Join us for a fun and action-packed day out on the Tasman Peninsula. Explore, discover and learn with our guides as we enjoy a variety of activities, walks, sightseeing, history and so much more!
Guided by a local, this is a fantastic way to spend the day exploring Tasmania. We'll visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site and the wonderful Lavender Farm.
Days
- 1 day
Group size
- Small group, up to 20
Start / finish
- Hobart / Hobart
- Hobart CBD, around 6pm
Return
- Hobart CBD, around 6pm
Transport
- Air-conditioned bus with an experienced guide. Accommodation transfers in Hobart are included.
Meals
- No meals included. There is a cafe at Port Arthur Lavender and time for coffee at Richmond, both at your own cost.
Route
Included experiences
- Pirates Bay Lookout — panoramic views over the Tasman Peninsula
- Eaglehawk Neck and The Dogline — the convict escape stories
- Waterfall Bay — a 2km clifftop track, one of Tasmania's Great Short Walks
- Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen — the rock formations at the end of the walk
- Port Arthur Lavender — the fields, distillery and cafe, in peak bloom December to February
- Port Arthur Historic Site — ample time at the World Heritage site
- Harbour cruise — around the Isle of the Dead, included with entry
- Guided site talks and the Port Arthur Experience podcast — both included
- Richmond — Australia's oldest bridge still in use, built by convicts
Itinerary
Join us for a fun, action-packed day on the Tasman Peninsula — explore, discover and learn with our guides through a variety of walks, sightseeing and history.
We make an early start from Hobart and drive to the stunning Tasman Peninsula, home to Australia's highest sea cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views from Pirates Bay Lookout. Passing through Eaglehawk Neck and 'The Dogline', your guides share fascinating stories before we begin one of Tasmania's Great Short Walks: a spectacular 2 km track along the Waterfall Bay cliff top (45–60 minutes, easy but undulating), concluding at the remarkable rock formations of Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen.
From here, enjoy a short visit to Port Arthur Lavender — wander the lavender fields, view the distillery, or head straight for the lavender-inspired sweets and treats in the café and gift shops (the lavender is in peak bloom December to February).
At the Port Arthur Historic Site, you'll have ample time to explore. Entry includes a complimentary Harbour Cruise around the Isle of the Dead, 'The Port Arthur Experience' podcast, and complimentary guided site talks. Discover the grim history of the early Australian penal system and the isolation experienced by convicts in this "inescapable prison" — walk among the main penitentiary, see the solitary confinement cells and many more buildings in this World Heritage open-air museum.
On the return to Hobart, we travel via the historic township of Richmond, with time to meander the streets, stop for coffee, visit the lolly shop and chocolatier, and walk across Australia's oldest bridge still in use — a convict-built sandstone bridge, reported to be haunted! We drop you back to your Hobart accommodation around 6:00pm.
Reviews
4.9
Based on 59 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 59 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, who are frequently credited with sharing engaging history about Tasmania, convict life, indigenous culture and local wildlife, while keeping the long drives entertaining. The clifftop bush walks to Tasman Arch and the Devil's Kitchen are repeatedly singled out for their scenery and views, alongside the historic site at Port Arthur and the option to visit the Unzoo to see Tasmanian devils. Several reviewers note the day is well organised and packed with varied activities, with stops at Richmond commonly mentioned. The most frequent criticism is that the time allocated at Port Arthur felt too short for the amount of history to absorb, and a number of travellers found the lavender farm underwhelming, particularly outside the flowering season, with some wishing the alternative options had been communicated more clearly.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“Do it”
My boyfriend and I had an incredible few days doing the Uluru Rock to Rock Tour last week. A special shout out to Lauren for being such an amazing, fun tour guide, and for making everyone feel so comfortable throughout. The scenic hikes, starry nights, swag sleeping and cooking on the campfire made for such a memorable trip. I was also really well catered for as a vegetarian. Thank you again!
“You won't regret it.”
I traveled the east coast including uluru and this was absolutely the best experience on the entire trip! The moment I arrived I went to ask where to go and they asked me which company I was with, I told them Mulgas and they just said "you're gonna have an amazing time". And I truly did! This tour was so much more than I expected. Each hike was absolutely stunning. No rush but calm and steady exploring with such exciting information about the culture and living of the aboriginals. Best sunsets and sunrises I've seen even tho I thought I'd seen it all during the east coast travel... Our guide was Sophie and we couldn't have had any better guide ever ! Such a unique person who cares so deeply about her job and brings so much joy and energy to the people around her! During the trip we had to cook and clean which created such good bonds and vibes between us making it really easy to connect and get to know eachother. Also, I think this reinforced the primitive surroundings we lived in. Made it an all in authentic experience where we all just lived in the moment, making fires and sleeping under the stars. I had so much fun and I would do it all over again!!! Only thing I can say is Go Go Go!
