Port Arthur Harbor Historic Homes Overlooking Water
GARDENS AND SUNSETS AND RUINS

Cruise to Port Arthur, Tasmania

Port Arthur, first established in 1830, is a historic village in the Tasman Peninsula in southern Tasmania. The site was a penal colony for almost 50 years and now serves as a great jumping-off point for an adventure beyond the storied village, where open landscapes with dramatic seaside rock formations and cliffs await. You can discover Port Arthur with walking tours, a harbor cruise or by exploring the site by yourself. The village, now an open-air museum, holds the ruins of the penal settlement, including a penitentiary and a church.
National Language English
Currency Accepted Australian Dollar (AUD)

Things To Do in Port Arthur

Port Arthur Australia Crescent Bay Beach

Nature Calls

Port Arthur Australia Crescent Bay Beach

Port Arthur Australia Crescent Bay Beach

Nature Calls

The natural world takes over when in Port Arthur, where you can find jaw-dropping rock formations like the Remarkable Caves. Crescent Bay, a pristine half moon bay with sand dunes, leads to the summit of Mount Brown, with its spectacular views of Crescent Beach and beyond.

Historic Penitentiary Site in Port Arthur

Open-Air History

Historic Penitentiary Site in Port Arthur

Historic Penitentiary Site in Port Arthur

Open-Air History

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, once known as Tasmania's "inescapable prison," is a picturesque village with towering cliffs and dramatic coastal rocks. To get to know its history, you can either join a guided tour or venture on your own. There are over 30 buildings to explore, each with a particular story.

Australia Port Arthur Historic Building
Australia Port Arthur Historic Building

Engineering History

Walk the Convict Water Supply Trail, a project involving reservoirs, water wheels and aqueducts built in the 1800s. There's also a chapel, dormitories and a library. Nearby, you'll also find a boatyard, where convicts built different types of vessels for private and public use.

Local Cuisine Venison Pie of Port Arthur
Local Cuisine Venison Pie of Port Arthur

Local Cuisine

After all the sightseeing, grab a meal at Gabriel's on the Bay, famous for its venison pie and brewed cider. You can also enjoy a quick meal at the Port Arthur General Store, with their juicy schnitzel burgers and tasty fish and chips.

Wooden Boomerangs Local Shopping
Wooden Boomerangs Local Shopping

Shopping

For souvenirs of Port Arthur as well as the whole of Australia, stop by Port Arthur's Historic Site Gift Shop. You can find books, postcards and other memorabilia. And in case you need snacks, coffee or a bathroom break, make sure to visit the Port Arthur General Store.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Make sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful grounds as well as the ruins.
2 Dare to take a ghost sighting tour, you might see and hear things.
3 Saunter the area on your own as well and take in the beautiful village's history.

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