Hobart: Mt Wellington, Salamanca Market & Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Summary

Kunanyi summit city sights richmond village cheese tasting wildlife

You’ll climb kunanyi/Mt Wellington for wild views over Hobart before wandering Salamanca Market’s stalls (Saturdays only), sampling cheese at Wicked Cheese, exploring convict-era Richmond Village for lunch, and meeting kangaroos plus Tasmanian Devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Expect real moments: cold mountain air, noisy markets, and muddy shoes by sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hobart city and wildlife tour

• Ascend Mt. Wellington summit
• Explore Salamanca Market
• Stop at Wicked Cheese farm
• Visit historic Richmond village
• Lunch at Richmond eateries
• Tour Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Top questions

How long is the Hobart highlights day tour?

The tour covers a full day with stops at Mt Wellington, Salamanca Market (Saturdays), Richmond Village, Wicked Cheese, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Is Salamanca Market included on weekdays?

No, Salamanca Market is only included on Saturdays.

Does the tour include entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary?

General entry is included; some activities may cost extra.

Are hotel pickups available?

Yes, pickup starts before the tour time; check details when booking.

What happens if Mt Wellington is closed due to weather?

If weather covers Mt Wellington, Rosny lookout or Mt Nelson will be substituted.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is provided; you have time in Richmond Village with many eateries available.

Can infants join this day trip from Hobart?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The tour includes moderate walking at each stop but is suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup before departure from central locations in Hobart, guided commentary as you loop through city landmarks like Battery Point and Constitution Dock, time atop kunanyi/Mt Wellington for panoramic views (weather permitting), Saturday-only visit to Salamanca Market, complimentary cheese sampling at Wicked Cheese en route through Coal River Valley, free time for lunch in historic Richmond Village with its convict-era bridge and bakeries, plus general entry to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you’ll meet native animals before returning in the evening.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just pulled up to kunanyi — Mt Wellington — when the wind hit me like a cold slap (not complaining, honestly felt good after the drive). Our guide, Dave, grinned and told us this was “classic Hobart weather.” The city looked tiny from up there, all those rooftops and the river curling around. I tried to take a photo but my fingers were numb and the clouds kept shifting — one minute you see forever, next it’s just mist. Someone said you can smell eucalyptus if you stand still. Maybe I did? Or maybe it was just my scarf.

Salamanca Market was next (only on Saturdays — we lucked out). It was noisy in the best way: buskers playing something folky, kids laughing, a stall selling honey that smelled so sweet I wanted to eat it with my hands. I bought a weird little wooden spoon for no reason. After that we rolled through Coal River Valley — green hills everywhere — and stopped at Wicked Cheese. Free samples! I tried this blue cheese that nearly knocked me over; Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Mandarin to the staff (probably butchered it). Then Richmond: old stone bridges, bakeries with warm bread smells drifting out. We had lunch there — nothing fancy but honestly perfect after all the walking.

I wasn’t expecting Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to be so… loud? Kangaroos thumping around, birds screeching somewhere behind the trees. Got closer than I thought possible to a Tasmanian Devil — they look kind of cute until they open their mouths. Our guide knew every animal’s name (or pretended to) and told us stories about rescue work that stuck with me more than I expected. By then my shoes were muddy and my phone battery nearly dead but I didn’t care much.

If you’re looking for a day trip from Hobart that actually feels full — not rushed or fake-busy — this is it. Still think about that view from kunanyi sometimes when the weather gets cold back home.