that include direct interaction (within the rules)
• Are visiting Hobart on a cruise and want a schedule that fits your ship’s timing
• Prefer a small-group format over a big bus with long waits

It may not be ideal if you:

• Need wheelchair access or have significant mobility limits (this isn’t suitable for wheelchair users)
• Want lots of free time to wander at your own pace, since the itinerary is structured for cruise-day timing
• Don’t enjoy walking on potentially damp, uneven ground

Should you book? My practical call

I’d book this if your idea of a great Hobart shore day is simple: waterfalls you can actually see well, a real walk under big trees, and native wildlife that feels special to Tasmania. The guided portions are the core value, and the wildlife component is the kind you don’t have to guess your way through.

I would hesitate only if you’re worried about cruise-day delays or you’re the type who needs long breaks between activities. If you plan to arrive early at the meeting point and you’re ready for a guided, active day, this tour has a lot going for it.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Mount Field National Park and Bonorong shore excursion?

The total duration is 7 hours.

Is this tour only for cruise ship passengers?

Yes. This is described as a specialized tour for cruise ship passengers only.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

What time does the tour typically return to the Hobart Waterfront?

The return is around 4:00pm, timed to suit cruise departure.

What is included in the tour price?

Entrance fees for Mount Field National Park and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary are included, along with guided walks and a small group day tour.

Is lunch provided?

Meals and drinks are not included. You’ll have an opportunity to purchase a bakery-style takeaway lunch along the way, with lunch taken at the Mt Field National Park picnic area.

What kind of walking should I expect?

You’ll do guided walks, including an easy walk to Russell Falls, plus additional rainforest and trail walking such as the Tall Trees Trail. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can children join this tour?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and outdoor clothing. Weather can vary, so dress for changing conditions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.