Port Arthur and Tasman Sights with Harbour Cruise

Planning a trip to Hobart and wondering how best to experience the highlights of Tasmania’s stunning coastline and historic sites? This Port Arthur and Tasman Sights with Harbour Cruise tour offers a convenient way to explore without the hassle of driving yourself. It’s a well-loved option for those keen on history, scenic views, and a smooth, guided experience.

What immediately catches your eye about this tour is its affordable price point, around $35.86 per person, and the well-organized itinerary that packs a lot into about eight hours. We also appreciate the flexibility of two daily departure times and the pickup from eight different points in Hobart, making logistics straightforward. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the long day may involve a good amount of walking, so it’s worth considering your comfort level.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day out with minimal planning, especially if you’re interested in Port Arthur’s history and scenic stops along the way. If you’re someone who appreciates informative guides and a relaxed pace, this one could be a great fit. Now, let’s break down what makes this experience worth considering—and what to keep in mind.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and transportation from Hobart makes logistics easy.
• Includes multiple scenic stops like Eaglehawk Neck, Lavender Farm, and chocolate foundry—great for breaking up the journey.
• Port Arthur Historic Site offers a detailed look at Australia’s oldest penal settlement, with self-guided audio and a harbour cruise included.
• Optional visit to Remarkable Cave adds a scenic lookout and a chance to see Maingon Bay.
• Affordable pricing delivers good value for a full day of sightseeing.
• Tour size is limited to 24 travelers, making it a more intimate experience.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often making the trip more engaging.
• Some reviews mention long walking distances and the need for comfortable shoes.

What Is This Tour All About?

This is essentially a full-day coach trip from Hobart that takes you out to Port Arthur, one of Tasmania’s most historically significant sites. The trip offers a balanced mix of scenic stops, cultural exploration, and natural beauty. It’s designed for those who want to experience a variety of sights without the stress of planning each detail.

Pickups start early, around 9:30am, from eight locations around Hobart, with the tour lasting roughly eight hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and free time at Port Arthur. The tour is operated by Tassie Tours Tasmania, well-reviewed for their professionalism and passion.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Scenic Route & Stops

The journey begins with pickups at designated locations in Hobart, usually starting around 8:55am, with departure at 9:30am. The bus then winds out of the city, with the first stops at Eaglehawk Neck—famous for the Pirates Bay lookout and the Dog Line monument, which highlight Tasmania’s rugged coastline and intriguing past. These stops are perfect for snapping photos and getting a feel for the wild beauty of the area.

Next, you’ll visit the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry, where you can indulge your sweet tooth and learn about local chocolatier craftsmanship—an enjoyable treat for all ages. Following that, the Port Arthur Lavender Farm offers a peaceful stroll among fragrant lavender fields, where you can explore handmade products and scenic trails.

Port Arthur Historic Site

After these scenic stops, the main event is a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site. With your admission, which includes a self-guided audio tour and a 20-minute harbour cruise, you get a comprehensive look at this UNESCO-listed former prison colony. You’ll have around four hours here to explore at your own pace, which many reviews say is enough to see the key sites, learn about Tasmania’s convict past, and soak in the atmosphere.

A common comment from visitors is how immersive and fascinating the site is, with plenty to see and do. Some travelers mention that the site is vast, so it pays to have a plan beforehand—focusing on your must-see buildings or areas.

Optional Visit to Remarkable Cave

If you’re feeling energetic and want to add an extra adventure, you can hop back on the bus after about three hours at Port Arthur for a short trip to the Remarkable Cave, just 8 minutes away. The view of Maingon Bay is spectacular, with vistas of Penguin Rocks and the bay itself. Descending the 115 steps to the cave presents an impressive view of ancient sandstone cliffs. This optional stop provides a perfect photo opportunity and a taste of Tasmania’s rugged coastline.

Return Journey

After the cave visit, the bus heads back to the historic site to pick up remaining passengers and then returns to Hobart, arriving around 5:30pm. The entire trip offers a good balance of structured stops and free time.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers frequently highlight the knowledgeable guides—with Rob, Gino, and Bill often mentioned by name—as a major highlight. Their interesting commentary and friendly attitude make the trip engaging. As one reviewer put it, “Rob was a good guide and gave a running commentary on the trip there which was very interesting,” and others echo this sentiment.

Many also appreciate the scenic stops along the route, with several calling out the lookouts, lavender farm, and chocolate foundry as fun diversions. The harbour cruise at Port Arthur is a big hit, offering different perspectives of the site and surrounding water.

However, some reviews mention the long day might involve a lot of walking, which could be tiring for those with mobility concerns. The site itself covers a large area, so comfortable shoes are a must.

While the majority of feedback is glowing, a couple of travelers noted that they were not offered the harbour cruise or found the old bus a bit less comfortable, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations for the vehicle quality and inclusions.

Is It Good Value?

At roughly $36, this tour offers solid value considering it includes transport, multiple scenic stops, port admission, a harbour cruise, and local guides. It’s a package that hits many highlights without the hassle of figuring out transportation or tickets on your own.

The cost of entry to Port Arthur and the harbour cruise is included in the ticket price, and the stops at lavender and chocolate farms add a bit of local flavor. This makes it a well-rounded day—especially for those who prefer a guided, organized experience with plenty of photo opportunities and insightful commentary.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for history buffs eager to explore Port Arthur’s storied past, as well as scenery lovers who appreciate coastal views and farm visits. If you’re after a relaxed, guided day that covers a lot of ground, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s also suitable for travellers wanting to avoid driving or navigating public transport, and those who enjoy small group experiences—since the max is 24 travelers. Keep in mind that long walking distances could be tiring for some, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Final Thoughts

The Port Arthur and Tasman Sights with Harbour Cruise offers a comprehensive, value-packed day for anyone eager to see Tasmania’s historical sites and scenic coastline. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, helping to make the trip engaging and informative.

While the day can be long and involves some walking, the stops are thoughtfully chosen to break up the journey and add variety. The inclusion of a harbour cruise and optional cave visit makes this tour more than just a bus ride—it’s an opportunity to experience Tasmania’s natural beauty and history in one go.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, affordable way to explore the Tasman Peninsula, this tour is a solid choice, especially if you value good guides and scenic stops. For those with mobility issues or limited time, plan ahead to make the most of it.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll be picked up from eight locations around Hobart in an air-conditioned vehicle, with the entire day’s transport included.

How long do I spend at Port Arthur?
You usually get around four hours to explore the historic site, enjoy the self-guided audio tour, and take the harbour cruise.

Can I visit the Remarkable Cave?
Yes, there’s an optional stop after three hours at Port Arthur for those who want to see Maingon Bay and the Remarkable Cave. It requires a short 8-minute drive and involves descending 115 steps.

What’s the best way to make sure I see everything?
Plan your visit to focus on your interests—whether it’s the historic buildings, the cave, or the scenic views. The tour offers flexibility, but an early start helps maximize your time.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for families, the stops are suitable for most ages, but keep in mind the amount of walking involved.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or purchase food at stops like the lavender farm or Port Arthur.

What kind of guide can I expect?
Guides are known for their knowledge and friendly manner, often providing interesting commentary that enhances the experience.

How large are the groups?
The maximum number of travelers is 24, making it a more personal experience compared to larger tours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible to adapt your plans.

This tour provides a rich, manageable way to see a significant slice of Tasmania’s history and scenery. It’s best suited for those who value comfort, insightful guides, and a mix of cultural and natural sights.