Discover Port Arthur

Are you a history buff? Immerse yourself in a part of Australian history and visit Tasmania's most famous convict settlement. Step back in time and explore a place where 12,500 convicts served time. Set on 40 hectares, this fascinating place is bursting with heritage and history, manicured gardens, beautiful buildings and much more. Go on a guided tour and uncover the local secrets.

Where should you visit in Port Arthur?

Welcome to Port Arthur

Nestled on the Tasman Peninsula in southern Tasmania, approximately 90 minutes from Hobart is a charming village and open-air museum. A place where convicts used to roam between 1830 and 1877. Today, the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is a must-do during your Tasmanian tour.

Highlights

• Tour the Isle of the Dead

• Go on an after-dark ghost tour

• Remarkable Cave

• Take a cruise over the Bass Strait to Tasman Island

• Visit Port Arthur Lavender farm

• Take a wander around the gardens of the Historic Site

• Soak up the views of Maingon Bay Lookout

• Stop by Eaglehawk Neck

• Marvel at the Tasman Blowhole

• Admire the Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch, and the lookout over the Tasman Peninsula

History of the Port Arthur Historic Site

With a long history of hardship and punishment, the Port Arthur Historic Site has many stories to tell. It is an important place that tells Australia’s colonial history and is one of the country's most important heritage destinations. Between 1830 and 1877, convicts did iron work, bronze casting, leather work and ceramics. They also made bricks, small boats and ships for the colonial government.

Visit the landmarks

There are many landmarks on the Historic Site such as The Church, Separate Prison and the Penitentiary which housed hundreds of convicts in dormitories and solitary cells. The area is also dotted with neat houses which were built for the settlement of soldiers and free settlers that arose around the prison.

Point Puer

Operating on the Tasman Peninsula from 1834 to 1848, Point Puer was the first British purpose-built reforming institution for male criminal children. The goal of the institution was to train the young convict boys to learn some type of useful trade. But also to reform them so that they would be useful citizens. More than 3000 boys passed through Point Puer during its operation. A visit here will bring light to what the child convicts went through during this period.

Things to do and see

With more than 30 convict-built buildings and ruins, there are many attractions to discover at the Port Arthur site. A place where you can learn more about the early convict settlements in Australia. There are many tours available, with friendly and knowledgable guides, departing from Hobart. Your dedicated travel specialist will help you find a tour that suits you best.

Take a tour of the Isle of the Dead

More than 1000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children, were buried at the Port Arthur site. The Isle of the Dead consists of two separate burial sections. In the southern end, you will find mostly unmarked graves from the convicts. The northern part was reserved for military burials and is marked by headstones. Take a guided walking tour of the island, explore this spooky area and hear stories from the past.

Other attractions

While you are in this stunning region, be sure to explore Flinders Island. You can reach this untamed natural wonderland by a scenic flight across the Bass Strait from either Launceston, (35 minutes), or Hobart, Tasmania (60 minutes).

Feeling thirsty?

The McHenry Distillery is proudly Australia's southernmost whisky distillery. Here you can sample award-winning premium spirits including gin and vodka. If you are looking for something for family-friendly, pop by the lavender farm. Here, you can discover seven hectares of lavender and other Tasmanian wonders.

Hobart

Discover Tasmania’s capital city and Australia’s second-oldest city, Hobart. Lying on the Derwent River, at the foot of the 1271-metre-high Mount Wellington, this charming Tasmanian destination is the gateway to Port Arthur and other spectacular sights. An ideal base to take a self-guided day tour or if you prefer, join a guided bus tour.

How to get there?

Approximately 97 kilometres southeast of Hobart, you will find Port Arthur. Without stopping, it takes approximately 90 minutes to reach via Arthur Highway. Are you taking a day trip from Hobart? Be sure to allow enough time to drive back before the sun goes down. The Port Arthur Historic Site is open seven days a week from 9 am until 5 pm (closed Christmas day).

Accommodation

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our extensive collection of hand-selected accommodations in Port Arthur and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.