Guide Sky gave a good level of commentary with a great sense of humour. Stops at the lookout, chocolate foundry and lavender shop broke up the long drive to Port Arthur, and enjoyed the extra short trip to Remarkable Cave. Recommends the tour.
On a rainy day, Rob guided the group carefully to Port Arthur, sharing insight into the area along the way. Welcome stops included a toilet break, chocolate, and a lavender-inspired treat before reaching the site, where four hours wasn't quite enough to see everything but they covered most of it. Rob got everyone back to Hobart safely after a long but enjoyable day.
“I would recommend this trip.”
A great trip with an enthusiastic guide. Some amazing scenery. I would recommend this trip.
“Worth while excursion and if you get Rob it’s even better!”
Enjoyed the extra stops at the chocolate and lavender shops, with guide Rob giving knowledgeable commentary along the way. At Port Arthur, Rob led the group in and spoke about life during the site's operational years, and was generous with tips and time for questions; also recommends Remarkable Cave for the view.
“Great well versed tour”
Plenty of time to see Port Arthur, plus quick stops at the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry, the Port Arthur Lavender farm and Remarkable Cave. Guide Sky was kind and insightful.
A delightful day trip from Hobart to Port Arthur with guide Mark, including stops at a chocolate foundry and a lavender farm. Mark was personable, knowledgeable and made the whole group feel included. Great value and highly recommended.
Guide Rob was professional and experienced on a fantastic tour, though suggests spending less time at the lavender gardens to allow more time at Port Arthur.
“Great trip lavender and Pt Arthur”
Lucas was a great guide and very informative. We did the lavender and Pt Arthur tour. Although it was cold and wet we managed to get a good walk in around the Arch etc. the lavender farm was great - had the lavender cheesecake (yum)! The Pt Arthur site was amazing and they have vehicle movers for those with any walking limitations - which was fantastic for our group. Incredibly interesting history and fun activities at the site. All in all a great day
“Unique history in such a spectacular setting”
Guide Gray shared plenty of Tasmanian history on a comfortable, interesting tour. The visit to Port Arthur was well worth it, and the day also included a chocolate factory, a lavender farm and a great lookout.
“A great tour!”
Guide Rob made for an excellent tour. Skipped the busy chocolate factory but enjoyed a food van, a lovely (if smaller than expected) lavender farm with a nice gift shop, and a breathtaking stop at Tasman Arch. Found there was much more to Port Arthur than the penal colony and was glad to have done the tour.
“Great”
The trip to Mt Field NP, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Mt Wellington was fantastic. Lucas our guide was so knowledgeable about the fauna, wildlife and ecosystem.
“A fantastic day tour!”
This is a recommended trip to everyone! You gotta make sure you wear comfy clothes and a running shoes though as it includes an hour hike ( manageable) with breathtaking views though. Dont miss it! Ben was out tour guide and he ensured we had fun and filled us with lots of interesting information! Book it and no regrets!
“So Encredible ”
I recently went on the 1 day tour to Cradle Mountain, the trip was absolutely phenomenal. The walk around Dove Lake was the pinnacle and was truly spectacular. Also saw lots of wildlife including wombats and wallabies and a rather unruly (but entertaining) Currawong at the lunch stop. Our guide was top notch and felt like a VIP all day. Highly recommend this tour. Can't believe I hadn't visited this part of Tassie on earlier trips.
“Highlights of Hobart!”
Ian was a great guide who kept us entertained with lots of interesting history of the area and fun facts. We opted out of the lavender farm to see the Un Zoo instead and we would highly recommend it! An ice cream in gorgeous Richmond town was also a beautiful way to end the day.
“Great company, great people”
Ian was so knowledgeable and helpful, a great day. The insight given from Ian was second to none and I have left knowing so much more about this beautiful place. Thankyou Ian.
“Thoroughly recommend”
We were regretting booking this tour because of the early start, but soon changed our minds. The guide was excellent and ensured that every guest enjoyed the trip. There were toilet stops as needed. The walk along the cliffs had some amazing views. The Unzoo was fairly ramshackle, but the guide feeding the Devils was excellent. She knew her subject and passed on her enthusiasm. Port Arthur was amazing - could have happily stayed longer. The stop at Richmond for ice cream on the way home was just what was needed.
