10 Best Hobart to Port Arthur Tours Tasmania

Are you planning a trip to Port Arthur Tasmania? If you are trying to decide which Hobart to Port Arthur tours to take, we are here to help. Not only does our guide offer a great selection of Port Arthur from Hobart tours but we also have ticket and tour options for the independent traveller.

Within this Port Arthur travel guide you will find a fabulous range of Port Arthur accommodation, advice for making the most of your trip and highlights of what to expect when you visit this intriguing location.

So come along with us as we show you the 10 best Hobart to Port Arthur tours in Tasmania Australia.

Choosing a Port Arthur day trip from Hobart

There are so many things to do in Port Arthur Tasmania and taking a Port Arthur tour is one of the best ways to see them. Which tour you take will come down to your length of stay in Tasmania, your budget and the number of people travelling together.

There is a good assortment of Hobart to Port Arthur tours, and some include added extras such as an Isle of the Dead tour, historic Richmond and the Tasman Peninsula, a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo and Port Arthur cruises to the spectacular scenery of Tasman Island.

Here is our list of the 10 best Hobart to Port Arthur Tours in Tasmania.

1. Tasmania 7 Day – Tour in Circle
2. Port Arthur Ghost Tours
3. Full-Day Port Arthur Historic Site Tour and Admission Ticket
4. Grand Port Arthur with Isle of the Dead tour
5. Port Arthur, Richmond & Tasman Peninsula Active Day Tour
6. Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart
7. Port Arthur Historic Site on Saturday including Salamanca Market
8. Port Arthur and Tasmanian Devil Active Day Tour from Hobart
9. Port Arthur Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park
10. Port Arthur and Lavender Active Day Tour

Multiday Port Arthur & Tasmania Tour

We begin with the ultimate in Tasmanian travel. This seven day tour takes you to Port Arthur and other destinations across Tasmania. The tour is a fabulous choice for anyone wanting to get a good overview of Tasmania in a short period of time.

1. Tasmania 7 Day – Tour in Circle

This extensive tour from Hobart begins with an afternoon check in at your hotel in preparation for a six day adventure discovering the highlights of Tasmania. The tour takes in a massive collection of attractions on a journey that begins and ends in Hobart.

Here are just some of the places you will visit on this tour of Tasmania.

• Port Arthur
• Bicheno
• Launceston
• Cradle Mountain
• Queenstown

This tour offers the best of both worlds with an overnight stay near Port Arthur and 3 hour morning tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site and 30 minute harbour cruise.

After visiting Port Arthur continue your tour of Tasmania exploring a host of natural wonders such as penguin spotting near Bicheno Blowhole and scenic Dove Lake which has stunning views of Cradle Mountain summit.

Click here to book the Tasmania 7-Day in Circle Tour

2. Port Arthur Ghost Tours

If you are staying overnight and love ghost tours Port Arthur certainly delivers. A Port Arthur ghost tour is an optional extra which really should be added to your Port Arthur experience.  

As the slogan goes ‘daytime history – night-time mystery’ so get ready to join this spine tingling tour as you listen to ghost stories within the ruins of Port Arthur.

This lantern lit walking tour will have your hair standing on end as you hear tales of the strange occurrences and sightings that have been documented throughout the settlement’s history.

*Note that the Ghost Tour Port Arthur operate between Wednesday to Saturday and are restricted to twenty people per tour.

Click here to book the Port Arthur Ghost tour

Tours from Hobart to Port Arthur with transport

Our next range of tours offer the convenience of travel to and from Hobart to Port Arthur making for a hassle free and relaxed day trip to Port Arthur.

3. Full-Day Port Arthur Historic Site Tour and Admission Ticket

This tour is perfect for those wanting to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site at their own pace. Relax in airconditioned comfort as you are driven from Hobart to Port Arthur. Activities during this tour include.

• Entry into Port Arthur Historic Site
• Guided introductory walking tour
• 25 minute Port Arthur cruise of Carnarvon Bay.

