Port Arthur Day Tour

Summary

"The Saturday tour returns to Hobart at 11pm and includes a ghost tour of the Port Arthur site."

Itinerary

Old Hobart Zoo (Queens Domain)

Learn the story behind the old Hobart Zoo and find out more about how the unique Tasmanian animals managed to make the island of Tasmania their home.

• Photo Handout sheets provided to all passengers at this stop

Government House

Brief History on the construction of this historic building and some of the great stories about our Tasmanian Governors.

Then head across the Tasman Bridge to Lindisfarne on the Derwent River

Talk about the Tasman bridge and the "Disaster" in 1975.

• Guide has photos as visual displays to enchance the story
• This is a great stop to get a photo of the mountain and bridge

Risdon Cove

We visit the fist white settlement in Tasmania and learn more about the Tasmanian Aborigines and their tragic past.

• Photos/information booklet to all passengers at this stop
• We travel from Risdon Cove via Grass Hill Tree Rd

Coal River Valley

Take the back roads through the delightful countryside and wine region of the Coal River Valley to the famous Richmond Colonial Village.

Prospect House

We visit this delightful Georgian manor on the outskirts of Richmond and find out about its interesting history.

Richmond Colonial Village

Richmond is Australia 's best preserved colonial village with heaps of fantastic old buildings including the oldest bridge and Catholic Church in Australia.

You will have plenty of time to explore this delightful colonial village, your guide will drop you off at the start of Richmond and wait for you at the end of the township. You will have a great map and information sheet to enhance the experience as you stroll around.
(Visiting time: 1hr 10min)

On top of hill just before Sorell

Talk about the Sorell Causeway and its convict builders, point out Mt Wellington and brief history of Sorell.

Boomer Island

Talk about the private house on Boomer Island and its history and the Oyster Beds in the water below the island, also a little history on the oyster industry in Tasmania.

Dunalley Township & Sea Canal

This delightful seaside town has a wonderful story dating back to Tasmania 's first recorded history, it is also the gateway to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur.

• Passengers have time to buy lunch at the bakery to take with them to Port Arthur

Pirates Bay Lookout

Our next stop is the breathtaking views of the Tasman sea and Eaglehawk Neck. The coastline of the Tasman Peninsula and its dramatic cliffs are highly visible - and our guide as always will tell you some of the unique history of this area. Great photo stop.

• Photo sheet of visual attractions handed to each passenger the guide then explains the interesting story behind each photo
• The back of the photo sheet has 2 interesting stories regarding the ship wrecks in the bay

Taroona Convict Railway

Talk about the history of the convict railway that ran from Taroona to Port Arthur, guests can have picture taken inside replica railway carriage.

• Information sheet handed to all passengers that gives actual travellers account of being on the railway 150 years ago
• The road from Taroona to Port Arthur is actually the old railway line ( the road was put over the top of it 100 years ago) guide simulates the speed the carriage was travelling when it was travelling on the down hill section (50km/hr)

Port Arthur Historic Site (3hrs, 30min)

Built on a sheltered harbor amongst delightful gardens the Port Arthur Historical Site is the number 1 attraction in Tasmania. Don't be fooled by its beautiful surroundings though as this prison complex was the most feared in Australia by the early convicts - it is full of amazing stories. You will have real quality time to explore the whole site and the magnificent collection of historical buildings, the tour includes a harbour cruise and a guided walking tour to enhance your experience.

Take time to visit the museum with its wonderful early convict displays and play the "Lottery of Life". Your guide will give you a card for this game on arrival.

• There is also an extensive caf? on site, a perfect spot for lunch
• This will be a memorable experience on your visit to Tasmania

Tasman Island

Great little lookout showcasing the cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula and the unusual Tasman Island, the island has a interesting story and your guide will tell you all about it.

• Photo sheet of Tasman Island handed out to all passengers, guide interprets each photo for passengers

Remarkable Cave

On arrival you can go down to Remarkable Cave and then to the Maingon Bay lookout, the cave is a great natural sandstone attraction that really is 'remarkable'. This stop also has magnificent coastal views and sometimes huge waves. Chance of whale spotting.
(15 min stop)

Tasman Arch & Devils Kitchen

Our final stop today is a one way walk taking in both the Tasman Arch & Devils Kitchen. These natural attractions are famous on the Tasman Peninsula and you will be able to see both of them on this delightful walk , the sea cliffs around this area are wonderful as well as the ocean views. This is a great final stop.

Eagle Hawk Neck

We will stop at Eaglehawk Neck for a quick toilet and food stop before the hour journey back to Hobart . Music from the 60's, 70's & 80's may be played on the way home as you reflect on this "Mega" day tour.

Return to Hobart @ 7pm (6pm in winter)

The tour will return at 6pm during winter months and may vary slightly during summer to make the most of the conditions on the day. You can trust that we will only adjust the plan to make the trip better for YOU!

Further Information

Tour Highlights

Port Arthur, Old Hobart Zoo, Government House, Tasman Bridge, Risdon Cove, Coal River Valley, Prospect House, Richmond, Sorell Causeway, Boomer Island, Dunalley Township, Pirates Bay Lookout, Taroona Convict Railway, Remarkable Cave, Tasman Arch & Devils Kitchen .

What's Included

9 exciting hours, Lunch at own expense .