A very enjoyable day.
“Fantastic return day trip to Port Arthur.”
Guide Alex was knowledgeable and made for a fantastic return day trip to Port Arthur. Enjoyed the well-run schedule and the stops at the chocolate shop and lavender shop along the way. This was the reviewer's second day trip with Tassie Tours and both were great.
“Amazing day trip from Porth Arthur”
Very informative and jam packed full of experiences in a day ! Heather was a wonderful guide. Loved the unzoo, beautiful scenery and Port Arthur.
“You won’t regret it”
Today was a long day with lots of lessons about the past in this great place, worth every dollar as our guide was a local with knowledge almost impossible to find any other way. I think it would be a shame if you miss out on this experience.
“Excellent”
Pete was knowledgeable and kept us entertained all throughout the tour. It was definitely a jampacked sched but very much worth it. Pete knew all the hidden spots and shared some hilarious stories about the city's history.
“Highlights of Hobart!”
Ian was a great guide who kept us entertained with lots of interesting history of the area and fun facts. We opted out of the lavender farm to see the Un Zoo instead and we would highly recommend it! An ice cream in gorgeous Richmond town was also a beautiful way to end the day.
“Core memories unlocked !”
Very nice tour guide, who shared a lot of knowledge about Tasmania and Maria island and showed us how beautiful the island is and how diverse the wildlife are!
“Good experience but could be better”
It was a good experience overall. The tour guide was friendly and shared some information about the places we saw and also cracked some jokes, which is always fun.
The drive consumed most of our time, and I felt like there wasn't enough time in Port Arthur Historic Site. The itinerary says 4 hours in the heading and 3 hours in the description. Anyways, we were given 3 hours, but the last 45 minutes were to be used for the cruise. 2 hours isn't really enough for the place as it has so much history and lots of things to cover. I felt like that was done in a hurry. Again, I don't know how much of it could be changed, so I understand.
There was an option for Tassie unzoo where you could spot the devils, kangaroo, and so on. A few of us didn't know that was an option. Hence, that wasn't included in our itinerary, and we missed out. I had a lavender farm on my schedule, which I discovered after I went that it was the end of the season. These are little things that could be done better. Giving me the tassie Devils option would have been better. Why on earth would I go to a lavender farm at the end of the season? This could have been communicated to me or at least mentioned somewhere, or they could have given me an option, but that wasn't the case, which was disappointing.
On the way back to Hobart, we stopped by Richmond for 45 minutes. Don't really need 45 minutes, 20 minutes would have been better. It was a little waste of time. I ended up grocery shopping at IGA and playing in the swings at the park.
The first hike we did at Waterfall Bay was good. There are plenty of ocean/sea views to soak up on, on a pretty straightforward hike, that was good.
Pirate Bay lookout - nothing much to see, and after you go to Maria Island, Bruny Island, and Wineglass Bay, this lookout won't necessarily appeal to you. But it's fine.
Overall, the tour guide was friendly, the bus was comfortable, and briefly saw a few places. Could have been better or cheaper for the number of attractions we saw.
“ very knowledgable and made the trip memorable.”
Had a great time and learnt so much from our tour guide, Carl. The tour itself to Freycinet was comprehensive and filled with very beautiful views. We learnt so much from our guide as he explained more on native plants, indigenous culture, bushfire, and the natural ecosystem.
“Great experience all round.”
It was amazing. The walk, the views, which were stunning. Beautiful white sand beach. Our tour guide was lovely. Very knowledgeable. Didn't rush us. Also new experience for myself and my husband trying oysters!! Definitely worth going with a tour guide. Or we got lucky!!
“Great day tour to Port Arthur”
Guide Nigel shared plenty of information on the drive, with good stops at the lavender farm on the way out and Remarkable Cave on the way back. Three hours at Port Arthur felt tight, so a brisk pace was needed.
“It was great.”
Very good experience, the guide is keen, the instructions are detailed, very full day, went to see Lavender Manor, hike in front of the four wonders, the scenery is also a good experience
“Good experience!”
A good tour overall with a must-see visit to Port Arthur, guided by friendly and informative Nigel. The van was old and crowded, and the lavender farm was a bit disappointing as the plants were smaller than expected compared with lavender fields in France, but still recommends the tour and operator.
“Cool experience, a lot history of Tasmania.”