This tour gives you time to stroll through the grounds and imagine what life was like as a convict as you visit more than thirty historic buildings, heritage gardens and walking trails of Port Arthur.

Click here to book the Full-Day Port Arthur Historic Site Tour

4. Grand Port Arthur with Isle of the Dead tour

This tour stops off for photo opportunities at Richmond Bridge and Pirates Bay Lookout before heading to Port Arthur. Here are just some of the things you will see on this Hobart to Port Arthur Tour.

• Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck
• Guided Historical walking tour of Port Arthur
• Harbour Cruise at Port Arthur
• Guided Tour of the Isle of the Dead

Learn the tragic history of Port Arthur when you take a guided walking tour through the grounds. Next take a cruise of spectacular Carnarvon Bay and visit the Isle of the Dead where you will hear the heart breaking stories of both the convicts and free people of the settlement.

Click here to book the Isle of the Dead tour

5. Port Arthur, Richmond & Tasman Peninsula Active Day Tour

This is one of the most popular Port Arthur tours from Hobart as it allows you to see a spectacular mix of historical and natural wonders of Tasmania. 

Here are just some of the things you will see during this much loved Hobart day trips.

• Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck
• Waterfall Bay
• Tasman National Park
• Port Arthur
• Richmond

Get ready to view the breathtaking scenery of such places as the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen before visiting Port Arthur Historic Site and the charming streets of Richmond Village.

Click here to book the Port Arthur, Richmond & Tasman Peninsula Active Day Tour

6. Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

This is an exceptional tour that will not only have you visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site but getting up close and personal with the marine animals, birds and natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula.

These are just some of the spectacular attractions you may experience.

• Join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
• Port Arthur Historic Site
• Tasman Island Cruises

Explore the rugged coastline and marvel at the southern hemisphere’s tallest vertical sea cliffs and caves. Be on the lookout for seals, dolphins and seabirds while learning about the peninsula’s unique ecosystem.

Visit Port Arthur and hear the intriguing stories of the convicts that lived and worked in this brutal penal settlement.

Click here to book Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

7. Port Arthur Historic Site on Saturday including Salamanca Market

If you are visiting Hobart on a Saturday this tour is for you as it combines two of Tasmania’s most iconic attractions, the Salamanca Markets and Port Arthur.

The Salamanca Markets are held each Saturday, and this is one of the best Hobart to Port Arthur tours for seeing both attractions on the same day. Salamanca Markets is home to stalls selling an interesting mix of arts & crafts, fresh produce and gourmet food.

Here are just some of the things you will experience when you take this tour.

• Salamanca Markets 
• Port Arthur Historic Site
• Tasman National Park
• Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck

From the markets we head to Port Arthur with a fully guided historical walking tour and cruise of Carnarvon Bay. See the rugged beauty of Tasman National Park and take in stunning views at Pirates Bay Lookout.

Click here to book Salamanca Market & Port Arthur

8. Port Arthur and Tasmanian Devil Active Day Tour from Hobart

You can’t come to Tasmania without seeing Port Arthur and Tasmanian Devils. This fast paced tour is one that should be considered if you want to pack a lot of attractions into one day.

During this Hobart to Port Arthur tours, you will visit the following attractions.

• Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck
• Tasman National Park
• Waterfall Bay
• Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
• Port Arthur
• Richmond

This is not only your chance to visit the Port Arthur Historic Site but to also see Tasmanian Devils feeding. Take a hike along scenic cliff-tops and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of historical Richmond.

Click here to book the Port Arthur & Tasmania Devils Tour

9. Port Arthur Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park

This tour allows you to take a glimpse of the pretty town of Richmond and the scenic views of Pirates Bay Lookout before continuing the journey to Port Arthur Historic Site.

• Richmond
• Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck
• Port Arthur Historic Site
• Remarkable Cave

During your Port Arthur walking tour, you will learn the history of the old Penitentiary and the other buildings that are scattered across the grounds before setting off on a cruise of Carnarvon Bay. If you are adventurous make sure to take the optional Remarkable Cave tour.

