12 Of The Best Tours & Experiences In Port Arthur

Port Arthur is more than just a historic site; it’s a gateway to Tasmania’s rugged coastline, wild seas, and haunting stories. Whether you’re craving a boat trip to see towering sea cliffs and playful seals, or a spine-chilling ghost tour after dark, Port Arthur offers a variety of experiences that bring the area’s natural beauty and history vividly to life. We love how some tours combine wildlife sightings with scenic cruising, like the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise, which provides a 3-hour adventure along the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a fantastic way to see dolphins, seals, and migrating whales in their natural habitat while marveling at waterfalls and caves carved into the coastline.

For those interested in Tasmania’s convict past, the Port Arthur Historic Site is a must-see. But if you prefer a more active approach, the full-day kayaking tour or Cape Raoul Wilderness Cruise offer intimate encounters with the dramatic sea cliffs and caves. If spooky stories are your thing, the ghost tours bring haunted tales to life with lanterns and eerie atmospheres. Whatever your taste, Port Arthur’s tours let you experience Tasmania’s rugged coastline and storied past in authentic, memorable ways.

Below is a curated list of the best tours, each with its own unique appeal and highlights.

1. From Port Arthur: Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise

This 3-hour wilderness cruise along Tasmania’s southern coast is a standout experience. Launching from Port Arthur, this trip explores the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck, with unforgettable views of the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. The boat glides through deep sea caves, archways, waterfalls, and blowholes, making it as much a scenic sightseeing tour as a wildlife safari. Expect to see hundreds of seals, thousands of seabirds, dolphins, and even migrating whales during the season. The guide’s commentary, combined with the stunning scenery, makes this an engaging and memorable outing. With a rating of 4.9/5 from nearly 700 reviews, it’s clear that travelers find this cruise both spectacular and well-organized.

This tour is perfect for those who love nature, wildlife, and dramatic coastlines. It’s an active, immersive way to experience Tasmania’s rugged maritime environment. The only potential downside is that it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, so come prepared for a boat ride.

Bottom Line: An exceptional choice for wildlife lovers and fans of breathtaking coastal scenery.

2. Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur

For around $129, the Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise offers a 3-hour adventure that showcases Tasmania’s remote and striking coastline. Led by guide Pan, this tour offers panoramic views of cliffs and hidden caves while you cruise from Port Arthur to Eaglehawk Neck. You’ll have opportunities to spot eagles, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat, making it an excellent option for wildlife enthusiasts. The boat tours frequently receive perfect ratings—285 reviews averaging 5.0/5—testament to their quality and the guide’s local knowledge.

A key highlight is approaching Tasman Island, where the iconic lighthouse stands guard over the sea. The tour’s blend of spectacular scenery, wildlife sightings, and expert narration makes it a favorite. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a boat, and the tour runs daily, making it accessible for most travelers.

Bottom Line: Top-rated, wildlife-rich coastal cruise with superb scenery and engaging storytelling.

3. Port Arthur Historic Site Admission and Tour Options

A visit to Tasmania isn’t complete without exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed location is a sprawling 100-acre site with more than 30 historic buildings and ruins. Your ticket includes a self-guided audio tour, site talks, and a harbor cruise around the Isle of the Dead—a good choice if you like to explore at your own pace. The site’s evocative atmosphere is enhanced by the stories shared by guides, and you can brush past the prison cells, church ruins, and the historic docks.

While the basic admission doesn’t include extras, the flexibility to spend a full day here makes it a worthwhile investment. It’s ideal for history buffs, families, and travelers who want a comprehensive experience of Tasmania’s convict past. Expect to spend at least a few hours exploring the grounds, with optional guided talks to deepen your understanding.

Bottom Line: A flexible, immersive way to connect with Tasmania’s convict history at your own pace.

4. Port Arthur Historic Site [official]

Offering a 2-day pass, the Port Arthur Historic Site allows for a leisurely exploration of more than 30 historic buildings and ruins. This is perfect for travelers who want to soak in the atmosphere and detail of one of Australia’s best-preserved convict sites. The pass includes a harbor cruise, self-guided audio, and free site talks, making it a comprehensive experience. Visitors often appreciate the large grounds and numerous photo opportunities.

Guests particularly enjoy the chance to visit the Museum, Convict Study Centre, and Dockyards. The flexibility to spend hours wandering through the historic structures helps bring Tasmania’s convict story vividly to life. The entrance fee at $38.01 offers good value, especially considering the depth of content and the multiple visits it allows within two days.

Bottom Line: Ideal for history aficionados eager to explore Tasmania’s convict era thoroughly.

5. Hobart: Port Arthur, Harbor Cruise and Isle of the Dead Tour

This full-day guided tour from Hobart offers a comprehensive look at Port Arthur and Tasman National Park. Starting at Brooke Street Pier, it combines a 1-hour walking tour, a harbor cruise, and a visit to the Isle of the Dead. The tour takes you past Remarkable Cave, Maingon Bay Lookout, and offers panoramic coastal views. The highlight is the 1-hour guided walk on Isle of the Dead, where history and scenery collide.

The tour’s reviews, averaging 4.7/5 from 152 reviews, highlight its well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of land and sea, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops and wildlife sightings.

Bottom Line: A full, engaging day that combines coast, history, and wildlife for a well-rounded experience.

6. Port Arthur Historic Site Ghost Tour

For those interested in the darker side of Port Arthur, the Ghost Tour provides a 1.5-hour lantern-lit walk through the site’s most haunted spots. This tour reveals stories of ghostly apparitions and mysterious events dating back over 25 years. The guide’s storytelling creates a spooky atmosphere, perfect for fans of ghost stories or anyone curious about Tasmania’s eerie history.

