Tours & Experiences
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is a vibrant city framed by kunanyi / Mount Wellington and the River Derwent. Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, historic charm, and thriving arts and culinary scene, Hobart provides the perfect setting for a global scientific gathering like WSC4.
Sunrise Bird Walks
Start your conference day with a complimentary guided sunrise bird walk, hosted by the Local Organising Committee in partnership with BirdLife Tasmania. Each walk runs about 90 minutes and is a fine way to meet the birdlife of southern Tasmania before the day’s sessions begin.
Walks run on Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September.
Where and when
Meet at the Waterworks Reserve entrance at 6:30 am. The reserve is about a 15-minute drive from the Hotel Grand Chancellor, so allow time to arrange a lift or share a taxi.
Good to know
- No booking required — just turn up
- All walkers must sign the BirdLife Tasmania waiver before setting off. Copies are available at the registration desk, and signing in advance saves time on the morning
- Dress for cold early starts. September mornings in Hobart can be near freezing
- Bring binoculars if you have them
- Walks finish around 8:00 am at the reserve; allow travel time back to the venue
Contact
Mark Holdsworth OAM, BirdLife Tasmania
mark.holdzy@icloud.com · +61 419 120 298
Full-Day Pelagic Voyage
A full day at sea from Eaglehawk Neck, on the Tasman Peninsula, into some of the most productive seabird waters in the Southern Hemisphere. Albatrosses, prions, petrels and shearwaters are all regular.
Post-Conference Experiences in Tasmania
Extend your stay and explore the very best of Hobart and the surrounding region. A curated selection of full-day and half-day guided tours in Hobart and southern Tasmania is available following the conference.
Please note: these tours must be booked independently.
Full-Day Tours from Hobart
Discover some of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations:
- Bruny Island Lighthouse & Wilderness Tour – Dramatic coastal scenery, native wildlife and heritage sites.
- Wineglass Bay / Freycinet National Park Tour – Pristine beaches and world-class coastal landscapes.
- Port Arthur Historic Site & Richmond Historic Tour – Explore Australia’s convict heritage and charming Georgian architecture.
Half-Day Tours in Hobart & Surrounds
Perfect for those with limited time:
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – Meet iconic Tasmanian wildlife, including Tasmanian devils and kangaroos.
- Apple Isle Wine Tour – Sample premium cool-climate Tasmanian wines.
- Hobart Walking Tour – Discover the maritime history and colonial charm of Hobart’s waterfront and city centre.
- Richmond Historical Tour – Explore one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages.
- Hobart Rivulet Platypus Tour – Search for platypus in their natural habitat along the Hobart Rivulet.