Tasmanian devils and Richmond in one afternoon. This combo tour pairs Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with free time in old Richmond, plus hotel pickup from select Hobart hotels and an English-speaking guide. I especially like the hands-on feeding with pellets and the guide-led animal talk; the one drawback to plan for is that Richmond’s hour can feel a bit short if you want to linger.

The whole outing runs about 4 hours 15 minutes, starting at 1:00 pm and ending back at the same meeting point near Franklin Wharf. If you want an easy, no-car way to see wildlife and historic Tasmania in one shot, this is a smart half-day format.

Key things to know before you go

• Pellet feeding is the main event: you get food pellets to feed kangaroos and wallabies at Bonorong.
• Tasmanian devils are part of the schedule: you can watch them feed in the sanctuary.
• Richmond is quick and concentrated: you get about an hour, which is ideal for highlights like the old Catholic church, jail, and bridge.
• Guides add stories, not just facts: names like Barry, Phil, Mark, Tim, Allen, and Baz pop up for their humor and clear local context.
• Expect a small-ish group on a coach: the tour caps at 48 people, and reviews often note the group doesn’t feel huge.
• No meals are included: bring cash for snacks in Richmond, or plan to eat before you go.

Bonorong and Richmond in one afternoon: the real vibe

This is a classic Hobart combo: you start on the road (scenic and story-focused), then you get two very different settings. One hour is about a compact historic town with antiques, cafes, and old buildings. The other hour is about an animal rescue sanctuary where you can get close to native creatures and learn how injured wildlife is cared for.

You’re not trying to cover the whole state. You’re getting a curated Tasmania snapshot that fits neatly between lunch and dinner. That time-boxing is also the reason some people feel “just right” and others feel “too fast” in one location. If you’re the kind of traveler who hates rushing, you’ll need to be strategic about what you do in Richmond.

Price and what you actually get for $89.66

At about $89.66 per person for roughly 4 hours 15 minutes, you’re paying for three things:

1. Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels
2. An English-speaking guide who keeps the day moving and adds context
3. Admission to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (including the guided portion and pellet feeding)

Meals and drinks aren’t included, so the “real” cost depends on whether you buy snacks in Richmond. Still, this price usually feels fair because you’re not organizing tickets, driving yourself, and timing two separate stops.

If you’re visiting from a cruise or you don’t want to rent a car, this combo is one of the easiest ways to check off Tasmanian wildlife and Richmond’s highlights in a single afternoon.

Getting to the coach: Hobart pickup and the starting point

This tour starts at Mona Brooke Ferry Terminal, Franklin Wharf, Hobart. The day begins at 1:00 pm, and it returns to that same meeting point, which makes it easier to plan your evening.

Hotel pickup is included, but only for selected hotels. The biggest practical takeaway: confirm your pickup instructions ahead of time and be ready around the stated pickup window. One issue did come up around confusion over pickup time/location, so don’t leave this to memory on the day—check your details when you receive them.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in Tasmania when the weather swings. Also, since the meeting spot is near public transportation, it’s fairly convenient even if your hotel is not in the pickup zone.

Stop 1: Richmond Bridge and one hour in historic Richmond

You’ll get about one hour in Richmond, with time to wander at your own pace. This part of the tour is about moving through a small town where history is visible in everyday streets.

Richmond highlights can include:

• the oldest Catholic Church in Australia
• the oldest jail
• the oldest bridge
• antique shops and classic eateries

In that one-hour window, I’d treat it like a “see the essentials fast” walk. Pick two priorities before you get off the bus. If you’re hoping for a full snack-and-shop loop, the time may feel short, so you’ll want to go in with a plan.

Some people also like adding quick, quirky stops while they’re there, especially if you enjoy oddball Tasmania-style attractions and sweets. If that sounds like you, just remember: it’s still an hour total.

Stop 2: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the close-up animal time

Bonorong is the star of the day. You get about one hour in the sanctuary, and that time is built around a guided experience plus your own walk-around.

Here’s what you can expect from the sanctuary portion:

• You’ll be given food pellets to feed kangaroos and wallabies.
• You’ll move through enclosures and viewpoints with informative commentary from guides meeting passengers along the way.
• Koalas are part of the tour promise, though real-world sightings can vary (more on that in a bit).
• You can watch Tasmanian devils feed, including in an open environment.

The best part is the hands-on feel. Feeding animals changes the whole vibe compared to just watching behind glass. It also makes the time feel active rather than passive—your camera is busy, your attention is focused, and you’re learning as you go.

The sanctuary purpose: rescue and rehab focus

Bonorong isn’t framed as a “collect them and show them” setup. It’s presented as a place that supports injured wildlife and works to rehabilitate animals for later release back into the wild. Reviews also highlight that the sanctuary isn’t government-funded, and that visitor support helps keep the work going.

