4.8 / 5

Port Arthur

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to March, Tasmania's summer season.

⏰ Open Hours:9:30am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day.

🎒 Things To Do:Explore the historic site, ghost tours, boat tours, walking trails.

💰 Budget:Adults $40, Children (7-17) $18, Families (2 adults, up to 6 children) $102, Concession $32.

🧳 Traveller Types:History enthusiasts, families, couples, solo travellers.

📌 Known For:Historic convict site, UNESCO World Heritage site, stunning natural landscapes.

🚉 Distances:Approximately 60km from Hobart, 220km from Launceston, 1.5 hours from Hobart airport.

🏛 Facilities:Visitor Centre, restaurant, cafe, picnic facilities, restrooms, gift shop.

👻 Ghost Tours:Nightly ghost tours available, additional cost applies.

🌳 Natural Beauty:Located on Tasman Peninsula, offering scenic views of cliffs and coastline.

🎗 Tip:Wear comfortable shoes as the site involves a lot of walking.

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Port Arthur Tasmania: Why You Should Visit the World Heritage Historic Site

Port Arthur is more than just a historic site. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the stories, the scenery, and the spirit of one of Australia’s most important and fascinating heritage destinations. Located on the scenic Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur was once a notorious penal colony that housed some of the most hardened and desperate convicts in the 19th century.

Today, it is a World Heritage-listed site that offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a thrill seeker, Port Arthur has something for you.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Port Arthur, from how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay and eat, and what to expect and prepare for. Read on and discover why Port Arthur is a must-see destination for your Tasmania trip.

How to Get to Port Arthur

Port Arthur is located about 100 km southeast of Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. You can reach Port Arthur by car, bus, ferry, or tour, depending on your preference and budget.

By car:

Driving to Port Arthur is the most flexible and convenient option, as you can enjoy the scenic views along the way and stop at other attractions on the Tasman Peninsula, such as the Tasman National Park, the Tasman Arch, and the Devil’s Kitchen. The drive from Hobart takes about 90 minutes, and you can follow the Arthur Highway or the East Coast Road. There are plenty of parking spaces available at Port Arthur, and the admission fee includes a parking pass.

By bus:

Taking a bus to Port Arthur is the most economical option, as you can save on fuel and parking costs. There are regular bus services from Hobart to Port Arthur, operated by Tassielink. The bus journey takes about two hours, and you can book your tickets online or at the Hobart Bus Station. The bus stops at the Port Arthur Visitor Centre, where you can buy your admission tickets and join a guided tour.

By ferry:

Taking a ferry to Port Arthur is the most scenic and adventurous option, as you can experience the stunning coastline and the wildlife of the Tasman Peninsula from the water. There are several ferry operators that offer cruises from Hobart to Port Arthur, such as Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Tasman Island Cruises, and Port Arthur Cruises. The ferry journey takes about four hours, and you can enjoy the views of the cliffs, caves, islands, and sea life along the way. The ferry docks at the Port Arthur Jetty, where you can explore the historic site and its surroundings.

By tour:

Taking a tour to Port Arthur is the most hassle-free and informative option, as you can leave the planning and driving to the experts and learn more about the history and culture of the site and the region. There are many tour operators that offer day trips or overnight trips from Hobart to Port Arthur, such as Gray Line, Experience Tasmania, and Tasmanian Tours. The tour packages usually include transportation, admission, guided tours, meals, and accommodation. You can choose from different types of tours, such as historical, cultural, or adventure tours, depending on your interests and preferences.

What to See and Do at Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a place where you can explore the past, present, and future of the site and its people. There are over 30 historic buildings and ruins to see, as well as museums, galleries, theatres, gardens, and wildlife to enjoy. You can also join various tours and experiences that will take you deeper into the stories and secrets of Port Arthur. Here are some of the highlights and features of Port Arthur’s attractions:

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Historic buildings:

Port Arthur was once a self-contained and self-sufficient community, with buildings and structures that served different purposes and functions. You can see the remnants and ruins of the prison, the church, the hospital, the asylum, the guard tower, the penitentiary, the separate prison, the commandant’s house, and more. Each building has its own history and significance, and you can learn more about them through the interpretive signs, the audio guides, or the guided tours.

