Shore Excursion-Hobart Wanderer

Exploring Hobart with the Wanderer Tour: A Well-Rounded Day Out

If you’re cruising into Hobart and looking for a way to make the most of your limited time ashore, the Hobart Wanderer Shore Excursion might just be your best bet. This thoughtfully curated tour offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural discovery, and wildlife encounters—all wrapped up in a friendly small-group setting. While it’s not a comprehensive tour of every corner of Tasmania, it hits the highlights with a practical and relaxed vibe.

What caught our eye (and what reviews seem to agree on) are the knowledgeable guides, the breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Wellington, and the extraordinary wildlife sanctuary experience. One of the coolest aspects is the small-group size—limiting the tour to 20 travelers—which means you get more personalized attention and a more intimate feel. The price of roughly $107.80 per person offers good value for such a diverse day out, especially considering all transportation, guide, and wildlife sanctuary entry are included.

However, the tour does have a few considerations. For instance, the short stop at Mount Wellington—reported by some as too brief—may leave those wanting more time at the top a little disappointed. Also, the wildlife sanctuary, while highly praised, is sometimes critiqued for brief animal sightings, which might be a hit or miss depending on the day. Still, overall, this tour caters well to cruise passengers, families, and anyone wanting a taste of Hobart’s highlights in a friendly, manageable package.

This excursion suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty, wildlife, and history, and prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time for photos and questions. It’s especially good for those who want a flexible, guided experience without the hassle of planning every stop themselves.

Key Points

• Small-group format ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
• Expert guides like Brett, Paul, and Gary are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor.
• Mount Wellington’s panoramic views are stunning, though some find the stop time limited.
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to see native Australian animals, with mixed reviews on animal activity.
• Richmond provides a charming, historic stop with the opportunity to try local treats.
• The tour offers excellent value by including transport, guide, and sanctuary admission.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Mount Wellington: The View from the Top

The highlight for many is the drive up to Mount Wellington, which reaches over 4,300 feet above sea level. The views from the summit are nothing short of spectacular—crisp, expansive vistas of the Hobart area and beyond, perfect for photos. Travelers like Samuel_W and Courtney_W rave about the scenery, describing it as breathtaking.

That said, some reviewers, like Doris_A, feel the time at the summit is too short, often only 15-20 minutes. This seems to be a common complaint; if you’re a photography enthusiast or like to linger and soak in the scenery, you might find this part rushed. Still, the drive itself offers plenty of opportunities for stunning snapshots, and guides often share interesting tidbits about the mountain and its significance.

Richmond Bridge and Historic Charm

Next, the tour takes you to Richmond, a quaint town with a historic bridge that’s Australia’s oldest. It’s a favorite for photographers and history buffs alike, with some reviewers describing it as a “beautiful town” perfect for a quick stroll or a coffee stop. The town also offers a chance to sample Tasmanian scallop pies (though at your own expense), which many visitors find delightful.

One reviewer called the drive through Richmond “worth a quick visit,” appreciating the town’s charm without feeling rushed. The stop typically lasts an hour and a half, giving enough time to browse boutique shops, snap photos, and enjoy local produce.

Wildlife at Bonorong: Aussie Animals Up Close

The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is the tour’s highlight for animal lovers. Run by a passionate team, it’s a place where you can see iconic Australian species like wombats, Tasmanian devils, and kangaroos. Many reviewers speak of the sanctuary as a “social enterprise” with a big heart, and it’s clear that wildlife conservation is a priority here.

Most visitors find the sanctuary a rewarding experience, but some also mention that animal activity can be limited—especially if you visit later in the day or during hot weather. For example, Doris_A found the sightings “a split second,” while others like Josif_B cherished the opportunity to interact with the animals. The included admission makes this stop a good value, especially for families or those eager to learn more about Tasmania’s unique wildlife.

Practical Details: Transportation and Group Size

The tour’s max of 20 travelers helps maintain a friendly atmosphere, ensuring guides like Brett, Paul, and Gary can give more personalized commentary. The transportation is comfortable, with pickup available at Hobart’s cruise terminal, making logistics simple and stress-free. The flexible itinerary allows guides to adjust timing depending on weather or group needs, which is helpful in Tasmania’s unpredictable weather.

The entire experience lasts around 5 to 6 hours, making it a full but manageable day. Price-wise, it offers good value considering the inclusions—transport, guide, and wildlife sanctuary entry—especially compared to larger bus tours or separate admissions.

Authentic Guest Perspectives

Many reviews emphasize the expertise and friendliness of guides, with Brett, Paul, and Gary standing out for their enthusiasm and local knowledge. Courtney_W notes that her guide “waited for those still stuck on the ship,” highlighting the tour’s flexibility and consideration. Samuel_W appreciated that the tour “saw everything” and called the guide “great.”

Some guests, like George_N, appreciated the ample time in each stop, while others, like Martynixon, felt that the time at Mount Wellington was too brief. Overall, guests agree that the tour is well-organized, with many praising the scenic drives and informative commentary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to travellers seeking a relaxed, guided day with a focus on natural beauty and wildlife. It’s perfect if you prefer small groups and want to avoid the chaos of large bus tours. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those with limited time in Hobart will find this tour hits the right notes.

It’s also a great option if you’re keen on photo opportunities, especially at Mount Wellington, or enjoy discovering charming towns like Richmond. However, if you crave extensive wildlife encounters or more time at the mountain, you might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Is pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup from Hobart’s cruise terminal (Tasports) is included, and requests for other pickup locations can often be accommodated.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 5 to 6 hours, providing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Transport, a local guide, and admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary are included. No lunch is provided, and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted. The small-group setting makes it family-friendly.

How much time do we spend at each stop?
Typically, about 40 minutes at Mount Wellington, an hour and a half in Richmond, and an hour and a half at Bonorong Sanctuary.

Is the wildlife sanctuary worth it?
While sightings can sometimes be brief, many guests find the experience rewarding, especially with interactive animals like kangaroos and wombats.

Final Thoughts

The Hobart Wanderer Shore Excursion offers a well-rounded introduction to Tasmania’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history—all in a friendly, small-group setting. Its carefully curated stops make it a practical choice for cruise passengers wanting a taste of Hobart without overloading their day.

You’ll love the views from Mount Wellington, the charm of Richmond, and the chance to get up close with native Australian animals. The guides’ local insights and the intimate atmosphere elevate the experience beyond a standard city tour.

If you’re after a flexible, engaging, and value-packed day out, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate the outdoors, wildlife, and authentic small-group adventures.

Whether you’re marveling at the expansive mountain vistas, wandering the historic streets of Richmond, or meeting some lovable Australian wildlife, this tour offers a genuine snapshot of Tasmania’s diverse appeal.