tours of port arthur from hobart

Port Arthur Tours

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About Port Arthur Tours

Port arthur and the tasman peninsula.

Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula. The scenic drive from Hobart, via the Tasman Highway to Sorell and the Arthur Highway to Port Arthur, takes around 90 minutes.

Port Arthur Historic Site is one of the most popular attractions in Tasmania. This World Heritage-listed historic site was one of the earliest convict settlements in Australia back in the 1800s. The Port Arthur Historic Site consists of over 30 buildings, ruins and gardens to explore. The basic entry ticket includes walking and boat tours and there are many other places to explore too. Open from 9:00am until dusk.

A variety of guided tours & transfers to Port Arthur from Hobart are available for visitors to the region. Some guided experiences include entry fees into Port Arthur Historic Site, Lunch and opportunities to visit surrounding atractions on the Tasman Peninsula such as the Remarkable Cave, Unzoo and Lavender farm.

Port Arthur Entry Fees Entry to Port Arthur is not included in bus transfer only tours. You can purchase entry on the day of travel at Port Arthur

• Adult (18+ years) - $40.00
• Concession - $30.00
• Child (7 - 17 years) - $18.00
• Child (0 - 7 years) - Free Entry
• Family - $102.00 (2 Adults and up to 6 children)

Your site entry ticket gives you two consecutive days to experience the attractions and activities at Port Arthur.

Port Arthur Entry Fees include

• Access to more than 30 historic buildings
• Heritage gardens
• Walking trails
• 40-minute, guided Walking Tour
• 25-minute Harbour Cruise
• Entry to the Port Arthur Gallery

Port Arthur Day Tours From Hobart

This is an overview of the different guided Port Arthur tour experiences available. Please click on the above cards to view more info on each tour.

Tasman Island Cruise Full Day Tour + Port Arthur Historic Site + Lunch | Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Duration | 10 hours (approx) This is the ultimate Tasman Peninsula day tour. Your day includes return guided bus tour from Hobart, our award-winning 3 Hour Cruise, morning tea and lunch as part of three hours at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Port Arthur Day Tour | Pennicott Wilderness Journeys​ Duration | 10 hours (approx) Your day includes return guided bus tour from Hobart and Bronze Entry into the Port Arthur Historic Site. The tour departs from the Dock Head Building on Franklin Wharf, next to the Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge on Hobart's Waterfront.

Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula Tour | Tours Tasmania ​ ​Duration | 11 hours (approx) Enjoy a fun and action packed day out on the Tasman Peninsula. Explore convict history at Port Arthur Historic Site, view amazing scenery and panoramic landscapes from Tasman Peninsula and Pirates Bay Lookout, and some great local specialties.

Port Arthur & Tassie Devils Tour | Tours Tasmania Duration | 11 hours (approx) Explore, discover and learn with our guides as we enjoy a variety of activities, walks, sightseeing, history, Tassie Devil Feeding, chocolate tasting and much more!

Port Arthur & Lavender Farm Tour | Tours Tasmania Duration | 11 hours (approx) Explore the Port Arthur Lavender Farm & Port Arthur Historic Site, see Tasman National Park highlight, the Tasman Arch, sample local chocolates made at Federation Chocolate Factory and visit the historic Richmond Village.

Port Arthur Attractions

This 3 day tour out of Hobart hits 3 of Tasmania’s most popular tourist destinations at a very competitive, generous price. Adventure, history, culture, nature, wildlife and local produce are all included in this magnificent Tasmanian experience.

What makes it Great:

• Covers the major tourist attractions around Hobart, Port Arthur & Bruny Island
• Small & personalised tour
• Spot incredible wildlife including rare albino wallaby

Getting To Port Arthur From Hobart

Self Drive to Port Arthur Port Arthur Historic Site is a 90-minute drive from Hobart, and the journey offers some of the best sightseeing in Tasmania. The Arthur Highway winds through lush farmland and forest, inviting beaches, and the Tasman Peninsula’s famously scenic coastline. Allow enough time to stop along the way and explore places like the Tesselated Pavement at Eaglehawk Neck, and dramatic coastal sites such as the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and Pirate’s Bay Lookout.

Port Arthur Coach Transfers There are regular transport services between Hobart and Port Arthur.

• Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offer daily bus service from Hobart to Port Arthur, ideal for walkers travelling on the Three Capes Track, departing at 8.00am . The return bus departs from Port Arthur Historic Site at 4:45pm & returns at 6:30pm. (see above)
• The Port Arthur Shuttle departs Hobart at 10:30am & Returns at 5:30pm. Travel time from Hobart is 1.5 hours. (see above)

Guided Tours to Port Arthur A variety of guided tours & transfers to Port Arthur from Hobart are available for visitors to the region. Some guided experiences include entry fees into Port Arthur Historic Site, Hotel transfers, Lunch and opportunities to visit surrounding atractions on the Tasman Peninsula such as the Remarkable Cave, Unzoo and Lavender farm.

Other Attractions On The Tasman Peninsula

Three-hour Tasman island boat cruise This Pennicott Wilderness Journey takes you for a spectacular three-hour cruise along the extraordinary coastline of Tasman National Park, between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur. Close encounters with the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at 300 metres (328 yards) high, rugged and spectacular coastal landscapes, waterfalls, deep sea caves, amazing wildlife on land and sea like ocean gulls, pods of bottlenose dolphins, migrating humpback whales, as well as Australian and New Zealand fur seals .

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo on the main way to Port Arthur is a wildlife park where you can visit many Australian animals including the infamous tasmanian devil. There are regular informative sessions and feeding times for the tasmanian devil as well as kangaroo and quoll feeding and bird shows. It has a glass dome that pops up from underneath the devil enclosure, so if you stick your head up into the dome while the devils are nearby, you may get a much closer look!

Blowhole, Tasman Arch & Devil’s Kitchen ​ You can reach formations like the Tasman Arch, the Blow Hole, the Devils Kitchen, the Tesselated Pavement, Remarkable Cave and Waterfall by car. But, by far the best views of the rugged coastline are from the parks many bushwalks. Take the Tasman Arch walking track around the back of the arch for some stunning views of the rugged coastline. From the arch, it is only a hundred meters walk to the Devil’s Kitchen. At the Devil’s Kitchen, you can look down deep into the gorge and hear the sound of the crashing waves below. A short walk around behind the blowhole will take you to a lookout with views out over the coast.

Tasman Bay National Park Lookout After driving approximately one hour from Hobart along Arthur Highway, the first stop as you cruise through Eaglehawk Neck is a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Tasman Bay just off the main road onto Pirates Bay Drive. With a short walk to the Blowhole you can see waves passing through a tunnel in a rocky point and can spray up like whale spouts in the right conditions. Above the Blowhole, walk out on the point to Fossil Bay Lookout and enjoy views up and down the dramatic coastline. The quick and easy walk to both of these attractions is less then half a kilometer (0.3 miles) long.

Port Arthur Lavender Farm Port Arthur Lavender situated on the waterfront at Long Bay, just a five-minute drive from the iconic Port Arthur Historic Site is one of the most picturesque, with endless rows of lavender grown beside a reflective lake Stroll down the purple alleys of lavender and enjoy the delicious lavender infused ice cream. Port Arthur lavender season starts from around the middle of November and reaches full glory during December and January.

Hikes & Trails

The Tasman Municipality comprises the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas; combined they offer the most diverse day walking options in Australia. From easy family walks of only 15 minute to multi-day trails to suit even the most adventurous. Below are a few of the most popular.

Please note: Many of the walks require a National Parks Pass if you wish to enter Tasman National Park. It is best to organise this before you arrive.

Trail Name | Hours Distance | Grade | Parks Pass

• Waterfall Bay: 1 | 3km | Easy | Required
• Convict Coal Mine Circuit: 2 | 3km | Easy | No
• Cape Hauy: 4 | 8km | Medium | Required
• Shipstern Bluff: 4 | 8km | Medium | No
• Clarks Cliffs: 4 | 8km | Medium | No
• Crescent Bay: 4 | 9km | Medium | Required
• Bivouac Bay: 4 | 10km | Easy | Required
• Cape Raoul Lookout: 2 | 6km | Medium | Required
• Cape Raoul: 5 | 14km | Medium | Required
• Waterfall Bay to Fortescue Bay: 7 | 17km | Medium | Required
• Cape Pillar: 2 day | 30km | Medium | Required
• Cape Pillar Circuit: 3 day | 38km | Hard | Required
• Three Capes Track Tour: 4 day | 48km | Medium | Included

Weather & What To Bring

As there is a lot to see and do at Port Arthur, site entry passes are valid for two consecutive days, and include a 45 minute guided introductory walking tour and a 25 minute harbour cruise.

If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Port Arthur, the hottest months are from December to February. The warmest time of year is generally late January and early February where highs are regularly around 31.9°C with temperatures rarely dropping below 18.5°C at night. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.

