Port Arthur & Lavender

Join us for a fun and action-packed day out on the Tasman Peninsula.  Explore, discover and learn with our guides as we enjoy a variety of activities, walks, sightseeing, lavender, history and much more!

Today is action packed and fast paced, so we make an early start from Hobart and drive directly to the stunning Tasman Peninsula.  This area has amazing history, fascinating stories and spectacular scenery. It is also home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs.  We enjoy the panoramic views of the area from Pirates Bay Lookout which provides a great vantage here of the surrounding area.  

Passing through Eaglehawk Neck and “The Dogline” our Tour Guides will share with you some truly amazing history and stories of the area.  

Then we begin one of Tasmania’s “Great Short Walks”.   We follow a spectacular track, of around 2 km’s along the Waterfall Bay cliff top.  The walk takes around 45-60 minutes, is undulating, but categorised as an easy walk.  The track concludes at the remarkable rock formations of Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen.

Continuing our journey, we arrive at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm.  Enjoy a short stop here to wander the Lavender fields, view the distillery, or head straight for the Lavender inspired sweets and treats in the Cafe and Gift shops (the lavender flowers are in their peak bloom from December through to February).

Next stop for the day, is the main highlight the Port Arthur Historic Site.  The site hosts a wealth of information and history to take in and you will have ample time to explore and discover the nooks and crannies with around 3 hours on site. Your entry includes a complimentary Harbour Cruise around the Isle of the Dead, ‘The Port Arthur Experience' a podcast that provides a fascinating introduction, and complimentary site talks throughout the day led by Port Arthur’s expert guides.  Discover the grim and violent history of the early Australian Penal system and get a sense of the isolation experienced by the convicts in this “inescapable prison”.   You have ample time to walk amongst the main penitentiary; see the solitary confinement cells and many more buildings in this World Heritage open air museum.

On our return to Hobart, we travel via the historic township of Richmond. Arriving late the in the afternoon, you will have time to meander the streets, stop for a coffee, visit the Lolly Shop and walk across Australia’s oldest bridge still in use – a convict built sand-stone bridge, reported to be haunted!

Finally, before we re-enter Hobart we stop for a fabulous view across Hobart from a local lookout.  A picturesque way to return to the city.

We drop you back to your Hobart City accommodation around 6.00pm.  

Highlights

• Visit Port Arthur Historic Site 

• Visit Port Arthur Lavender Farm

• Photograph spectacular views from the Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk (easy grade 2km)

• See the Tasman National Park highlights – Devils Kitchen & Tasman Arch

• Enjoy the stories from Pirates Bay Lookout, Eaglehawk Neck & The “Dogline”

• Visit historic Richmond Village 

• Enjoy the spectacular view at a local Hobart City lookout

Inclusions

• Port Arthur Historic Site entrance fee

• Complimentary Harbour Cruise at Port Arthur Historic Site

• Professional guides & interpretation 

• Small, friendly groups

• Central Hobart Hotel pick up and drop off from select locations

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

You may bring your lunch with you or there is plenty of opportunity to purchase food and drinks from the Port Arthur Historic Site.  

What to bring/wear

• Sensible shoes for day touring

• A variety of warm clothing

• Weatherproof jacket if possible

• Hat, sunscreen

• Water Bottle, Snacks, Lunch (or buy it on the day)

• Sense of adventure