Tasman Peninsula: Port Arthur, Richmond & Cliff Walk Day Trip

Summary

Walk sea cliffs hear convict tales taste old sweets in Richmond

You’ll hike along wild Tasman cliffs, listen to convict legends at Port Arthur with plenty of time to wander (and ponder), then finish with coffee or sweets in quaint Richmond Village before heading back to Hobart—a day that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the wind to taste salty so early in the morning, but there it was—right up at Pirates Bay Lookout on the Tasman Peninsula, making my eyes water a bit. Our guide, Matt, pointed out these cliffs that just drop into the ocean, and I had this weird urge to shout something just to hear how far it’d echo. He told us about “The Dogline” at Eaglehawk Neck—convicts, dogs, wild stories—and I realized I knew almost nothing about Tasmania’s past except what I’d seen on postcards. The sea air here is sharp and kind of wakes you up for what’s next.

The Waterfall Bay cliff top walk was only about 2km but felt longer because we kept stopping—someone spotted a wallaby (or maybe it was just a fast-moving rock? hard to tell) and then everyone wanted photos of the Tasman Arch. The path itself is easy enough, not too hilly, but you do get that feeling of being right on the edge of something massive. At Devil’s Kitchen, you could actually smell the wet stone after last night’s rain; it reminded me of old cellars back home. Matt joked that if we listened hard enough we might hear convicts grumbling from below. Maybe he wasn’t joking.

Port Arthur Historic Site is huge—I mean, four hours flew by and I still missed things. Walking through those solitary cells with my audio guide in one ear and snippets of real guides’ voices floating around made everything feel heavier than I expected. There was this moment on the harbor cruise around Isle of the Dead where everyone went quiet; even the seagulls seemed to hush up for a second. It gets under your skin in a way museums never really do.

Richmond Village was our last stop before heading back to Hobart. It’s got this old bridge (apparently haunted—Matt swears he saw “something” once), and a lolly shop that smells like sugar and nostalgia at the same time. I tried some fudge that stuck to my teeth for half an hour. Not complaining though. The sun was low when we crossed the bridge; someone played with their dog near the riverbank and for a second it all felt very far from prison walls and ghost stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tasman Peninsula and Historic Sites Tour

• Depart early from Hobart
• View Pirates Bay Lookout
• Pass Eaglehawk Neck and The Dogline
• Walk Waterfall Bay cliff track
• See Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen
• Explore Port Arthur Historic Site
• Enjoy Harbour Cruise at Port Arthur
• Listen to Port Arthur Experience podcast
• Attend site talks by expert guides
• Visit Richmond Village
• Walk across convict-built sandstone bridge
• Return to Hobart by 6pm

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Hobart to Port Arthur?

The tour starts early from Hobart and returns around 6:00pm, making it a full-day trip.

Is there much walking involved on this Tasman Peninsula tour?

Yes, there’s an easy 2km cliff top walk plus exploring Port Arthur Historic Site; moderate fitness is recommended.

Does this Port Arthur day trip include entry fees?

Yes, entry to Port Arthur Historic Site and National Park fees are included in your tour price.

What do you see at Richmond Village during this tour?

You’ll have about 45 minutes to explore Richmond Village, visit shops like the Lolly Shop or Chocolatier, and walk across Australia’s oldest bridge still in use.

Are guides provided throughout the day trip?

Yes, professional local guides share stories and lead activities during the tour.

Is lunch included on this Port Arthur & Richmond tour?

No lunch is included; you can buy food at stops like Port Arthur or Richmond Village.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is usually from a central meeting point in Hobart.

What age group can join this Tasman Peninsula active day tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old; participants should have moderate fitness for walking activities.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees for Port Arthur Historic Site (with four hours to explore), guided walks along Waterfall Bay cliffs and Tasman Arch, National Park access fees covered, plus a complimentary harbor cruise around Isle of the Dead—all led by friendly local guides before returning you to Hobart in the evening.