Russell Falls and Tasmanian devils, together. This private day from Hobart strings together Mount Field National Park’s temperate rainforest and waterfall country with a wildlife sanctuary visit, so you get both big scenery and up-close animals without rushing all day. I love how the plan builds in time to slow down on the trails instead of doing a quick drive-by.

The second thing I like is the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary stop. It’s a focused, one-hour visit designed to help you see native Tasmanian animals like Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, and echidnas, with staff work that supports wildlife conservation.

One consideration: the day is weather-dependent. Mt Field can turn cold fast, and there can even be snow up top, so you’ll want real layers even if Hobart is sunny. Also, the Agrarian Kitchen lunch option only works on Fridays to Sundays and depends on availability.

Key points at a glance

• Private-group pacing so you can linger where you want instead of being stuck on a rigid timetable
• Mt Field time allocation: about 4 hours in rainforest-and-waterfall territory with walking options for different fitness levels
• Bonorong in one hour with clear focus on iconic Tasmanian species, not just a quick photo stop
• Cold-weather reality: snow and low temperatures can happen at the higher parts of Mt Field
• Optional Agrarian Kitchen (Fridays–Sundays) for a farm-to-plate experience in New Norfolk, but it’s not included
• Mobile ticket and pickup offered, which makes a full day trip feel less like logistics and more like sightseeing

Mt Field National Park and Russel Falls: where the day starts strong

Mt Field is one of Tasmania’s best-known national parks for a reason: it’s lush, cool, and full of water. Starting at 9:00 am, you’ll trade the city for rainforest quickly, and that first shift is part of the fun. The core of the visit is around Russel Falls and the wider Mt Field area—think ancient-feeling ferns, tall gum trees, and paths that let you choose your effort level.

Your allotted time is about 4 hours in the park. That matters because Mt Field isn’t a place you enjoy by sprinting. You’ll get enough time to see the main falls, stretch your legs, and still have breathing room for short walks or slower photo breaks. The park is described as offering walking and hiking to suit all fitness levels, so this tends to work well whether you’re taking it easy or you want more steps.

The one practical note: temperatures can surprise you. In past experiences on this itinerary, even snow showed up at the top area of Mt Field, bringing real cold. So if you’re packing for a “day out near Hobart,” don’t treat it like mild weather tourism. Bring a warm layer and something windproof. Your future self will thank you the moment you step out of the vehicle.

Walking in rainforest: what your guide can change about the experience

A big difference between a bus day and a private day is what you do with the in-between moments. On this kind of tour, the guide’s role isn’t just getting you from stop to stop. It’s helping you understand what you’re looking at—tree types, plant details, and how the park’s cooler, wetter environment shapes what grows there.

This is also where the guide names you may see in the wild matter. Guides such as Daniel, Sonia, Angus, and Noella have been highlighted for being prepared, prompt, and willing to go further to help you get the most from the day. In at least one account, Daniel was praised for always being ready to make the most of the outing, even with snow and low temperatures in play.

If you like asking questions, this tour format usually supports that. One guide was even described as calling to find answers when something wasn’t immediately clear. That little habit can turn a walk from scenic to genuinely memorable, because you leave knowing what you saw rather than just where you went.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: hands-on wildlife without the chaos

After the rainforest, the tour pivots to animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, with about 1 hour scheduled. The time is short enough that it stays focused, but long enough to see multiple enclosures and get a real feel for the site’s mission.

Bonorong is set up as a wildlife sanctuary doing important work with native species. The advertised reason to go is simple: it’s your chance to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, echidnas, and many other native animals up close. That’s the kind of lineup that’s hard to recreate on your own without planning, reservations, and transport headaches.

What I’d call the “value detail” here is the way the experience is structured. A one-hour stop prevents you from feeling trapped in an all-day animal park. Instead, it encourages you to take it in—watch, learn, and (when permitted) enjoy the more interactive moments that sanctuaries sometimes offer. In one account, petting and feeding kangaroos were part of the animal interaction, which is exactly the sort of hands-on experience that makes the day feel special rather than just scenic.

A potential drawback: if you’re an ultra-animal person who wants hours and hours of wildlife viewing, you might wish the sanctuary time were longer. But for most visitors, 1 hour is the right balance between animals and getting back out to enjoy Tasmania’s outdoors.

Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk: optional but worth knowing before you commit

The third stop is the optional Agrarian Kitchen cooking classes and lunch component, located in New Norfolk. This is only available Fridays to Sundays, subject to availability, and it’s explicitly not included in the tour price.

