Driving from Hobart to Port Arthur Tasmania is one of those day trips that leaves a mark. It’s not just the eerie calm of the ruins or the size of the cliffs—it’s the build-up. The road unwinds slowly, revealing quiet coastal towns, geological giants, moody stretches of sea, and more than a few places that’ll make you pull over for the wow. If you’re planning a self-drive trip from Hobart to Port Arthur, this is the route – including stops – I always recommend. I also cover the transport options – shuttle, bus, ferry – as well as what to pack and a couple of ‘big wow’ side quests that might entice you to turn this day trip into an even bigger adventure.
How Far is Port Arthur from Hobart?
Port Arthur is around 95km from Hobart, and on Google, the Hobart to Port Arthur drive time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. But if you’re doing it right, it’s easy to stretch that out to a full day with plenty of stops. In fact, once you read this 👇🏽 you’ll probably be thinking that there’s so much to see on the Tasman Peninsula it’s worth staying overnight. And you’d be right. 😁
This Hobart to Port Arthur road trip route follows the Tasman Highway out of the city, then swings southeast onto the Arthur Highway just past Sorell. From there, it’s rolling paddocks, bushland, and glimpses of the coast as you cruise deeper into the Tasman Peninsula.
I recommend leaving Hobart no later than 8am (we leave at 7am for a day trip down here, take away coffee and pastries on-board). 8am gives you time to get down there, see your fave sights, linger where you want to, and still make it back without having to worry about the wallabies at dusk.
Hobart to Port Arthur Tasmania Map
Before you head off, it’s worth having this Hobart to Port Arthur map with your stops marked out downloaded to your phone. Mobile reception starts to fade as you get closer to Eaglehawk Neck, and you don’t want to miss a turn or a good lookout just because Google Maps went quiet. The map takes you all the way down to Cape Raoul. So shave off 30 minutes of drive time if you’re just headed to the Port Arthur site.
How to get to Port Arthur from Hobart
Hobart to Port Arthur by car is the most flexible option. Most travellers flying into Hobart book a car rental from Hobart Airport, for the duration of their stay. Public transport in Tasmania is limited because of the small population. Port Arthur is no exception.
Budget travellers can take a shuttle bus to Port Arthur from Hobart – I’ve put all the details down below 👇🏽. Shuttle is the cheapest option after public transport and the timetable is perfect for a day trip.
If you’re hiring a car, we’ve curated a jaw-dropping self-drive itinerary – based on our three trips to Port Arthur – that easily tackled in your hire car.
Hobart to Port Arthur Road Trip Itinerary (With Stops I Keep Coming Back To)
Self-driving is hands down the best way to do this day trip. It gives you the freedom to stop wherever catches your eye—and on this route, there’ll be plenty. And as Tassie goes, the Hobart to Port Arthur drive is beautiful – with sea views and gorgeous countryside – and easy. A rare combination.
This itinerary is how we personally do the drive—timed for a full day, to take photos, and enjoy each stop. Not too much rushing. Definitely no skipping the good bits. But…. there’s so much to do on the Tasman Peninsula I also provide you options. A stop at magnificent Cape Raoul. And a stunning boat ride around majestic Cape Pillar.
Like a choose-your-own-adventure. And is that the best kind? 😉
Stop 1: Tessellated Pavement, Eaglehawk Neck & The Dog Line
1 hr 15 mins from Hobart – stay 20 to 30 mins
This is a couple of stops all grouped together because they’re close. An isthmus, weird geological rock formations, and a slice of local convict history.
The first time I saw the Eaglehawk Neck isthmus, I was struck by how narrow it is. It reminded me a lot of ‘The Neck’ on Bruny Island (another day tour from Hobart we loved a lot). Just a thread of land holding the peninsula in place. On one side, the open sea. On the other, still water that looks calm as can be.
I always thought the tessellated pavement would be bigger than it is, but that doesn’t make it any less unique. It’s a quick walk down from the car (head down the stairs for the best photos) and so odd to see uniform patterns in wild nature. It’s that contradiction that makes it intriguing and worth checking out.
