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- Languages: Local language(s)
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About Port Arthur
Top Attractions
1. Port Arthur Historic Site – The main attraction, featuring the ruins of the former penal colony, including the penitentiary, guard towers, and the church. It provides guided tours and interactive exhibits. 2. Isle of the Dead – A small island cemetery near the historic site where many convicts and settlers were buried, accessible by boat tours. 3. Remarkable Cave – A natural sea cave with dramatic views of the coastline, perfect for sightseeing and photography. 4. Tessellated Pavement – A rare geological formation on the coast, resembling a tiled floor, offering a unique natural spectacle. 5. Point Puer Boys’ Prison – Part of the historic site, this was the first reformatory prison for boys in Australia, showcasing a different aspect of convict history. ACTIVITIES: Visitors to Port Arthur can engage in a variety of activities including guided historical tours of the penal colony, ghost tours at night for a spooky experience, hiking and coastal walks through the Tasman National Park, wildlife watching including bird and marine life spotting, and boat cruises around the peninsula and to nearby islands. Cultural experiences such as storytelling sessions and museum visits enrich the understanding of the site’s heritage. Recreational options also include photography, picnicking in scenic spots, and exploring local artisan shops. FOOD_CUISINE: The food culture in Port Arthur reflects a mix of Tasmanian fresh produce and traditional Australian fare. Seafood is a highlight, with dishes featuring fresh fish, oysters, and crayfish. Local specialties include Tasmanian salmon and abalone. Visitors can enjoy hearty pub meals, modern Australian cuisine, and locally sourced ingredients in restaurants and cafes around the historic site and nearby town. Noteworthy dining options include establishments offering waterfront views and menus that emphasize seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Sampling local cheeses, berries, and wines is also recommended. TRANSPORTATION: Port Arthur is accessible by car from Hobart, approximately a 90-minute drive, making driving the most convenient option. There are also organized coach tours from Hobart and other Tasmanian towns. Local transportation within Port Arthur is limited, so walking and cycling are popular ways to explore the area. Taxi services may be available but are not common. Visitors should plan their transport in advance, especially if relying on public or tour services. Parking is generally available at the historic site and nearby attractions. Costs for transportation vary, with car rental being the most flexible option. TRAVEL_TIPS: The best time to visit Port Arthur is during the Australian spring and summer months (September to March) when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Visitors should pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing as conditions can change quickly. It is advisable to bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Respect the historic site by following guidelines and staying on designated paths. Currency is Australian dollars, and credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for small purchases. Safety is generally good, but visitors should be cautious near cliffs and water edges. Booking tours and accommodations in advance is recommended during peak seasons. CULTURE_CUSTOMS: Port Arthur’s culture is deeply rooted in its convict history and the broader Tasmanian heritage. Social customs emphasize respect for the historic site and its significance. Visitors are encouraged to engage with local storytelling and cultural events that highlight Aboriginal heritage and colonial history. Important festivals include heritage days and commemorative events related to the penal colony. Etiquette involves being quiet and respectful in sensitive areas, especially cemeteries and memorials. Interactions with locals are friendly, and it is customary to greet and thank guides and service staff. Environmental conservation is valued, so visitors should minimize waste and avoid disturbing wildlife. CAR_RENTAL: Major car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Budget operate in Tasmania, with pick-up points primarily in Hobart, the nearest major city to Port Arthur. Daily rental costs typically range from AUD 50 to 100 depending on the vehicle type and season, with weekly rentals offering better rates. Drivers must hold a valid driver’s license, and international visitors should carry an International Driving Permit if their license is not in English. The minimum driving age is usually 21, but this can vary by company. Roads to Port Arthur are generally well-maintained but include some narrow and winding sections, so cautious driving is advised. Parking is available at the historic site and town center, often free or at a low cost. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility in exploring the region beyond Port Arthur itself. Always check rental terms for insurance coverage and fuel policies before booking.
Popular Activities
Port Arthur Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Tasmania
- Duration Range: Half-day or Full-day
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For:
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $250
12 Available Tour Excursions in Port Arthur
Explore the spectacular coastline from Port Arthur Historic Site to Cape Raoul. With soaring sea cliffs and monumental rock formations, the Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland. Here the waters of the Tasman Sea collide with the towering ancient cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, creating dramatic caves and arches, ending spectacularly at Cape Raoul, its dolerite columns like steps down into the ocean waters. The 90 minute wilderness cruise goes beyond the Port Arthur Historic Site to take in the cliffs, caves, arches and white sand beaches of the Tasman Peninsula to Cape Raoul. Cruise past significant historical sites like Point Puer and Isle of the Dead before marvelling at the gorgeous white sands of Safety Cove, and the tall dunes of Crescent Bay. Mt Brown provides a stunning backdrop as we cruise to Cape Raoul. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Australia fur seals that lounge at the base of the Cape Raoul. Your ticket includes entry to the Port Arthur Historic Site.
