From Hobart: Mt. Field National Park and Russell Falls

Russell Falls is the star here, but the day gets better because the route lets you see how quickly Hobart gives way to farmland, hop fields, rainforest, and giant eucalyptus trees. I especially like the three-tiered waterfall and the chance to feed trout and salmon at Salmon Ponds, rather than simply driving straight to the park.

I also like that morning tea and national park admission are included in the $127 price. You get live commentary from a local driver-guide, plus hotel pickup and drop-off. The main drawback is time: this is a 405-minute day, and the 1-kilometer walk is gentle but still requires comfortable shoes and weather-ready clothing.

Key points

• Russell Falls: Walk to one of Tasmania’s most appealing waterfalls, with three cascades framed by rainforest.
• Salmon Ponds: Feed trout and salmon in an established hatchery, then enjoy tea in English-style parklands.
• Tall Trees Walk: Look up at giant eucalyptus trees on a leisurely route through Mt. Field National Park.
• Derwent Valley route: See farmland, New Norfolk, and the hop fields around Bushy Park on the way west.
• Good value inclusions: Morning tea, a hot drink, guide commentary, hotel transfers, and both entry fees are covered.
• Simple walking day: Expect about 1 kilometer on a hardened surface, but bring water, a jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

From Hobart to the Derwent Valley

The tour begins at the Gray Line Day Tours desk inside Brooke Street Pier at 12 Franklin Wharf. From there, you leave Hobart along the shores of the Derwent River, with the city giving way to open farmland.

This first stretch matters because Mt. Field National Park is not an isolated attraction reached by a quick shuttle. The road carries you through the wider Derwent Valley, so you get a sense of the rural setting before the forest begins. Your local driver-guide provides live English commentary along the way, adding context about the area, its plants, and its wildlife.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, although the stated meeting point is Brooke Street Pier. If you are staying at a hotel, check the pickup details when you book so you know where and when to meet the vehicle.

A short stop in New Norfolk

New Norfolk receives about 15 minutes, enough for a brief look around Tasmania’s third-oldest settlement. Do not expect a long guided visit or extended free time. This is a pause in the route, not the main event.

Still, I like this stop because it breaks up the drive and gives you a glimpse of a rural Tasmanian town. The tour does not ask you to spend the whole morning in Hobart or rush directly to the waterfall. Instead, you see a small piece of the valley as part of the journey.

The short timing means you should keep your expectations modest. You will have time to stretch your legs and look around, but not to explore New Norfolk in depth.

Feeding fish at Salmon Ponds

The next major stop is Salmon Ponds, where you spend about 45 minutes. This established trout and salmon hatchery sits among English-style parklands, creating a pleasant change from the road and a useful introduction to Tasmania’s freshwater setting.

You can feed the fish and walk through the grounds before settling down for morning tea and a hot drink. The fish-feeding is particularly helpful if you are touring with children, though the stop works for adults too because it adds something hands-on to a day that otherwise centers on walking and scenery.

I also see this as a good practical pause. You have a chance to use your legs, enjoy a warm drink, and get ready for the national park. Water and cold drinks are not included, so bring your own water bottle. The supplied information specifically recommends water, and you will appreciate having it later on the forest walk.

Entering Mt. Field National Park

Mt. Field National Park is where the outing shifts from valley scenery to forest. You spend about two and a half hours in the park, with the main focus on the Tall Trees Walk and Russell Falls.

Entrance to the park is included, which helps explain the $127 price. You are not paying only for transport. The cost also covers the guide, commentary, morning tea, a hot drink, hotel transfers, and admission to Salmon Ponds.

The park visit is designed for a relaxed walk rather than a hard hike. The route includes about 1 kilometer on a hardened surface, making it manageable for many visitors who can walk that distance. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should still consider your own comfort with the full route, stops, and outdoor conditions.

Wear shoes with a good grip. The path is hardened, but rain, leaves, and forest moisture can still make outdoor walking less pleasant in smooth shoes. A jacket is wise even if Hobart begins the morning with mild weather. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent also belong in your day pack.

Looking up on the Tall Trees Walk

The Tall Trees Walk gives you a chance to see giant eucalyptus trees from below. The rainforest canopy changes the pace of the day. After the open views near the Derwent River and Salmon Ponds, you are surrounded by tall trunks, shade, and dense forest growth.

The guide’s commentary adds real value here. A September 2025 visitor gave the guide high marks for explaining Mt. Field, noting that the information made the walk among the tall trees more meaningful. That is exactly the kind of setting where a guide can improve the experience: without context, you may see large trees; with context, you begin to understand the plants and animals that make this part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area special.