There’s also a small monument here marking the site of the Dog Line—yes, a literal line of savage dogs once stationed to stop convicts escaping Port Arthur. It’s strange, fascinating, and weirdly beautiful.
This first stop is a good chance for a quick walk, a few windblown photos of wild nature, and a reset before diving deeper into the peninsula.
Stop 2: Tasman Arch & Devil’s Kitchen
5 mins from Eaglehawk Neck – stay 30–40 mins
This is where the drive starts to feel wild. The coastline here is brutal in the best way—wind slicing through towering sea cliffs, waves pounding at the base of Tasman Arch, and that hollow echo of air moving through Devil’s Kitchen.
It’s a short drive betwen the two and they’re both equally dramatic. Particularly on day with the easterly winds blowing. The crash of the waves against the cliff faces is epic! It’s easy to see how these sheer cliffs were carved out by the power of ocean over time. The lookouts are safely fenced but still thrilling. Every time I stop here it feels and looks different. Every time I pull the camera out.
There are toilets, free parking, and some of the best natural drama you’ll see all day.
Stop 3: Port Arthur Lavender – lunch
10 mins from Tasman Arch – stay 45–60 mins (lunch stop)
You’ll smell it before you see it.
The lavender farm sits right on the water, with purple rows stretching out toward the hills in bloom season. It’s a peaceful stop, but the food’s the real surprise. I’ve had excellent salmon here, lavender-infused desserts that aren’t too sweet (my favourite is the lavender scones 👇🏽), and a coffee that actually held its own. That’s rare in this part of Tassie.
If (like me) you can’t get through the day without a second coffee, here’s where to get it.
There aren’t many other decent food options between Hobart and Port Arthur, so don’t skip this and assume something better will pop up later. The most likely lunch alternative is the in-house cafe at Port Arthur Historical site.
Stop 5: Port Arthur Historic Site
5 mins from McHenry – stay 2.5–3 hours
You feel it as soon as you walk in.
Port Arthur is beautiful in that unsettling way—quiet gardens, ruined churches, the shell of the penitentiary. You can walk for hours here, and we usually do. Every time we come back, we see something we didn’t notice before. A walk we missed. A camera angle. A convict story we hadn’t heard before.
You can book your Port Arthur tickets here to save time at the gate.
It’s a world class tourist destination and one of Australia’s best. Don’t miss it.
I recommend joining one of the guided talks when you arrive—they’re short, free with your ticket, and they bring the place to life. You’ll also get a harbour cruise included in your entry, which is a great way to see the site from the water and get the full convict history of the place.
If you take the self guided tour option you’ll need to bring your own electric earmuffs and download the app. This is the option I’d choose if you’re on a schedule. And to be real here, fitting everything in on a Hobart to Port Arthur day trip – well, it’s a big day!
Wear good shoes. Bring a jacket. Soak it all in.
Stop 4: McHenry Distillery
10 mins from the Lavender Farm – stay 20–30 mins
Blink and you’ll miss the turnoff. But if you like gin, whisky, or just a good story told over a tasting glass, make the effort to find this place.
McHenry’s is tucked up in the hills with a driveway that feels like you’re going somewhere secret. We stopped in around lunch and it felt like stumbling across a hidden lodge. Their gin is smooth, their whisky even better, and if you’re not driving, the tasting paddles are great. We bought a 6 pack of their Pale Ale and it’s a really good brew. These guys weren’t on my radar craft beer wise but this visit changed that. Yay!
Unexpectedly, McHenry’s Distillery also offers this romantic eco cabin accommodation called ‘Devil Lair’👇🏽 up on the hill behind the Tasting house with the most incredible view over the peninsula. If you’re looking to see the Southern Lights, this luxury cabin would be a hot spot to book. It’s also central to all the action on the Peninsular – Port Arthur, Cape Raoul, and the Cape Pillar cruise.
To fit in everything we cover, I’d recommend booking at Devil’s Lair doing a tasting at the distillery in the afternoon. Followed by dinner at 1830, the restaurant at Port Arthur for more local vibes overlooking historical ruins while you dine. An overnight trip would accommodate everything on this Hobart to Port Arthur itinerary, without missing any good bits!