There is much to see in Port Arthur. Peter was very kind and good guide. Richmond is a beautiful village. Excelent experience for enjoy with family and friends.
A fabulous tour of Port Arthur with guide Peter, who had extensive local knowledge, was generous with time at the chocolate factory and lavender farm stops, and helped the reviewer's mother in and out of the van. Found Port Arthur incredible and well worth visiting.
“Fantastic Tour”
A fantastic tour with guide Andrew, taking in magnificent views. Especially enjoyed the lavender cheesecake at the lavender farm and, of course, the visit to Port Arthur.
“A wonderful day with great diversity taking in some remarkable n”
This tour was booked as a "Port Arthur" excursion - but it was so much more. We replaced the Lavender Farm with the Unzoo visit to view a Tasmanian Devil - a unique experience. The deviations to Tasman Arch and The Devil's Kitchen were spectacular, and the time at Port Arthur (2 1/2 hours) was sufficient to get a good appreciation of the site facilities - although not enough to take in all the attractions. But it did include the 1/2 hour Harbour Cruise, which was an unexpected, enjoyable and informative experience. Our Tour Guide was very knowledgeable and supportive.
“Great day tour”
Enjoyed the clifftop walk to Tasman Arch, lots of beautiful photos to take. Unzoo is small, worth going to the keeper talk’s especially Tasmanian Devil & Bird feeding. Rained at Port Arthur but strolled around the well looked after grounds. Quick stop in Richmond, enough to get a drink & snack.
Guide Annie kept the trip efficient and organised, with a comfortable ride and interesting stops at Eagle Hawk Lookout, the Chocolate Foundry and the Lavender Farm. The schedule left time for lunch, a self-guided visit to Port Arthur, a walking tour and a harbour cruise. Totally recommends it.
“Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sights Tour”
Guide Dave gave great local commentary on the trip to Port Arthur. The chocolate foundry and lavender farm stops were an added bonus, and there was a full four hours to explore the historic site.
“Great day!”
Guide Bunzy made the drive to Port Arthur entertaining with great storytelling about local history. Stops included a few lookout spots, a bakery, a lavender farm and a chocolate shop.
“Port Arthur is Gorgeous”
Found Port Arthur Historic Site peaceful and beautiful despite its dark convict history, with plenty to see including the Penitentiary, restored cottages, the asylum, the hospital and a harbour tour past the convict and boys' prison islands. The day trip also included a lovely stop at a lavender farm, a lookout over Pirates Bay and a chocolate shop. Called it the best day of a five-day Hobart trip.
“Such a great tour! Highly recommend this company”
Toured with guide Andrew, stopping at the Eaglehawk Neck lookout, the chocolate foundry, the lavender farm and Port Arthur, with an option to see Remarkable Cave. Andrew's fun personality and local knowledge made the day even better.
“Wonderful day out”
Guide Dave shared plenty of local knowledge on the way to Port Arthur, with tasty stops at the chocolate foundry and a lovely lavender farm visit. Spent the full four hours exploring the fascinating historic site and enjoyed the harbour cruise too.
“Highly recommend! Shoutout to Bunzy!”
Guide Bunzy told captivating stories about Port Arthur's history. The day also included the Tasmanian Chocolate Factory, the Lavender Farm, Tasman's Arch and Remarkable Cave, making for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
“Port Arthur and many stops in between”
An informative tour with stops at pretty lavender fields and a chocolate foundry, where you could watch chocolate being made and sample Tasmanian treats. The highlight was Port Arthur's convict history, capped off with a scenic cave visit down 121 steps. Highly recommended.
“Visit to Port Arthur”
Took the Tassie Tours bus to Port Arthur with her husband, stopping at a chocolate shop and lavender shop along the way. There was plenty of time to explore the historic site, and the driver shared detailed history including stories of attempted escapes. A most enjoyable day.
“Had a fabulous time!”
Rode a small bus to Port Arthur with family, stopping in Richmond for boutique shopping and at the lavender farm for treats and coffee before reaching the historic penal colony. Found the mix of history and scenic coastal views moving, and praised the knowledgeable, personable British driver-guide. Loved every moment and highly recommends the trip.
“YOLO & GO TRAVEL”
we had a great experience with Tassie Tour. The staff is very enthusiastic and cheerful.
YOLO & GO TRAVEL
“Great Guide”
A great, informative guide — on time and very happy. Port Arthur was beautifully maintained with lovely gardens (though it was hard to picture the harsh conditions the prisoners lived under). The lavender farm was lovely, though we were a little early for the full bloom.
