Hobart

Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

Badge of ExcellenceHobart, Australia
Day Trip to Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur Historic Site from Hobart

Overview

Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the World Heritage–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former convict colony. Lunch is included.
  • Tasman Peninsula day trip from Hobart
  • Enjoy a 3-hour eco-cruise along the spectacular coastline of Tasman National Park
  • Explore Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Discover the history of the former convict colony

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This longer-than-most tour includes ample time to experience both attractions.

What's Included

  • Scenic guided bus tour
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • 3-hour wilderness cruise
  • Lunch
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
    Dock Head Building, Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

    Located between the Elizabeth St Pier and Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge. Please be at meeting point for check in at 7.15am.

Start time

07:30 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your day trip begins as you depart Hobart by bus for the drive to the Tasman Peninsula. Stop by a local cafe for morning tea, and then embark on your 3-hour wilderness cruise along the coastline of Tasman National Park, from Eaglehawk Neck all the way around to Port Arthur.

While you’re on the water, stare up at some of the southern hemisphere’s tallest vertical sea cliffs, spot sea caves and watch for peregrine falcons nesting on the rugged coastline. From the boat’s open-air tiered seating, everyone can enjoy good views, increasing your chances of catching sight of marine life like seals, dolphins, seabirds and maybe even whales. You’ll also hear about Tasman Peninsula’s history, native wildlife and natural environment from the onboard interpretive guide.

Returning to land, enjoy an included lunch before your tour continues to Port Arthur Historic Site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites. You have three hours at this former penal settlement to dive into Australia’s convict history. Explore the many old structures and ruins that dot the landscaped grounds, from the penitentiary building and guard tower to a church.

Your day trip concludes with the return drive to Hobart.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

Port Arthur Historic Site

3 hours Admission Ticket Included

Tasman Island Cruises

3 hours Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Full-length waterproof and windproof jackets provided
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 43 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Mary M
Details were well coordinated. The Tasman cruise was the highlight of my Australian trip. The Tasman sea is raw, wild and beautiful. Tour guides were well informed and friendly. I highly recommend this trip.