Bring comfortable footwear and clothing for all weather is recommended

A courtesy shuttle service for people with restricted mobility is available on site between 10am and 3pm daily with an extended service offered during summer

Read Port Arthur Tours Reviews

Guy kloeden.

Truly iconic and amazing in all levels and aspects. Loved the introductory and cruise tours as it gave us direction how to tackle this big piece of historical landmarks and the 2day consecutive entry tickets just made the experience so much nicer. It was great to learn about the history of tassie and the convicts. I did all of the tours and found them all fantastic.

Danny Payne

We went on the 3 hour Tasman island cruise today leaving from eagle hawk neck and arriving back at Stewart's point. Bus picked us up from port Arthur and took us to eagle hawk neck. What an AMAZING experience. Crew were awesome and very informative. Highly recommend this cruise, well worth the money

Sue-Anne Coelli

Perfect and professional from start to finish! We took the 3 hour Tasman Island Cruise from Port Arthur and all 4 of us loved it. The hosts (Tim & Andrew) were friendly and thoughtful, with entertaining and informative commentary. They made sure we all got our photos and views and made the absolute most of the weather conditions for the day. Even the bus driver was lovely and helped take care of our mum.We highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Astrid Freebird

I'm giving the historic site five stars as it was absolutely incredible. If you like history, it's here in spades. It's worth taking a few hours to walk around on your own during the day to really get the full experience. Especially in the morning

Fantastic place to visit. We had Caitlin as our guide each time and she is FANTASTIC!! It was great way to learn some Australians history and an experience i would highly recommend.

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Tickets & Tours

Site entry – port arthur by day.

Site entry tickets are valid for 2 days and include a harbour cruise, a self-guided audio experience, complimentary site talks. Site entry is required to be booked with any additional tour.

Ghost Tour – Port Arthur after dark

Join our black-cloaked guides for a 90-minute lantern-lit Ghost Tour departing after dusk. Discover what happens when darkness falls and the hidden side of Port Arthur emerges.

To add to your experience, we recommend one of these exclusive tours.

Simply add a tour after selecting Day Site Entry to your shopping cart.

Escape from Port Arthur (60 minutes)

A 60-minute tour to meet the convicts who risked everything to Escape Port Arthur.

Isle of the Dead cemetery tour (60 minutes)

Disembark the Harbour Cruise for a 40-minute guided tour around the final resting place for many convicts, soldiers and free settlers.

Commandant’s Tour (90 minutes)

Delve deeper into the stories behind our fascinating past on this 90-minute small group guided walk through history.

Convict Tour (45 minutes)

Our most accessible 45-minute guided tour providing the essential history and stories of the Port Arthur penal colony.

Wheel of Fate (4 hours)

A 4-hour VIP experience, delivering exclusive access to explore life in this infamous prison settlement and sample the region's amazing produce prepared by our chef. By arrangement only.

Site Entry Tickets include

Your site entry ticket gives you two consecutive days to explore and enjoy Port Arthur Historic Site’s many tours and activities including:

• entry to the Port Arthur Gallery, which includes interactive exhibits and displays that tell the story of the Port Arthur Historic Site and its people;
• a self-guided  Port Arthur Audio Experience ;
• a 20-minute Harbour Cruise;
• complimentary site talks at key locations throughout the day;
• access to more than 30 historic buildings , ruins, restored houses, heritage gardens and walking trails.

A courtesy shuttle service is available for people with restricted mobility (available between 10:30am and 3:30pm each day, with an extended service offered during summer).

Additional guided tours are available for anyone seeking a more in-depth look around the convict ruins and their stories with the Convict tour, Commandant’s tour, Escape from Port Arthur tour and the ever-popular Isle of the Dead.

Site Entry Ticket Prices

Adult $47 Child  $22 Concession $38

Thank you.  The proceeds from your admission fee contribute to the ongoing conservation, interpretation and development of the Port Arthur Historic Sites.

All ticket purchases are subject to our Conditions of Ticket Purchase and Entry .

Ticket of Leave (2 year pass)

Upgrade your site entry by adding a Ticket of Leave pass that will allow you to return to the Port Arthur Historic Site and Cascades Female Factory as many times as you like, for two years from the date of purchase. Using your Ticket of Leave will include all activities normally included in the general site entry.

Single Ticket of Leave $20 Family Ticket of Leave $40

Companion Card bookings

Please purchase the number of tickets that you are paying for through the online booking page ( https://secure.portarthur.org.au/select-tour ), once you finalise the booking you will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation included – please reply to this e-mail advising the number of companion card tickets you require.