They’ve got big plans for the distillery with more onsite accommodation and events around the southern lights. Definitely one to visit, and also one to watch! If you are stopping on the way through—pick up a treat for later.
Big Wow Extra Stop: Cape Raoul Lookout
If you have time – 30 mins return to carpark or 3.5 hrs full hike
If you’ve got the daylight and the stamina, Cape Raoul is definitely worth the dash. The sea cliffs here are some of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere, and the view from the lookout is the kind that makes you stop talking mid-sentence.
We walked to the Cape Raoul lookout and then Shipstern’s bluff. The two look outs took us 2 hours 20 minutes but its doable in 1 hour 40 without all the goofing around we get up to. The payoff at the end of this walk is huge – that end-of-the-earth feeling Tasmania does so well. It’s stunning.
There’s a drop toilet here (bring your own toilet paper) at the start of the trail and plenty of parking. You’ll drive over gravel right at the end to get into the car park, but otherwise the road is an easy sealed affair.
Want Something Bigger? Add a 3-Hour Tasman Wilderness Cruise
For the ocean lovers and thrill-seekers, this is the bonus round.
The 3-hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise leaves from Port Arthur and takes you around the coast past Cape Pillar, Tasman Island, blowholes, sea stacks, and caves that don’t even look real. On a good day, you’ll see seals lounging on the rocks, bluefin tuna splashing about, albatross and seabirds wheeling above. On a great day, dolphins will follow you part of the way.
This is the most fun we had on the Tasman Peninsula. The awe-inspiring sight of ‘the Blade’ jutting up straight out of the ocean had me thinking why more people don’t know about this cruise (although the boat was full) and about this a-m-a-z-i-n-g part of Tasmania.
It’s fast, bumpy, full of sea life and stunning scenery around every turn—and completely unforgettable. Bring warm layers and hang on.
There’s a 10 am and 1pm tour. The late tour means you’d have to jig the itinerary and do Port Arthur in the morning.
Book early to get a seat on this tour. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Getting to Port Arthur from Hobart – Buses, Shuttles, Transfers & Boats
If you don’t have a car, there are three other options:
Hobart to Port Arthur Shuttle
The Shuttle Bus from Hobart to Port Arthur is a great budget option if you don’t want to drive and cheaper than hiring a car for the day just to get to Port Arthur. You meet the shuttle bus at a pick up point in Hobart City (they have a list), and they handle the rest. The shuttle stops along the way at many of the spots in this itinerary.
Things to know: From 1 July your Port Arthur Historic Site entry ticket will be added into the Shuttle cost. And bring your own snacks and water.
Alternative bus from Hobart to Port Arthur:
For those seeking a day trip option and just want to see the Port Arthur site, there’s a coach service that runs you directly to Port Arthur in the morning. Here are the details:
Departure: Leaves Hobart at 7:45 AM, arriving at Port Arthur between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
Return: Departs Port Arthur at 4:45 PM, arriving in Hobart between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM.
The coach service includes your entry ticket and the coach leaves from Pennicott Tours HQ at Franklin Wharf near Constitution Dock (Hobart City)
If this sounds like you, book early because most seats sell out 40 days ahead.
Hobart to Port Arthur Ferry
Hobart to Port Arthur by boat is no longer a thing. There used to be a Hobart to Port Arthur ferry service, but this was cancelled. Travellers typically reach Port Arthur by car, bus, or organized tour.
There are day tours from Hobart to Port Arthur for cruise ships docking in Hobart too. This Port Arthur Historic Site shore excursion is a popular small group tour option to see Port Arthur if you’re arriving by cruise ship.
Public transport from Hobart to Port Arthur
The Hobart to Port Arthur bus is run by Tassielink, but services are limited to one a day, and they skip all the good bits along the way.
