Things to do in Port Arthur

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is Australia's largest and most intact convict settlement, forming a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites. Discover iconic ruins, over 30 historic buildings, immersive house museums, compelling exhibitions, and guided tours complemented by a scenic harbour cruise and self-guided audio experience. Set within 146 hectares of spectacular landscape, heritage gardens, and walking trails, visitors can relax and enjoy breathtaking views, shop for locally-made products and savour local flavours in our cafés and at our acclaimed 1830 Restaurant & Bar. More than 300,000 people visit Port Arthur every year, but the now sunny port has a dark history. In 1930, Captain Governor George Arthur chose the Tasman Peninsula in south-east Tasmania to hold prisoners who had reoffended during the colonial period. The peninsula and the mainland are only connected by a land less than 100 meters wide (that is, the Eagle Neck Gorge). From 1830 to 1877, 12,500 prisoners spent hard sentences in Port Arthur. The Tourist Services Center is located in the Port Arthur Historic Site building. Downstairs is a gallery with detailed explanations, where visitors can learn about the suffering of prisoners in exile in Tasmania. You can also take a cruise around the Island of the Dead (Island of the Dead) in the harbour, and if you are interested, you can visit the island. This is a hugely popular excursion in Port Arthur, a 90-minute ghost tour with a guided tour of many of the old buildings and stories of some of the creepy events that have happened here. If interested, be sure to book before 16:00 on the day.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Tasmania

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is located on Tasmania Island, Australia, serving as a nature reserve dedicated to protecting and showcasing the region's unique wildlife. As an eco-tourism attraction, it offers visitors close encounters with Tasmanian devils while actively working to conserve this endangered species and its natural habitat. The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo features multiple exhibition areas dedicated to showcasing Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife like quolls and kangaroos. Visitors can learn about the devils' behavior, ecological role, and conservation challenges through guided tours with professional guides. The Unzoo's staff is committed to raising public awareness about protecting these unique creatures through education and research programs. Beyond animal viewing, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo offers a variety of interactive experiences. Visitors can participate in feeding sessions to observe Tasmanian devils' eating behaviors, or join night tours to explore Tasmania's nocturnal ecosystem. The nature trails within Tasmanian Devil Unzoo allow visitors to enjoy Tasmania's natural beauty while discovering local flora and fauna.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Tasmania

Tasman Peninsula

The Tasman Peninsula is located in the southeast of Hobart. Port Arthur is the main attraction. The island's coastline, beaches and bushwalks bring beautiful natural scenery. Enter the peninsula from the north through the Arthur highway, first reach the Eagle's Neck Gorge, turn east to Pirates BayDr, and arrive at the lookout with a view of the coastline. There are also sea erosion landforms such as checkerboard sidewalks, blowholes, Tasman Arches, and waterfall bays around Eagle Neck Gorge. Continue south to Tasman National Park, which occupies a large area of the peninsula, and you can choose one of several bush walks to hike. If you want to see animals, you can go to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. If you want to see cultural attractions, you can go to the historical sites of coal mines, the prison sites of Eagle Neck Gorge, Cunha, Primedna, and Saltwater River. The terminus of Arthur Expressway is Port Arthur. From 1830 to 1877, a large number of prisoners who came to serve here made the gloomy atmosphere gather here, and the beautiful stone buildings, Gothic buildings and parks can hardly conceal the bitter history of the past. .

Devils Kitchen

Devils Kitchen is located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia, and is a natural attraction known for its spectacular coastal landforms. It is a deep sea trench carved by the surging waves of the Tasman Sea. Around the trench is a flat rock area with deep, mosaic-like lines, resembling a miniature version of the nearby tessellated pavement. It attracts many visitors. Visitors can easily reach the viewing platform via a trail, from where they can admire the wonders of nature. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the sea breeze allow visitors to feel the power of nature. The recommended time to visit is in the morning or evening, when the light is soft and suitable for photography. Whether you are a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, Devils Kitchen offers a great opportunity for sightseeing and photography, making it a must-visit destination for exploring the natural beauty of Tasmania.

Tasmans Arch

Tasmans Arch is located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia, and is a well-known natural view within Tasman National Park. It is a natural stone cave formed by long-term seawater erosion, also known as a sea cave or sea arch. Over millions of years, tides continuously eroded the coastal rocks, causing them to gradually hollow out, and were subsequently carved through by wind and waves, forming the majestic stone arch seen today. The top of the arch is 52.7m above the sea surface. Looking down from here, the massive archway is filled with lush shrubs, and the cave walls display layered rock features, which are strong evidence of the uplift of the seabed crust. Tasmans Arch is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who was the first European to discover Tasmania. Today, it attracts many visitors. Visitors can walk along the trail to the viewing platform to enjoy the dizzying cave and the magnificent coastline view.

Tessellated Pavement

Tessellated Pavement is a beautiful rocky coastline. The rocks are primarily composed of siltstone and were formed by the action of salt crystals and ocean waves. They have a long history, feature diverse shapes, and are beautiful and spectacular.

Blow Hole

Bicheno Blowhole is one of the more famous attractions on the Tasman Peninsula. Like the nearby Tasmans Arch and Devils Kitchen, it started as just a small cave. Millions of years of water and wind erosion have formed the unique geological structure seen today. When the waves are fierce, the spray is a breathtaking sight.

Tasman National Park

Tasmania National Park is located on the Australian island of Tasmania and is one of Australia's largest protected areas. This is an area that has experienced intense glacial action. The park group mainly includes three parks: Southwest National Park, Franklin-Lower Gordon Wilder River National Park and Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.

Port Arthur Lavender

Remarkable Cave