Port Arthur & Richmond: Full-Day Tour with Harbour Cruise

Summary

Convict stories, wild coastlines and old stone bridges on Tasmania’s edge

You’ll trace convict footsteps at Port Arthur Historic Site, cruise Carnarvon Bay around Isle of the Dead, pause at Richmond Bridge for photos, and feel spray from Remarkable Caves before sweetening your day at a local chocolate factory. This isn’t just history — it’s laughter, weathered stone under your hands, and moments that stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

“That bridge is older than your country,” our driver, Greg, joked as we stepped out in Richmond for a quick photo. I’m not sure if he meant it literally (I’m Canadian), but standing there by the convict-built arches, you could almost smell the damp stone and river grass. It was still early — the kind of chilly that wakes up your hands — and a couple of ducks waddled past like they owned the place. We didn’t linger long; Greg had this way of herding us back to the bus without ever sounding pushy.

The drive down to Port Arthur felt longer than it looked on the map. Maybe it was all those sharp turns along the Tasman Peninsula or just my own anticipation. We stopped at Pirates Bay Lookout where the wind whipped so hard my hat nearly flew off (someone else’s did). Our guide pointed out sea cliffs that looked like something from a storybook — but then again, everything here feels layered with stories. At Port Arthur itself, I wandered between ruined walls and neat lawns while an older local named Helen led our site talk. She had this dry humor about “the ghosts” and then got suddenly quiet describing daily life for convicts. That stuck with me more than any plaque.

The harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead was slower than I expected — in a good way. There’s this silence on Carnarvon Bay except for seabirds and the low hum of the boat engine. Lunch was whatever you made it (I’d packed a sandwich), sitting on damp grass under eucalypts that smelled sharp after last night’s rain. Some people bought pies at the café; honestly, I wish I’d tried one just to warm up my hands.

On the way back toward Hobart, we detoured to Remarkable Caves — which are exactly what they sound like, though I almost slipped on wet steps getting down there (watch your footing). The waves crashed so loud you had to shout to be heard. Last stop: a chocolate factory where I tried saying “thanks” in bad Tasmanian slang and got a laugh from Li behind the counter. I still think about that view over Maingon Bay when we left — not sure why it hit me so much right then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Port Arthur tour with scenic stops

• Travel across Tasman Bridge
• Visit Richmond Bridge for photos
• Drive to Tasman Peninsula
• Stop at Pirates Bay Lookout
• Visit Tasman Arch
• Join Port Arthur site talk
• Explore restored buildings
• Browse Port Arthur Gallery
• Cruise Carnarvon Bay around Isle of the Dead
• Have picnic or buy lunch
• Walk down to Remarkable Caves
• Visit Chocolate Factory on return

Top questions

How long does the Port Arthur day tour from Hobart take?

This is a full-day tour departing in the morning and returning to Hobart in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Port Arthur tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Does this tour include entry fees to Port Arthur Historic Site?

Yes, admission to Port Arthur Historic Site is included.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No set lunch is provided; you can bring your own or buy food onsite at Port Arthur’s café.

What other stops are included besides Port Arthur?

You’ll also visit Richmond Village for photos, Pirates Bay Lookout, Remarkable Caves, and a chocolate factory.

Is there a guided commentary during the tour?

Yes, live commentary is provided by experienced local guides throughout the day.

How long is the harbour cruise around Isle of the Dead?

The harbour cruise lasts about 30 minutes around Carnarvon Bay.

Can infants join this Port Arthur day trip?

Yes, infants are welcome; specialized seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hobart, entry fees for Port Arthur Historic Site plus its site talks and interactive exhibits, a 30-minute harbour cruise around Isle of the Dead, stops at Richmond Village and Pirates Bay Lookout, time exploring Remarkable Caves with views over Maingon Bay, plus a sweet visit to a local chocolate factory before heading home.