Rated 4.5/5 from 171 reviews, many visitors say it’s a fun, engaging way to experience the site after hours. It’s best suited for those comfortable with the spooky and open to a bit of theatrical storytelling.

Bottom Line: A fun, atmospheric way to see Port Arthur’s ghostly side, especially for night owls and thrill-seekers.

7. Tasman Peninsula Full Day Kayaking Tour

For active travelers, the full-day kayaking tour offers a 10-hour paddle past sea caves, shipwrecks, and cliffs. Small groups (max 10) will encounter Australian fur seals, sea eagles, dolphins, and whales, making it a truly intimate wildlife experience. The tour includes transport, guide, lunch, kayak, wet suit booties, and spray jacket, ensuring comfort and safety.

Guests consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and the professional organization. The experience is best suited for those comfortable with paddling and looking for a physically active way to explore Tasmania’s coast. The emphasis on close encounters with wildlife makes it a standout activity.

Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous, physically fit travelers who want a personal encounter with Tasmania’s wild sea life.

8. Port Arthur: Cape Raoul Wilderness Cruise

This 1.5-hour cruise explores the stunning cliffs, caves, and arches of the Tasman Peninsula, focusing on the Cape Raoul area with its dolerite columns. The tour starts at Port Arthur and cruises past historical sites like Point Puer and the Isle of the Dead, blending natural beauty with a touch of history. Travelers appreciate the chance to see white sands of Safety Cove and Crescent Bay from the water, plus spot Australian fur seals lounging at the cliffs’ base.

Rated 4.8/5 from 72 reviews, it’s clear that this cruise offers spectacular scenery and great wildlife viewing. The boat’s proximity to iconic formations makes it a memorable experience, especially for those who appreciate geology and coastal landscapes.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for nature lovers wanting close-up views of dramatic sea cliffs and caves.

9. Port Arthur Ghost Tour

This 1.5-hour ghost tour takes you through Port Arthur’s most haunted buildings and ruins by lantern light. The stories of ghostly sightings and unexplained events date back to the 1870s. Participants enjoy the spooky atmosphere and the chance to hear haunted tales that make the history come alive in a different way.

Rated 4.0/5 from over 200 reviews, it’s a good fit for those who enjoy stories of the supernatural and are comfortable with a darker, theatrical presentation. The tour is a fun way to experience the site after hours and explore Tasmania’s spooky side.

Bottom Line: Great for fans of ghost stories and atmospheric storytelling, especially in the evening.

10. Shore Excursion – Port Arthur – Tasman Peninsula

Designed for cruise travelers, this shore excursion packs in highlights like Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch, Lavender Farm, and the historic Port Arthur site. It offers insightful commentary, food tastings, and port pickup/drop-off, making it a convenient way to see key sights in a short time. The itinerary balances scenic stops with opportunities to try local treats, making it suitable for first-time visitors with limited time.

Rated 4.5/5 from 47 reviews, travelers find it well-organized and flexible for cruise schedules. It’s perfect for those who want a snapshot of Tasmania’s coastal wonders without a full-day commitment.

Bottom Line: A practical, well-rounded option for cruise passengers wanting a taste of Tasmania.

11. Cruise Ship – Port Arthur Shore Excursion – Hobart

This custom-tailored 6.5-hour tour caters specifically to cruise ship schedules. Starting at Macquarie Wharf, it includes Port Arthur, Carnarvon Bay, and local producers like the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry and Lavender Farm. It’s a flexible option with tailored timings and small group sizes, ensuring personal attention.

Rated 4.8/5 from only 13 reviews, it’s a new but highly-rated choice for travelers who want a personalized, efficient experience that fits within tight cruise schedules.

Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise passengers needing a flexible, curated tour of Port Arthur and surrounds.

12. 90-minute Cape Raoul Cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site entry

Combining a 90-minute coastal cruise with entry to Port Arthur, this tour offers a balanced experience of scenery and history. The cruise explores the Cape Raoul area, revealing sea cliffs, caves, and white sands, all from the water. The historic site entry allows you to walk through the ruins and feel the atmosphere of Tasmania’s convict past.

Rated 5/5 from only 8 reviews, travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of this experience. It’s perfect for those who want both scenic views and a detailed visit to the historic site in a single day.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded option combining scenery and history with a personal touch.

How to Choose Your Perfect Experience

When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and physical condition. For wildlife lovers, the wilderness cruises are hard to beat. If you’re into history and storytelling, the Port Arthur site visits or ghost tours will satisfy your curiosity. Active travelers should look at the kayaking or boat cruises, which offer personal, up-close encounters with Tasmania’s coast. Budget-conscious visitors might prefer the Port Arthur Historic Site or the shore excursions, which combine multiple highlights at a lower cost.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular activities like the wilderness cruises and ghost tours. Consider the weather, your mobility, and whether you prefer a guided or independent exploration. For example, if you want to experience Tasmania’s wild coastline and see whales, the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise is a top pick. If a detailed history lesson is more your style, opt for the 2-day Port Arthur pass.

Final Thoughts

Port Arthur offers a diverse array of tours that cater to different interests—from scenic boat trips and wildlife encounters to spine-tingling ghost stories and immersive historic walks. For nature lovers, the Cape Raoul Wilderness Cruise and kayaking adventures bring you face-to-face with Tasmania’s dramatic coastlines. History buffs will find the Port Arthur Historic Site and multi-day passes worthwhile for a deep dive into Australia’s convict past. And for a bit of fun and fright, the ghost tours offer a spooky night out.

Whatever your pace or interest, these tours promise authentic, memorable experiences in one of Tasmania’s most captivating regions. Be sure to book early, especially in peak season, and prepare to enjoy Tasmania’s rugged coast and fascinating history to the fullest.