Click here to book Port Arthur and Tasman National Park Tour

10. Port Arthur and Lavender Active Day Tour

When thinking of tours from Hobart to Port Arthur, lavender would be the last thing to come to mind.

This Hobart day tour is full of contrasts as it takes you to the natural beauty of Waterfall Bay, has you stepping back in time when you visit Port Arthur and breathing in the heady scent of lavender on a trip to Port Arthur Lavender Farm.

• Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck
• Waterfall Bay
• Port Arthur Historic Site
• Port Arthur Lavender Farm
• Richmond

On your way back visit Richmond an enchanting town that will transport you back to the rural England of the 1800’s.

Click here to book the Port Arthur and Lavender Active Day Tour

Hobart to Port Arthur tours

When you take one of these Hobart to Port Arthur tours you will find an interesting mix of attractions that start from a simple Port Arthur admission ticket to multiday tours of Port Arthur and Tasmania.

Of course, if you are travelling in a group or want to visit independently, we also have a range of prebooked Port Arthur tickets and Hobart to Port Arthur bus options to make planning your trip easier.

Port Arthur tickets & tours for the independent traveller

If you are visiting independently, it is important to realise that Port Arthur is one of the most visited places in Australia and prebooking your Port Arthur Historic Site entry ticket is essential.

If you are planning to take the extremely popular Port Arthur Ghost Tour prebooking is crucial as there is a limit of twenty people per tour.

The Ghost Tours is held between Wednesday and Saturday so make sure to keep this in mind when planning your visit to Port Arthur.

Port Arthur Historic Site Entry Ticket

This is a fabulous option for those travelling independently with their own transport and are planning to stay in the Port Arthur area overnight. The Port Arthur Historic Site Entry Ticket includes the following.  

• Site Entry Ticket (valid for two consecutive days)
• Introductory Guided Walking Tour
• 25-minute Harbor Cruise
• Access to more than 30 historic buildings

The ticket allows you to spend two consecutive days exploring Port Arthur at your leisure. Included is a guided walking tour, harbour cruise of Carnarvon Bay and access to over thirty historical buildings.

Click here to purchase Port Arthur entry ticket

Exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site

My first impression of Port Arthur was that it would make a beautiful setting for a luxury resort. Surrounded by thick bushland and the tranquil waters of Mason Cove and Carnarvon Bay it is hard to imagine that this magnificent landscape was once a place of profound misery.

From the moment you enter the Port Arthur Historic Site you will walk in the footsteps of the convicts, some of which were as young as 9 years old. You will learn about the daily hardships of lives lived under a philosophy of discipline and punishment, religious and moral instruction, classification and separation, training and education.

When you think of Tasmania, Port Arthur instantly springs to mind. This notorious penal settlement is famous for its cruelty and harsh punishments, a place of misery to those who would later become some of Australia’s earliest European settlers.

The Port Arthur Historic Site pays tribute to the endurance and courage of the Port Arthur convicts. Set amid a lonely landscape surrounded by dense bushland and the frigid waters of Carnarvon Bay, the time worn buildings of Port Arthur tell a story of forced migration and settlement.

Today, the grounds of Port Arthur house over thirty historical buildings and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Site. 

Port Arthur history

Before European settlement, the Port Arthur area was home to the traditional custodians of the land, the Pydarerme people who lived in the region for thousands of years.

European settlement began in 1830 as a penal station and timber camp using convict labour. By 1833 Port Arthur grew into a punishment station for hardened repeat offenders from across the Australian colonies.

Along with convicts Port Arthur supported a community of military and free people with occupations that included, doctors, church ministers, police and accountants to name a few.

By 1840 the settlement housed over two thousand convicts and produced a range of goods such as clothing, furniture, bricks, ships and boats using convict labour.

Convict transportation to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) ceased in 1853 and by 1877 the penal settlement closed.

On the 28^th of April 1996, a gunman took the lives of thirty-five people in and around Port Arthur. The Port Arthur Massacre later became instrumental in changing the gun laws of Australia.

