Excursion Port arthur discovery tour at Hobart

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula and visit one of Australia's most feared penal colonies during this guided walking tour of Port Arthur.

Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur Guided Walk, Scenic Harbour Cruise

Depart the pier for the 60-mile (96-kilometre) drive from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula and listen as your driver provides commentary. Head towards infamous Port Arthur, where upon arrival, you are met by a park ranger who leads you on guided walking tour through one of Australia's most feared penal colonies followed by a 20-minute scenic harbour cruise discovering the secrets of this historic site, allowing you the opportunity to see Port Arthur from a different perspective. Established on the Tasman Peninsula as a timber-cutting station in 1830, Port Arthur grew in size and importance in the last decades of transportation. More than 10,000 convicts were transported here from England during the forty years the prison was used and it was these same prisoners who eventually became the settlers of this new land. Now an historic site, Port Arthur has been carefully restored, making it easier to explore these fascinating ruins.

Church, Penitentiary, Hospital, Old Guard House, Free Time

During your tour, visit interesting sites that include the church, which was designed by an inmate, along with the penitentiary, hospital, old guard house, and a model prison - a radical experiment in prison design for the time. Some free time will also be made for independent exploration at your leisure.

At the appointed time, re-board your coach for the transfer back to Hobart and the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hobart, Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur, Church, Penitentiary, Hospital, Old Guard House, Model Prison

Note

Please note: Although the amount of walking and sites seen at Port Arthur are at each guest's discretion, an extensive amount of walking is required to see Port Arthur fully. It is a pedestrian-only site. Walking distance is approximately 1.5-2 miles (2-3.5 kilometres), some of which is over natural, uneven ground and involves stairs. Some ruins have cobbled, uneven flooring and steps, and narrow doorways that must be negotiated. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. The drive to Port Arthur is approximately 90 minutes in duration.  Lunch is at guests own expense; bring Australian dollars or a major credit card for any purchases.