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Tasman Island Cruises provides unforgettable wilderness cruises along the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck in southern Tasmania.

The cruise travels beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar. Guests explore waterfalls, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves.

The coastline is part of the Tasman National Park. It is home to a variety of wildlife including hundreds of seals, migrating whales and abundant sea birds in their thousands.

At any time of year you're likely to see the feeding frenzy of diving gannets, albatross and sea eagles wheeling on the wind, cliff-nesting cormorants and peregrine falcons, or a pod of playful dolphins surfing the bow wave of the boat.

The custom built yellow boats are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and wildlife of the Tasman Peninsula. Each vessel holds a maximum of 43 guests. Covered open-air tiered seating means an excellent all-round view and connection with the environment. The boats have been created for these journeys and they are gentle on the environment due to their fuel efficiency and low emission operation.

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See Australia's highest sea cliffs

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Encounter marine wildlife & seabirds

Keep a close lookout for sea eagles soaring above the cliffs, pods of dolphins surfing the bow wave, albatross wheeling on the wind and shearwaters skimming the swells. 

TOUR OPTIONS

The cruise departs daily from Port Arthur.  You can drive yourself to Port Arthur, or take our Full Day Tour from Hobart.

  • Full Day Tour
  • Full Day Tour + Devil Park
  • Full Day Tour + Historic Site

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Drive yourself to Port Arthur and join the cruise.

Cruise Times

Morning Cruise (All Year) Check in by 9.15am Cruise 10am to 1pm approximately 

Afternoon Cruise (1 December to 28 April) Check in by 1.15pm Cruise 2pm to 5pm approximately 

Getting There

The cruise starts and finishes at our Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre, located at 6961 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur 7182. This is on the left side of the road, 100m before the Port Arthur Historic Site entrance.

Guests should allow 90 minutes to drive from Hobart to Port Arthur. It is important that guests check in on time to allow for pre-cruise briefing and bus transfer to the boat.

Cruise Route

Each day we tailor the route of your cruise to make the most of the sea conditions between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck.  Whichever route we take, you will always start and finish at our Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre in Port Arthur. 

Important Information

Make sure you dress warmly for the cruise - warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended. And don't forget your camera!

Tours operate daily except Christmas Day, however bookings are essential as places are subject to availability. Bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions .

During the COVID-19 pandemic we will not allow guests to join our tours if we believe they are unwell.  If you are feeling unwell or display flu-like symptoms we would encourage you to contact us and cancel your booking.

For information about accessibility, download our Accessibility Guide .

Our Flexible Cancellation Policy   

If you book directly with us, we have a very flexible cancellation policy:

  • No cancellation fees if you need to cancel due to COVID  right up to the time of departure.  This includes if you are unwell or if you have to change your travel plans due to flight changes or travel restrictions.  We will happily move your booking to another day or provide you with a full refund.  Please note you need to advise us prior to departure so that we have an opportunity to re-sell the seats. 
  • For non-COVID related cancellations our normal cancellation policy applies . We reserve the right to charge 100% for cancellations within 24 hours of departure.  Bookings are fully flexible up to 24 hours prior to the tour departure. 

Please note that if you book through a third-party website or travel agent, they each impose their own cancellation policies and restrictions.  

Duration   3 Hours Approximately

Operates   Daily, except Christmas Day

Departs From 6961 Arthur Highway Port Arthur TAS 7182 View on Map

Prices Adult $175 Child (3-16 yrs) $105 Family $540 (2 adults, 3 children)

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Tasman Island Cruises Full Day Tour

Take a Full Day Tour and spend a day on the Tasman Peninsula, including return guided bus tour, morning tea, lunch and our award-winning 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise.

07:15am - Check in at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre 07:30am - Bus departs  09:15am - Arrive on Tasman Peninsula, Morning Tea 10:00am - 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise 01:00pm - Cruise concludes 01:15pm - Lunch, followed by local sightseeing 04:30pm - Bus departs 06:00pm - Arrive Hobart, hotel drop-off 

Departure Point

The Full Day Tour departs from the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Booking Centre.  This is situated on Hobart's waterfront on Franklin Wharf, next to the Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge.  Please check-in by 7.15am for a 7.30am departure.

If you have your own car, we don't have any parking available.  There is all-day parking available nearby at the Evans Street Car Park or Market Place Car Park - click here for more information .

Morning Tea & Lunch

Your day includes morning tea and lunch served at local restaurants on the Tasman Peninsula.

During the COVID-19 pandemic we will not allow guests to join our tours if we believe they are unwell.  If you are feeling unwell or display flu-like symptoms we would encourage you to contact us and cancel your booking. Full refunds are available for customers who cancel due to illness or travel restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic.

For information about accessibility,  download our Accessibility Guide .

Duration   10¼ Hours Approximately (7:30am - 6:00pm)

Departs From Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Dock Head Building Franklin Wharf Hobart TAS 7000 View on Map

Prices Adult $265 Child (3-16 yrs) $195

Tasman Island Cruises Full Day Tour + Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

Take a Full Day Tour and spend a day on the Tasman Peninsula, incorporating return guided bus tour from Hobart, our award-winning cruise, morning tea, lunch and a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo .  

07:15am - Check in at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre 07:30am - Bus departs  09:15am - Arrive on Tasman Peninsula, Morning Tea 10:00am - 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise 01:00pm - Cruise concludes 01:15pm - Lunch 02:45pm - Visit Tasmanian Devil Unzoo 04:30pm - Bus departs 06:00pm - Arrive Hobart, hotel drop-off 

During the COVID-19 pandemic we will not allow guests to join our tours if we believe they are unwell.  If you are feeling unwell or display flu-like symptoms we would encourage you to contact us and cancel your booking. Full refunds are available for customers who cancel due to illness or travel restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Prices Adult $290 Child (3-16 yrs) $210

Tasman Island Cruises Full Day Tour + Port Arthur Historic Site

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 .

07:15am - Check in at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre 07:30am - Bus departs  09:15am - Arrive on Tasman Peninsula, Morning Tea 10:00am - 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise 01:00pm - Cruise concludes 01:30pm - 3 Hours at the Port Arthur Historic Site                     including lunch and time to explore 04:30pm - Bus departs 06:00pm - Arrive Hobart, hotel drop-off 

Your day includes morning tea at a local cafe and lunch at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Prices Adult $320 Child (3-16 yrs) $225

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Let us help you to make the most of your visit to the Tasman Peninsula.

Explore the Region

Do I Need to Book?

We recommended booking a few days ahead as our boats are often full and you may be disappointed if you chance to just turn up on the day. We are flexible with bookings so it is not a problem if you decide to change to another day or cancel, whatever the reason. No fee is charged for cancellations before the cruise date (so long as you contact us).

What about the weather?

Our boats are designed to suit the coastline along which we travel and we will certainly make the most of any weather conditions. Our bookings are fully flexible so if you decide the weather on the day is not for you, you can give us a call and we can change your reservation to a different day. Our staff are upfront and honest about the weather and you are welcome to contact us a day or two ahead to get an honest indication of the forecasted weather. Of course, in Tasmania the weather can at times be a little surprising and so a forecast is exactly that, a forecast!

What about sea sickness?

Being in open ocean, sea sickness can be an issue for a small number of people. We have had 13 years experience in dealing with this and have developed some very effective techniques to minimise the chance of sea sickness occurring.

We offer all-natural Travel Calm Ginger tablets to everyone when they step onboard. This product has proven extremely effective in preventing sea sickness in most people. Our staff can also suggest a number of things to further assist in minimising the chances of any sea sickness symptoms:

  • Selecting a seat in the back third of the boat (there is a lot less movement up the back of the boat)
  • Keeping your body temperature on the cooler side
  • If you wear glasses or sunglasses keep the lenses clean at all times
  • Avoid looking through cameras, binoculars etc
  • Stay away from acidic foods before the cruise such as Orange Juice and coffee

We do emphasise that communication is the key - if you have any concerns please let our staff know.

What do I need to wear?

It is important that you are adequately dressed because it is cold on the boats, even in summer. Warm jackets gloves, scarves & beanies are a good idea. We provide wet weather jackets which go over the top of your clothing, but we encourage you to bring a few warm layers of your own.

Can you cater for special dietary needs?

We use local cafes and restaurants for meals on our Full Day Tours. These venues are able to cater for most dietary requirements. Please mention any special requests to our staff when booking.

Can I do the cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site on the same day?

Yes, our Booking Centre is right next door to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Both can be done in the same day.

Are young children OK?

Children of all ages are welcome aboard our boats and we take many children along on our cruises. As parents you are probably the best judge as to how your children will cope with being out on the water for 3 hours, but we have found that the majority of children enjoy the experience and love seeing the amazing wildlife, huge cliffs and caves along the Bruny coastline.

