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Port Arthur, Australia

Port Arthur is named for George Arthur, the Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania from 1823 to 1837. It was Arthur who converted a small convict lumber station on the Tasman Peninsula into the most feared penal colony in Australia. Preserved today as the Port Arthur Historical Site, the then state-of-the-art prison was designed to hold repeat offenders in isolation and hard labor. When it closed in 1877, it marked the end of a dark chapter in English and Australian history.

Both Port Arthur is also your gateway to the wild and scenic Tasman Peninsula. Its wave-lashed coast is the site of spectacular rock formations such as Tasman Arch, the Tessellated Pavement and the Devil's Kitchen. The peninsula is also home to small farms, superb fruit orchards and acclaimed vineyards.

The Tasman Peninsula is one of the last refuges for the endangered Tasmanian devil. The Tasmania Devil Conservation Park is in the forefront of protecting these unique - if surly and downright disagreeable - remnants of Tasmanian prehistory.

Note: Port Arthur is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender.

Points of Interest

  • Port Arthur Historic Site
  • Isle of The Dead
  • Coal Mines Historic Site
  • Eaglehawk Neck
  • Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
  • Remarkable Caves
  • Port Arthur Lavender Farm
  • Tasman Arch

More about Port Arthur, Australia Points of Interest

  • Port Arthur Historic Site -

    As expert guides detail the history and modus operandi of this historic penal colony, which saw over 12,000 convicts from 1830-1877, explore open-air ruins, colonial gardens and over 30 restored buildings, commandant's house included.

  • Isle of The Dead -

    Over 1,000 burials, most convicts and ex-cons from the Port Arthur Penal Colony, took place from 1830-1877 in this eerily tranquil cemetery, a melancholic collection of mass graves and fading headstones on a bush-covered island.

  • Coal Mines Historic Site -

    Port Arthur Penal Colony's worst offenders were compelled to toil away for years at this historic site, Tasmania's first operational mine, which still features the remains of narrow mine shafts and 18 dank solitary cells.

  • Eaglehawk Neck -

    Port Arthur's only passageway in and out, this long, slender isthmus was once patrolled by solemn guards and ferocious dogs, part of a strict security system designed to prevent convicts from escaping the penal colony.

  • Tasmanian Devil Unzoo -

    This luxuriant conservation park brings you face to face with amazing species including kangaroos, wallabies, quolls and actual Tasmanian devils, furtive, meat-eating marsupials famous for their snarling, aggressive behavior.

  • Remarkable Caves -

  • Port Arthur Lavender Farm -

    Located on the stunning Tasman Pensinsula enjoy a truly amazing lavender experience. The farm grows a large variety of organic lavender which is distilled and turned into unique products including lavender chocolate and fudge.

  • Tasman Arch -

6 Excursions

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Special Child Pricing Available! Children age 12 and younger, savings up to 50%.

Eco Boat Adventure

4 hours | Port Arthur | PA7-170 P A 7 - 1 7 0

Moderate Activity

From AUD$299.95

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Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

3.5 hours | Port Arthur | PA7-210 P A 7 - 2 1 0

Moderate Activity

From AUD$179.95

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Geological Panoramas of the Peninsula

3 hours | Port Arthur | PA7-220 P A 7 - 2 2 0

Easy Activity

From AUD$99.95

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Port Arthur Behind the Bars

1.5 hours | Port Arthur | PA7-260 P A 7 - 2 6 0

Moderate Activity

From AUD$129.95

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Best Of Port Arthur: Tasman Peninsula, Lavender Farm & Wine Tasting

4 hours | Port Arthur | PA7-305 P A 7 - 3 0 5

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From AUD$199.95

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Tasman Food & Wine

5.75 hours | Port Arthur | PA7-310 P A 7 - 3 1 0

Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From AUD$249.95

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