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Port Arthur, Tasmania, has a very unique history. This Australian city was once a formidable penal settlement. Today, it has transformed into a living museum where you can experience how the convicts here once lived. In addition, there are plenty of things to do and see in the area.
In this guide, we will discuss how to get to Port Arthur, the top things to do around Port Arthur, and where to stay around Port Arthur.
Table of Contents
Where is Port Arthur?
Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia. It is located about 60 km southeast of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.
How to Get to Tasmania
Because Tasmania is an island, you can imagine that there are only a couple of ways to get there, which are discussed below.
Flight
Hobart has an international airport. While it mostly receives domestic flights, there are also flights to and from New Zealand (and Antarctica!) a few times per week. If you are not already in Australia, I would recommend flying to the mainland first, then getting a flight to Tasmania.
I used Skyscanner and booked a last-minute flight from Sydney to Hobart for $70 USD.
Ferry
If you are feeling adventurous, you could also take a ferry from the Australian mainland to Tasmania. Expect to pay around $100 USD and for the trip to last around 9-11 hours.
Getting Around Tasmania
I highly recommend renting a car while in Tasmania! It is very easy and convenient to get around the island this way. Otherwise, you will have to rely on ridesharing applications or taxis, which will be much more expensive.
Rental cars are very affordable as well. I got a car from Ace Rental Cars in Hobart for 33 AUD/day ($21 USD/day in 2023, see current rates here).
Check out RentalCars.com to find the best option!
Best Things to Do Around Port Arthur
There are several impressive sites around Port Arthur where you can truly appreciate its beauty and culture. Here are my favorite places:
Port Arthur Historic Site
You can’t visit Port Arthur without checking out the Historic Site. This UNESCO World Heritage site bears witness to a dark chapter in Australia’s history as a former penal colony, where thousands of convicts were incarcerated. They often had to serve out their sentences in harsh conditions. Today, the site stands as a reminder of this tumultuous past.
Visitors can check out several well-preserved ruins, including the penitentiary and a church that was built by convicts.
Tickets are good for two days and include a 20-minute harbor cruise. Prices for adults are 47 AUD ($30 USD in 2023, see current rates here). Prices for children are 22 AUD ($14 USD).
Port Arthur Lavender
Located just a few minutes north of the Port Arthur Historic Site lies another unique destination: Port Arthur Lavender. This lavender farm has thousands of plants that burst in beautiful colors. But my favorite part was the restaurant. Their menu (which you can check out here) has tons of options for lavender-infused food and drinks.
I highly recommend getting the lavender milkshake!
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is located near Port Arthur and is a great place to see Tasmania’s wildlife. This park is unique in that most of the animals are not kept within enclosures. The park provides a natural habitat for wild animals to come and visit.
Here, you will be able to interact with not only Tasmanian Devils, but also kangaroos, pademelons, and more!
Safety Cove Beach
Safety Cove Beach is only 5 minutes south of Port Arthur. This pristine conservation area is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring. Not only does it have beautiful sand and water, but it is also very secluded. When I visited, I did not see another person on the entire beach!
I enjoyed this beach so much that I listed it as one of the 5 best beaches in Eastern Tasmania.
Remarkable Cave
Less than 10 minutes south of Port Arthur lies a unique natural wonder: Remarkable Cave. This cave, located in Tasman National Park, had been carved out of a cliff by the Southern Ocean over a period of thousands of years. In addition to the beautiful scenery in the area, this cave draws visitors for its captivating geological features.
If you look through the cave, you will see that the entrance on the other side resembles the outline of Tasmania!
Hobart
When arriving to Tasmania, you will likely land in Hobart’s airport. This capital city is worth spending a few days in as well. There are tons of interesting museums and nice restaurants to visit in Hobart (check out our complete guide to Hobart here).
If you are interested in nightlife, you should visit Salamanca Place. This street near the harbor is home to many of Hobart’s bars and restaurants.
Maria Island
Maria Island lies off the eastern coast of Tasmania. This island offers a great opportunity for visitors to see native wildlife in their natural habitats. Officials maintain the natural beauty of the island by preventing cars from being driven there. It has several beautiful beaches and cliffs that are great for exploring.
There are several tours available to Maria Island.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island, located off the southeastern coast of Tasmania, is famous for its landscapes and wildlife. You can find wallabies, seals, dolphins, and even whales if it is the right time of year.
For maximum convenience, you can take a tour to Bruny Island.
Where to Stay in Port Arthur
Options for accommodations are limited in Port Arthur. One of the most popular options here is the Port Arthur Motor Inn. There are also cottages on the beach available.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Where to Stay in Hobart
When staying in Tasmania, I recommend staying in Hobart. There are plenty of accommodations available and it is close to Port Arthur.
The Wrest Point Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Hobart. It is located right on the water and is a great spot for a romantic getaway.
If you are a budget traveler, I recommend staying at YHA Hobart Central. I stayed at this hostel for a few nights, and it was one of the most affordable options in the city. It is also conveniently located in the Central Business District (CBD).
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