Price: $114.41
Duration: 4 hours
Visit Port Arthur Historic Site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites, on this day trip from Hobart. Learn about the site’s history as a convict colony on a guided walking tour of the grounds, visit ruins and restored buildings, and appreciate the coastal scenery that highlights the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula. A harbor cruise is included. This full-day tour from Hobart ensures that you have maximum time at the site. ● Richmond ● Pirates Bay lookout ● Tessellated Pavements ● Port Arthur Historic Site ● Guided tour and harbour cruise ● Lavender Farm ● Tasman Arch/Devils Kitchen/Blowhole
Price: $103.95
Duration: 8-9 hours
Get up-close and personal with the southern hemisphere’s highest sea cliffs and resident Australian fur seals. At sea level you’ll truly appreciate the scale of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, gazing up at 200-metre-high fluted rock formations, peering into natural sea caves, photographing the towering Candlestick, and searching for climbers on the Totem Pole - a sheer column famed amongst thrill-seeking rock climbers.
Price: $169.98
Duration: 10 hours
Take Robert Pennicott’s award winning three hour Tasman Island Cruise along the spectacular coastline between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur. See the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, enter deep sea caves observe rich wildlife such as seals, dolphins, sea eagles and albatross. Departs daily (except Christmas Day) all year round from Port Arthur.
Price: $117.68
Duration: 3 hours
Experience the most comprehensive Bruny Island Tour available, and discover everything Bruny Island on our Food, Sightseeing & Lighthouse Tour from Hobart, including a delicious sit-down lunch. You’ll sample local mouth-watering produce; Cheese, and fresh oysters with freshly baked bread for morning tea on the beach. Sample tasty chocolates, fudges, and honey also. See White Wallaby in the wild, and enjoy the Historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour, the only operator with exclusive access to the Lighthouse. You will be able to enjoy a small group tour with our lighthouse expert. Explore the Neck Wildlife Reserve and Truganini Lookout. Our knowledgeable tour guides will show you the best vantage points and mesmerise you with stories from the past. Skip the queues with our pre-booked tour schedules. Lunch is ordered from our collaborative menu including seafood dishes, Tassie lamb, and more yummy items. All foods, ferry trips and lighthouse tour are included. Operating since 2012.
Price: $183.05
Duration: 10 hours
Thinking about exploring beyond the historic site? Our three-hour tour will give you a taste of everything the Tasmanian Peninsula is known and loved for.
Price: $64.72
Duration: 3 hours
The Port Arthur Historic Site offers a compelling glimpse into Australia's convict past, focusing on the penal settlement, convict labour, and the profound influence on the nation's development and colonial life. As a place or secondary-punishment, Port Arthur was specifically designed as a prison for re-offending male convicts. Additional tours can be selected to be included in your ticket: The 45 min Essentials Tour is our most accessible guided tour providing the essential history and stories of Port Arthur. The 90 min Premium Tour delves deeper into the stories behind our iconic buildings and their fascinating past on this small group guided walk. For the 40 min Isle of the Dead tour, step off the harbour cruise for a guided walking tour around the final resting place for over 1,000 convicts, soldiers, and free settlers. On the 60 min Escapes tour, hear tales of the desperate convicts, determined to escape.
Price: $31.38
Duration: 3-8 hours
Take a lantern-lit ghost tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, one of the most haunted locations in Australia. Hear true tales of unexplained events and chilling paranormal encounters from convict times to the present day whilst enjoying after-hours access to Port Arthur’s atmospheric grounds and buildings. Check official website for other options or special events.
Price: $22.88
Duration: 1 hours
Book your Private Transfer from Port Arthur Cruise Port to Launceston Airport (LST). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport/port transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
Price: $570.28
Duration: 3 hours
Book your Private Transfer from Port Arthur Cruise Port to Launceston city hotels or any addres. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door port/city transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
Price: $570.28
Duration: 3 hours
Book your Private Transfer from Port Arthur Cruise Port to Hobart International Airport (HBA). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door port/airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
Price: $123.05
Duration: 1 hours
Book your Private Transfer from Port Arthur Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels f or any address. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttle queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. We will contact you immediately after your booking to confirm it and will request any missed details of your trip if any. One day before the trip, you will receive the phone number of your driver for your convenience. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. Meeting with a Nameplate No Hidden Charges Door-to-door Service
Price: $123.05
Duration: 1 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