That last detail matters for your budgeting. The tour overall includes the Mt Field and Bonorong parts, while the Agrarian Kitchen experience is the add-on. If your day lands on a weekday, you might miss it entirely. If it’s a weekend, it can be a great way to end the day with a more sit-down, farm-to-plate experience rather than a picnic.

Also think about timing. You’re already packing in rainforest walking and wildlife viewing. The cooking-class/lunch stop is only about 1 hour on the schedule, so this isn’t a long, slow food weekend. It’s more like a focused, tasty bonus that gives you local flavor without turning the trip into a full marathon.

The private-day advantage: pickup, group size, and the guide factor

This is described as a private tour/activity where only your group participates. In plain language, that usually means you’re not stuck with the slowest walker, or the loudest talker, or the person who insists on doing everything as photos from the same angle. Private doesn’t mean you’re floating through at any speed you want—but it does tend to mean you can linger a bit more where it counts.

Pickup is offered, and the tour starts at 9:00 am. Convenient pickup matters a lot on a day trip like this because you’re leaving Hobart and committing to a long stretch outside. If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, the private format can also feel like better value, because the cost can become easier to swallow when you’re not paying for a large shared bus.

Price-wise, it’s listed at $710.07 per person. That’s not cheap, so the value depends on what you bring to the day. You’ll feel the best value if you want:

• a curated route (Mt Field + Bonorong, with no guesswork)
• a guide who can adapt the pace and answer questions
• the convenience of pickup and a mobile ticket

If you’re someone who enjoys planning your own route and driving, you might feel tempted to DIY. But this tour is built to remove the “what about transport, tickets, and timing” stress and replace it with a clean, guided day.

Timing: how an 8 to 9 hour day actually feels

The tour runs about 8 to 9 hours total. For a full-day experience, that’s a good amount of time to enjoy both parks without ending up exhausted at dinner.

Here’s how it typically lands:

• Morning energy for the drive and first hit of rainforest
• Midday walk time for falls and trails
• Wildlife sanctuary after that, when your attention is still sharp
• Optional lunch/food experience if the day is a fit (and you choose it)

The 9:00 am start helps because you’re out early enough to enjoy a more comfortable pace. If you’ve got limited time in Tasmania and you’re trying to pack the highlights without doubling back, this schedule makes it easier.

Packing and weather tips for Mt Field in real life

Because cold weather and even snow at higher points have been reported, I treat Mt Field as a place where “one jacket” isn’t enough. Pack like you’re going to be outdoors longer than you think.

A practical packing checklist:

• warm layer you can add or remove
• a waterproof outer layer in case conditions turn
• closed-toe shoes with decent grip for rainforest paths
• a small daypack for water and layers

If you get snow at the top, you’ll likely feel it more than you expect. Even if the rest of the park is manageable, higher sections can shift fast. The guides in these accounts were praised for being prepared, but you still want to arrive ready so you can focus on the walk.

Who this tour suits best

This works especially well if you:

• want a high-impact day from Hobart without the hassle of planning multiple stops
• like wildlife experiences but prefer them structured, not open-ended
• want to see Mt Field’s main features (including Russel Falls) with time to actually walk
• enjoy learning from guides who ask follow-up questions and help you understand what you’re seeing

It may be less ideal if you’re planning a trip focused on long hikes only, or if you’re traveling on a day when Agrarian Kitchen is closed (since that part is Friday to Sunday only). But even then, Mt Field plus Bonorong already covers two big motivations for most Tasmania visits: rainforest scenery and native animals.

Should you book Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent?

If you want a straightforward, curated day that combines Tasmania’s most memorable nature elements into a single route, I think this is a solid booking choice. The private format helps you enjoy the stops at your own pace, and the itinerary is built around two signature experiences: Mt Field’s waterfalls-and-forest atmosphere and Bonorong’s close-up wildlife.

But if you’re cost-sensitive, or you only want one of the two themes (just waterfalls, or just animals), you might feel like you’re paying for more than you personally care about. Also check whether your travel dates land on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday if Agrarian Kitchen is on your wish list.

My rule of thumb: book it if you want one day that hits the big outdoor highlights with minimal planning and a guide who knows how to keep the day moving while still letting you enjoy the scenery.

FAQ

How long is the Mt. Field & the Derwent day trip?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours total.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

What’s included in the tour price?

Admission to Mount Field National Park is free, and admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is included. Agrarian Kitchen is not included (it’s an optional lunch/cooking-class stop).

On which days is Agrarian Kitchen available?

Agrarian Kitchen is listed as open Fridays to Sundays, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

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