The Port Arthur Historic Site also tells the story of a support network of soldiers, officers and free people who uprooted their families and took them to the ends of the earth.

These people lived side by side convicts but enjoyed a vastly different life of literary evenings, parties and regattas free of the convict stain. Though they had a better lifestyle it is often forgotten that they too had to adapt to a new environment and overcome the hardships of loneliness and separation from their homeland.

What to do in Port Arthur

Port Arthur Historic Site covers over 40 hectares and is home to over thirty historical buildings and ruins. It is important to give yourself plenty of time to see all the Port Arthur buildings and learn their history.

From the moment you enter the site you will find an intriguing collection of buildings and here are just some of our favourites. There are many more, but we will leave them for you to discover.

*Much of Port Arthur is outdoors so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for cold or rainy weather.

The Port Arthur Gallery

When you enter the Port Arthur Historic Site Visitor Centre, you will be given a character card depicting one of 104 people who lived and worked in Port Arthur. Continue into the Port Arthur Gallery to learn about their life and discover their fate.

The Port Arthur Gallery is a fascinating place and a great introduction into the history of Port Arthur. You will find an interesting collection of displays that explain the punishment philosophy of the day, give insight into the range of trades and industries undertaken within Port Arthur and interactions between the convicts and free people of the settlement.  

The Penitentiary

The Penitentiary looms large against the landscape and is the iconic image of Port Arthur, a place instantly recognised as a symbol of brutality and suffering. Originally constructed as a flour mill and granary, the Penitentiary was converted into a prison house between 1854 and 1857.

The bottom floors of the Penitentiary housed 136 cells and were reserved for rebellious convicts who were bound in metal irons. The dormitory on the upper floors was home to less hardened prisoners and could accommodate up to 348 men who slept in bunk beds.

As you walk along the ground floor of the Penitentiary you will find the remnants of tiny cells which leave little room to move. It is even harder to believe that the men imprisoned here would have endured a long day of hard labour and would be left to sleep shackled in heavy irons.

The Church

The Church stands on a hill and has views overlooking Port Arthur. This imposing ruin played an important part of the overall reform process of the convicts of Port Arthur.

Religious and moral instruction were key factors in the rehabilitation of prisoners and compulsory church services were held each Sunday for over 1000 people. During services convicts and free people were segregated with civilians entering through the main entrance and convicts entering through the side doors.

As you explore the Church you will be surprised to discover that much of the buildings decorative stonework was created by the boys from the Point Puer Boys Prison.

Civil Officers Row

The Civil Officers Row is home to a collection of ruins and houses that used to belong to the accountants, medical staff, and administrators of the settlement.

Here you begin to understand the divide between the lifestyle of the convicts and free people of the colony. As you walk through these comfortable dwellings you will find homes decorated in a civilised refinement, a place where parties and cultural evenings were commonplace social events.

Government Gardens

When you look across Port Arthur you can’t help but notice that within this peaceful greenery is a little touch of England.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Government Gardens. Between 1846 and 1847 Commandant Champ set about developing Government Gardens for the enjoyment of the ladies of the settlement.

The gardens became a peaceful haven free of convicts and as the years passed the gardens became renowned for the unique assortment of trees and plants from across the globe.

The Separate Prison

The Separate Prison delivered a new method of physical and psychological punishment which used the philosophy of reform through isolation and contemplation.

This large oval building offered single cell accommodation, a place where the convict worked, ate and slept.

Convicts sent to the Separate Prison were placed in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and were allowed one hour per day to exercise alone within a high walled exercise yard in solitude and silence.

Port Arthur Cruise

Included in your entry ticket to Port Arthur is a 20 minute Port Arthur harbour cruise aboard the MV Marana. The cruise takes you into Carnarvon Bay and passes the Dockyard, Point Puer Boys Prison and the Isle of the Dead.

