The 8 Best Port Arthur & Convict History Tours

1.Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 704 reviews · 3 hours · from $127Our pick

From the Tasman Island Cruises office near Port Arthur, you’ll take a short transfer to a fast, covered boat for three hours along Tasmania’s wild southern coast. Guides such as Tim, Damo, Andrew, and Hamish explain the cliffs and wildlife as you pass Cape Pillar, caves, arches, waterfalls, and seal colonies. Bring serious warm layers.

“Better than expected, Hamish our skipper did a fantastic job with the operation of the boat and his knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing and Benny did a great job looking after everyone and continually checking on everyone to make sure they were ok”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 585 reviews · from $121

Spend about nine hours touring from Hobart to Port Arthur with a guide such as Vic, Colin, Mark, or Rod. See Richmond Bridge, Pirates Bay, Tasman Arch, Remarkable Cave, and Maingon Bay, then explore the convict site and cruise around Isle of the Dead. Hotel pickup, transport, admission, and Wi-Fi are included.

“Fantastic trip to Port Arthur from Hobart. Barry, our driver, was very informative and humorous. A trip not to be missed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Port Arthur Historic Site Admission and Tour Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 509 reviews · 1 day · from $37Best value

Spend a full day exploring Port Arthur’s convict settlement at your own pace. Your ticket includes an audio experience, expert site talks, a 20-minute harbor cruise, and two days of daytime entry. Add the Essentials, Premium, Isle of the Dead, or Escapes tour for more guided stories.

“We drove so got there early before the coaches. A fascinating place with great historical significance. Restaurant is worth a visit as well! Unfortunately it rained really heavily so we had to curtail some of the trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · from $236Top rated

Leave Hobart early for a three-hour Pennicott Wilderness cruise past Tasman Peninsula cliffs, caves, seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Then spend three hours at Port Arthur Historic Site, with lunch included. Guides such as Paul, Murray, Phil, and Alan are praised for safe driving and local insight. Waterproof jackets are provided.

“Great day. Bus driver Murray was very friendly and informative of the area. Dress warmly/correctly for the boat ride/sea conditions. It was an adventure and the skipper and deck hand was very knowledgeable with a little human. Port Arthur was wonderful and an eye opener about our Australian History.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Port Arthur & Tasman Park Full-Day Trip with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 442 reviews · 8h 30m · from $120

Spend a full day tracing Tasmania’s convict past and wild east coast. Your Gray Line guide, such as Phil, Mark, Colin or Evan, leads the drive to Richmond, Tasman Arch, Pirates Bay and Port Arthur, with a harbor cruise, Remarkable Cave and chocolate stop included. Saturday departures swap several stops for Salamanca Market.

“Mark our driver was amazing, funny, knowledgeable and it was a very enjoyable day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Port Arthur Historic Site [official]

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 288 reviews · from $38

Spend up to two days exploring Port Arthur’s convict settlement, with access to more than 30 buildings and ruins, a self-guided audio tour, site talks, museum displays, and a 20-minute harbor cruise aboard the MV Marana. You’ll see the Dockyards, Isle of the Dead, Point Puer, and the Convict Water Supply Trail.

“The history the guides all are very informative And helpful The ghost tour was also a great experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 285 reviews · from $129

Leave Port Arthur for a three-hour wilderness cruise toward Eaglehawk Neck and Tasman Island. Expect sharp coastal views, sea caves, towering cliffs, lighthouse history, and commentary from guides such as Tom, Jonty, Lily, or Ashleigh. Waterproof jackets are provided, but warm layers and steady sea legs matter.

“Wear non slip shoes and a beanie. Take a warm jacket. Travel light....you don't need a handbag or backpack on the boat.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.3D Tasmanian Highlights: Hobart, Port Arthur & Bruny Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 20 reviews · 3 days · from $322

Spend three busy days exploring southern Tasmania from Hobart. You’ll visit Mt Wellington, Richmond, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Bruny Island and Port Arthur, with ferry crossings, entrance fees, cheese tasting and a harbour cruise included. Guides may include Andrew, Mark or Grey, and each day follows a different schedule.

“All the guides foe the 3 days were very friendly, well-informed and entertaining. The trips were well organised, easy yet very engaging and fun. Shout out to Andrew, Mark and Grey!”

Check availability →Read our full review