Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula: Day Tour with Harbour Cruise

Summary

Port Arthur history, chocolate stops and wild Tasman coast in one day

You’ll taste local chocolate, stroll through lavender fields near Port Arthur, stand above wild cliffs at Maingon Bay, and drift across historic waters on a harbour cruise—all in one day trip from Hobart with pickup included. The mix of convict stories and salty air might just stay with you longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

Holding a square of dark chocolate from the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry, I could still smell the sea air from our last stop at Pirates Bay lookout. Our driver—Steve, I think?—had this way of pointing out odd little things you’d miss on your own, like how the Dog Line monument isn’t just a photo op but a weirdly tense bit of history. The bus windows fogged up for a minute as we wound through the peninsula; outside, mist clung to the gums and everything felt sort of suspended.

I didn’t expect to like the Port Arthur Historic Site as much as I did. There’s something about walking those old stone paths with your own audio guide in your ear—stories drifting in and out while you watch magpies pick at the grass. The harbour cruise was included (it’s short but worth it), and there was this moment when the clouds broke over Isle of the Dead and everyone just kind of went quiet. Not sure why that stuck with me. Maybe because it felt honest—no drama, just weather and water and old ghosts.

If you’re restless after three hours (I was), you can hop back on for Remarkable Cave. It’s only eight minutes away but feels like another world—windy, raw cliffs, penguin rocks below. There are 115 steps down to the viewing platform (counted them on the way back up, legs still sore). On the return to Hobart I caught myself replaying bits of Steve’s stories in my head, half-laughing at how badly I pronounced “Maingon.” So yeah, if you want a day trip from Hobart that mixes history with odd little detours—plus chocolate and lavender—you’ll probably find something here that lingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Port Arthur and Tasman Peninsula tour

• Pickup from Hobart locations
• Stop at Eaglehawk Neck lookout
• Visit Dog Line Monument
• Visit Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry
• Visit Port Arthur Lavender Farm
• Explore Port Arthur Historic Site
• Enjoy 20-minute harbour cruise
• Option to stay full 4 hours at site
• Optional visit to Remarkable Cave
• View Maingon Bay and Penguin Rocks
• Descend 115 steps to Remarkable Cave
• Return to Port Arthur Historic Site
• Return to Hobart by 5:30pm

Top questions

How long is the Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula day tour?

The tour departs in the morning and returns to Hobart by 5:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes pickup from 8 convenient locations around downtown Hobart.

Does admission to Port Arthur Historic Site include a harbour cruise?

Yes, admission covers both site entry and a 20-minute harbour cruise.

Can I visit Remarkable Cave on this tour?

Yes, after three hours at Port Arthur you can choose to visit Remarkable Cave and Maingon Bay before returning.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

No meals are included but there are stops at a chocolate foundry and lavender farm where you can purchase snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers but must sit on an adult’s lap; no car seats are provided.

How many steps are there down to Remarkable Cave?

You’ll descend 115 steps to reach the viewing platform at Remarkable Cave.

What should I bring for this day trip from Hobart?

A camera, comfortable shoes for walking (especially for steps), weather-appropriate clothing, and snacks if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient pickup from central Hobart locations, stops at Pirates Bay lookout and Eaglehawk Neck’s Dog Line monument, time to sample treats at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry and wander through Port Arthur Lavender Farm, general admission to Port Arthur Historic Site with self-guided audio experience plus a harbour cruise—and an optional side trip to Remarkable Cave before heading back in the evening.