Are you looking for the ultimate guide for things to do in Port Arthur & The Tasman Peninsula? In this article you will find all of your essential travel information, the best spots to visit and time of year to travel. Plus we will provide you with invaluable information on the top sights along with other travel tips to lesser known attractions. You will also find accommodation recommendations for the Tasman Peninsula. Two Lost Feet have you covered for everything to do and see on the Tasman Peninsula!
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Best things to do on the tasman peninsula
Only 1.5hrs from Hobart and jam-packed with spectacular natural sights and adventure tours there are plenty of things to do on the Tasman Peninsula. Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula offers a whole range of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained. From the world-famous Port Arthur to the Cape Hauy walk, Remarkable Cave and the Tasman Island Cruise. There is nothing you won’t love about the Tasman Peninsula.
Things to do on the tasman peninsula
Port Arthur Historic Site & Ghost Tour
Port Arthur historic site holds so much history for Australia. The 19th-century penal settlement has been delicately restored which allows you to relive the horror the convicts once endured. The entry ticket includes a free guided walking tour and 2-day entry to the 100-acre site. We highly recommend booking in advance to get onto the ghost tour as well.
More than 1000 people died over Port Arthur’s 47-year history as a penal settlement. Each night, after dark, the ghost tours takes a group of daring people through some of Port Arthur’s more infamous buildings. With vivid narratives and accounts of the bizzare occurrences, the Port Arthur Ghost Tour is sure to leave you mystified with a few hairs raised.
Cape Hauy
You have most likely heard of the Three Capes Walk along the stunning Tasman Peninsula. But, did you know that one of the main highlights of the multi-day walk can be done on its own, in a day? Cape Hauy is an 8km 4hr return walk. The walk has exceptionally scenic with views of the Totem Pole and endless expanse of the Southern Ocean.
Tasman Island Cruise
The Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s Tasman Island Cruise is outstanding. I can’t recommend the three-hour tour highly enough. If there is only one thing you should do on the tasman peninsula, this it it. Especially during the Humpback whales migration season between May and July each year. However, at any time of year the tour is simply impressive and shouldn’t be missed. All of the details from the purpose-built open-air boats, ginger tablets for sea sickness and full-length waterproof trench coats set the bar high. The crew and staff only continue to build on this with fantastic commentary and remarkable knowledge of the area throughout the tour.
Port Arthur Lavender
Port Arthur Lavender create a wonderful variety of products from the lavender grown on the farm. The lavender farm is a great stop on the drive into Port Arthur. The lavender fields are astonishing when the lavender is in bloom over summer. While you’re here be sure to try the lavender ice cream!
Tasmanian Devils
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is more of a conservation sanctuary than a zoo. It is one of a very few places where you can see the Tasmanian Devil in its natural environment.
At the unzoo you are able to walk around amongst the animals in the open. Interacting with native animals that are unique to the area. There are scheduled talks at regular intervals by knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Things to do on the tasman peninsula
Heli Flight
Enjoy all of the beauty the Tasman Peninsula has to offer with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fly high above the sea cliffs and Tasman Island with a Osbourne Heli tour.
McHenry Distillery & Bangor Vineyard Shed
Resting on the side of Mount Arthur McHenry Distillery is the perfect spot for a little self-indulgence and relaxation. The distillery specialises in gin but also put together some delectable whisky and vodka varieties. They have tours between 10am – 4pm daily but also offer gin workshops allowing you to become a distiller for the day.
If wine is more your thing, the Bangor Vineyard Shed are a small family vineyard. They produce small batch, premium Tasmanian wines. They open 10am – 5pm Mon – Sat and from 9am – 5pm with breakfast on Sundays.
Sea Kayaking
Get the best perspective of the southern hemisphere’s highest sea cliffs from right on the water. This adventure sea kayaking tour will take you along the coast of the Tasman National Park towards Cape Hauy and a resident Australian Fur Seal colony. It is here at sea level that you can truly appreciate the scale of the sea cliffs on the Tasman Peninsula.
Remarkable Cave
Remarkable Cave is a popular surf spot and impressive natural tunnel arch. The cave is only a short 5min walk from the car park. It’s very worthy of a stop while you are exploring the Tasman Peninsula. As you look through the Remarkable Cave to the ocean see if you can spot the outline of Tasmania.
Things to do on the tasman peninsula
Tessellated Pavement
A natural phenomenon where the natural rock platform resembles a paved area with a striking geomorphic formation. Again, this is only a short walk from the car park.
Tasman Arch & Devils Kitchen
The Tasman Arch is right beside the car park and offers astonishing views of the natural sandstone bridge. The arch has been impressively carved out by the Tasman Sea. The nearby Devils Kitchen offers more memorable views of the impressive Tasman sea cliffs.
Things to do on the tasman peninsula
How To Get To And From The Tasman Peninsula
If you are flying into Tasmania to visit the Tasman Peninsula the best place to arrive is the capital city Hobart. Great value flights can be found on Skyscanner. Once you arrive, the easiest way to get to the Tasman Peninsula is the 1.5 hr drive from Hobart. If you need a rental car for the trip we like to use Europcar. They have an extensive range of great value options.
This is the most convenient way to see the region as public transport is very limited.
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys have a fantastic bus service between Hobart and Port Arthur for $35. If you arrange your ticket in advance, they can also collect you from the Hobart Airport.
GreyLine have a very similar transfer service for $45 one-way.
TassieLink operate the local bus service. Bus 734 will take you from Hobart (or other stops along the way) to Port Arthur. The cost is around $24 if travelling from Hobart. Check their website for timetables and pricing.
Where To Stay
There are many incredible things to do on the Tasman Peninsular so why not spend a few days exploring the area.
My favourite is the safari tents at the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park.
If you after some well-deserved luxury and pampering after all of the adventuring there is the Stewarts Bay Lodge set on 22 acres with it’s own private beach area.
Or another worth considering is the Port Arthur Villas.
Travel Insurance - Stay Safe In Tasmania
Make sure that you are covered for any mishaps that may happen on your trip to Tasmania, even if you are an experienced traveller.
Be confident in knowing that you’ll be covered for anything that may happen. Hiking injuries, car accidents, lost and delayed baggage, are all things that can go wrong on any holiday. Give yourself peace of mind with quality Travel Insurance.
Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with Travel Insurance Saver.
For more on Tasmania – Read our post on the best things to see and do in Tasmania.