“Great to see!”
Great chocolate and tasty soup :) nice shop to see and great service. Good gluten free options for food. We enjoyed our time there
“Good service”
Pickup and drop-off were punctual, and the driver/guide gave a good, informative, safe trip to Port Arthur. The reviewer wasn't especially interested in the chocolate and lavender stops but found the rest of the tour solid.
“BEST TOUR EVER!!”
One of the best tours ive been! Peter was so informative and friendly. Def recommend :). Thanks for this tour Peter, it was definitely memorable.
“Great Day Out - Port Arthur visit was really interesting…”
There were several options on this trip. We all went to Port Arthur & a few other sites of interest including Richmond but there was the option of seeing the lavender farm or an animal sanctuary or spend longer at Port Arthur. The guide was excellent and explained a lot of Tasmanian history from the aborigines to how Port Arthur was where recalcitrant Australian transportees ended up, and some of the brutal ways that discipline was enforced. It was strange to be in a landscape so much like idealic english countryside with such a dystopian history,
“A day packed with incredible scenery and fun”
The day is packed with lots of different activities and lookouts, it was amazingly well organised, such that you never feel the rush amid the activities. The tour followed the itenary which was great and filled with fun, plus a few stops at local cafes and lookouts.
Our tour guide Beth (sorry if I spelled your name wrongly) was very vibrant and knowledgeable. I enjoyed her stories and histories, etc, such that the long drives never seemed dull. I was really impressed by her organisation, letting everything go smoothly and on time.
Although, I would certainly come back for Port Arthur, the 3 hrs at the site was too short for me.
The lavender farm was not particularly interesting. There were only a bit on lavender for display at the site, so you don't really get see the real farm. Despite that, tha cafe could be a good stop for lunch, and the shop was nice, offering a range of products made using lavendar
“Book this Day Trip now! Absolutely worth it.”
What an amazing day out we had on your tour! Our guide Trevor was the icing on the cake. His knowledge, humour and ability to keep us amused and entertained with facts and stories was truly awesome. My kids and I loved the whole day - the track walk, the views, Hobart by night, Richmond, the Lavender Cafe (even though it’s not a farm! Lol) and especially, everything about Port Arthur. The only downside was the guide we got put with at Port Arthur but that’s nothing to do with Tours Tasmania! I would absolutely recommend this to everyone looking for an amazing day out with great value for money.
Thank you Tours Tasmania and thank you Trevor!!
“Highly recommend”
Our tour guide Trevor was very passionate, knowledgeable and all round great guy. He made this a truly special first day in Hobart.
“Amazing guide leading an awesome tour”
Booked this tour as it was one of the few ways to see a Tasmanian lavender farm without a car, but it ended up being so much more than just lavender. Port Arthur was good, but our favorite place was the Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch bush walk, which was an easy walk but worthwhile with such fantastic views, animal sightings, and almost nobody else there. The highlight of the day though was definitely tour guide Nick - did three day trips while in Tasmania but Nick was the best guide by far, getting to know everyone on the tour and explaining everything in a friendly, fun manner. Very knowledgeable about Hobart, convict history, other history, animals, birds, scenery, and local politics - he was able to answer any question. Highly recommend doing this tour with Nick!
“Port Arthur and Lavender Farm”
Andrew was a knowledgeable and interesting guide. The tour was very well organized and a lot was packed into it. Very good value!
“Great value tour”
We had the pleasure of Connor as our tour leader — a very polite young man with great knowledge of the area's history who kept us well informed. It was lovely that he rang ahead to let us know he was running a little late waiting for some latecomers. A long, tiring but lovely day — highly recommend.
“Port Arthur and Lavender Farm Tour”
Guide Nick was professional and friendly. Enjoyed visiting Port Arthur Historic Site and the lookout walk at Waterfall Bay, with lovely scenery throughout.
“Port Arthur day trip”
A terrific all-day tour to historic Port Arthur, in a small group of ten (which I prefer). Our guide Connor was awesome — full of knowledge and passion and up for a good yarn. We stopped for coffee, then a half-hour clifftop stroll with stunning views, with the option to detour to the Unzoo wildlife park (I did — friendly kangaroos and a devil enjoying his lunch). Port Arthur is a stunning, well-preserved site everyone should make time for, and the included ferry around the port and Isle of the Dead is highly recommended. We finished at Richmond (oldest standing bridge, plus an award-winning ice creamery — I tried lavender!) and a Hobart lookout. A fabulous day out.