Is the cruise OK while pregnant?

For the majority of days the cruise is quite suitable for pregnant women and we have had lots do our trip. Our boats are custom built for the coastline that we cruise along. They are able to cut through chop and therefore we can avoid the bumping of waves that some boats experience. It is a good idea to take into account the weather conditions on the day of the cruise as this will effect comfort levels for someone who is heavily pregnant. You can contact us a day or two ahead to get a weather report for the day of your cruise and we are happy to move or cancel bookings if it is not looking suitable for you.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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6961 Arthur Highway Port Arthur

(03) 6250 2200

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Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula Day Tour

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Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula Day Tour

$ 170.00

This is our most popular tour, we will take you to visit the awe inspiring Tasman Peninsula & the historic world heritage listed Port Arthur site. Voted No.1 as Australia’s top attraction 2018

You tour down to the scenic Tasman Peninsula where you will discover the geological locations of Eagle Hawk Neck including Pirates Bay Look Out, Tessellated Pavement, Tasmans Arch, Devils Kitchen and The Blow Hole. Available at your discretion, we can visit the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo with our unique Tasmanian Devil on display amongst other Aussie wildlife like the Tasmanian Kangaroo and native birds. Next the Port Arthur Lavender Farm is available for a visit with everything Lavender you can imagine. We will then move onto the main event, visiting the Port Arthur historic site where you can spend a few hours or more moving through the ruins with the onsite tour guides joining the included walking tour or at your own pace learning all the history and stories behind this fascinating place. There is  To finish the tour, we will go down to Remarkable Cave time permitting, which is a fascinating sea cave on some of the most incredible coast line you will see yet!

This day down the Tasman Peninsula can be personalised to encompass anything you would like to do as with all our tours, enquire today?

(Optional Penicott Wilderness Journeys Tasman Island Cruise)

Fancy personalising your tour with a Penicott Wilderness Journeys Tasman Island Cruise?

Well with us you can do just that, add the cruise to your booking with us and we will take care of the rest! Once added we will automatically adjust the itinerary to account for the cruise departing at 9.30AM in the morning. Be aware choosing to do the cruise will alter our start time to a 7.30AM start and limit our other activities on the day / land based activities and sights as the cruise will take approximately 50% of the tour to complete. the other 50% of the day can be spent at Port Arthur or any of the other sights your interested in seeing, the choice is 100% yours.

  • Personalised / Private Group Tour
  • Cost $198 Per Person, applies to groups of 4 or more
  • Minimum Touring Rate Starting From $598, applies to groups of 3 or less
  • Tour Duration 8 – 9 Hours
  • Fully Flexible Itinerary
  • Port Arthur entry fee included
  • Pick Up / Drop Off to your hotel or chosen location
  • (Personalise your tour by adding the Tasman Island Cruise to your booking)
  • Press The Book Now Button Below, To Check Group Pricing & Availability For This Tour

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Tasman Peninsula Three Capes Walking Tour with Fortescue Bay & Wilderness Cruise

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Hobart, Port Arthur, Cape Raoul, Cape Hauy Track

Discover the wild landscapes of the Tasman Peninsula on a four-day small-group walking tour. Following an experienced guide, walk the cliff-hugging trails of the Three Capes and Tasman Peninsula, admiring each breathtakingly beautiful panoramic glimpse over the endless coastline as you go.

Return after days spent afield to evenings in cosy hikers’ lodging, and relax with included meals throughout your stay. Plus, feel the sea breeze as you embark on an open-air wilderness cruise, gliding past towering sea cliffs, underwater caves and crashing waterfalls as you catch glimpses of seals, sea eagles, albatross, dolphins and more.

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Your epic walking adventure begins this morning at 7.45am. You will be picked up from your meeting point, the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, and transferred to the historic town of Port Arthur.

Start your first walk at Remarkable Cave, following an undulating trail through heath-covered dunes. Keep on the lookout for spiky echidnas waddling just off the track.

Stop at the phenomenal 40-metre-deep Maingon Blowhole before continuing to Mount Brown. The ascent is steep, but the breathtaking panoramas at the summit are well worth the effort. Look out over Cape Pillar, Tasman Island, Arthurs Peak and, further south, Cape Raoul and Bruny Island. Today’s walk will take approximately five hours and is classified as moderate to hard.

Finish your walk at the beautiful Crescent Bay beach. The cold, crystal-clear waters offer a chance to cool off, while the golden sand invites you to sit and stretch out under the sun. Afterwards, check-in at your accommodation, where your bags await. Pre-dinner nibbles are served before a delicious (and well-deserved!) two-course dinner.

Arrival & Transfers:

Please book your flights to arrive at Hobart Airport at any time prior ot Day 1. Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport.

After breakfast, prepare lunch and head out on your second walk. It’s all bushland and coastal scrub along the trail today as you make your way to the dramatic landscapes of Cape Raoul, home to some of the tallest sea cliffs in Australia. You can expect strong winds and stunning vistas of the pillared cliffs of Tasman National Park, including the 300-metre-high cliffs of Cape Pillar.

The first breathtaking vista comes after a steady ascent: the bush falls away to reveal the cliffs and Cape Raoul stretching out into the ocean. Enjoy views down to Shipstern Bluff and beyond to Bruny Island and Tasmania’s southern coast. From these lookouts, you’ll enjoy your first encounter with the intense winds the Capes are famous for — some of the strongest in Australia have been recorded here.

A plateau marks a natural pause in the landscape, signalling that you’re about to be treated to views over Mount Brown, Arthurs Peak and Mount Fortescue. A little further east, you’ll spy Cape Pillar, the highest vertical cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Today’s walk takes approximately six hours and is classified as moderate.

Your final walking day is the most challenging – and the most rewarding. Take extra care as you set off on the steep, winding trail through rocky scrub and dry forest, where arresting coastal scenes greet you at every turn. Pause to admire panoramas of the coast and Maria Island before arriving at the breathtaking Candlestick and Totem Pole rock formations.

Today’s walk will take approximately five hours and is classified as moderate to hard.

This afternoon, you might like to join an optional excursion (surcharges apply) to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Learn about the UNESCO-listed former convict settlement before wandering through the immaculate gardens.

After breakfast, embark on an exciting three-hour wilderness cruise. See the jagged rock formations up close as your boat expertly navigates the rugged coastline, pausing frequently for wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Look out for seals, albatross, white-bellied sea eagles and more.

Back on dry land, enjoy one last lunch at the lodge before it’s time to head back to Hobart. The tour ends today, and you’ll be dropped off at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart between 4.30pm and 5pm.

Note: Please ensure you have dressed appropriately for the cruise – warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended.

Departure & Transfers:

Please book your flights to depart from Hobart Airport (HBA) after 7pm. Airport transfers are not included for your tour. The hotel is located approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport

Tasman Peninsula Three Capes Walking Tour with Fortescue Bay & Wilderness Cruise route map

Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable wilderness cruise around Port Arthur, Tasmania, where rugged, untamed beauty abounds. Set sail from the historic shores of Port Arthur and embark on an adventure through the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula – witness sheer cliffs plunging into iron-hued waters, sea caves carved by the relentless waves and pristine beaches that stretch into the horizon.

Port Arthur is a living gallery celebrating Tasmania’s soaring beauty, with abundant marine life to spot – including dolphins, seals and countless seabirds – and the perfect way to cap off your journey through the Three Capes.

  • Guided scenic hikes across the Tasman Peninsula, including trails at Cape Hauy, Mount Fortescue and Cape Raoul
  • Enjoy a three-hour, award-winning wilderness cruise
  • Three nights of lodge accommodation with stunning views over the Tasman Coast
  • 10 meals included – three breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners
  • Comfortable mini-coach transport throughout, with return group transfers from Hobart
  • Two accredited, experienced driver-guides to lead your expedition, with safety gear provided
  • All sightseeing and national park entry fees as per the itinerary

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

  • Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
  • Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
  • If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
  • Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
  • Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
  • Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected], who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
  • For tours that allow children, the child must be 10 years or over and must share a room with an adult.
  • Children are the same price as adults.

7-Day Change of ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:

  • Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund if cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 120 days prior to the departure date.
  • All booking Deposits are non-refundable.
  • After final payment is received, bookings are non-refundable unless otherwise provided for in our refund policy. Cancellations outside of the 7-Day Change of Mind Guarantee period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, a service fee of A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Any changes or cancellations made within the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, where applicable, will not incur any fees unless otherwise restricted to the product Fine Print. Booking changes may include, but are not limited to, name changes or name corrections.
  • For date changes made after the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, the cost of your new tour must be of equal or greater value than your current tour.
  • If the request is a change from a tour of higher value to a tour of lesser value, any difference in the tour prices will not be refunded.
  • Changes are not permitted once the final payment has been collected.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees in respect of flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be related to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs, or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions .

