Port Arthur Tour and Wilderness Cruise from Hobart

This Port Arthur Tour and Cruise from Hobart is a fabulous way to experience the sublime natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula and the incredible history of the Port Arthur Historic Site — one of the world's best preserved convict-built settlements and one of Tasmania's top attractions. You'll travel in air-conditioned comfort and have the services of a passionate local guide throughout the day. Enjoy a coach transfer from your hotel to the peninsula, where you'll board a wilderness cruise around the picturesque coastline to Port Arthur. 

Pick-up: 7.30am (approx.) from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Franklin Wharf, Hobart Waterfront  

Drop-off: 6pm (approx.) at selected Hobart CBD hotels

You'll depart the city early and travel east towards the Tasman Peninsula. The peninsula is almost entirely surrounded by water (with narrow Eaglehawk Neck the only entry point), which made it the ideal location for the penal settlement. You'll board your multi-award winning three-hour coastal wilderness cruise at Eaglehawk Neck and follow the coastline towards Port Arthur. The region is home to abundant wildlife, including seals, dolphins, migrating whales and a variety of birdlife. The custom-built wilderness cruise boats are ideal for viewing wildlife and the spectacular coastline. Each vessel holds a maximum of 43 guests. Covered open-air tiered seating means an excellent all-round view. The boats have an on-board toilet and are safe, comfortable and gentle on the environment.

As the cruise approaches Port Arthur, you'll gain a true sense of what it was like for the many inmates that were transported to this isolated location by boat. On arrival at the Port Arthur Historic Site, you'll enjoy a 40-minute guided walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. The settlement was constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Your guide will point out key buildings and answer any questions you may have. You'll have ample time to explore the site further at your own pace, before taking a short harbour cruise past the Isle of the Dead.

Tour highlights

• Travel from Hobart across the Tasman Bridge and into the Coal River Valley — the lush wine producing region that surrounds the historic town of Richmond
• Pass through Eaglehawk Neck — the only entrance to the peninsula
• Take a wilderness cruise from Eaglehawk Neck to Tasman Island
• Pass the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar
• Spot incredible wildlife along the way (possibly seals, pods of dolphins, and whales)
• See region's abundant birdlife, including shearwaters, gannets, gulls, cormorants, albatrosses and sea eaglesE
• View natural landmarks throughout the cruise, including sea stacks, the Candlestick, the Totem Pole, Cathedral Rock, and sheer crags of Tasman Island
• Enjoy superb views of the rugged coastline
• Be amazed at the magnitude of the Devil's Kitchen
• Enjoy around three hours in total at the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site
• Visit the Interpretative Centre and learn about the harrowing daily life of a convict
• Join an included guided walking tour with a local guide to learn about the many restored buildings and ruins
• See the famous penitentiary building, separate prison, Commandant's House, chapel, and so much more.

This Port Arthur Tour and Cruise from Hobart ends back in the CBD with hotel-drop-offs.

Inclusions

• Guided group tour
• Services of a knowledgeable local guide
• Informative commentary
• Comfortable transport
• Tasman Island wilderness cruise
• Morning tea
• Lunch 
  
• Entry to Port Arthur Historic Site
• Guided walking tour with a Port Arthur Historic Site guide.

* Please note: The itinerary provided may change due to weather conditions and operational requirements. In some instances your cruise may depart from Port Arthur and travel to Eaglehawk Neck (where you'll be met by your coach and transported back to Port Arthur).

Cover image courtesy of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys