Looking for a Hobart day trip that combines dramatic scenery with fascinating history? Port Arthur should be your top choice.
My first memory of visiting Port Arthur goes way back to 2003, when my dad took us on a weekend family trip to the Tasman Peninsula. I still remember the drive down — staring out the car window, absolutely convinced I was about to meet real ghosts. Thankfully there were none that appeared during our visit… though I definitely kept my eyes wide open in case of any supernatural encounters.
I’ve been back again since then, including a visit in 2012 when I was showing my husband (at the time, my steady boyfriend!) around the areas where I grew up. Experiencing Port Arthur as an adult felt completely different to when I visited as a child — I could finally understand the history instead of just running between the ruins, and I was able to really appreciate the influence that it has had on Tasmanians, past and present.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Port Arthur is truly one of the country’s most significant landmarks. It’s a beautifully preserved convict settlement surrounded by the wild landscapes of the Tasman Peninsula. Just 1.5 hours drive from the city, it makes for an easy and incredibly rewarding day trip. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Port Arthur from Hobart.
Quick summary:
The Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania is one of best day trips from Hobart. This guide covers how to get there, the best tours to book, what’s included in your ticket, and what to see when you arrive to uncover Australia’s convict history.
Recommended tours & tickets:
🎟️ Port Arthur Historic Site Admission Ticket — Explore 30+ convict-era buildings and ruins, wander the gardens, and enjoy a harbour cruise — all included in your 2-day entry.
🚐 Port Arthur Full-Day Guided Tour — The easiest way to visit from Hobart! Includes return transport, guided commentary, and a scenic harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead.
👻 Port Arthur Historic Site Ghost Tour — After dark, join a lantern-lit walk through the ruins and hear eerie tales of the site’s haunted history. A spooky and unforgettable night experience!
Where to stay:
🛏️ Stewarts Bay Lodge – Peaceful forest-and-waterfront cabins located just minutes from the Historic Site entrance.
How to get from Hobart to Port Arthur
It’s an easy and incredibly scenic 1.5-hour drive south via the Tasman Highway and Arthur Highway, winding through lush countryside and along stretches of dramatic coastline.
When I last drove down on a day trip from Hobart, I stopped at Eaglehawk Neck to stretch my legs and see the natural rock formations — Tessellated Pavement, Devil’s Kitchen, and Tasman Arch are all just minutes from the main road and are perfect for some quick photo stops.
The best way to visit Port Arthur depends on your travel style. Driving gives you flexibility to explore the Tasman Peninsula at your own pace, but if you’d rather sit back and relax, there are excellent Port Arthur tours from Hobart that include hotel pickup and entry tickets.
🚐 Recommended Tour: Port Arthur Full-Day Guided Tour — This small-group experience covers all the highlights without you needing to drive. It includes return transport from Hobart, a guided tour of Port Arthur Historic Site, and a relaxing harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead.
Port Arthur tickets
🎟️ The Port Arthur Historic Site Admission Ticket gives you access to museums, convict-era buildings, ruins, and restored homes. This 2-day entry ticket includes a harbour cruise, self-guided audio tour, and expert-led site talks throughout the day.
The Port Arthur entry fee is $53 AUD per adult (as of 2025) and covers access to all major areas of the site.
You can begin at the Port Arthur Gallery, where you can select a convict or settler character card to follow their story through the site. Wander at your own pace, listen to tales of those who lived here through the self-guided audio experience, attend some of the guide talks, and take the short cruise around the Isle of the Dead and the Dockyards.
Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so if you choose to stay overnight nearby, you can return the next morning for another wander through the gardens and ruins.
What to see at Port Arthur
There’s a lot to take in at Port Arthur, so plan at least half a day to explore properly. Be sure to bring comfy shoes as you’ll walk a lot, often on uneven ground. And dress for the weather! The Tasman Peninsula can be windy and cool, even in summer.
Some of the highlights of the Historic Site include:
Port Arthur Gallery: An onsite museum that offers a perfect introduction to the site’s history and daily life.
The Penitentiary: The most recognisable structure on the site. Standing inside the ruins, you can still imagine the echo of footsteps across the stone floors.
The Separate Prison: A chilling insight into solitary confinement. Even on a warm sunny day, I’ve felt a chill walking through those tiny cells. There’s an unexplainable eeriness here — as if the walls are still holding onto the stories of the prisoners who lived inside.
Commandant’s House: A stark contrast in living conditions, offering a glimpse into the lives of those in charge.
The Church: One of the most beautiful ruins on the site, with soaring stone arches and no roof. It’s easy to imagine how grand it must have looked in the 1830s — and even now, the open-air structure makes a stunning spot for photos.
The Isle of the Dead: A small island in the harbour that served as a burial site. The harbour cruise is easily one of the most fascinating experiences at the Historic Site. On one of my visits, our guide told the story of a woman buried there who died giving birth to her thirteenth child. I remember thinking: by baby number twelve, surely things would have been smooth sailing — but not for that poor lady. Stories like that really drive home the hardships of life in the 1800s.
How long to spend there & opening hours
You could technically see the highlights in 3–4 hours, but I recommend allowing at least 5–6 hours to really soak it all in. Having that extra time means that you could take breaks at the café, chat with guides, and linger at the lookout points.
The Port Arthur opening hours are usually 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. The site is closed on Christmas Day.
Port Arthur Ghost Tour (night experience)
👻 If you’re staying nearby, don’t miss the chance to return after dark for one of Tasmania’s most unique experiences — the Port Arthur Ghost Tour.
I haven’t done this tour, but I would love to! You follow a guide by lantern light through the ruins and buildings of the old penal settlement as night falls. Hear eerie tales of paranormal encounters and unexplained events, and learn why Port Arthur is said to be one of Australia’s most haunted places.
Where to stay near Port Arthur
🛏️ If you decide to extend your Port Arthur day trip into an overnight stay, I’ve heard great things about Stewarts Bay Lodge — the location is a perfect base for exploring the area.
The lodge sits on a quiet bay surrounded by native forest, just a few minutes’ walk from the Historic Site entrance. Accommodation options range from cosy log cabins to modern waterfront villas, many with kitchenettes and private balconies overlooking the bay. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving Tasmanian produce.
FAQs about visiting Port Arthur from Hobart:
How far is Port Arthur from Hobart?
Port Arthur is around 100 kilometres (62 miles) southeast of Hobart, which takes about 1.5 hours by car. The drive passes through charming coastal towns and past amazing natural landmarks.
Do you need a car to visit Port Arthur?
Not necessarily! While self-driving gives you flexibility to explore the Tasman Peninsula, there are plenty of Port Arthur tours from Hobart that include return transport, entry tickets, and a guided tour of the Historic Site. The Full-Day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise is a great option if you’d rather not drive.
How much does it cost to visit Port Arthur Historic Site?
The Port Arthur entry fee varies depending on which experience you choose. The standard Port Arthur Historic Site Admission Ticket includes two consecutive days of access, a harbour cruise, and site talks — offering great value for $53 AUD per adult (as of 2025). Add-on tours, like the Ghost Tour or Isle of the Dead Tour, are priced separately.
What are the Port Arthur opening hours?
The Historic Site is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry around 3:00 pm. The Ghost Tour operates after dark.
Is Port Arthur worth visiting?
Absolutely — it’s one of Tasmania’s most fascinating destinations and makes an easy Hobart day trip itinerary with other nearby attractions such as the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise and Tasman Peninsula.
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