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

  • You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

  • Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
  • Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
  • Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
  • All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] for further information.

  • Return international flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Pre- and post-tour accommodation
  • Single supplement
  • Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
  • Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Baggage Restrictions

  • Passengers are permitted one piece of soft baggage with a maximum weight of 15kg on tour.
  • Arrival and departure transfers are NOT included with your tour, please plan accordingly.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email  [email protected] .

Passports & Visas

  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

  • Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
  • Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
  • We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact [email protected] so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
  • Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
  • If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
  • Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .
  • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
  • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
  • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.

Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.

Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
  • There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
  • Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins and ends at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, without airport transfers

Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.

Please book your flights to arrive at Hobart Airport (HBA) at any time prior to Day 1 and depart from Hobart Airport (HBA) after 7pm on Day 4.

When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.

Need flights?  Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact [email protected] .

Important Destination Information:

Time zone: AEST (GMT +10)

Telephone: +61

Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)

Accessing money: ATMs are easily accessible with credit cards widely accepted within cities. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Language: English

Climate: Cool climate with warm summers (December to February) and cold winters (June to August). Rainfall varies dramatically across the island.

  • Please note: For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.

Tasmania

The Tasman Peninsula is located in southeast Tasmania just over an hour drive from the capital Hobart . The most popular attraction on the Tasman Peninsula is the Port Arthur Historic Site, which is often on the bucket list for travelers to Tasmania however it is also known for its beautiful beaches, bays, large surf, soaring cliffs and abundance of wildlife.

tasman peninsula tours

The Tasman Peninsula is a piece of land in the southeast of Tasmania that is surrounded by beautiful bays and ocean and is connected by a small isthmus named Eaglehawk Neck.

Tasman Peninsula

Dramatic coastline and convict history make the Tasman Peninsula a must-see

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Dramatic coastline and convict history make the Tasman Peninsula a must-see. Instagram worthy for sure!

The Tasman Peninsula is located in southeast Tasmania just over an hour drive from the capital Hobart . The Tasman Peninsula is easily accessible by the Arthur Highway, a winding 70 kilometre drive through beautiful countryside and bushland. The most popular attraction on the Tasman Peninsula is the Port Arthur Historic Site, which is often on the bucket list for travelers to Tasmania. Whether visiting Port Arthur or not, exploring the Tasman Peninsula is a must-do, as the natural beauty of this region will really leave an impression on you.

Osborne Helitours: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia

The Peninsula is connected by a small isthmus named Eaglehawk Neck . This isthmus made the Tasman Peninsula a perfect location to host Port Arthur, the penal settlement that housed Australia's first convicts. In reality, Tasman Peninsula was the perfect natural prison.

In modern times, the Peninsula has become a favourite with Tasmanian bushwalkers, campers and day trippers due to its spectacular natural beauty and views that will take your breath away. There is also plenty for history buffs, adventurers, families and animal lovers. The Tasman Peninsula is a playground just outside Hobart that everyone will love.

It has to be argued that the highlight of the Tasman Peninsula is the extraordinary rugged coastline. Most visitors to Tasmania would agree that the state has an oversupply of spectacular coastline, but it could be argued that the Tasman Peninsula has some of the best.

Take an eco-cruise or drive around the peninsula and you'll be amazed by what the sea has carved out of the land. Soaring cliffs up to 300 meters high will leave you awestruck, and if you are lucky you'll get to view an abundance of wildlife , including migrating wales, dolphins, Australian fur seals, penguins and birds.

tasman peninsula tours

A trip to the Tasman Peninsula is a must-do for any visitor who loves history, wilderness, adventure or animals. There is something for everyone in this gorgeous region of Tasmania and the variety of activities means you'll never be left searching for something to do. Image thanks to: Paul Hoelen and Chris Crerar

Getting There

From Hobart, head out east along the Tasman Highway past the airport, taking a right turn onto the Arthur Highway when you reach the township of Sorell. Follow the highway down through the Forester Peninsula until Eaglehawk Neck, approximately 75km from Hobart. Eaglehawk Neck is the isthmus that connects the Tasman Peninsula near the town of Dunalley and is the gateway to your Tasman Peninsula adventure.

Accommodation Offerings

Camping in Cloudy Bay Lagoon Coastal Reserve - Tasmania, Australia

Activities and Things to Do and See

Pirates Bay, Tasmania, Australia

Along the road from the Pirates Bay Lookout and just before Eaglehawk Neck, lies the tessellated pavement , an Instagram worthy rock formation that looks more like a well laid mass of rectangular pavers than a rocky beach. The best time to visit tessellated pavement is when the tide is out and you can wander along, taking in the magic of nature.

Doo-Town is a delightful little place where residents have named their properties Doo-Something (there is in fact a property called Doo-Something, along with some creative names such as Doo-Little, Doo-Me and Love-me-Doo). It is not often that you find a community where everyone appears to have a sense of humour!

From Doo-Town it is a short drive to access the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, which are both an easy walk from their car park areas, as well as the Tasman Peninsula Blowhole, which is always a delight for kids and adults alike. Depending on the tide and weather conditions, you will also see some amazing wave action on the sea cliffs during the short walking track at the blowhole. Don't forget to check out Remarkable Cave and Waterfall Bay, which are both easy to get to by car further down the Tasman Peninsula.

While you're visiting the Tasman Peninsula, you need to visit the Port Arthur Historic site, one of 5 world heritage listed convict sites in the state. The stories, atmosphere and beautiful setting are incredible and really challenge visitors to imagine what this place must have been like given it was a penal settlement.

The Coal Mines Historic Site shows the remains of coal mining activities in the area and has more than 25 buildings that show the history of coal mining in the Peninsula area.

Eaglehawk Neck is the connection point of the peninsula to the mainland and was once the site of a vicious guard line of dogs that prevented any escapee convicts from making their way to civilisation. At the same site there is the Officers' Quarters, a museum showing the history of the area.

The Officers' Quarters was originally built in 1832 to house soldiers who were stationed at the isthmus. It is thought to be the oldest wood constructed military building in Australia. Escaping Port Arthur and the peninsula was nearly impossible, with dogs even stationed in the water to prevent convicts from attempting to cross via the sea. These days there is a line marked in the dunes and a statue of a dog where guard dogs were once stationed.

Kangaroos in the Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania, Australia

Avid bushwalkers will love the Tasman Peninsula and will be particularly excited by the 4-day Three Capes Walk which takes in Cape Raoul, Cape Hauy, Cape Pillar and Tasman Island at the south of the Peninsula. If time is tight, there is a multitude of shorter day walks that take in parts of the Peninsula throughout the National Park. Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy and Tourism Tasmania & Masaaki Aihara.

Recommended Tour:

Tasman Island Cruise - 3 Hour Boat Cruise around the coastline of Tasman Island. You will find options to add a full-day itinerary with the Devil Park addition to see Tasmanian Devils or visit and explore the Port Arthur Historic site.

Where to Eat

There are plenty of food options to and from these incredible attractions.  Perhaps swing by one of the restaurants in Nubeena.

The Tasman Peninsula was the site of Australia's most notorious penal settlement, Port Arthur. Established as a natural prison, the Tasman Peninsula was extremely hard to escape and is now a major historic attraction. The stories of convicts who were housed at Port Arthur form much of Australia's colonial history and the site itself is a fascinating and informative place to explore. Port Arthur is joined by the Historic Coal Mine site and the Officers' Quarters at Eaglehawk Neck which together provide history buffs with exciting insights into white settlement in Tasmania.

Environment

Bennetts Wallabies, Tasmania, Australia

Useful Information/Local Tips

Make sure to turn off to the Pirates Bay Lookout before Eaglehawk Neck, spectacular views are an understatement.

The sea cliffs along the peninsula are high and can be dangerous, always pay attention to signs and do not cross safety barriers to take photos.

Tasman Peninsula Tasmania Australia

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Tasman Island Cruises

Exploring this rugged coast by boat reveals a stunning wilderness experience

  • A full day tour including a 3 hour wilderness cruise

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Trip highlights

  • View a variety of wildlife including seals, whales and sea birds.
  • Witness the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Explore waterfalls, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves.

Take a full day tour from Hobart and spend a day on the Tasman Peninsula including guided return bus tour, 3 hour cruise, morning tea and lunch. Robert Pennicott's award winning three hour wilderness cruise takes you along the spectacular coastline between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur. You will see Australia's highest sea cliffs, enter deep sea caves and join in the search for abundant sea and coastal wildlife, such as seals, dolphins and sea birds. The custom built boats are ideal for viewing dramatic coastline and wildlife with covered open-aired seating providing an excellent all round view and connection with the environment. This tour can also be extended to include Port Arthur Historic Site or Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park.

