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The sprawling ruins of Port Arthur Historical Site, Tasmania, Australia

Things to do in  Port Arthur

Open Tasmania’s history book

Perched at the southern tip of the Tasman Peninsula, the small village of Port Arthur is synonymous with its main attraction—the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Port Arthur Historic Site. The sprawling ruins of the 19th-century penal settlement afford a fascinating window into Australia’s convict history, whether peeking inside the former prison buildings or cruising to the Isle of the Dead. Once you’ve learned about Tassie’s past, other things to do in Port Arthur include hiking in the Tasman National Park and exploring natural wonders like Remarkable Cave and Tasmans Arch.

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When to visit

The summer months (December–February) bring crowds of day-trippers to Port Arthur, so it’s best to stay overnight and make an early start if visiting in peak season. Port Arthur Historic Site is open daily (except Christmas Day) year-round, but visits mostly take place outdoors, so you’ll want to factor in the weather. If you’re planning on hiking and road-tripping around the Tasman Peninsula, late spring through early fall provides the most favorable conditions.

Getting around

While coach tours visit the main sights, including the Port Arthur Historic Site, it’s handy to have your own vehicle, especially if you want to travel around the Tasman Peninsula. On arrival in Port Arthur, prepare to do lots of walking: the historic site stretches for more than 100 acres (40 hectares), and there are also several hiking trails leading along the coast. Boat cruises also provide a scenic option for wildlife watching and sightseeing.

Traveler tips

Counteract the somber nature of a Port Arthur convict tour with a tasting tour of the region’s artisan producers. You can sample whisky, gin, and vodka at Australia’s southernmost distillery, McHenry Distillery; taste lavender ice cream from Port Arthur Lavender; indulge in handmade chocolates at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry; or follow the Tasman Wine and Spirits Trail around the peninsula. In Port Arthur itself, the waterfront On the Bay Restaurant at Stewarts Bay Lodge is the most impressive spot for a seafood dinner date.

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People Also Ask
Q:Is Port Arthur worth a visit?
A:

Yes, Port Arthur is home to one of Tasmania’s most visited attractions, the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, where a range of tours tell the stories of Australia’s fascinating convict history. Port Arthur village is also the gateway to the scenic hiking trails and natural wonders of the Tasman Peninsula.

Q:How much time is needed at Port Arthur?
A:

It’s possible to see the highlights of the Port Arthur Historic Site on a day trip from Hobart, but you’ll need longer to fully explore the vast site—admission tickets are valid for two days. Better yet, visit as part of a long weekend or week-long tour of the Tasman Peninsula.

Q:Why is Port Arthur so famous?
A:

Port Arthur is most famous for the Port Arthur Historic Site, which was one of Australia’s most significant penal colonies, dating from the 1830s. Today, the site is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as an important research base and educational site, telling the story of Australia’s convict history.

Q:Can you do a day trip to Port Arthur from Hobart?
A:

Yes, visiting Port Arthur is a popular day trip from Hobart; it’s about a 1.5-hour drive from the city. During a day tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, you can enjoy an introductory guided walking tour, take a harbor cruise, and visit the Penitentiary, Separate Prison, and Dockyard.

Q:Which is better, Bruny Island or Port Arthur?
A:

Bruny Island, on Tasmania’s southwest coast, and Port Arthur, along the southeastern Tasman Peninsula, are popular day-trip destinations from Hobart. Both are worth visiting for different reasons—head to Port Arthur to learn about Australia’s fascinating convict history or Bruny Island for wildlife watching and a back-to-nature experience.

Q:Can you do your own tour of Port Arthur?
A:

Yes, tickets for the Port Arthur Historic Site are valid for two days, and you can explore the walking trails at your own pace with an audio guide. Admission also includes a 20-minute harbor cruise, guided talks at select sites throughout the day, and access to more than 30 historic buildings.

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