Complex Museum:

The Complex Museum is the main museum of Port Arthur, where you can see and touch the artifacts, documents, and stories that tell the history and heritage of the site and its people. You can see the original tools, weapons, clothing, furniture, and personal items that belonged to the convicts, the soldiers, and the settlers. You can also learn about the daily life, the work, the punishment, and the escape attempts of the convicts, as well as the social, economic, and political aspects of the colony.

Interpretive Center:

The Interpretive Center is the interactive and informative hub of Port Arthur, where you can experience and understand the site and its stories in a more engaging and immersive way. You can watch the introductory film that gives you an overview of Port Arthur’s history and significance, as well as the award-winning multimedia show that recreates the convict era. You can also participate in the interactive exhibits and programs that explain the different themes and topics of Port Arthur, such as the transportation system, the convict records, the convict art, and the convict heritage.

Hiking trails:

Port Arthur is surrounded by natural beauty and diversity, and you can explore it by hiking along the scenic and challenging routes that cover different parts of the site and the area. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and duration, such as the Convict Trail, the Point Puer Trail, the Coal Mines Trail, and the Cape Raoul Trail. You can enjoy the views of the coast, the cliffs, the forests, and the wildlife along the way, and learn more about the natural and cultural features of the landscape.

Lookout areas:

Port Arthur offers some of the most panoramic and spectacular views of the Tasman Peninsula and the Southern Ocean, and you can admire them from the various lookout areas that are located throughout the site and the area. You can see the historic site and its buildings from different angles and perspectives, as well as the stunning scenery and the sea life that surrounds it. Some of the best lookout areas are the Church Hill, the Guard Tower, the Isle of the Dead, and the Remarkable Cave.

Remarkable Cave:

The Remarkable Cave is one of the most unique and impressive attractions of Port Arthur, as it is a natural rock formation that resembles a map of Tasmania. The cave was formed by the erosion of the sea and the wind over millions of years, and it is accessible by a boardwalk and a staircase that lead to the entrance of the cave. You can see the cave from the viewing platform, or you can enter the cave at low tide and walk through the tunnel that connects to the beach. The cave is also a popular spot for surfing, as it produces some of the best waves in the region.

Isle of the Dead:

The Isle of the Dead is a small island and a cemetery that lies in the harbour of Port Arthur, where the convicts and the officials who died at the colony were buried. The island is divided into two sections, one for the convicts and one for the free settlers, and it contains over 1,000 graves, most of them unmarked and unknown. You can visit the island by joining a guided tour that departs from the jetty, and learn more about the lives and deaths of the people who were laid to rest there.

Where to Stay and Eat at Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a place where you can relax and enjoy the hospitality and the cuisine of the region, as it offers a range of accommodation and dining options for visitors of all tastes and budgets. You can choose from different types of accommodation, such as hotels, motels, cottages, and camping, and different types of dining, such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and bakeries. Here are some of the options and facilities for staying and eating at Port Arthur:

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Accommodation:

Port Arthur has several accommodation options that cater to different needs and preferences, such as comfort, convenience, or adventure. You can stay at the Port Arthur Historic Site, where you can experience the history and the atmosphere of the site, or you can stay at the nearby towns and villages, where you can enjoy the tranquility and the charm of the area. Some of the accommodation options are:

Port Arthur Motor Inn: This is a comfortable and convenient hotel that is located within the Port Arthur Historic Site, and it offers spacious and modern rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a pool, and a garden. The hotel is also close to the visitor centre, the jetty, and the museum, and it provides free admission and parking to the site.

Stewarts Bay Lodge: This is a luxurious and secluded resort that is located on the edge of the Stewarts Bay, and it offers cozy and elegant cottages, a restaurant, a cafe, a spa, and a beach. The resort is also surrounded by the Tasman National Park, and it provides stunning views of the bay and the forest.

Port Arthur Villas: This is a family-friendly and affordable motel that is located near the entrance of the Port Arthur Historic Site, and it offers clean and comfortable rooms, a kitchenette, a barbecue area, and a playground. The motel is also close to the shops, the restaurants, and the attractions of the area, and it provides free admission and parking to the site.