Activities:

Day 1 depart hobart, 3 hour cruise and return to hobart, what's included.

  • Bus transfers to and from Hobart
  • 3 hour jet boat cruise
  • Morning Tea and Lunch

What's not included

  • Travel to Hobart
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature

Discovery and Cruising

This is one of our least demanding trips. This cruise involve little extended activity and is suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary takes place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and involves travelling by bus and jet boat. Sightseeing will be conducted on foot.

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Cradle Mountain | Peter Walton

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole , which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals .

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Port Arthur Tours

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About Port Arthur Tours

Port arthur and the tasman peninsula.

Tours to Port Arthur

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

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

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

Bus 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

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

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

Weather in Port Arthur

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

Great day was had by my husband and myself. Heather was informative and very helpful and looked after us perfectly.

Helen Wetherell

We very much enjoyed our day. Jodi was a great host- very personable.

Galia Licht

Jodi was a great guide

Melissa Hurley

The whole tour was incredible! Thoroughly enjoyed it and was great value for money. A great way to fill in the day with some magnificent sites. Thank you!

Lynda Rohan

Ian was a fabulous guide/driver. He is friendly, knowledgeable and interested in helping people enjoy the experience. The tour was excellent with time to enjoy each place we stopped.

Roy Schroedl

This could have been a 6 hour trip instead was of 8 hours. Plenty of time to walk the grounds. Glad we made the visit anyway.

Nicola Jones

Fabulous! Well organised.

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Best Tasman Island Cruise Tours from Hobart, Tasmania (2024)

towering cliffs of Cape Hauy on a Tasman Island Cruise

Visiting the Tasman Peninsula and taking a Tasman Island Cruise is one of the best day trips from Hobart. Witness towering cliffsides, deep sea caves, stark landscapes , and a chance to spot whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds . Boarding a Tasman cruise is one of the best Port Arthur tours from Hobart and one of my most memorable experiences. 

Tasman Island cruises come complete with a friendly (and very knowledgable) captain and crew from the award-winning Pennicot Wilderness Journeys , an open-air adventure vessel and a bright red jacket to block from wind and rain. 

This isn’t a casual, leisurely cruise like you might think, it’s an adventure cruise! So expect to be zipping along the coastline and launching over Tasman Sea waves on this Tasman boat cruise.

This detailed Tasman Peninsula Cruise guide will outline what to expect, the options you have available to you for combination tours to highlights like Port Arthur Historic Site or Tasmanian Devil Unzoo , and if you decide to stay overnight in Port Arthur before an early morning boat cruise, the best Port Arthur accommodation.

Are you looking for the best things to do in Hobart without a car, why not take one of the many exciting day trips from Hobart ? 

cruising along the Tasman Peninsula coastline on a Tasman Cruise

* This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my  full disclosure  for further information.

Map of Tasman Island & Tasman Peninsula from Hobart

Where is the Tasman Peninsula? Located about 90km east of Hobart, the Tasmanian peninsula stretched south to align with Bruny Island to the west. Tasman Island itself is positioned at the bottom tip of the peninsula and is the most southwesterly island in Tasmania. 

Tasman Island can only be reached by a Tasmania boat cruise from Port Arthur, the main town on the Tasman Peninsula, through Pennicott tours.

Map of Port Arthur Peninsula and route for the Tasman Peninsula cruise

What to Expect on a Tasman Island Cruise

This Tasmania boat cruise is one of the top things to do in Tasmania and is a must along your Tasman adventure. Of course, due to the wild nature of the Tasmania boat tours, you should be comfortable speeding along open ocean waters. Again, this is not a ‘ cruise ’ cruise, it’s rather an exciting adventure.

Checking Into Your Tasman Island Cruise

If you happen to be renting a car in Tasmania and have made the journey to Port Arthur on your own, park your car at the Pennicott Tasman Island Cruise headquarters and check in at their front counter. You will need a printed or digital form of your Tasman Island Cruise admission and a form of ID. 

If you are planning your own Port Arthur tour from Hobart, make sure to get an early start, as they like all participants to be checked in by 9:15 AM and the journey takes a leisurely 1.5 hours from Hobart.

Next, they will direct you to a back shed to pick up your bright red wind and rain cover (essentially a waterproof poncho), for your Tasmania Island cruise. No need to throw it on now, because you’ll be boarding a bus after a briefing from your boat crew.

Tasman Island Cruises headquarters in Port Arthur

A friendly (and witty) boat crew member will give you the low down on how the Tasman Island Cruise is not a ‘cruise’ cruise and rather a thrill ride along the picturesque Tasman Australia coastline. He also explains that the crew will offer out sea sickness pills once you board the Tasmania cruise since most people end up needing them. 

After a few safety lessons, you are allowed one last chance to use the restroom before boarding the bus.

Getting to the Tasman Island Cruise Boat

Embark from the Pennicott Tasman Island Cruise headquarters in Port Arthur, making your way north to Pirates Bay on a big comfortable tour bus. In about 25-30 minutes you will arrive at the boat ramp at Pirates Bay, overlooking Eaglehawk Neck.

Once you arrive, now is the time to throw on that big red poncho and ready yourself for the incredible things you will see along the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise. Once you’ve boarded the boat, the captain will introduce himself and explain what you will see on your journey. 

tasman peninsula tours

This is also the time they will offer out sea sickness pills (pure ginger tablets! Nothing scary here). I took them and am very glad I did since the captain said that we would be experiencing 6ft swells and a bumpy ride.

Your Tasmania boat trip should have lift-off by 10 AM.

What you Will See on the Tasman Island Cruise

Witnessing Tasmania by sea is something you’ll never forget. This Tasman Island 3 hour Wilderness Cruise will take you past some incredible landscapes, all while teaching you about the area and its wildlife.

Deep Sea Caves

cliffs along Tasmania island cruise

Once you’ve sped out of Pirates Bay on your open-air vessel and turned south down the Port Arthur Peninsula coastline, you will pass by the iconic Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch. These famous rock formations create a window where the frothing Tasman Sea meets the layered cliffs, creating a crushing effect.

Continue further, and your Tasman Peninsula eco cruise will stop to take a look at deep sea caves. These mysterious caves can only be entered if conditions are calm (they weren’t for us unfortunately), but even just witnessing how the turquoise waters lap heavily inside the cave is magical.

Waterfall Bay

Tasmania boat tours floating under a waterfall

Just when you thought the towering coastline couldn’t get any more picturesque, you arrive at Waterfall Bay. You can see a statuesque stream of water gushing down from the cliffside, far off in the distance. The thundering drop gets louder and louder as you approach the base of the waterfall, and the captain will take you up close and personal. 

TIP | If you have a camera, protect it from the waterfall spray!

tasman peninsula tours

Around the next corner of the coastline, the epic Tasman cruise in Tasmania will take you to calmer waters, sheltered in Canoe Bay. Besides trying your hand at spotting white-breasted sea eagles (endangered in Australia) nested amongst the tree canopy, you will float past the remains of a steel-hulled barge. 

In the 1940s, a barge named the William Pitt was used to construct the predecessor to the Tasman Bridge heading east out of downtown Hobart – a floating pontoon bridge. In 1955, the William Pitt was deliberately sunk to create a breakwater for smaller boats. This wreckage is what you will see in Canoe Bay.

If you have more time on the Tasman Peninsula, you can take a day to snorkel around this wreckage, it’s supposed to be great! On your way out of Canoe Bay, you will pass the white-sand paradise – Fortescue Bay Beach. This beach, as part of the Tasman National Park, makes for exciting hikes and camping.

The Monument at Cape Hauy

The totem pole on a 2 hour tasman island wilderness cruise

The Monument at Cape Hauy is one of the finest examples of volcanic dolerite cliffs along the Peninsula’s coastline. Boasting the 65-metre Totem Pole sea stack and equally as impressive Candlestick, it’s a road climbers’ mecca. 

With tumultuous waters splashing up against an almost sheer vertical cliff, rock climbers make bold and harrowing ascents up the Totem and Candlestick every year. 

Before wedging through the narrow and boisterous opening between the Totem Pole and Candlestick, you will get a closer look at the sea colony that dwells here. 

Tasman Island

Tasman Island

The pinnacle of your journey on this Tasman Island Cruise, is, of course, Tasman Island. Just off the coast of the Tasman Peninsula and Cape Pillar, Tasman Island is home to one of Australia’s most inaccessible lighthouse stations. With only one all-steel lighthouse and three small buildings to out the lightkeeper and his family, the island suffered many strong storms.

tasman peninsula tours

Standing as the tallest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere, Tasman Island’s windswept and desolate nature tops out at 240 metres above sea level. With almost vertical cliff faces, a steam winch was constructed to move supplies and people from the turbulent Tasman Sea waters. You can still see the winch today. 