The cruise highlights the remoteness of Port Arthur and gives new understanding into how the convicts must have felt when they first saw the settlement. Although picturesque, don’t be fooled by this tranquil setting as the waters of Carnarvon Bay are deep and can be treacherous in severe weather.

Point Puer Boy’s Prison

As you pass Point Puer Boys Prison you will be struck by how beautiful it looks but then you remember that it was home to boys as young as nine years old.

Today, it is hard to imagine that a child of nine could be convicted of a crime but in those days, you were considered criminally responsible from the age of seven. Port Arthur was a punishment station for repeat offenders and although only nine years old you would often find that the boy had a long list of previous convictions.

Thankfully, the boys were separated from the main convict population at Point Puer Boy’s Prison, but they still lived a life devoted to hard labour. Happily, many boys were rehabilitated and went on to live productive lives.

Isle of the Dead

The Isle of the Dead is the final resting place of over 1,000 convicts, military and civil officers buried on the island between 1833 and 1877.

This group of men, women and children were divided into two separate burial sections, one for the convicts which until 1850 were laid to rest in unmarked graves. The other section was reserved for free settler and military burials which were marked with headstones.

* To learn more about the personal stories of the convicts, military and free settlers that lived and died in Port Arthur, make sure to take a Guided Isle of the Dead Tour.

1996 Memorial Garden

Hidden behind a tall hedge is the 1996 Memorial Garden, a moving tribute to the Port Arthur victims who lost their lives during a mass shooting which became known as the Port Arthur Massacre.

On the 28^th of April 1996, a gunman took the lives of thirty-five people in the Broad Arrow Café and other areas around Port Arthur.

The 1996 Memorial Garden is a quiet place of reflection and is set within the shell of the Broad Arrow Café where twenty people were killed during the massacre.

*Top Tip
If you want to visit the 1996 Memorial Garden keep your eyes peeled as the entrance is easy to miss. The Memorial Garden is located on Jetty Road between the Visitor Centre and Canadian Cottage.

Where to eat at Port Arthur

If you are feeling hungry there are a choice of food options at the Port Arthur Historic Site including the 1830 Restaurant & Bar, Port Arthur Café and Museum Coffee Shop.

1830 Restaurant & Bar

If you are staying in Port Arthur overnight, why not have dinner at 1830 Restaurant & Bar? The restaurant has sweeping views of the Port Arthur site and offers a menu of locally sourced fresh seasonal produce. Add a range of craft beers and fine Tasmanian wines and you have the makings of an unforgettable night in Port Arthur.

The 1830 Restaurant & Bar is open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday from 5:00pm. Lunch is held on Sundays from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

Port Arthur Café

If you are craving cake and coffee before your tour, make sure to stop off at the Port Arthur Café. The café also has an assortment of delicious food and sandwiches, the perfect choice for a picnic within the grounds.

The Port Arthur Café is located on the upper level of the Visitor Centre and is open for breakfast from 9:00am and lunch until 3:00pm daily.

Museum Coffee Shop

If you are feeling peckish while exploring the grounds, the Museum Coffee Shop may be the place for a quick bite to eat. The Museum Coffee Shop is across from the Visitors Centre in the Asylum/Town Hall building.

Port Arthur accommodation

If you are visiting independently and want to stay overnight, you will find a good range of Port Arthur accommodation. Here are a variety of accommodation styles including self-catering chalets & cabins, hotel rooms, glamping, caravan and camping accommodation.

*Just remember that Port Arthur is a popular destination and likely to sell out quickly so book early to avoid disappointment.

Stewarts Bay Lodge Review

Stewarts Bay Lodge sits on twenty-two acres next to the Port Arthur Historic Site and is in an idyllic location with captivating bush and water views.

You will find a choice of Deluxe Spa Chalet or Log Cabin one, two or three bedroom accommodation with a fresh modern décor complete with full kitchen and dining facilities for a self-catering holiday.

If you are looking for a restaurant for a special occasion, On the Bay is Port Arthur’s only fully licensed waterfront restaurant. On the Bay serves a delectable assortment of dishes which take full advantage of the fresh local produce and there is an extensive Tasmanian wine list to compliment any dish you choose.

