Hobart: Bonorong Wildlife & Richmond Village Afternoon Tour

Summary

Meet Tasmanian devils and stroll old Richmond streets from Hobart

You’ll wander through historic Richmond village with time to explore at your own pace before heading to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Hobart. Feed kangaroos by hand, watch Tasmanian devils at feeding time, and hear stories from passionate local guides. It’s an afternoon that lingers with you long after you’ve left—the kind that makes you pause.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Richmond was the sound of my own footsteps on those uneven old stones—kind of echoey, like the whole place was holding its breath. Our guide, Tom, pointed out the bridge (apparently the oldest in Australia) and laughed when I tried to pronounce “Coal River” with his accent. The bakery smelled like butter and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. We had time to poke around antique shops—one shopkeeper told us about convicts who built half the town. I believed her; you could feel the history in your bones.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary wasn’t what I pictured. It’s not a zoo—more like a rescue home with open paddocks where kangaroos just wander up to you. They gave us food pellets, but honestly, one wallaby seemed more interested in sniffing my shoelaces than eating. The Tasmanian devils were louder than I expected—sort of guttural growls when they fed, which made everyone go quiet for a second. Our guide (I think her name was Jess?) knew every animal’s story by heart and told us why some of them can’t go back to the wild. That stuck with me.

I’d never been that close to a koala before—soft fur, eucalyptus smell, and this weird sense of calm around them. The light started turning gold as we left Bonorong, and someone joked about moving to Tasmania for the animals alone. Maybe they weren’t joking? Anyway, if you want an afternoon that feels both slow and full at once, this day trip from Hobart is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Richmond and Bonorong Wildlife

• Explore historic Richmond village
• Visit oldest Catholic Church and jail
• Browse antique shops and eateries
• Feed kangaroos and wallabies
• See koalas and Tasmanian devils
• Listen to guide's wildlife commentary

Top questions

How long does the Bonorong Wildlife & Richmond tour take?

The tour lasts an afternoon, starting from Hobart with return included.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Hobart?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Hobart.

Can children join the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary tour?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed.

Do I get to feed kangaroos at Bonorong?

Yes, free food pellets are provided so you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies.

What can I do during free time in Richmond village?

You can visit antique shops, see Australia’s oldest bridge and jail, or try local bakeries.

Are there guides at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, knowledgeable guides share stories about the animals during your visit.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, travel between stops is in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Hobart locations, all entry fees for Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus commentary from English-speaking guides throughout both Richmond village and the sanctuary itself before returning comfortably back to town.