A colony of fur seals can also be found here on Tasman Island, for your second chance to see these wonderful seaborn creatures.

Tasman Wildlife

Tasman Island wildlife and seal colony

Depending on the time of year, you may have a special spotting of Southern Right Whales (we spotted one in the distance!), Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Minkie Whales or Pilot Whales. But, what you will likely see is one or two large colonies of Australian Fur Seals. In Canoe Bay, try your luck at spotting the elusive Sea Eagles in their large (often multi-storied nests). 

Out at sea, witness the marvel of the sheerwaters, which undertake the longest migration in the world, rarely landing, and the stunning Albatross as it floats around your Tasman Island Cruise vessel, often only flapping its expansive wings once or twice.

tasman peninsula tours

A Note About Your Tasman Island Cruise

In good conditions, you would head towards Port Arthur after seeing Tasman Island, whisking past Mount Brown toward the harbour. In my case, the swell was upwards of 6ft, so continuing around to the east of Tasman Island wasn’t possible. We headed back up the way we came along the western coastline to Pirates Bay.

If this happens to you, once you dock at Pirates Bay, take a few minutes to see the Blow Hole and Fossil Bay Lookout before hopping back on the bus to Port Arthur. 

tasman peninsula tours

Hobart to Port Arthur Tour Options

Now you have a few options when it comes to how you want to experience a Tasman Island Cruise. Firstly, you can definitely take the straightforward 3 hour Tasmania cruise from Port Arthur if you have your own car. But if you are spending a weekend in Hobart or plan to visit Hobart without a rental car, I have a few tour options for you. 

The Tasman Peninsula is also home to the famous UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, a 19th-century penal colony, and the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. Both are great options for your trip to the peninsula.

To get the most out of your Hobart to Port Arthur day trips, opt for one of these all-inclusive combination tours below:

1. 3-Hour Tasman Island Cruise from Port Arthur

Best For | Travellers with Rental Car Duration | 3 hours Tour Price | $155 AUD Start Times | 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM Book Tour | 3 Hour Tasman Island Cruise

the Pennicott Wilderness Journey boat under the cliffs

First things first, if you are renting a car in Tasmania and have arrived in Port Arthur for a night or two, or are planning to make the drive from Hobart to Port Arthur yourself and want the flexibility to explore the Port Arthur Peninsula at your own pace, you can book the simple 3 hour Tasman Island Cruise in Tasmania. 

This will depart the Pennicott headquarters in Port Arthur (where you can also park your rental car) at either 9:15AM or 1:15PM and take care of the rest for you. This tour does not include transportation from Hobart or food.

2. Full-Day Tasman Island Cruise & Sightseeing

Best For | Travellers Staying in Hobart Duration | 10.25 hours Tour Price | $245 AUD Start Time | 7:30AM Book Tour | Full-Day Tasman Island Cruise & Sightseeing

tasman peninsula tours

If your only goal is to experience the Tasman Island Cruise from Hobart, this could be a great tour option for you. Board your comfy tour bus at the Hobart docks and make the 1.5-hour scenic drive to Port Arthur. Enjoy a morning tea while getting a safety briefing from the cruise team. 

Now it’s time to embark on your epic Tasman boat cruise. After witnessing the towering cliffs, wildlife and incredible nature, it’s time to dig into a big lunch. On the way back to Hobart, stop off at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry and picturesque Port Arthur Lavender Farm before heading back to the city. 

This Port Arthur day trip from Hobart takes just over 10 hours, departing at 7:30 AM and returning to Hobart around 6 PM.

3. Tasman Island Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site

Best For | History Buffs Duration | 10 hours Tour Price | $280 AUD Start Time | 7:30AM Book Tour | Tasman Island Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site

This tour would be my top choice for a Port Arthur day tour from Hobart. I stayed two nights in Port Arthur with my own rental car, but I constructed an epic one day in the Port Arthur area that included a 3 hour Tasman cruise and a 3 hour exploration of the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur historic site. I thoroughly enjoyed it and so I recommend this tour for you to get the most out of the Tasman Peninsula.

  • Scenic bus tour from Hobart to Port Arthur (departing at 7:30 AM)
  • Morning Tea
  • Port Arthur Historic Site (including 20-min Port Arthur Harbour Cruise)
  • Hearty Lunch at a Local Restaurant
  • 3 Hour Tasman Island Cruise
  • Bus back to Hobart arriving around 5:30 PM

4. Tasman Island Cruise & Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

Best For | Wildlife Lovers Duration | 10.5 hours Tour Price | $265 AUD Start Time | 7:30AM Book Tour | Tasman Island Cruise & Tasmanian Devil Unzoo Tour

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

For all you wildlife lovers, get an up close and personal experience with the endangered Tasmanian Devil on this epic 10.5-hour day tour from Hobart to Port Arthur. After a 1.5-hour journey in a comfortable coach from Hobart, sip on your morning tea and ready yourself for an adventure on the Tasman Sea. 

After your 3 hour Tasman Peninsula cruise disembarks, enjoy a hearty lunch before spending a few hours in the Tasmania Devil Unzoo in Port Arthur. A great way to see Tasmanian wildlife in a wild setting (not captive!). Return by bus to Hobart at roughly 6 PM.

How to Get to Port Arthur from Hobart

If you are renting a car in Tasmania and need to make the Hobart to Port Arthur drive, you should expect the journey to take roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes (without stops). The distance from Hobart to Port Arthur is 90km. 

Take the Tasman Bridge from downtown Hobart heading west and continue on the A3 Highway. Continue straight onto the A9 Highway at the small village of Sorell. Continue on the A9 all the way to Port Arthur, crossing the scenic Eaglehawk Neck, connecting mainland Tasmania to the Tasman Peninsula.

NOTE | There is no longer a ferry from Hobart to Port Arthur , you will have to get from Hobart to Tasman Peninsula by rental car, bus or tour

Best Port Arthur Accommodation

Port Arthur Tasmania accommodation has something to offer everyone. From camping and caravan parks to boutique hotels. With so much to see on the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur area, I recommend spending at least a night here, if not two (given you have enough time on your Tasmania itinerary).

The Cove On the Rocks

tasman peninsula tours

Port Arthur Villas

tasman peninsula tours

Stewart’s Bay Lodge

tasman peninsula tours

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park

tasman peninsula tours

Other Day Trips from Hobart

Hobart is blessed with many day trip opportunities with a 30-minute to 2-hour drive from the city centre. My favourite is the gourmet haven of Bruny Island just south of Hobart. Take an epic Bruny Island tour and discover the island’s best produce and products, plus beautiful panoramic views from The Neck Lookout and Cape Bruny Lighthouse.

If you have your own car, follow this one day Bruny Island itinerary to see the island’s highlights. Or simply check out this detailed list of the best day trips from Hobart .

Staying a few nights in Hobart? Here are the best places to stay in Hobart and top hotels.

Tasmania Travel Planning Guide

► is it safe to rent a car in tasmania.

Absolutely, it is safe to rent a car in Tasmania. In fact, renting a car in Tasmania is the best way to see and explore the island .

You can make a very scenic lap of Tasmania in 10 days with your own rental vehicle. Plus public transportation between major tourist hubs in Tasmania is relatively limited.

► What is the best way to book my Tasmania accommodation?

I always use booking.com for all of my accommodation worldwide, and Tasmania is no exception. I stayed in some really epic places on my adventure around the island.

For more cozy apartment-style accommodation try VRBO (better and safer than Airbnb).

► Can you drink tap water in Tasmania?

Heck yes! Tasmania has some of the cleanest tap water in the world . Outside of a few small rural areas where this might not be the case, I really enjoyed drinking straight from the tap in Tasmania.

If you plan to do a lot of hiking in Tasmania, I recommend bringing my favourite self-filtering water bottle with you, just in case.

► What are the best day tours in Tasmania?

Taking a day tour in and around Tasmania is a must when visiting the island.

I highly recommend (and have been on!) the Tasman Island Cruise , the gourmet Bruny Island day tour , the Tamar Valley wine tour and the Gordon River Cruise .

More Tasmania Travel Guides

East coast Tasmania road trip itinerary for Tasmania

Best East Coast Tasmania Road Trip: Hobart to Launceston Drive (2024)

renting a car in Tasmania car hire

Renting a Car in Tasmania: Advice on Driving in Tasmania in 2024

10 day tasmania itinerary

Best Tasmania Itinerary 10 Days: A Detailed Self-Drive Itinerary for Tasmania (2024)

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Haley is the founder of the global travel blog, Haley Blackall Travel. She has travelled to 40+ countries across 5 continents over the last 15 years and is considered an expert in her field.