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park: This is a fun and adventurous camping site that is located on the shores of the Garden Point, and it offers various types of accommodation, such as cabins, safari tents, pods, and campsites.

Dining:

Port Arthur has several dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets, such as local, international, or gourmet cuisine. You can eat at the Port Arthur Historic Site, where you can enjoy the views and the ambiance of the site, or you can eat at the nearby towns and villages, where you can sample the fresh and seasonal produce of the region. Some of the dining options are:

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1830 Restaurant and Bar: This is a fine dining restaurant and bar that is located within the Port Arthur Historic Site, and it offers a variety of dishes and drinks, such as seafood, steak, pasta, wine, and beer. The restaurant and bar are housed in a restored 19th century building, and they provide a cozy and elegant atmosphere.

Felons Bistro: This is a casual and friendly bistro that is located near the entrance of the Port Arthur Historic Site, and it offers a range of dishes and drinks, such as burgers, pizzas, salads, coffee, and tea. The bistro is also a part of the Port Arthur Villas, and it provides a convenient and affordable option for the guests.

Port Arthur Lavender: This is a charming and relaxing cafe and farm that is located on the way to Port Arthur, and it offers a selection of dishes and drinks, such as lavender scones, lavender ice cream, lavender tea, and lavender lemonade. The cafe and farm are surrounded by lavender fields and gardens, and they provide a scenic and aromatic experience.

Dunalley Waterfront Cafe: This is a popular and lively cafe and bakery that is located in the town of Dunalley, and it offers a variety of dishes and drinks, such as pies, cakes, sandwiches, smoothies, and juices. The cafe and bakery are situated on the waterfront, and they provide a stunning and breezy view of the bay and the boats.

What to Expect and Prepare for Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a place where you can have a memorable and enjoyable visit, as long as you know what to expect and prepare for. There are some practical and useful information and tips that will help you plan and make the most of your trip, such as the weather, the climate, the opening hours, the admission fees, the dress code, the safety, and the accessibility. Here are some of the things you should know and do before and during your visit to Port Arthur:

Weather and climate:

Port Arthur has a temperate maritime climate, which means that it has mild and variable weather throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 12°C in winter to 21°C in summer, and the average rainfall is about 700 mm per year. The weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, so you should always check the forecast and be prepared for any conditions. You should also dress in layers and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a raincoat.

Opening hours and admission fees:

Port Arthur is open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day. The opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm in winter, and from 9 am to 6 pm in summer. The admission fees vary depending on the type and duration of the visit, but they generally include access to the historic site, the museum, the interpretive center, a guided walking tour, and a harbour cruise. You can buy your tickets online or at the visitor centre, and you can also choose from different packages and discounts, such as family, group, or multi-day passes.

Dress code and safety:

Port Arthur is a historic site that requires respect and care, so you should dress appropriately and behave responsibly. You should wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, as the site has uneven and slippery surfaces, and you should avoid touching or climbing on the buildings and ruins, as they are fragile and dangerous. You should also follow the signs and instructions of the staff and guides, and stay within the designated areas and paths. You should also be aware of the wildlife and the plants, as some of them may be harmful or poisonous, such as snakes, spiders, and nettles.

Accessibility and facilities:

Port Arthur is a site that strives to be accessible and inclusive for all visitors, regardless of their age, ability, or background. The site has wheelchair-friendly paths, ramps, and toilets, as well as wheelchairs and strollers for hire. The site also has audio guides, braille guides, and sign language guides for visitors with hearing or vision impairments. The site also has a range of facilities and services for visitors’ convenience and comfort, such as parking, lockers, toilets, picnic areas, gift shops, and information desks.

Port Arthur is a site that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors who want to discover the history, the culture, and the nature of Tasmania. Port Arthur is a place where you can learn, explore, and enjoy the stories, the scenery, and the spirit of one of Australia’s most important and fascinating heritage destinations.

If you are interested in visiting Port Arthur, you can book your tour here and get ready for an amazing adventure.

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