Destination guides > Australia > Tasmania > Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsula
The notorious convict settlement at Port Arthur is Tasmania’s biggest tourist attraction and one of the most educational attractions in the state. Elsewhere on the peninsula are the natural rock formations on the rugged coast and the Tasmanian Devil Park at Taranna midway between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur.
There are other attractions outside the Port Arthur Historic Site that are worth visiting if you’ve got your own car. You may want to take the turn-off near Eaglehawk Neck and take a look at the natural attractions on the peninsula’s rugged coast, which include Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch, Tasman Blowhole and Tessellated Pavement. A short walk on the Tasman Trail will take you to Waterfall Bluff; if you continue on this trail you will end up at Fortescue Bay.
Practical information
Port Arthur Visitor Information Centre
Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur
Tel (03) 6251 2371
Open 8.30am-dusk
Coming & going
Tassielink (tel 1300 300 520) run a daily service between Hobart and Port Arthur. The one-way fare is $24.20.
Hostel accommodation
PORT ARTHUR
Port Arthur Caravan & Cabin Park
Garden Point, Port Arthur
Tel (03) 6250 2340
EAGLEHAWK NECK
Eaglehawk Dive Centre
178 Pirates Bay Drive, Eaglehawk Neck
Tel (03) 6250 3566
Eaglehawk Neck Backpackers
94 Old Jetty Road, Eaglehawk Neck
Tel (03) 6250 3248
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Tasman National Park
Tasman National Park is easily accessible from Port Arthur. The park’s rugged coastline is home to caves and natural features including Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch and Tasman Blowhole. Seals, penguins, dolphins and whales are among the wildlife that can be seen at the park.
Taranna Field Centre, 5801 Arthur Highway, Taranna
Tel (03) 6250 3497
Website www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/tasman/
Admission $11 per person, $22 for a car and up to eight passengers
Tasmanian Devil Park
This wildlife park features Tasmanian Devils plus other animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and eagles.
5990 Arthur Highway, Taranna
Tel (03) 6250 3230
Website www.tasmaniandevilpark.com
Admission $24
Open 9am-5.30pm daily; devil feeding 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm daily; kangaroo & wallaby feeding 2.30pm daily; outdoor bird presentation 11.15am, 3.30pm daily
Historic Ghost Tour
This a popular walking tour that recounts spooky stories about convict ghosts.
Tours depart from the Port Arthur Visitor’s Centre.
Tel (03) 6251 2371
Website www.portarthur.org.au
Tours cost $20
Tours depart summer 8.45pm, 9pm daily; winter 6.30pm, 8.30pm daily
Port Arthur Historic Park
This is a must-see attraction that gives you an excellent impression of Australia’s convict history. The Port Arthur Historic Park covers a large area and includes ruins of the prison settlement with several restored buildings. Admission to the site includes a guided tour and a cruise around the harbour.
Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur
Tel 1800 659 101
Website www.portarthur.org.au
Admission $28
Open 8.30am-dusk daily, most buildings close at 5pm
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