She loves to share honest first hand experience from her travels. Her goal is to help readers planning their next trip by providing in-depth travel guides and recommendations for her favourite boutique hotels, things to do and travel itineraries.

Haley focuses her expertise on countries such as Greece, Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica, Australia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Tasman Peninsula [2024]

Picture of Alesha and Jarryd

  • Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Your ultimate guide to the Tasman Peninsula, including the best things to do and see, where to stay, how to get around, and more.

When we travelled around Tasmania for three months in our campervan, we tried our best to visit every beach, town, bay, national park and waterfall we could.

From the wild west coast to the southern tip, northern forests to the stunning east coast, and of course the mountainous interior, we were constantly blown away at just how magical this Australian island is.

Our absolute favourite place to explore though? The glorious Tasman Peninsula.

The Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania is an ideal attraction for tourism because it has so much to offer.

The area consists of beautiful beaches, epic hikes, excellent fishing and snorkelling opportunities, historical sites and quaint towns.

We spent over a week here, trekking the famous Three Capes Track , chasing the Aurora Australis and exploring historic Port Arthur, and managed to fill every single day with activities

Our guide to things to do on the Tasman Peninsula, one of the best places to visit in Tasmania , is a great self-guided travel opportunity where visitors can style their plans to just about anything they’d like to achieve from their trip.

Things To Do On The Tasman Peninsula Travel Guide Person Walking

Table of Contents

1) Port Arthur Historic Site

2) pirate’s bay lookout, 3) tessellated pavement, 4) tasman island boat cruise, 5) the blowhole and fossil bay lookout, 6) tasman arch and devil’s kitchen, 7) waterfall bay trail and lookout, 8) federation artisan chocolate and art gallery, 9) tasmanian devil unzoo, 10) port arthur lavender farm and cafe, 11) fortescue bay, 12) bivouac bay track, 13) cape pillar walking track, 14) cape huay track, 15) three capes track, 16) remarkable cave and maingon bay lookout, 17) mchenry distillery, 18) cape raoul track, 19) coal mines historic site, 20) take a scenic flight over the tasman peninsula, national parks pass, mid – range, the best things to do on the tasman peninsula.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, nature, wellness, food or history, you’ll find it all when checking out the top things to do in the Tasman Peninsula.

Here’s what we did while we were there, and what Tasman Peninsula attractions we think you shouldn’t miss.

The Port Arthur Historic Site at Sullivans Cove is home to Tasmania’s most popular tourist attraction.

The site has over 6 kilometres of scenic trails that wind through a convict settlement, with restored buildings and old stonework.

The Port Arthur Historic Site grounds look beautiful now, but this place has a hard history.

These convict settlements were once haunting sites where prisoners were kept and staff and guards slept in cottages. Many terrible events took place here.

It used to be a former convict prison in the 1800s, so it was where many criminals were sent who had committed things like robbery and murder. Yes, they were bad people, but no one should go through these horrible conditions.

Many things happened at this prison that we can’t even imagine. Prisoners would work hard for days without eating or drinking, just begging for a sip of water or a bite to eat.

They all became very skinny and unwell which caused many deaths. The guards were as cruel as the prisoners, hitting and screaming at them if things didn’t go their way.

It is crazy to think all this once happened here and today it is one of Australia’s most visited tourist sites, with people coming from all over the world to explore what life would have been like for those who were sentenced there and learn more about Australian history.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins can be explored on your own with an informational brochure or on a free 45-minute walking tour where you can explore more.

When you purchase your ticket the walking tour is included, as is a harbour sightseeing boat tour and access to the museum.

You can add on tours if you like such as The Isle Of The Dead where many escapees were executed in front of their loved ones.

Give yourself a whole morning or an afternoon to explore and learn about this place.

  • Getting There: Head to Port Arthur on the Arthur Highway. Once you reach Port Arthur you will pass the fuel station on the left and the Port Arthur Historical Site is down the road on the left after the fuel station. There are signs for it.

Buildings On The Port Arthur Historical Site

With breathtaking views and impressive cliffs, Pirates Bay Lookout is one stop that should not be missed.

People will get to enjoy delicious locally roasted coffee while taking in this stunning view from an elevated position at the entrance to Peninsular Tasmania.

Not only does it offer great views but also there are many landmarks such as Cape Raoul or The Candlestick which can be seen on clear days. In certain seasons you may even see migrating whales!

Grab yourself a coffee at the van, Cubed Espresso Bar which is located right there at the viewpoint.

  • Getting There: Take a scenic drive along winding Pirates Bay Drive, just minutes from Arthur Highway for an unforgettable experience!

After you have enjoyed the view at the Pirate Lookout, head to the Tessellated Pavement which is just down the road.

The Tessellated Pavements is a photographer’s dream come true. This natural square-like wonder appears out of the rocks along the water looking like tiles work.

Photographing this spectacle alone would be worth your time but if that’s not your thing, it is definitely still worth going and seeing.

The patterns vary depending on the materials involved but there are three main types: tessellated pavement, honeycomb weathering, and daggy turf.

Essentially, the earth’s movement caused these beautiful cracks and fractures in what we call jointing.

Jointing itself isn’t unusual, but the salt crystals present on this site along with consistent erosion by waves from an adjacent sea have created some spectacular patterns.

The “tessellations” found at the Tessellated Pavement in Tasmania are a result of the extensive dissolution of siltstone by seawater with dissolved rock salt from beneath.

The dissolved rock salt is sodium chloride (NaCl) which is otherwise known as common table salt. This process of dissolution leaves behind a crystal-like patterning throughout the original sedimentary stone.

There are Tasmanian crabs living in crevices on these rock formations to delight animal lovers (and humans).

  • Getting There: It is located on Pirates Bay Drive. From the Pirate Bay Lookout, follow the signs to Tessellated Pavement as it is about a 5-minute walk down.

Tessellated Pavement Tasman Peninsula

This 3-hour tour will take visitors to Tasman Island, a nature lover’s paradise. Located half an hour from Port Arthur these cruises are the perfect way for enjoying views of pristine coastal scenery.

The boat heads towards Tasman Island where you can see seals when in season and possibly even dolphins or whales. Countless bird species fly overhead as well.

The cruise travels beneath towering vertical cliffs and explores waterfalls, rock formations, archways, and deep-sea caves before reaching Cape Pillar where you are likely to see seals or migrating whales in their feeding frenzy.

Cruises depart multiple times a day from an accessible jetty

  • Getting There: Starts and Finishes from Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre, located at 6961 Arthur Highway. If you are coming from Hobart, give yourself about 90 mins to get there.

Tasman Island At Sunset

The Blowhole is a geological feature that attracts many tourists to it every year. Located on the coastal path of Port Arthur this impressive sight, created by nature through erosion, makes for an interesting and amazing photo opportunity.

This blowhole is in fact located just before Fossil Bay Lookout so if you don’t feel like climbing the lookout, there is that option.

The Blowhole in particular can be hard to get a good photograph of as it is constantly changing but you will never have a problem with staying dry for long, for this blowhole spits water 7 metres into the air!

It is best when the winds are stronger so keep an eye on the weather before you visit.

The Fossil Bay Walk Lookout is just next to the blowhole and here you can see the dolomite formations of Tasmania’s Jurassic coastline which are over 190 million years old.

These fossils can be seen from day to night and visitors say that it is a spectacular sight.

  • Getting There: Located on Blowhole Road. The Blowhole is located on the coastal walk between Port Arthur Historic Site and Coal Mine Point, a 10-minute walk from both. Fossil Bay Lookout can be found just over the hill from here so you have a few options to get there.

Need more ideas for your Tasmania trip? Here is our list of the 12 Best Places To Visit In Tasmania .

Just right around the corner from the blowhole is the Tasman Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen.

The Tasman Arch is the first attraction you will come across as it is located right near the carpark. This archway happens to be what remains after erosion has worn away parts of limestone and left an open hole or ceiling up high on Eaglehawk Neck.

This natural formation was created by water eroding through bedrock at different speeds which causes vertical cracks for air pressure below ground level but also higher than sea-level as well. The blowhole can often spew water from the bottom of this archway as you might imagine…

Devils Kitchen is just further up the path in a big cave. This one has been created through glacial erosion which is evidenced by the jagged rock formations inside, giving it its name.

There is no danger here as only the roof of this cave has collapsed and they say that when you walk inside a feeling of peace and serenity washes over you!

  • Getting There: Located on Tasmans Arch Road. Devil’s Kitchen is located on the coastal path, between Port Arthur Historic Site and Coal Mine Point. Tasman Arch can be found behind this sea arch nearby at The Boilermakers Bluff Lookout or you can take a short walk from Devil’s Kitchen to get there.