You should not expect a long wilderness trek. This is a steady, accessible walk with time to stop, look upward, and take photographs. The route is short enough to suit people who want nature without committing to an all-day hike.

Walking to three-tiered Russell Falls

Russell Falls is the clearest highlight of the day. The walk to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes, and the reward is a three-tiered cascade in a rainforest setting.

The waterfall is photogenic because the water drops in separate levels rather than simply pouring over one broad ledge. Take your time here. The walk itself is part of the attraction, and the forest around the falls gives you more to notice than the viewpoint alone.

The tour schedule allows much more time in Mt. Field than the waterfall walk itself, so you are not limited to stepping off the bus, taking one photograph, and leaving. You can combine Russell Falls with the Tall Trees Walk and enjoy a slower look at the park.

Still, the timing remains organized. If you prefer to wander at your own speed for several hours, a self-guided visit by car may give you more freedom. This tour is better suited to you if you want transport, an established route, and someone explaining the setting as you go.

Lunch and the journey back to Hobart

Lunch is not included, and the supplied details do not specify a particular cafe or meal stop. Plan to pay for your own lunch in the park and bring water or another cold drink. Morning tea covers only the earlier refreshment stop.

After the park visit, the coach returns to Hobart. The listed bus travel time is about 75 minutes, though the full outing lasts 405 minutes from start to finish. That longer total allows for the valley route, New Norfolk, Salmon Ponds, walking time, and the return journey.

Depending on the season, the driver may also stop at a roadside stall selling fresh raspberries. This is not guaranteed, but it can be a nice local touch when the fruit is available. Keep a little spare money with you if that seasonal stop appeals.

What the $127 price really covers

At $127 per person, this tour offers solid value if you do not have a car or prefer not to organize rural Tasmania yourself. Two admission fees are included, as are morning tea, a hot drink, transport, hotel transfers, and a local guide.

The price is less attractive if you only want to see Russell Falls and already have easy access to a vehicle. In that case, you are paying for convenience and commentary as much as for the waterfall. But driving yourself also means handling the route, parking, fuel, and timing, and you would miss the guide’s explanation of the park unless you arrange another source of information.

The strongest value comes from the combination of stops. Salmon Ponds adds a hands-on visit, New Norfolk adds a rural town, the valley provides changing scenery, and Mt. Field supplies the main nature experience. It feels like a full day out rather than a simple transfer to one waterfall.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to first-time visitors based in Hobart who want to see beyond the city without renting a car. It also suits you if you enjoy gentle walks, forests, waterfalls, and a guide who can explain the flora and fauna along the route.

Families may like the fish-feeding stop and the short walking distance. The included morning tea also makes the day easier, especially when you do not want to plan every snack in advance.

This is less suitable if you want a demanding hike, a long independent visit, or a flexible schedule. The day follows a set route and includes several timed stops. You should also be prepared for changing weather. A jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes are specifically recommended, and all are sensible for Tasmanian outdoor conditions.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but you should assess the 1-kilometer hardened walk against your own needs. Accessibility on paper does not remove the need to prepare for outdoor surfaces and weather.

Small details that make the day easier

Meet at the Gray Line Day Tours desk inside Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, unless your confirmed pickup instructions say otherwise. The tour is conducted in English, with a local driver-guide providing live commentary.

Bring:

• Water, since it is not included
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A jacket and weather-appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Money for lunch and any seasonal raspberries

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Should you book the Mt. Field and Russell Falls tour?

Book it if you want an easy, organized way to combine Russell Falls, giant eucalyptus trees, Salmon Ponds, and the Derwent Valley in one day. The guide commentary is an important part of the experience, especially in the Tall Trees area, where context can turn a pleasant forest walk into a more meaningful one.

Skip it if you want a private schedule, a strenuous bushwalk, or a full day devoted only to Mt. Field National Park. For most Hobart visitors without a car, though, the $127 cost is reasonable because it includes transport, admissions, refreshments, and a well-rounded route through several parts of southern Tasmania.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Gray Line Day Tours desk inside Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts 405 minutes, or 6 hours and 45 minutes. The schedule includes travel, New Norfolk, Salmon Ponds, Mt. Field National Park, Russell Falls, and the return to Hobart.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense in the park. Water and cold beverages are also not included.

How much walking is involved?

The activity includes about 1 kilometer of walking on a hardened surface. The Russell Falls walk takes about 30 minutes, and the park visit also includes a leisurely Tall Trees Walk.

What is included in the price?

The $127 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, live English commentary, a local driver-guide, morning tea, a hot beverage, admission to Mt. Field National Park, and admission to Salmon Ponds.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later booking.