Port Arthur Historic Site Tour: Salamanca Market & Cruise

Wander the market, then walk through convict history and sail Carnarvon Bay

This full-day Saturday tour from Hobart combines two stops: Salamanca Market in the morning, where you browse Tasmanian crafts and fresh produce, then a guided visit to Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula with entry tickets, site talks and a harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead. The coach collects you from Hobart and the driver provides commentary throughout, leaving you free to set your own pace at each location.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Salamanca Market1h 45m
2. Port Arthur3h 30m · entry included

Explore Salamanca Market and Port Arthur

• Visit Salamanca Market stalls
• Taste local fresh produce
• Board coach to Port Arthur
• Visit Port Arthur Interpretation Centre
• Attend site talks at key locations
• Tour Penitentiary, Commandant's House, Church
• Take harbour cruise on Carnarvon Bay
• Admire Tasman National Park scenery
• Circle Isle of the Dead
• Visit Tasman Arch viewpoint
• Stop at Pirates Bay Lookout

The experience

The day starts at Salamanca Market, Hobart's outdoor marketplace on the waterfront. You have the morning to wander the stalls (art, craft, fresh produce and gourmet food), and taste local specialties like Scallop Pie if you want. In late morning you board a luxury Gray Line coach for the drive to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. The site entry is included, so you walk straight in.

At Port Arthur, the Interpretation Centre introduces the convict history through interactive exhibits. From there, complimentary talks happen at key locations throughout the day (the Penitentiary, Commandant's House, the Church), and you're free to explore at your own pace between them. The driver and guide are on hand to answer questions and fill in details as you move through the restored buildings and ruins. Then you board a 30-minute harbour cruise on Carnarvon Bay, circling the Isle of the Dead from the water and taking in the coastline of Tasman National Park and the natural beauty of this World Heritage site.

After the cruise, the itinerary includes stops at Tasman Arch, one of Tasmania's most visited coastal attractions with rugged cliffs and views south, and Pirates Bay Lookout, where the vista stretches for miles. Both are photo stops. Lunch and refreshments are available for purchase on site, or you can bring your own. The full day runs about nine hours from Hobart.

What’s included

• Salamanca Market browsing in the morning.
• luxury coach transport from Hobart to Port Arthur.
• Port Arthur Historic Site entry tickets.
• complimentary guided talks at key locations.
• Interpretation Centre access.
• 30-minute Carnarvon Bay Harbour Cruise.
• stops at Tasman Arch and Pirates Bay Lookout.
• driver commentary throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 09:15

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 50 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 36 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Experience Tasmania Gray Line Day Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to spend your Saturday morning at Salamanca Market and your afternoon exploring Port Arthur. The coach departs Hobart after market hours, giving you unhurried time at the stalls before the drive to the peninsula.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the Port Arthur Historic Site entry?

Port Arthur Historic Site entry is included in the tour price. You get access to the Interpretation Centre with its interactive exhibits about convict life, the restored buildings like the Penitentiary and Commandant's House, the Church, and the grounds. Complimentary talks run at key locations throughout the day, and the 30-minute harbour cruise on Carnarvon Bay is also included.

How much time do I get to spend at Salamanca Market?

Salamanca Market takes up the morning of the tour. You have enough time to browse the stalls for art, craft, fresh produce and gourmet food before the coach departs for Port Arthur in late morning, so you won't miss the market's peak hours.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not included, but you can purchase food and refreshments on site at Port Arthur, or bring your own to eat there.

What happens on the Carnarvon Bay Cruise?

The 30-minute harbour cruise circles the Isle of the Dead and shows you the coastline from the water. You see the natural beauty of Tasman National Park and learn about the site's history while viewing the ruins and landscape from Carnarvon Bay.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You set your own pace at Port Arthur, exploring the grounds and buildings as you choose, and the coach handles transport between locations.