Tasman Arch

After seeing the Tasman Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen there is a trail where you can continue to walk (or run if you are super keen) to Waterfall Bay.

It is a scenic, 4km return walk that follows the coastline, and at the end of it you get rewarded with a stunning view.

The path is non-technical in its construction making it suitable for everyone.

We really enjoyed this walk and saw no one else on the track as this is not a popular attraction.

The other option is to take the Water Bay road all the way to the end and you will reach your destination. This is a gravel road though.

  • Getting There: You can park your car at carpark at the end of Tasman Arch Road and walk the trail or you can drive to the end of Waterfall Bay Road which is a gravel road and see the attraction there.

If you are a chocolate addict or if you enjoy things done with quality and style, then this is for you.

This was once a bank that now serves as a gallery where they sell locally made goods of all things chocolate!

The art gallery on site also displays jazz musicians playing music live every Sunday in summer so it’s the perfect place to spend the day.

The chocolate shop is open for tours, and yes this includes tasting, so you can try things if you haven’t got time to make it back here again. They also have things like coffee or tea available whilst you wait for your tour (which takes about 30 minutes).

You can tour the factory and learn things about how things are made, the quality checks, and all things in between. At the end of the factory tour, they show you interesting things that have been created from chocolate, like wine for example. You can then taste these things too so it is a full day out!

  • Getting There: Located on South Street, just off Arthur Highway. It is across the road from the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. There is also a Federation Artisan Chocolate Shop in Hobart .

We actually never got here because we ran out of time, unfortunately. I have added it into the article because through research I have learned they do great work with Tasmanian Devils.

This place to trying to protect these endangered animals. In mid-1990, Tasmanian Devils were dying from the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) which is transmissible cancer. Many died and they were untreated.

It is great to see today many organisations like this one are working to save these animals by preventing DFTD from spreading into their habitat. To increase the Tasmania Devils’ numbers, these guys are also breeding healthy devils for future release on the Peninsula, as well as maintaining special devil-proof fences at Dunalley.

If you have been to this establishment, please leave a comment below and let us know what you thought.

  • Getting There: It is located along the Arthur Highway about 10km before you get to Port Arthur.

Tasmanian Devil

After getting your fill of chocolate at the artisan factory, stop off at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm which is located just down the road.

Port Arthur Lavender is a multi-sensory experience, with fragrant lavender fields and rainforest providing the perfect backdrop to interactive demonstrations of distillation.

Take your time exploring before trying authentic Tasmanian cuisine at the cafe or picking up some locally crafted gifts for everyone back home!

They are situated right on the water, so this is a great spot to stop in for morning tea, lunch, or afternoon tea.

  • Getting There: Located just off Arthur Highway. You can not miss it. They have a big sign and are located on a corner.

Tasmania is the perfect place for hiking and camping, and this is the spot to do it.

Fortescue Bay is a magical place, where you can find the best views in Tasmania. You can come out here for the day or camp out here with your caravan or campervan and camp the night.

You do need a booking. We were lucky and rocked up without a booking and were able to get a spot but we recommend booking so you are not disappointed. You can book online through the Tasman Parks website .

The bays waters are crystal clear waters and perfect for taking a dip in. But beware it is a little chilly.

Fortescue Bay is a great base for hiking out to Cape Hauy, Cape Pillar, and the Tasman Trail. If you don’t want a long hike, there are shorter walks to Canoe Bay and Bivouac Bay.

The most popular one to do from here is the Cape Hauy Hike. From the end of the campground, you can hike out to Cape Hauy where you will get amazing views of the coastline. It is some of Australia’s best scenery.

It can be daunting at first, but don’t let that deter you! There are a lot of steps up but take your time and go at your own pace.

The walk only takes about 1.5 – 2 hours each way. Make sure you pack plenty of water before starting your journey as there is nowhere to refill. There are also several places along the trail where you can stop and rest or even sit down for an hour and have your lunch or a snack.

To get into Fortescue Bay you have to take a 20-minute unsealed road that is in ok condition but could be tricky when wet.

The facilities are superb with a great picnic area, camping opportunities and toilets available too! It looks like it has been upgraded in the last couple of years.

  • Getting There: Located at the end of Fortescue Bay Road off of Arthur Highway.

Read our ultimate guide to camping in Tasmania here !

Fortescue Bay Cape Huay Things To Do In Tasman Peninsula

This is a shorter track that starts from the carpark on the left-hand side of Fortescue Bay Campground.

The hike begins on tranquil sands and climbs up modest cliffs before undulating through light bushland and forest.

You will often be near the water’s edge where you can see sea birds, as well as seals, dolphins, or whales in some of the bays. Canoe Bay is one great place for seeing animals, they are plentiful here!

At about halfway there we come upon an old dredge ship called William Pitt which has sunken into deep waters due to metal rusting over time. You will pass Canoe Bay and you can continue to Bivouac Bay if you want.

The bays waters are crystal clear water and perfect for a dip if you are keen. You will need to have good walking shoes on as these things tend to get slippery!

The walk is about 10km return. If you choose to go the whole way to Bivouac Bay Camp and may take bout 4 hours.

  • Getting There: Take Fortescue Bay Road off of Arthur Highway. Drive to the end of Fortescue Bay Road and park at the day parking. The walk is down the left-hand side for about 20mins of the campground. Follow the signs.

This hike takes you around “Cape Pillar” and the “Tasman Trail”. Cape Pillar is an epic rocky headland that stands above the crashing waves.

It’s a great spot to experience Tasmania’s rugged coastline at its most extreme. While you are here, take in some stunning scenery around Binalong Bay too!

This hike takes between 4-5 hours each way, so be prepared to spend a lot of time moving. It is also along a very steep climb, so prepare for that as well.

There are a couple of free camps along the way where you can stay. The Bare Knoll Campground is the best one out of the two there. It is 7.7km one way from the Fortescue Boat Ramp to the campground.

From the camp, it is 8.7km out to Cape Piller one way. Keen runners jog this trail and get this long trek done in a day. If you leave super early, it definitely can be done as a day hike.

You just may get back as it is getting dark. Do be prepared and take enough water, snacks, and proper clothing.

  • Getting There: Just before you get to the camping area at Fortescue Bay, the trail is located on the right. You can park in the National Park area and walk from there.

Cape Pillar Sunset

The hike begins on the south side of Fortescue Bay. There are signs to follow.

You start by walking alongside the bay before reaching the Three Capes Track sign. From here are a lot of stairs up so be prepared.

Once you reach the top you follow the track through the coastal bush to then come to a t section in the trail. This marks the beginning of Cape Huay Track.

From here you will get to a beautiful lookout over Cape Huay, take a break and enjoy. Now it is a little down, a little up, a little down, and then up again.

You can see the path snaking through the low bush area. The summit offers great ocean views and great views of the coastal cliffs.

This is where the famous rock climbing route is. It’s called the totem pole. It is on the left of the lookout and you’ll see it if you look down.

This lookout also offers excellent opportunities for bird watching with a chance of seeing rarities such as Humpback and Sperm Whales, which are occasionally spotted in the waters below.

From the lookout, start your walk back down over a little grade rather than stairs this time. Yet again it undulates up and down until getting to yet another t section of the trail, where you will go straight and head back down to Fortescue Bay.

This one is a popular hike so we recommend getting on the trail early.

  • Getting There: Take Fortescue Bay Road off Arthur Highway. Drive to the end of Fortescue Bay Road and park at the day parking. The walk is down the right-hand side of the campground. Follow the signs.

Walking Path To Cape Huay

The Three Capes Track is one of Australia’s most beautiful multi-day hiking trails, and have been lucky enough to recently complete it we can understand why it receives so much hype.

The 4-day, 48km one-way hike wanders along the southern tip of Tasmania in the Tasman National Park following some of its highest sea cliffs with mind-blowing views out toward Cape Huay and Cape Raoul – two incredible headland points that are iconic for their distinct beauty or historic significance.

This adventure track will take you from Port Arthur and on to Fortescue Bay, via Cape Pillar and Cape Huay.

This track was opened just a few years ago as part of The Great Walks Project by Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania; making this an easy adventure on foot where you’ll see incredibly scenic vistas while achieving your fitness goals!

At $495 AUD per person, this hike is not cheap. But it’s worth it!

You get access to new huts with beds and memory foam mattresses, so there is no need for carrying mats or tents! There are heated dining halls on-site and kitchens that come equipped with pots, pans, utensils, and dish soap. All your food needs will be met here as well.

This is the perfect hiking trip if all you plan to bring is clothes (including shoes), sleeping bags & camera gear. You don’t have to lug heavy items up mountainsides!

