Top Things to do in Port Arthur
What to do and see in Port Arthur, Tasmania: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Port Arthur, Australia including Cape Raoul, Three Capes Track, Stewarts Bay, The Penitentiary, Port Arthur Historic Site, Shipstern Bluff, Remarkable Cave, Mount Brown and Crescent Bay Walking Track, Isle of the Dead, The Separate Prison.
Restaurants in Port Arthur
1. Cape Raoul
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By honestlyspoken14 - Perth, Australia
Enjoyable hike not too challenging. Young and fairly fit we managed to finish in 4 hours took just under two hours each way. It is probably one of the most clear paths I’ve hiked across aus and you are easily able to see the way, there’s no markers along the way so you don’t know how far you’ve come except at the first 1.5km mark and the last few hundred. It’s a very clear path there is no climbing over rocks or scaling sections it’s a pretty easy walk for an inexperienced hiker. Starts off with a reasonable ascent for the first 1.5km to the first lookout, this is a decent view so you could finish here. Continues pretty flat and then you go downhill for 3km there is a number of steps in this section and our return trip was slow through here. Then flattens out again and is largely flat until a small incline in the end. We were lucky with a cool clear day there’s large section of covered walk for about 4km then the final section is exposed. The view was beautiful and you can see lots of seals from the seal lookout!
2. Three Capes Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By JaneBell15
Completed the Three Capes Track with a group of friends - what an amazing adventure - stunning scenery - excellent accommodation and cooking facilities.. very surprised by the cabins and cooking areas that have been built. The rangers chat each night was very educational and a highlight to the coming day. Not a hike to complete in warm weather as some of the track is in full sun with no option of shade...
3. Stewarts Bay
4. The Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Stingray7300
The Penitentiary represents the most iconic of all the buildings on the Port Arthur site. Originally built as a flour mill, it was converted to a Penitentiary. Very interesting how the levels were used to segregate "categories" of convicts. While much of the building has perished, the visitor access has been very well done with the ability to move up and down the "levels" of the building to get a sense of just how large and impressive a structure it must have been.
5. Port Arthur Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,721 reviews
The Port Arthur Historic Site is the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia and among the most significant convict era sites in the world. It has won many awards and has been called one of Australia's great tourism destinations. The Site combines rich history and scenic beauty to tell the stories of the harsh discipline and determined industry of the settlement. It is a place to discover Australian history and connect with the origins of Australian culture.
Reviewed By 646dianneh
This is one place if your a visitor you must make a day for to explore & learn about the History of Port Arthur.The staff are friendly & very helpful & will answer any questions you may have.The grounds are kept beautiful.The guides are very informative.It's an eye opener as to what went on here & to learn about the Convict's & how they lived all those years ago.It's amazing History of the buildings that remain & how they were used.The Boat ride is lovely & relaxing.If you can do the Night Ghost Tour as it's excellent as well.The Memorial Garden at the Broad Arrow Cafe sight is deeply moving to those who passed that tragic day.
6. Shipstern Bluff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Madshus - Canberra, Australia
The hike to the bluff and down to the rocky beach is fantastic. Interesting rock formations and cliffs!
7. Remarkable Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 555 reviews
Reviewed By A7022YXpeters - Rockhampton, Australia
Not really a cave’s person but this blew me away. Involves a number of steps to walk down and retreat from the site but definitely worth the effort. This geological phenomenon takes you to a viewing platform at the rear of the cave and depending on the tide the cave will either be empty providing magical views of the ocean on a sunny day or will be filled with water at high tide. At low tide it is possible to climb down and walk through to the beach, though caution is required.
8. Mount Brown and Crescent Bay Walking Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By gillis55 - Hobart, Australia
We only had time to venture to Crescent Bay and return but found this to be a great experience with some very impressive and rugged coastal scenery along the way. The track is very well prepared and maintained and the relatively easy walk to the scenic beach and impressive sand dunes at Crescent Bay are well worth the modest effort.
9. Isle of the Dead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By t0nyfergus0n - Sydney, Australia
You need to book ahead for this one. The guides portrayal of the people buried on this island really provides an insight into how people lived and died all those years ago. Tour takes about 40 minutes and you are exposed to the elements so make sure you take everything you need. I left this island with a different perspective on the lives of prisoners and gaolers alike. Highly recommended.
10. The Separate Prison
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By DrGreyhound - City of Greater Geelong, Australia
Highlight of visit to Port Arthur historic site. Well presented, informative and awesome architecture. Some may question the barbarity of silence discipline to tame souls but hey the modern version is the mindfulness plague. Stayed a long while: experiencing cells, chapel and pacing the thin walking yards. Read near all the case histories, both inmates & staffers. Only left after the kids dragged me out .... silence please!