Tassielink operates the public bus service (route 734) from Hobart to Port Arthur. The first thing to know about this bus is that it’s intended for locals not travellers. Here’s the low down:
Route: Route 734 bus from Hobart to Port Arthur stops at Rosny Park, Sorell, Dunalley, Eaglehawk Neck, Taranna, and Nubeena.The Hobart to Port Arthur bus takes around1 hour and 46 minutes, one way.
Timetable: The bus departs Hobart at 3:45 PM, arriving in Port Arthur at 5:39 PM. The Port Arthur to Hobart bus runs once a day from Nubeena, starting in the early morning..
You can see what I mean when I say The Hobart to Port Arthur bus is not set up for travellers. On the upside, it’s a cheap ride. The fare is $8 one way at the time of writing this article. Tickets can be purchased onboard with cash (old school!).
Who would it work for? If your plan is to stay on the Tasman Peninsula, the bus might work for you. But you need a way to get around while you’re down there. Walking isn’t feasible unless you find accommodation right near the Port Arthur site.
What to Pack for a Port Arthur Day Trip & when to visit
You can visit this part of Hobart any time of year, without major weather concerns (like snow or constant rain). We last did this trip in Autumn, which is the best time to visit Tasmania in my view. It was spectacular.
☀️ Summer is equally great if you want to hit the beaches or if dry trails are important to you.
If you come in winter 🥶 or spring, the Peninsula is still a fabulous, fun place. You’ll just have to pack for the weather and wind.
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk more than you think)
- A rain jacket and warm layers, even in summer
- Snacks and water, especially if you’re skipping lunch at the Lavender Farm
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses—the weather turns quickly
- A charged phone or camera, with space for a lot of photos
- a coffee traveller or thermos – if Cubed Espresso is not open your coffee options are limited.
Five Tips for the Drive from Hobart to Port Arthur
- Book your Port Arthur entry online to skip the queues
- Fill up your fuel tank before you leave Hobart or at Sorell
- Try to leave Hobart by 8:00am—especially in summer
- Check the weather—it’ll probably change twice
- And if you’re driving from Port Arthur to Hobart after dark, slow down for the Wallabies.
What’s Next?
Still planning your Tassie road trip? These guides will help you pull it all together:
- Hobart Travel Guide – Where to stay, eat and explore in Tasmania’s capital.
- Day Trips from Hobart – Self-drive ideas if you loved this one.
- Hobart Day Tours – Want to hand over the keys? These are your best options.
- Car Rental in Hobart – Book before they sell out in peak season.
FAQs
What are the best things to do between Hobart and Port Arthur?
There are A LOT of things to do between Hobart and Port Arthur. I’ve done this road trip three times now, most recently in 2025. This is the definitive list of the very best things to do:
– walk down to the Tessellated Pavement
– check out the blowhole at Eaglehawk Neck
– walk along a wild beach at Eaglehawk Neck and maybe spot a whale on the whale trail lookouts
– stop at the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen to see the ocean roar
– call in to the Lavender farm for lunch or scones with jam and cream (yummo)
– Port Arthur and the boat tour to the Isle of the Dead – of course!
– Call in to McHenry’s Distillery for a tasting afterwards.
Read more about how to plan this awesome day trip itinerary 👆🏼.
How long does it take to drive from Hobart to Port Arthur?
It takes 1.5 hours to drive from Hobart to Por Arthur, one way. There are a tonne of things to see and do along the way 👆🏼, so it’s likely you’ll need longer. If you want to stop in at Eaglehawk Neck, the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen (all incredible land and rock formations with cliff views along the route), add another hour to your return journey.
Can you go from Hobart to Port Arthur by boat?
You can’t travel from Hobart to Port Arthur by boat directly. The main forms of transport for travellers are hire car, shuttle or tour bus. Check out the options for each of these above 👆🏼. There is a boat ride at Port Arthur Historical site. It’s included in your ticket and takes you to the Isle of the Dead – a haunting part of the site’s history. There are other cruises around the Tasman Peninsula too. The incredible boat ride around Cape Pillar, and the unforgettable cruise to Cape Raoul (includes Port Arthur Historical site entry) are my favourite. Read move about these cruise options above 👆🏼.