This is a great first multi-day hike for someone who is fresh to hiking. You only stay over one night and there is even a chance to have a hot bucket shower.

We both did this hike and loved it. We were so impressed by the cabins and the service of the rangers. Take your family and friends and go on an adventure.

  • Getting There: You start at the Port Arthur Visitors Centre. You can leave your vehicle here for the duration you are away if you have one. You will end at Fortescue Bay where a bus picks you up and takes you back to Port Arthur Visitors Centre. Transport to and from Hobart is available.

READ MORE – Want to read more about the Three Capes Track, here is our article on our 4 day hike.

Three Capes Track

This short walk to Maingon Bay Lookout takes you up above the many beautiful bays to see panoramic views of Tasmania—including Port Arthur, Tasman Island, Bruny Island and even as far away as Maria Island National Park on a clear day.

The walk starts at the Remarkable Cave carpark and will take you about 150m but 115 steps down.

aYou cannot go into Remarkable Cave itself, as it is protected by law and only a couple of rangers can go in each week to check on its environment and wildlife as well as for general maintenance purposes.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal people used this cave for shelter for thousands of years before the Europeans come in 1802 and “discovered it”. The cave itself reaches about 50 metres inland and is around 20 metres wide.

  • Getting There: From Port Arthur, follow Safety Cove Road to the end and there is a parking lot. You can access the Maingon Bay Lookout and Remarkable Cave from there.

The McHenry Distillery is located on the western shore of the West Coast Road about 6km from Port Arthur. It was Tasmania’s first licensed whisky distillery and has been operating continuously since 1832.

After a tour, you get to taste some of your favourite Tasmanian whisky in their tasting room before heading off to lunch at the local pub.

Guided tours are available Tuesday to Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm and cost $8 per person.

The distillery is open every day of the year from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, except on Christmas Day.

  • Getting There: From Port Arthur head out of town towards Cape Raoul and Nabeena. Once on Nabeena Road, turn left onto Radnor Road and you will see the distillery on the left in about 2.4km.

Cape Raoul is a 14km return day walk within the Tasman National Park. 

With few steep sections, this hike takes about 5 hours to complete and offers ample time for relaxing and enjoying expansive views of surrounding areas from Bruny Island all the way south to Hobart on Tasmania’s southern peninsula!

The start of Cape Raoul trail is located at the end of Terrapin Track. It is not possible to walk Cape Raoul track in reverse, and only experienced hikers should undertake this trail.

The start of the trail is a long and sometimes steep walk. Some areas are rocky and can be hard to navigate with slippery surfaces, so wear suitable footwear.

Good hiking boots or shoes are recommended as there is a lot of mud around this time of year due to heavy rain.  

Near the end of Cape Raoul Track, you will reach an area where you can view the ocean, which gets deeper as you continue on (without going around) towards the cape.

The views at the end are beautiful and there are a couple of great lookouts.

If you want to explore a little more, you can go down the Tunnel Bay Track. Visit Shipstern Bluff where you can view crazy waves rolling sometimes with mad surfers riding them.

  • Getting There: The trail starts at the end of Stormlea Road which is off of Nubeena Road. There are signs out to Cape Raoul or put the location in your GPS.

Cape Raoul Sunset

The Coal Mines Historic Site is one of Australia’s most unusual and distinctive historic sites. It reveals the impressive feats of engineering and enterprise in a distant era, when convict labour was used to extract coal for shipment to Hobart by sea.

The miners worked in harsh conditions with great courage – the output of the mine was significant. Some of the convict barracks are still standing and can be seen in this historic site, which is set amongst a panorama of rugged mountains with abundant wildlife.

From Coal Mines Historic Site it’s a 2.5-hour return walk down to the old Coppins Mine Ruins which are also worth checking out.

You will learn about the hardships and lifestyle of the minders, and you’ll also get to see things like blacksmith’s forges, stables, and a boiler house as well as inside the mine itself.

This is included in your ticket for the Port Arthur Historical Site.

  • Getting There: This is located on the Port Arthur/Richmond road only 1km past Cape Raoul with plenty of parking available to your left.

Check out this 2-Week Tasmania Itinerary for more ideas for planning your trip.

Ever wanted to see the Three Capes from a different perspective?

Now you can, by plane or helicopter . These air tours pass over some of Tasmania’s most spectacular sights including Port Arthur (UNESCO World Heritage Site) before turning west towards Cape Raoul and Cape Pillar and Cape Huay then come back around to see Hobert. You will see them all from the air.

These flights are not cheap, but they are one you will never forget.

  • Getting There: Depart from Hobart or Barilla Bay in Cambridge.

Cape Raoul Aurora Australis Southern Lights Tasmania

The Tasman Peninsula – Our Ultimate Travel Guide

Now that you know everything there is to see and do on the Tasman Peninsula, you’ll need to know some basic travel information to.

In our Tasman Peninsula travel guide we’ll help you make the most of your time here.

How to Get to the Tasman Peninsula?

The first thing you need to know is how to get to the Tasman Peninsula, and like most spots in Tasmania, the best way is to drive yourself there.

Driving yourself is ideal for people who would like to own their own time and aren’t in a rush.

On average it takes about 3 hours to get down there from Hobart (depending on weather conditions and traffic).

For people who have their own car, it is best to head down along B173 towards Dover and then divert onto B174 which takes you in the direction of Port Arthur.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

From Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula, there is a public bus that runs this route. The bus drops you along Numbeena Road which is a short walk to Port Arthur Historical Site.

The bus only runs from Hobart to Port Arthur in the afternoons. Our advice is to get there the day before and start your exploring or hiking the following day.

For timetable and fare information please click on the link below:

  • Tassielink  – $24.20 per adult one way

Cliffs On Tasman Peninsula

Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur Area Facilities

This area of Tasmania has limited services, so stock up and be prepared before coming to the Tasman Peninsula.

There is only one fuel station on the Tasman Peninsula and that is in Port Arthur. It is a general store also so its hours are standard

We recommend having a full tank before arriving on the Tasman Peninsula. It’s also not a bad idea to have a spare fuel tank in your car just in case.

There is a small grocery store in Port Arthur and Nubeena for basic or everyday foods. It is not fully stocked so be prepared before coming out this way.

There are lots of restaurants if you want to eat out, but they may not be open for all meals or they may require advance booking. Please ring and check first so you are not disappointed. These are small local businesses so if you can, please support them.

When you are visiting this part of Tasmania, you do need a National Parks pass for a lot of the attractions on the Tasman Peninsula.

You can buy them at one of the parks or online before you visit.

You can choose the option that suits you best when purchasing your ticket. They have a day pass, a 3 months pass, a holiday pass, or a yearly pass.

If you are going to other National Parks in Tasmania, make sure you get the pass that covers them all so you do not need to purchase another one.

Where to Stay on the Tasman Peninsula

There are some great places to stay on the Tasman Pensinsula, despite the area being quite remote.

Most accommodations are centered around Port Arthur, though there are other guesthouses and cabins scattered around the area.

We’ll cover some of the best accommodations to suit all budget ranges.

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before, sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Camping is the cheapest option for accommodation on the Tasman Peninsula. Camping also allows you to immerse yourself in the wilderness. However, you have to make sure you pack all of your own camping gear.

We’ve already mentioned some campgrounds in the article, but as a general overview, here are some of the top campgrounds in the Tasman Peninsula. They are all free except you have to pay for the parks pass.

  • Fortescue Bay Camping Ground in Fortescue Bay
  • Lime Bay Camping in Lime Bay State Reserve
  • Wughalee Falls Campground in Cape Pillar
  • Bare Knoll in Cape Pillar

Other affordable options include holidays parks and cabins. The most popular and most affordable options is NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park . It is conveniently located in Port Arthur, so it is relatively central and easy to drive to most attractions from here.

They offer spacious, rustic cabins as well as dorm rooms and tents. Guests can enjoy free Wifi as well as an on-site shop with groceries and fuel.

For a bit of comfort during your stay, consider renting an entire cottage to yourself. There are some amazing Airbnbs and guesthouses for decent prices on the Tasman Peninsula.

Fairweather Cottage in Port Arthur is a cozy little beachfront cottage that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Enjoy staying in a homey, 2-bedroom spot conveniently located in Port Arthur.

Stewarts Bay Lodge in Port Arthur is another gorgeous accommodation where you can rent an entire bungalow and have the place to yourself.

A bit pricer than the other accommodation options, this wilderness lodge allows you stay right in the bush near the beach, so you can immerse youself in the serenity of nature.

Despite being right in the bush, this modern and cozy lodge has all the amenities you could need. Cabins are equipped with heating and air con, as well as decks and terraces with a view and BBQ pits. The lodge itself has an amazing on site restaurant if you want to treat yourself.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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