Reviews

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Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Showing 1-10 of 404 reviews
A not to miss day trip from Hobart
Wendy_G, Mar 2024
It was a thrilling experience. The bus driver was friendly and full of anecdotes. The boat crew were knowledgable, entertaining and capable. We were awestruck by the beauty of the sea cliffs, and the seals were very cute. The adventure of bouncing along the waves was exhilarating. The Port Arthur heritage site was fascinating. Definitely worth the money.
Wonderful cruise, amazing wildlife & historic site walk
Adam_K, Mar 2024
Wonderful speed boat cruise of the Tasmanian coast and wildlife + very warm day at Port Arthur historic site in the afternoon. Highly recommended.
Great day out
Leanne_T, Mar 2024
There were 2 main highlights of the day. The first was the cruise. We had rough Tassie weather at it's best, which is perfect for wheelies and donuts on the boat. The Tasmanian coast is spectacular. The second for me was the plaques at Port Arthur with convicts stories, and the memorial for the terrible events there. You could see where people had touched the names on the cross while paying their respects as the gold was starting to wear off. It was very touching.
This was a great trip! A...
Charlotte_G, Feb 2024
This was a great trip! A long day of driving was worth it for the great views on the cruise and knowledgable guides both on the cruise and the port Arthur site.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Charlotte Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. Cheers Melinda
Just beautiful
Ting_M, Feb 2024
It’s so beautiful the cruise , a must when you are visiting Tasmania . After the cruise you can choose to visit either the Port Authur or Tasmania devil , from the same tour company , just make sure about the title when you reserve online
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your terrific feedback. Cheers Melinda
Beautiful Wild Tasmania
Marcy_F, Feb 2024
The coastline is just stunning. Birds and dolphins were amazing and the history of Port Arthur terrific.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Marcy Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback. Cheers Melinda
Brilliant day out
Rhonda_G, Feb 2024
Boat trip was amazing , the coach driver Phil was just great very knowledgable and such a great help making the day excellent . Would recommend this trip
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Rhonda Thanks so much for your amazing feedback. We are so glad to hear you were well looked after. Cheers Melinda
Tasmania cruise and Port Arthur
Bronwen_W, Feb 2024
Fantastic day out, the scenery on the cruise is spectacular with rugged terrain and coastline. Plenty of wild to see as well. The staff were very knowledgeable and really looked after you. Port Arthur is also not to be missed especially if you like history. An amazing place to visit
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Bronwen We are so glad to hear you had a fabulous Tasman Island Cruises experience. We love sharing this very special part of the world. Cheers Melinda
Good excursion which could have been managed better
YOGINI_M, Jan 2024
The Tasman cruise was truly amazing and enjoyable. Port Arthur part could have been managed better. The tour started 25 minutes late and that upset the entire programme. The cafe where we were scheduled to have coffee/tea was not informed about the delay and the coffee had become cold when we reached. The delayed cascaded to late start of scheduled lunch and our missing the 2 pm guided tour of Port Arthur. We could get only 3.45 tour and then had to abort the tour half way as the bus was leaving at 4.30 pm. The bus should have waited till we competed the full guided tour.
Great tour
LindScott_L, Jan 2024
We booked the Tasman Island, cruise and Port Arthur combination. The cruise was the highlights of the trip, and frankly, one of the better excursions on our three week tour of Australia. It was exhilarating. More than likely you will get some spray, but no one became soaked. We went on a day with 20 to 40 knot winds but they were from the east and we could shelter it by staying close to the coast. We are a group of seniors, and we’re quite comfortable. Everybody was given spray jackets which looked more like gowns. But they kept you well protected. The crew was good and made sure everyone was secure and comfortable. The Port Arthur portion was interesting, but aside from the significant history rather boring. Fortunately, we did not spend a lot of time there. Lunch was provided at Port Arthur and during the morning we had tea before starting the boat portion. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such considered feedback on your experience with us. Cheers Melinda
Must visit!!!! So beautiful…..
SuphatchaKelly_M, Jan 2024
Must see them!!! Tasman Island cruise has Beautiful and Fabulous views. we are lucky to see seals, dolphins and seagulls. The rocks are amazing, and the ocean water colour is emerald colour. After a nice lunch, visited the Port Arthur Historical. It was an impression experience. The staff were very knowledgeable and had given information clearly about the trip and a great driver. Thank you
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback, we really appreciate it. Cheers Melinda
Dolphins , albatross and seals
GrantRoss_S, Jan 2024
Really good weather. Had wondered if it would cover the same ground as the bruny island tour but totally different. Saw an albatross, dolphins and seals
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Grant Thanks so much for sharing your feedback. The Tasman Peninsula is such a spectacular coastline to explore. Cheers Melinda
Fabulous day.
Suzanne_E, Jan 2024
Josh, Tim & Ang were all great. They obviously love their jobs and their enthusiasm showed. The day was very well organised and was most enjoyable. The boat trip was fabulous, but I would bring warmer clothes if doing it again as bags can be stored on the bus during the Port Arthur visit. Port Arthur was great, but you could spend longer there exploring it all!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Suzanne Thank you so much for your comments on your Tasman Island Cruises day tour experience with us. Cheers Melinda
An adventure I will never forget.
Martina_H, Jan 2024
This tour is a must for people visiting Hobart. Emma, Lilly and the driver Phil are all superb at sharing their knowledge and making it fun.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Martina We are so glad to hear you loved your Tasman Island Cruises experience. It is such a special part of the world to explore. Cheers Melinda
Phenomenal Rock Formations along the best coastline in the World.
Graham_W, Jan 2024
This trip was absolutely amazing. The fantastic rock formations along the coast were like nothing I have ever seen before. Totally out of this World! I also loved seeing the fur seal colonies and dolphins. The staff were very informative and highly competent. Our boat driver Lily was fantastic.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Graham Thank you so much for your fabulous feedback. Isn't the coastline spectacular? Cheers Melinda
Good but need better organisation
Francesca_C, Jan 2024
Great experience but bad organisation. Guides on bus seemed to have no idea of what they were doing. Story telling by the book and with no enthusiasm, confused instructions and overall not very informative knowledge sharing. Beside them the boat guys were great and the ride is worth the money. Port Arthur would need a bit more time and recommend to do the guided tour only if there is still time to explore after (not the other way around as it is just an introduction to the site)
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Francesca Thank you so much for your feedback, we love hearing from guests to ensure we keep improving our experience. I believe you had one of our trainee bus drivers so it is great to get feedback to pass on. Cheers Melinda
Highly recommend
Sharon_P, Jan 2024
The 3hr cruise was fantastic. The water was fairly choppy (a few passengers suffered from seasickness) but I felt completely safe with the crew. Damo, was so funny and an asset to the tour!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Sharon Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback. Cheers Melinda
Awesome experience
Kathy_K, Jan 2024
We had an absolutely amazing day. The boat ride was fabulous with very knowledgeable commentary and unique experiences on the day. I highly commend your staff, the boat crew (I am sorry I can’t remember their names) and the bus driver, Daniel, all of whom made the day very memorable with their knowledgeable commentary and entertaining presentation styles. A leopard seal and an elephant seal in one day! Thank you so much. Port Arthur was a different experience again, interesting, and moving with a very knowledgeable guide at the beginning as well as the possibility to stroll around at will. I truly thank you all for making this possible, it was a terrific day.
Scenic, exciting and fun cruise ...
Alfred_P, Dec 2023
The cruise was exceptional, bouncy with excitement .... My 6 year old had lots of fun though she got a tiny bit sea sick part way but she still loved it ... I recently had a hand surgery and was initially worried about the bouncing boat ride but it worked out just fine ... The Cruise part was exceptional ... the Port Arthur tour was fine ,,,, wish the guided tour part took place earlier and could last longer ... the tour guide was great .... the self touring part could have been shorter and be replaced with the site tour guide ...
My son has thoroughly...
Gayathri_S, Dec 2023
My son has thoroughly enjoyed the Tasman cruise. We were lucky to view dolphins . Thanks to the team.
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From $185.63

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 10 hours 30 minutes
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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