Port Arthur Historic Site Tours

Port Arthur Historic Site which includes heritage architecture, building ruins and chateau or palace
Port Arthur Historic Site featuring a castle, building ruins and heritage elements
Port Arthur Historic Site featuring chateau or palace and heritage elements
Port Arthur Historic Site showing heritage elements and building ruins
Port Arthur Historic Site featuring heritage elements, building ruins and a castle


Step back into Tasmania’s past as a penal colony and learn about the lives of convicts who were sent to one of the harshest settlements in the British Empire.

The UNESCO-listed Port Arthur was one of the British Empire’s most brutal penal settlements. Located on the stunning Mason Cove, the natural beauty of the landscape stands in stark contrast to the history of convict prisoners who were sent here, condemned to hard labor. See these stunning ruins at your own pace or on a guided or themed tour.

The penal settlement in Port Arthur began as a small timber station in 1830 and rapidly grew to become one the most important colonies in the Southern Hemisphere.

Explore the various buildings, including the mess room, chapel, library and workshops of the eerie Penitentiary. See the Separate Prison, which was reserved for solitary confinement. Walk through the former morgue in the crumbling hospital and down the aisle of the ruined Convict Church, which overlooks the settlement.

Step between the fallen walls of the Coal Mines Historic Site, Tasmania’s first operational mine, where the worst of offenders were sent to work underground. When the mines were at peak production, up to 600 miners, jailers and their families lived here.

Smell the flowers in the ornamental Government Gardens and meander through the reconstructed private grounds of the Commandant’s House. Step behind the separating masonry walls and into the most senior official’s residence where furnishings and artefacts tell how different daily life as an officer was compared to that of a convict.

Historic Port Arthur also has a memorial garden for the people who lost their lives in the shooting that took place there.

Admission can be combined with exciting guided tours, including a cruise to the Isle of the Dead Cemetery, where over 1,000 convicts were buried between 1833 and 1877, or to the Point Puer Boys Prison, where inmates were as young as nine years old. Themed evening tours include a Ghost Tour and The Paranormal Investigation.

Port Arthur is a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Hobart. Entrance passes are valid for two days and include all-site admission, a walking tour, a cruise on the MV Marana, entry to historic buildings and for people experiencing mobility difficulties, access the gardens shuttle buggy. Prices differ for adults, children, families and concession cardholders.

Plan a trip to see Port Arthur Historic Site

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Maylands Lodge
Hakari - waterfront & light filled
The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Port Arthur Historic Site

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park

3.5 out of 5
Garden Point Road, Port Arthur, TAS
NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park
Port Arthur Motor Inn

Port Arthur Motor Inn

3.5 out of 5
29 Safety Cove Road, Port Arthur, TAS
Port Arthur Motor Inn
Stewarts Bay Lodge

Stewarts Bay Lodge

3.5 out of 5
6955 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, TAS
Stewarts Bay Lodge
Port Arthur Villas

Port Arthur Villas

4 out of 5
52 Safety Cove Road, Port Arthur, TAS
Port Arthur Villas
Stunning views, great walks,self contained unit

Stunning views, great walks,self contained unit

Koonya
Stunning views, great walks,self contained unit
Little Norfolk Bay Events and Chalets

Little Norfolk Bay Events and Chalets

4 out of 5
5927 Arthur Highway, Taranna, TAS
Little Norfolk Bay Events and Chalets
Four Seasons Waterfront Villas

Four Seasons Waterfront Villas

4 out of 5
5732 Arthur Highway, Taranna, TAS
Four Seasons Waterfront Villas
Lufra Beachside Hotel

Lufra Beachside Hotel

3 out of 5
380 Pirates Bay Dr, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS
Lufra Beachside Hotel
Sommers Bay Beach House

Sommers Bay Beach House

3.5 out of 5
637 Sommers Bay Rd, Murdunna, TAS
Sommers Bay Beach House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Port Arthur Historic Site

At Port Arthur Historic Site, explore a variety of activities including guided tours, thrilling dolphin and whale watching experiences. Don't miss out on local wine tours and galleries, as well as adventure opportunities through Tasmania's stunning landscapes. Enjoy numerous attractions and picturesque walks along the capes, making your visit both enriching and memorable.

Food and drinks

The Port Arthur Historic Site features the Port Arthur Café, offering local Tasmanian dishes and fresh produce. Don’t miss trying the delightful Tassie wines available, showcasing the region's unique flavors. Nearby, the Historic Site's dining options provide a taste of Australia's rich culinary heritage.

Recreation

Tasman Golf Course offers a stunning outdoor experience just 1 mile from Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by picturesque landscapes while soaking in the fresh Tasmanian air, perfect for relaxation and recreation amidst nature’s beauty.

Adventure

Embark on the Cape Hauy Track, a thrilling hiking trail 7 miles from Port Arthur Historic Site, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. Additionally, explore the Three Capes Track Trailhead, located 6 miles away, where stunning scenery and outdoor vibes await every adventurer.

Find the best attractions near Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site offers a variety of attractions for every kind of traveler. Explore the stunning historic buildings and rich history of Port Arthur, or venture out to the scenic Tasman Peninsula for outdoor adventures. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and serene reserves nearby, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure or a relaxing beach experience. There's something for everyone in this captivating area of Tasmania.

  • Port Arthur Lavender Farm: Just 3 miles from Port Arthur Historic Site, this charming farm offers a tranquil escape. Stroll through rows of vibrant lavender, enjoy the soothing scents, and relax in a serene atmosphere that combines history with natural beauty.
  • Point Puer: Located just 1 mile away, Point Puer is a stunning cape known for its breathtaking scenery and inviting beaches. It's the perfect spot for a scenic walk or a picnic while soaking up the coastal vibes and enjoying the sound of the waves.
  • Remarkable Cave: This adventure awaits just 3 miles from Port Arthur. Explore the natural wonder of Remarkable Cave, where you can hike, discover unique rock formations, and appreciate the adventurous spirit of Tasmania's rugged coastline.

Best time to go to Port Arthur Historic Site

The best time to visit Port Arthur Historic Site is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
February61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
April55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
July46.8°F (8.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
August47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
September50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Port Arthur Historic Site

To save money on your trip to Port Arthur Historic Site, consider visiting during the off-peak months of July, August, and November when accommodation prices are lower. Use Expedia to find the best deals by booking hotels about a month in advance or check last-minute offers. Take advantage of their package deals to bundle flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Explore free attractions like Stewarts Bay State Reserve, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cashback on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Port Arthur Historic Site are July to August and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Port Arthur Historic Site is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of hotel. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Port Arthur Historic Site with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.