Your booking will be updated and a new confirmation sent to you, this will now include the companion card tickets which will be shown Free of Charge. Please provide this booking confirmation on arrival along with a valid companion card.

Book in March 2024 to get a buffet dinner at Cradle Mountain free on the 6-Day Tasmania Tour OR

Book the 8-Day Circle Tasmania Tour and get the dinner plus $400 pp off departures until the end of May 2024.

Port Arthur Day Trip from Hobart PABUS-RETURN+PA

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Port Arthur Day Tour from Hobart

Enjoy a guided bus tour from Hobart and general admission into the Port Arthur Historic Site , where you will have time to explore and enjoy something to eat while you take in the history and beauty of this area.

Available Tours

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Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sights Day Tour

Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour. Enjoy a 8-hour day trip from Hobart to explore Tasmania’s convict history, travelling in a small group. Book now!

Bruny Island Safaris – Food and Lighthouse Trip

Bruny Island Safaris - Food and Lighthouse Day Trip includes morning tea, lunch, and a Cape Bruny Lighthouse tour with local produce tastings. Book now!

Cradle Mountain Day Trip

Because of its natural beauty, the day trip from Hobart to Cradle Mountain National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania.

Enquire about Port Arthur Day Trip from Hobart

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Hobart to Port Arthur: Essential Stops, Sights & Activities

Taking the trip from Hobart to Port Arthur is one of our favourites things to do when visiting Tasmania. It delivers so much, including some of the most stunning landscapes in Tasmania, and a chance to discover its rich convict history. Read on for our tips on making this journey and why we love this part of the Apple Isle so much.

We have made this trip by car as part of a longer road trip around the state and the first time we visited we booked a tour from Hobart so today we will share our tips for the best way to travel to Port Arthur and what to expect along the journey. We hope this will help you decide if you should self drive, or take an organised tour.

Even if you are planning to book a tour, it’s good to know what are the must see sites along the way to make sure they are included in your trip.

Getting from Hobart to Port Arthur

Exploring port arthur historic site, accommodation options, local activities and attractions, food and dining options in and around port arthur, when is the best time to visit port arthur & the tasman peninsula, frequently asked questions.

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While driving is a popular choice, there are other options available for reaching Port Arthur, including shuttles, tours and a public bus service. Let’s go over them and see which is best for you and your family or travelling companions.

Driving to Port Arthur

The driving distance between Hobart and Port Arthur is approximately 95 kilometres (62 miles) and typically takes around 90 minutes if you drive it nonstop. Despite its straight-line proximity of about 40 kilometres (25 miles), you’ll find the drive interesting as you navigate around the waterways to reach your destination. En route, the road passes through pretty towns and scenic landscapes.

The most common route to follow during this drive is via Richmond, Dunalley, and Eaglehawk Neck before reaching Port Arthur.

Along the way, you can stop at well-known sites like the historic town of Richmond to see the sandstone Richmond Bridge, built by convict labour in 1825 and the oldest large bridge in Australia. The town has also retained over 50 buildings from the Edwardian period, making it a lovely spot to wander.

Richmond is only 25 minutes from Hobart, so it might feel a bit soon into your journey to stop but we really think you should take a quick coffee break here.

Another must for us is to spend a bit of time in the Tasman National Park. At least add some of the remarkable geological formations of the area to your stops, including the Tessellated Pavement, Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the Blowhole at Eaglehawk Neck.

Public Transport from Hobart to Port Arthur

Public transport options for getting from Hobart to Port Arthur are limited. However, you can take a Port Arthur bus (734) from Hobart Town Hall or Rosny Park Interchange to Safety Cove Rd near Port Arthur. The bus trip takes approximately 90 minutes. Along the way, the bus stops at Dunalley and Eaglehawk Neck.

Check the bus schedule and ticket prices (currently $16 for adults)

Organised Tours to Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula from Hobart

If this feels a bit too difficult or you prefer a more structured trip, several tour companies offer guided tours from Hobart to Port Arthur. These one-day trips typically include transportation, admission to the Port Arthur Historic Site, and a knowledgeable guide to provide interesting insights about the area’s history.

Three tours to Port Arthur from Hobart that we recommend are:

Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sights Tour with Tassie Tours

This basic shuttle trip is the economical option and includes a few stops along the way allowing you to see more of the Tasman’s Highlights

• A stop at Tasman Peninsula’s Eaglehawk Neck and Remarkable Cave
• A tasting at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry
• A visit to the Arthur Lavender Farm

Book this Port Arthur and Tasman sites tour

Convict Trail – Port Arthur Day Tour from Hobart

This small group tour (max 12 ppl) includes your entry to the Historic Site at Port Arthur along with a guided walking tour of the site. On the way to Port Arthur, you make several stops to allow you to see some of the region’s most spectacular natural features.

• Pirate’s Bay Look Out and Hippolyte Rock
• Tessellated Pavement
• Port Arthur Historic Site
• Tasman Bridge
• Tasman Arch /Blow Hole
• Devil’s Kitchen
• Remarkable Cave

Book this tour of the Convict Trail to Port Arthur

If you have a few days to spare, this 4 day Southern Tasmania tour has a great itinerary that covers Port Arthur for one full day plus a day seeing the top sites in Hobart and the Huon Valley before heading to Bruny Island.

See the full range of Port Arthur Day Tours , including some great walking tours.

Now let’s look at the main reason most visitors make this trip. The very well preserved Port Arthur Historic site. This large site has 30 buildings and ruins to explore. History lovers might want to consider that your site entry is valid for two consecutive days, so staying overnight in the Tasman Peninsula area to fully absorb the experience is a great idea.

Guided Tours of Port Arthur

When visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site, we suggest you join one of the guided tour s. Your entry ticket to the site includes a self-guided audio experience, a harbour tour and some short site talks, but there are more detailed experiences.

These include the Escape from Port Arthur Tour, a one hour experience that explores the convicts who tried to flee this remote prison. There is also a 90 minute lantern-lit Ghost Tour offered after the site closes (Wed-Sat). Experienced guides lead you through the site’s history and share fascinating stories about the convicts and settlers who lived there, which really brings the site to life.

Points of Interest

There are several key points of interest at the Port Arthur Historic Site that you should make sure you don’t miss.

• Penitentiary : This imposing three-storey building once housed over 480 convicts in small, cramped cells. Take a walk through the penitentiary to get a glimpse into the harsh living conditions faced by convicts during that time.

• Separate Prison : This eerie building was designed for solitary confinement in order to inflict mental suffering upon the convicts as a punishment. The silence inside the walls remains chilling even today.

• Church Ruins : The remains of the picturesque church at Port Arthur represent a place of worship that was attended by both convicts and free settlers alike. Surrounded by lush gardens, the ruins reveal a more peaceful side of life at the settlement.

• Convict Water Supply : Explore the remains of a complex water supply system that was designed and built by the convicts themselves. This engineering marvel still shows the ingenuity and resilience of the convicts at Port Arthur.

While exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site, take your time and appreciate the incredible history of this unforgettable destination. Remember, it’s a significant part of Australia’s past and a testament to the strength of human spirit and resilience.

If you decide to extend your Port Arthur visit, there are several accommodation options to suit your needs.

Port Arthur Site

Port Arthur Historic Site offers on-site accommodation, including a range of self-contained apartments and cottages for a comfortable stay. You can explore the surrounding landscape during your visit.

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at a nearby motel or guesthouse. These accommodations provide a relaxed and friendly environment, allowing you to interact with fellow travellers while staying close to the main attractions in Port Arthur. We stayed at Abs By the Bay at Taranna, which is about 15 minutes from the historic site. It was a good base for exploring the region and had a lovely view of the lake.

Check out your accommodation choices near Port Arthur

Towns en-route

For a more diverse range of accommodation options, consider staying in one of the nearby towns along the way from Hobart to Port Arthur .

The picturesque town of Richmond offers an array of charming bed and breakfasts, inns, and hotels. Here, you can also visit historic sites such as the Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest stone arch bridge.

Eaglehawk Neck

An interesting section of coast between Dunalley and Port Arthur boasts stunning landscapes and is home to a tremendous variety of accommodations, from holiday homes to motels and caravan parks.

Staying at Eaglehawk Neck allows you to explore nearby natural attractions such as the Tessellated Pavement, a naturally formed pavement of rock, and the impressive views along the coastline.

No matter which accommodation option you choose, ensure that it meets your requirements and preferences for a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your trip from Hobart to Port Arthur.

Port Arthur Historic sight might be the drawcard, but there are plenty of other things to do in this region. This is why we think an overnight (or longer) stay is worth it if you have the time.

Tasman National Park

One of Tasmania’s stunning national parks offers a variety of activities to enjoy during your visit. As you explore the park, you’ll come across stunning lookouts, challenging hiking trails, and fascinating wildlife.