Click here to book now your stay at Stewarts Bay Lodge

Port Arthur Motor Inn Review

Port Arthur Motor Inn is in the enviable position of being just 700 metres from Port Arthur. When you stay you will find a room décor which is clean, light and airy with a selection of room configurations including Queen, family and disabled rooms.

The Port Arthur Motor Inn Restaurant is open 7 days and has views overlooking the historic settlement of Port Arthur. The restaurant serves a good range of meals that showcase Tasmanian produce and favourite comfort food meals.

Click here to book Port Arthur Motor Inn

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park Review

If you are looking for a Port Arthur caravan park look no further than the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park.

Port Arthur Holiday Park Tasmania is a short 4 minute drive from Port Arthur Historical Site and sits in a pretty bush setting.

There is a choice of accommodation options which include Port Arthur glamping in a Stargazing Safari Tent, an assortment of Port Arthur cabin accommodation, bunkhouse dormitory accommodation and of course spacious caravan and camp sites.

Click here to book the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park

When is the best time to visit Port Arthur?

You can visit Port Arthur any time of year but be mindful that Tasmania has a reputation for being colder than the rest of Australia especially during the winter months between June and August.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is set in a large area of open landscape which can be uncomfortable during cold weather. When visiting Port Arthur, It is advisable to always be prepared for cold and wet weather by bringing a coat and umbrella.

For the best weather Port Arthur should be visited during the summer months between December and February as this time of year guarantees the best weather.

Hobart to Port Arthur transport options

If you don’t have a car and are wondering how to get to Port Arthur from Hobart don’t despair as there are a range of shuttle bus services between both Hobart and Port Arthur.

*Please note that these shuttle services do not include entry fee into the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Click here for Port Arthur Historic Site Entry Ticket

Port Arthur Express Shuttle

Visit the historic Port Arthur attractions independently with this direct shuttle service from Hobart. This is the perfect choice of Port Arthur day trips for anyone on a tight time frame and not wanting the hassle of renting a car.

After travelling the site by comfortable coach, you will have 4 hours to explore Port Arthur at your own leisure.

*When booking keep in mind that the express shuttle does not include the Port Arthur Historic Site entry fee.

Click here to book the Port Arthur Express Shuttle

Port Arthur Return Transfer (4 passengers or more)

This return shuttle bus service is a fabulous option for groups of more than four people. Once at Port Arthur you will need your prebooked ticket for entry into the Port Arthur Historic Site before setting off to experience this heritage listed attraction.

On the return trip you will see the Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen, Blow Hole and Tessellated Pavement.

*Please note that the transfer service does not include entry fee into the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Click here to book Port Arthur Return Shuttle

Port Arthur Private Charter Service

If you are travelling in a group of up to fifteen people, you may be interested in taking a private charter service. Here is just one way for a larger group of friends or extended family to enjoy a Port Arthur from Hobart tour.

*Please note that the charter service does not include entry fee into the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Click here to book the Port Arthur Private Charter

Frequently Asked Questions

Last words on the 10 best Hobart to Port Arthur tours Tasmania

Like most Australians I grew up learning about our convict history in school. In the past there was often a sense of shame if a convict was discovered on your family tree but these days many of us embrace it with a sense of pride.

Port Arthur brings home the nightmare of convict life, the exhaustion from days of hard labour, the brutal punishments, exploitation of labour and courage of those who refused to break at the bite of the lash.

Surprisingly for all its horror Port Arthur also has its success stories, honourable accounts of those who went on to thrive and prosper in a land so distant from their own.

I had always wanted to visit Port Arthur and am so glad that I got the chance to do it. If you have dreams of visiting Port Arthur start planning as you will find a fascinating place where you will come to admire the strength of mind and resilience of those who lived in a time less fortunate than ours.

Have you taken Hobart to Port Arthur tours? What was your most memorable experience? Feel free to leave a comment as we would love to hear from you.

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