Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula

Three days from Tasmania's capital to the convict ruins of Port Arthur and the sea cliffs of Tasman National Park, via the historic village of Richmond.

Distance: 153 km (95 mi)
Driving: 1 h 40 min
Suggested days: 3
Stops: 12
States: Tasmania
Updated: April 26, 2026

At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 153 km (95 mi) with 12 stops, from Hobart to Fortescue Bay campground. About 1 h 40 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Tasmania · More road trips from Hobart

Route description

Day one: stay in Hobart. Walk Salamanca Place and Battery Point in the morning, then drive the sealed road up kunanyi / Mount Wellington, about 20 km and 40 minutes each way from the centre, on a clear day. It is far colder and windier at 1,271 m, so take a jacket. In the evening, a fast ferry runs to MONA from the waterfront.

Day two: leave Hobart for Richmond, about 25 km and 30 minutes, to see the convict-built bridge and gaol. Continue through Sorell, 50 km on, to Eaglehawk Neck, where the Tessellated Pavement and Tasman Arch are short stops. From there Port Arthur is about 30 km. Fill the tank at Sorell, as services thin out on the peninsula.

Day three: spend the morning at Port Arthur Historic Site; entry covers a good half day. Then drive about 12 km to Fortescue Bay, the last stretch unsealed, for the Cape Hauy walk of around 10 km return if time and weather allow. Return to Hobart, about 100 km and 1 h 30 min, before dusk, when wallabies and other wildlife are on the road.

Practical notes: a Tasmanian Parks Pass is needed in Tasman National Park, and the multi-day Three Capes Track must be booked well ahead. Summer, from December to February, is warmest, but the peninsula is rewarding year-round. Wind and rain arrive quickly, so carry layers and check forecasts, especially for cliff walks.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Hobart
Tasmania
Start
2

kunanyi / Mount Wellington
ViewsHobart, Tasmania
A sealed road climbs to the 1,271 m summit above Hobart, with sweeping views over the Derwent estuary and the city. It is much colder and windier than the town below, and snow can close the road in any season.
9 km
3

Salamanca Place and Market
FoodHobart, Tasmania
Rows of Georgian sandstone warehouses on Hobart's waterfront now hold galleries, cafes and restaurants. On Saturdays the street fills with the Salamanca Market, a good place for Tasmanian produce, crafts and people-watching.
9 km
4

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
OdditiesHobart, Tasmania
A privately owned museum built into sandstone cliffs on the Derwent at Berriedale, known for provocative contemporary and ancient art and bold architecture. Arriving by fast ferry from Hobart's waterfront is part of the experience.
12 km
5

Richmond
Tasmania
21 km
6

Richmond Bridge
HistoryRichmond, Tasmania
Built by convicts from 1823, this sandstone arch is the oldest bridge in Australia still in use. Walk down to the grassy bank beside the Coal River for the classic view in the village of Richmond.
0 km
7

Tessellated Pavement
NaturePort Arthur, Tasmania
A wave-cut rock platform at Pirates Bay near Eaglehawk Neck, where fractured sedimentary rock forms a pattern of neat rectangular tiles. Low tide in low light shows it best; watch the swell and stay off wet rock.
60 km
8

Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen
NaturePort Arthur, Tasmania
Short walks lead to a collapsed sea-cave arch and to Devils Kitchen, a deep, narrow chasm in the sandstone cliffs where the swell booms below. The viewing platforms are right on the edge, so keep children close.
5 km
9

Port Arthur
Tasmania
17 km
10

Port Arthur Historic Site
HistoryPort Arthur, Tasmania
Australia's best-known convict site, a penal settlement from 1830 to 1877 with ruins, restored buildings and gardens above Carnarvon Bay. Part of the UNESCO Australian Convict Sites; allow half a day or more.
0 km
11

Cape Hauy
NaturePort Arthur, Tasmania
A demanding walk of about 10 km return from Fortescue Bay through forest and heath ends at dolerite sea cliffs, with the Candlestick and the Totem Pole rising from the water. Start early; there are many steps and exposed edges.
15 km
12

Fortescue Bay campground
CampingPort Arthur, Tasmania
A national park campground behind a sheltered beach in Tasman National Park, the starting point for the Cape Hauy and Cape Pillar walks. The last stretch of road is unsealed; book ahead for summer and school holidays.
4 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Hobart → Richmond · 52 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Salamanca Place and Market, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).
Day 2: Richmond → Tessellated Pavement · 61 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Richmond Bridge.
Day 3: Tessellated Pavement → Fortescue Bay campground · 40 km · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, Port Arthur, Port Arthur Historic Site, Cape Hauy.Overnight at the campsite itself.

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

FAQs

How long is Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula?

3-day road trip of about 153 km (95 mi) with 12 stops, from Hobart to Fortescue Bay campground. About 1 h 40 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula?

We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 40 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula start and end?

It starts in Hobart and ends in Fortescue Bay campground.

Which states does Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula pass through?

Tasmania.

When is the best time for Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula?

The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)