To experience the park’s geological beauty, make sure to visit the rugged, sea-carved cliffs of Devil’s Kitchen . If you prefer a more leisurely stroll, consider taking a walk to Waterfall Bay for breathtaking views of the coastline. A visit to Tasman National Park is incomplete without spotting local native wildlife, so keep an eye out for the unique species that inhabit the area. These include…

Tessellated Pavement at Eaglehawk Neck

Another must-see attraction on your journey from Hobart to Port Arthur is the Tessellated Pavement. Located near Eaglehawk Neck on the Tasman Peninsula, this geological wonder comprises a series of rectangular saltwater pools formed by natural erosion. The unique patterns make the Tessellated Pavement a popular spot for photographers.

The best time to see the Tessellated Pavement is during low tide. On our last visit, we decided to stay overnight nearby so we could do a sunrise walk here and capture some photographs.

While travelling from Hobart to Port Arthur, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in the local flavours. Try adding a couple of these spots to make the most of your trip.

If you decide not to travel via the historic town of Richmond add Barilla Bay Oyster Farm, a popular spot known for its fresh seafood, to your list

We also recommend a quick stop at one of the many fruit farms for some fresh and tasty local fruits.

As you continue along the east coast of the Tasman Peninsula, consider a wine tasting experience. The East Coast wine region is located conveniently on Hobart to Port Arthur Drive. Many wineries collaborate with local shops and restaurants to offer you the best wine tasting opportunities.

Once you reach the town of Dunalley, there are even more seafood options. This part of Tassy is particularly well known for its fish and chips. Try the Cannery Dunalley for lunch.

Lastly, when you reach Port Arthur, reward yourself with a soothing cup of tea or coffee at the Port Arthur Lavender café. It’s a perfect place to unwind and take in the picturesque view of the region.

The local flavours and fresh food on offer between Hobart and Port Arthur are yet another reason not to rush this trip!

Port Arthur is a year-round destination , so you can plan your trip any time of the year. However, what you want to see and do here might influence your decision.

Summer (December to February) Tasmania does not get particularly warm at any time of year, so summer visits are especially popular with mainlanders. Warmer weather and longer daylight hours attract those wanting to hike the Three Capes walk or explore the region’s natural beauty.

You can expect temperatures to range between 12°C and 22°C. Be prepared for more tourists and potentially higher prices if you visit in December and January. Especially between Christmas and New Year when the yachties hit town for the Sydney to Hobart finish.

In Autumn (March to May ) temperatures cool down come March, offering a comfortable climate with highs around 10°C to 20°C. The changing colours of the foliage make for picturesque scenery while driving. You will encounter fewer visitors in this season, allowing you to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site and the viewing points along the way at a more leisurely pace.

Winter (June to August) Rug up and bring some thermals for a winter visit to Port Arthur. Temperatures ranging between 5°C and 12°C are normal and although it’s not the peak season, it can be an excellent time to visit if you prefer a quieter experience. You can still explore the historical sites and enjoy the indoor attractions, but be prepared for colder days and occasional rain or snow.

Spring (September to November) Wildflowers blossom and the landscape looks mighty pretty in Spring. Milder temperatures, with averages between 8°C and 17°C are common. This is when the tourist season picks up, you’ll want to book accommodations and activities in advance.

How far is the drive from Hobart to Port Arthur?

The driving distance from Hobart to Port Arthur is over 100 kilometres (62 miles), taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Don’t be fooled by the straight-line distance which is only 40 km, you’ll need to drive around water and follow the roads to reach your destination. If you decide to self drive, try to start your day trip early to allow time to stop.

What are the must-see stops between Hobart and Port Arthur?

There are several interesting stops between Hobart and Port Arthur, enough to make it worth your while taking your time. Some of the must-see spots include Richmond, Dunalley, Eaglehawk Neck, and the Tasman Peninsula for wine tasting. We also loved Tasmania’s Tessellated Pavement.

Is a day trip to Port Arthur from Hobart feasible?

Yes, a day trip to Port Arthur from Hobart is workable, as the drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way. Similar to say a day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains . Allowing a few hours to explore Port Arthur and the stops you might want to make along the way, you can plan for a full day of sightseeing and return to Hobart in the evening.

Are there any guided tours available from Hobart to Port Arthur?

You won’t have to look far to find a Port Arthur day tour . There are lots of options available to get you from Hobart to Port Arthur. These tours typically include transportation and a knowledgeable guide who will provide insight into the area’s history and attractions. There are also tours for those with specific interests.