That background makes the animal interactions more meaningful. You’re not just doing a cute photo moment—you’re seeing a real rescue operation in action.

Koalas, devils, and what to do if sightings don’t match your dream list

The tour description includes meeting koalas and seeing native animals like Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and kangaroos. In most cases, that seems to line up with expectations.

But animal viewing is never a lab. One review experience specifically noted no koalas seen, so it’s worth thinking about this as a “best effort” wildlife visit rather than a guarantee.

If koalas are your top must-see, I’d plan like this:

• Treat koalas as a priority to look for during your sanctuary hour.
• If you spot signs of where koalas are usually shown, spend a moment there rather than wandering every enclosure immediately.

Tasmanian devils are another focus, and at least one review suggests they may be less active in heat. Since this is an afternoon tour, you might feel more comfortable if you bring sunscreen, a hat, and water—and keep expectations flexible when it’s warm.

Timing that can feel tight: Richmond vs Bonorong balance

The day is structured to give you meaningful time in both places. Still, the “split” can land differently depending on your travel style.

• If you love animals, Bonorong’s hour can feel like it’s “over before you’re done,” but in a good way.
• If you love town wandering, Richmond’s hour can feel limiting for anything beyond essentials—especially if you want a full lunch and slow browsing.

If you’re the type who likes to window-shop and sit down for a proper snack, I’d either eat before the tour or pick one small food stop in Richmond and commit to that, rather than trying to do everything.

A practical tip: wear comfortable shoes. One review noted the sanctuary isn’t fully pathed, so you’ll want grip and comfort for uneven ground.

Guides make the drive: why the stories matter

This is one of those tours where the “travel time” is part of the value. The English-speaking guide role isn’t just announcements. Reviews repeatedly highlight drivers/guides like Barry and Phil for humor and local detail, plus Mark, Tim, Allen, and Baz for informative commentary that keeps the journey lively.

If you enjoy learning while you move—Tasmania’s towns, regional context, and the way wildlife rescue fits into the landscape—that’s where you’ll feel the day “earned its cost.”

Even the return trip can add something if your guide chooses a route that gives you more to look at. One review specifically mentioned a more scenic return route that allowed extra viewing.

What I’d pack for a smooth afternoon

You’re outside in both Richmond and Bonorong, so pack for comfort more than comfort theater.

Bring:

• Comfy walking shoes (especially for sanctuary ground)
• Sunscreen and a hat (Tasmania can still bite in bright weather)
• A refillable water bottle
• Cash/card for Richmond snacks since meals aren’t included
• Your camera (you’ll want it during pellet feeding and devil feeding)

If you want maximum enjoyment, decide ahead of time what you’ll do in Richmond during that hour: one “must” shop or sight, and one food stop. Everything else becomes bonus time.

Who this tour is best for (and who should consider alternatives)

This tour is a good fit if:

• you’re staying in Hobart and want a no-car plan
• you want hands-on wildlife time plus historic town wandering
• you like guided interpretation more than self-driven logistics
• you’re traveling with limited daylight and want the schedule to do the thinking for you

It may be less ideal if:

• you want a lot more time in Richmond (you might feel rushed)
• koalas are your single obsession and you need certainty (viewing isn’t guaranteed)
• you’re sensitive to warm weather during outdoor animal feeding windows

If you’re visiting in a season when it gets very hot and devils are your top priority, consider whether a morning-focused wildlife plan would suit you better. For an afternoon slot, go in ready for variable animal activity.

Should you book Bonorong and Richmond from Hobart?

I’d book it if you want the most “Tasmania per hour” from Hobart without thinking about car routes, separate tickets, or time juggling. The combo is efficient: pellet feeding at Bonorong, a Tasmanian devil feeding moment, and an easy Richmond highlights walk in one afternoon.

One final decision rule: if you’re happy with Richmond as a quick, scenic break and you’re mainly there for wildlife, this tour fits beautifully. If you’re trying to turn the Richmond hour into a half-day on its own, you’ll likely feel shorted.

FAQ

How long is the Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond afternoon tour?

It runs about 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.). The schedule includes time in Richmond and about an hour at Bonorong.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Mona Brooke Ferry Terminal, Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS 7000. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 1:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is admission to Bonorong included?

Yes. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary admission is included, along with the guided sanctuary time.

Do I get to feed animals at Bonorong?

Yes. You’re given free food pellets to feed kangaroos and wallabies.

Are Tasmanian devils and koalas included?

Tasmanian devils are included, and the sanctuary visit includes the chance to see them feeding. Koalas are also part of the tour’s description, but animal viewing can vary.

What animals will I see at Bonorong?

You can see native Australian animals including Tasmanian devils, koalas, wallabies, and kangaroos.

Are meals included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 48 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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