# Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur

> A rugged peninsula south-east of Hobart, where the ruins of Australia's best-known convict settlement meet some of the highest sea cliffs and finest coastal w

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/au-tasman-peninsula-port-arthur/

A rugged peninsula south-east of Hobart, where the ruins of Australia's best-known convict settlement meet some of the highest sea cliffs and finest coastal walks in Tasmania.

- **Region:** South East Tasmania
- **State:** Tasmania
- **Nearest town:** Port Arthur
- **UNESCO:** Australian Convict Sites (2010)
- **Established:** Tasman National Park, 1999
- **Best season:** Summer to early autumn; walkable all year
- **Suggested time:** 2 to 3 days

## Before you go

- Port Arthur was a convict settlement from 1830 to 1877 and is part of the UNESCO Australian Convict Sites. Allow at least half a day.
- The national park has dramatic sea cliffs and short walks at Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Tessellated Pavement, plus longer tracks to Cape Hauy.
- Cliff edges are unfenced in places and the weather turns quickly. Use marked tracks, keep children close and carry water and layers.

## Convict history

The Port Arthur Historic Site has ruins, restored houses and gardens on Carnarvon Bay, with a boat visit to the Isle of the Dead burial ground. At Eaglehawk Neck, the narrow link to the peninsula, a line of guard dogs once stopped escapes. The Richmond gaol and bridge near Hobart add earlier convict history.

## Sea cliffs and walks

Short walks reach Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen and the wave-cut Tessellated Pavement. Cape Hauy, about 10 km return from Fortescue Bay, ends at dolerite columns above the sea. The multi-day Three Capes Track begins at Port Arthur and must be booked well ahead.

## Planning your visit

From Hobart, Port Arthur is about 100 km, or 1 h 30 min, via Sorell and Eaglehawk Neck. Fortescue Bay is about 12 km further on a partly unsealed road. Fuel and shops are limited on the peninsula, so fill up in Sorell. Wildlife is active at dusk.

## FAQs

**How far is Port Arthur from Hobart?**
About 100 km, roughly 1 h 30 min by car via the Arthur Highway through Sorell and Eaglehawk Neck. Most visitors make it a day trip, but two days allow time for the sea-cliff walks.

**Do I need a pass for Tasman National Park?**
Yes, a Tasmania Parks Pass is needed in the national park. The Port Arthur Historic Site has its own separate ticketing, so check what each covers before you go.

## Places to see

- [Port Arthur Historic Site](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-port-arthur-historic-site/)
- [Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-tasman-arch-devils-kitchen/)
- [Tessellated Pavement](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-tessellated-pavement/)
- [Cape Hauy](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-cape-hauy/)
- [The Neck and Truganini Lookout](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-bruny-island-neck/)
- [Constitution Dock](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-constitution-dock/)