What are the opening hours for the Port Arthur Historic Site?

Port Arthur’s opening hours are generally from 9:30am to 5:00pm daily, with extended hours during the summer months. It is advisable to check the official website for any changes in opening hours before planning your visit.

Does a ferry service operate between Hobart and Port Arthur?

Although there is no direct ferry service between Hobart and Port Arthur, you have the option of combining a scenic cruise along the Tasman Peninsula coast and a visit to Port Arthur. This cruise experience typically departs from Hobart and includes a guided tour of Port Arthur.

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Tasmania Explorer

How To Get From Hobart To Port Arthur (Plus Road Trip Stops)

Visiting Tasmania and wondering how to get to Port Arthur from Hobart? Don’t worry, it’s simple.

Getting to Port Arthur from Hobart only takes a little over an hour and it’s completely possible to do a Port Arthur day trip from Hobart. Or you can stay longer and explore more of all the great things Tasmania offers in this region.

Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Tasmania’s best known attractions and for good reason. It’s the best place in Australia to learn more of the country’s brutal convict past. It’s also easy to visit and fit into any Tassie itinerary.

Your options to get here are to drive from Hobart to Port Arthur, take a Hobart to Port Arthur bus or take one of the Port Arthur tours from Hobart.

Below, I describe all these options in detail so you’ll know exactly how to travel Hobart Port Arthur and which method best suits your trip. I also discuss fun stops along the way for if you decide to drive Hobart to Port Arthur.

Let’s start!

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!

• 1 Hobart To Port Arthur Map
• 2 How Far Is Port Arthur From Hobart?
• 3 How Long To Drive From Hobart To Port Arthur?
• 4 BEST OPTION: How To Get From Hobart To Port Arthur
• 5.1 Richmond
• 5.2 Dunalley
• 5.3 Eaglehawk Neck
• 5.4 Port Arthur Lavender
• 6 Option 2: Tours From Hobart To Port Arthur
• 7 Option 3: Buses To Port Arthur From Hobart
• 8 Hobart To Port Arthur Ferry?
• 9 Port Arthur To Hobart
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Hobart To Port Arthur Map

The following is a map of the Port Arthur Hobart drive.

How Far Is Port Arthur From Hobart?

The distance from Hobart to Port Arthur is around 94 kilometres depending on exactly where you are staying. It is not far but the road is quite windy at times.

If you are travelling Hobart airport to Port Arthur instead, the distance is a little less at around 76 kilometres. You will travel the same path though and this option is best suited for people who can drive themselves.

You can hire a car from Hobart Airport here. Use the code: TASEXPLORE for 5% off.

How Long To Drive From Hobart To Port Arthur?

The Hobart to Port Arthur drive time is around an hour and 20 minutes. In peak hour, it can take longer.

BEST OPTION: How To Get From Hobart To Port Arthur

Option 1: drive to port arthur from hobart (and some suggested road trip stops).

The best option for getting from Hobart to Port Arthur is to drive yourself. It’s straightforward with signage the whole way.

Start by taking the Tasman Highway/A3 past the Hobart Airport to Sorell. In Sorell, turn to the right to take the A9 all the rest of the way to Port Arthur.

If you have the time, I recommend you make some stops along the way. The following are your best options. Even on a day trip to Port Arthur from Hobart, try to fit in some stops around Eaglehawk Neck at least.

Richmond is one of my favourite towns in Tasmania. It’s just so cute! It also has a long convict history which makes it an interesting place to visit along with Port Arthur.

This small town is just 25 minutes drive from Hobart. You’ll need to turn off the A3 before the airport and take the B31. It is clearly signposted. From Richmond, you can drive on to Sorell on the C351. It’s all sealed and this detour just adds about 12 minutes to your journey time.

Richmond contains a lot of early colonial style architecture. Look out for the churches and other beautiful buildings you can see around town. It’s a great place for a leisurely wander with some nice cafes, a superb bakery, a lolly shop I loved so much when I was a kid and some other places of interest.

Some particular places worth visiting are Richmond Gaol ( read the full review here ) and Old Hobart Town Model Village ( read the full review here ). You should also take a stroll over Australia’s oldest bridge.

With just a couple of hours, you can have a lot of fun exploring this town.

You won’t be able to miss the small fishing village of Dunalley as you can’t make the Port Arthur to Hobart drive without coming right through here.

A canal was cut through this town to allow boats easy access between Dunalley Bay and Blackman Bay which made it a lot faster for boats to get from the east coast of Tasmania to Port Arthur. You’ll need to drive over the swing bridge along the way.

