Port Arthur, Richmond and Lavender Active Day Tour

If you’re after a well-rounded day exploring some of Tasmania’s most captivating sights, this Port Arthur, Richmond, and Lavender Active Day Tour offers a fantastic blend of history, nature, and local flavor. With a solid 5.0/5 rating based on 60 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this trip both enjoyable and memorable.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it includes entry to the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site and a harbour cruise, delivering a deep dive into the convict past of Tasmania. Second, the chance to walk the coastal cliffs of Waterfall Bay and explore a lavender farm with a café keeps the journey lively, scenic, and delicious. Lastly, with small groups and a knowledgeable guide, you get a personal touch that enhances the overall experience.

A potential consideration? The tour is quite full, so if you prefer slow-paced exploration or extensive free time at each stop, this might feel a little rushed. Also, it’s a day-long commitment, so it’s best suited for those ready for an active, engaging day.

This adventure suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and local food, especially those who appreciate guided tours that provide insight and storytelling along the way. If you’re curious about Tasmania’s stories, love coastal scenery, or want a comprehensive look at the region in one day, this tour will likely tick your boxes.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines history, scenic walks, and local attractions in a single day.
• Small Group Advantage: Max 20 travelers, allowing for a personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and engaging manner.
• Value for Money: For around $115, you get multiple attractions, a harbour cruise, and a guided experience.
• Flexible Stops: Some reviewers appreciated the flexibility, like swapping lavender farm visits for other local attractions.
• Active Day: Expect walking, coastal exploration, and some undulating paths, suitable for those with moderate fitness.

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Early and Exploring the Tasman Peninsula

The tour kicks off at 7:30 am from Hobart, so be prepared for an early start. The drive to the Tasman Peninsula is a scenic journey, giving you your first glimpse of Tasmania’s rugged coastline. The Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck stop is the first highlight, offering dramatic views and a taste of the rugged geology that defines the area. Reviewers mention the stunning cliffs along Waterfall Bay track, where a 2-kilometer walk along cliff tops provides breathtaking vistas. Expect undulating terrain, which about half an hour to an hour to walk, and plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the wild coast.

Waterfall Bay: Coastal Cliffs and Short Walks

The Waterfall Bay walk is considered one of Tasmania’s “Great Short Walks.” With an easy-to-moderate 45-60 minute walk, you’ll traverse scenic cliffs that drop steeply into the sea. Travelers mention that the views here are some of the best along the coast, and the walk’s undulating nature keeps it interesting without being overly strenuous. This stop is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Several reviews highlighted that this section’s scenery truly lives up to the hype, with one reviewer noting, “We enjoyed the spectacular cliffs along Waterfall Bay track,” and another saying, “The views were absolutely worth the walk.”

Port Arthur Lavender Farm: Aromatic Relaxation and Delicious Food

Next, the group visits the Port Arthur Lavender Farm, where you can stroll through lavender fields or relax at the café. It’s a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy some fresh Tasmanian produce, including lavender-inspired treats. Reviewers consistently enjoyed the farm’s relaxed vibe, with many noting the beauty of the blooming lavender, especially when in season. However, some reviews pointed out that the farm visit can feel a little quick, especially if the lavender isn’t in bloom (as one reviewer noted the lavender wasn’t in bloom when they visited). That said, the farm offers a chance to buy local products and sample lavender ice cream, which many found delightful.

Port Arthur Historic Site and Harbour Cruise: Immersive History

The core of the tour is a 4-hour guided visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site, including a free harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead. The site is a magnet for history buffs, with ruins, restored buildings, and stories of Tasmania’s convict past. Guides like Nicholas and Peter are praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills, making the history come alive. Reviewers mention the site’s size and depth, with some wishing they had more time to explore independently, but the included cruise and guided tour make the experience enriching.

The free Harbour Cruise offers a different perspective, letting you see the island from the water and learn about the surrounding history from the water’s vantage point. Many reviewers appreciated this added touch, highlighting that it added a special dimension to their visit.

Richmond: Charming Historic Town on the Return

On the way back to Hobart, the tour stops in Richmond, a charming town famous for its well-preserved Georgian architecture and historic bridge. Visitors enjoy wandering the streets, popping into local shops like the Lolly Shop and Chocolatier, or grabbing a coffee. The 45-minute stop is brief but enough to soak in the town’s relaxed atmosphere. A few reviewers mentioned that arriving late in the afternoon meant some shops were closing, but overall, it’s a lovely way to cap the day.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour operates in a comfortable vehicle with a maximum of 20 travelers, making for a more personal and less hectic experience. Many reviews emphasize how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, with some reviewers noting that guides like Nick and Ben added humor and stories that made the day more engaging. Since it’s a full-day tour, expect a lot of sitting, but also a good amount of walking and standing at scenic stops — so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Price and Value

At just over $115 per person, this tour offers good value considering the variety of experiences. Entrance fees to Port Arthur are included, as well as the harbour cruise, which are significant savings if booking separately. The guided nature of the tour means you get context and storytelling, rather than just ticking off sights, which many find worth the price. Some reviews suggest that the scheduled stops are well-paced, though a few felt it was a little rushed at times, especially at Port Arthur.

Food and Drinks

Food is not included, but there are plenty of opportunities to purchase snacks and meals at the lavender farm and Port Arthur. A few travelers wished for more time to enjoy meals or explore further, but overall, the stops are well planned to keep everyone fueled without long waits.

Why This Tour Works Well

This tour is a well-rounded choice for those who want a taste of Tasmania’s diverse appeal — from convict history to coastal scenery and local produce. It’s particularly suited for travelers who:

• Want a guided, informative day with a small group
• Appreciate a mix of history, nature, and food
• Don’t mind a full, active day with some walking
• Are interested in authentic experiences over rushed sightseeing

Who Might Want to Consider Alternatives

If you prefer a relaxed pace or extensive free time, you might find this day a little rushed. Also, if lavender blooming is a priority, timing your visit when the fields are in full bloom will maximize your experience. Those with mobility issues might want to check the walk difficulty, although most paths are manageable.

Final Thoughts

This Port Arthur, Richmond, and Lavender Active Day Tour strikes a nice balance between structured sightseeing and genuine local encounters. The inclusion of Port Arthur’s historic site and harbour cruise offers a compelling deep dive into Tasmania’s convict past, while the coastal walks and lavender farm add scenic and sensory delights. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge consistently shine through, making the day not just educational but also genuinely fun.

For travelers looking to see a broad cross-section of Hobart’s surroundings in one well-organized day, this tour delivers strong value and authentic experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone eager to enjoy Tasmania’s flavors and vistas, this trip is worth considering.

FAQs

Is transportation provided for the entire day?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in a comfortable vehicle for the duration of the day, with pick-up from most Hobart city hotels.

What is included in the tour price?
Your ticket covers the Port Arthur Historic Site entrance, the harbour cruise, and professional guides. Food, drinks, and personal purchases are not included.

Are there any physical activity requirements?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as the tour involves walking and some undulating paths, especially at Waterfall Bay and around Port Arthur.

Can I customize or extend my visit at any stop?
The itinerary is fixed, with some flexibility at the lavender farm and Richmond, but time is generally structured to keep the day flowing.

Is there an option to start the tour from somewhere other than a hotel?
The tour begins at a designated meeting point in Hobart at 7:30 am. Pickup from private residences or Airbnbs is not available.

What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine; some outdoor activities might be less enjoyable in bad weather, but the guides are experienced at making the best of all conditions.

This tour offers a solid way to experience Tasmania’s highlights in one day, with a good mix of history, scenery, and local charm. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who appreciate storytelling and authentic encounters.