There is not a lot here but you can pick up some beautiful fresh oysters at Blue Lagoon Oysters and stop to try the wines or have some lunch at Bangor Vineyard Shed. The latter especially is a really great spot.

Eaglehawk Neck

There is a range of natural attractions around Eaglehawk Neck which make this a popular stopping point for both day trip Hobart to Port Arthur visitors and travellers on a longer trip.

We always stop at attractions around here when we visit Port Arthur.

You can start with the Tessellated Pavement where the mosaic-style floor is actually the result of a combination of naturally occurring processes.

You can then head on to the Blowhole to see water exploding up from the sea below which is a former sea cave and tunnel.

Just nearby are the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen. The Tasman Arch is an impressive rock formation creating a natural arch (or bridge) over the water below. Devils Kitchen is the remnants of a collapsed cave and just a few minutes’ walk away.

All are easily access with car parks nearby and are only short walks.

You can read more about these attractions and where to find them in our full guide to Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula here.

While in the area, you won’t want to miss Doo Town either. This quirky “town” is good for a laugh with most houses having name plates that include the word “Doo”. For example, Love Me Doo, We Doo, Sheil Doo and many more.

You can read our guide to Doo Town (including finding many more house names) here.

Port Arthur Lavender

Just five minutes before you get to Port Arthur Historic Site, you’ll find Port Arthur Lavender. This lavender farm has over 18 acres and 50,000 plants overlooking the beautiful Long Bay.

This is best visited in summer when the lavender is in bloom ( find out more about visiting lavender farms in Tasmania here ). However, you can visit at any time and take a self-guided tour of the farm complete with information boards and a video explaining the farming process.

There’s also a great cafe with lavender milkshakes, lattes, ice cream and cheesecake. You can have a great lunch here which is what we like to do as it’s our favourite lunch on the peninsula.

This is also the best place to stop for locally made souvenirs or gifts with many lavender options in their gift shop.

You can find many more things to do on the Tasman Peninsula here.

Option 2: Tours From Hobart To Port Arthur

An easy way to travel here is to take one of the Hobart to Port Arthur tours.

These tours don’t just provide transport from Hobart to Port Arthur, but also give you information and ensure you get the most out of your day. If you are only looking to take a Hobart to Port Arthur day trip, this can be better than driving yourself to get the most out of your time.

The best options:

• Port Arthur and Tasman Peninsula Day Tour – This is a great Port Arthur day tour from Hobart if you want to also stop at some of the attractions detailed above at Eaglehawk Neck and Richmond. You also get time to explore Port Arthur Historic Site. Click here for more information.
• Port Arthur Day Tour with Carnarvon Bay Cruise – This tour visits a couple of the natural attractions at Eaglehawk Neck but otherwise concentrates on Port Arthur Historic Site. Click here for more information.

You can find all options for day tours from Hobart to Port Arthur in our full guide here.

Option 3: Buses To Port Arthur From Hobart

If you don’t want to take a Hobart to Port Arthur tour or hire a car, you have one option – you can take a bus.

There are buses Hobart to Port Arthur but not many.

Daily, a Tassielink bus leaves Hobart for Port Arthur. You need route 734.

At the time of publishing, this only left Hobart at 3:45pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends. It makes the return journey at 6:11am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.

The bus Hobart to Port Arthur takes around two hours and is a little shorter on weekends.

You can find more information here.

Hobart To Port Arthur Ferry?

If you are wondering if you can cruise from Hobart to Port Arthur, the answer is currently no. You’ll need to drive, take a tour or a bus from Hobart to Port Arthur. These are your only options.

Port Arthur To Hobart

Travelling from Port Arthur to Hobart is easy. You simply reverse the instructions above. However, you cannot do a day tour from Port Arthur to Hobart.

Buses leave quite early so your best option is to drive yourself.

If you need car hire, click here and use the code: TASEXPLORE for 5% off.

Final Words

I hope you have found this guide to Hobart to Port Arthur transport useful.

I recommend you take one of the day tours to Port Arthur from Hobart or drive yourself for the best experience.

This is a great part of the world to visit so it is very worthwhile making the time to travel to Port Arthur.

You can find all the best Port Arthur tours here and our full guide to what to do in Port Arthur here . You can also find our Tasman Peninsula Travel Guide here.

Related posts:

By Shan Hutchinson

Shan grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

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Elite Fishing Series gets hooks in Port Arthur

Published 12:10 am Friday, March 29, 2024

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