Hobart
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Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

Badge of ExcellenceHobart, Australia
Likely to Sell Out

From USD 190.51

Select Date and Travellers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Hobart Tours
All Hobart Tours
Audio Guides
Likely To Sell Out
Private and Luxury
  • 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the World Heritage–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former convict colony. Lunch is included.
  • Tasman Peninsula day trip from Hobart
  • Enjoy a 3-hour eco-cruise along the spectacular coastline of Tasman National Park
  • Explore Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Discover the history of the former convict colony

Why Travellers Choose This Tour

This longer-than-most tour includes ample time to experience both attractions.

What's Included

  • Scenic guided bus tour
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • 3-hour wilderness cruise
  • Lunch
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
    Dock Head Building, Franklin Wharf, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

    Located between the Elizabeth St Pier and Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge. Please be at meeting point for check in at 7.15am.

Start time

07:30 am

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your day trip begins as you depart Hobart by bus for the drive to the Tasman Peninsula. Stop by a local cafe for morning tea, and then embark on your 3-hour wilderness cruise along the coastline of Tasman National Park, from Eaglehawk Neck all the way around to Port Arthur.

While you’re on the water, stare up at some of the southern hemisphere’s tallest vertical sea cliffs, spot sea caves and watch for peregrine falcons nesting on the rugged coastline. From the boat’s open-air tiered seating, everyone can enjoy good views, increasing your chances of catching sight of marine life like seals, dolphins, seabirds and maybe even whales. You’ll also hear about Tasman Peninsula’s history, native wildlife and natural environment from the onboard interpretive guide.

Returning to land, enjoy an included lunch before your tour continues to Port Arthur Historic Site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites. You have three hours at this former penal settlement to dive into Australia’s convict history. Explore the many old structures and ruins that dot the landscaped grounds, from the penitentiary building and guard tower to a church.

Your day trip concludes with the return drive to Hobart.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Port Arthur Historic Site

3 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Full-length waterproof and windproof jackets provided
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 43 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

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Traveller Tips

The cruise is long and is a true adventure (dont forget to put warm clothes even if hot weather and please note you will be a bit wet by the ocean waves, whatever your place on the boat.
It is a long day, but you are fed and hydrated and you get to see some great natural formations and wildlife.
Reviews
5.0
312 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travellers.
Showing 1-10 of 312 reviews
Amazing landscape and friendly seals
William_C, Mar 2023
Very impressive landscape from the cruise. Need to cover yourself well and enjoy the experience. Thank you Nick and Lily.
Not the best use of time
Cheryl_B, Mar 2023
It was a bit deceiving to book a 15 person max tour only to be put in a bus with 37 people and a second bus with another 37. The initial drive from Hobart to Port Arthur for tea was long and then we backtracked to get to the cruise then we had to drive back to Port Arthur for the historical sight, then all the way back to Hobart. It seemed inefficient. The bag lunch was surprisingly good. It was good to have both free time to wander and a guided walk at Port Arthur. The boat ride was amazing.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hi Cheryl Thanks so much for taking the time to provide feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises day tour experience. With regards to the 15 person max feedback, I believe you are referring to the maximum group size for one booking on Viator not our maximum capacity. We have three vessels for our Tasman Island Cruises and they can accommodate 40 passengers each. The route we use for the Tasman Island Cruise can change daily, it is chosen on the basis of weather conditions and what will give the best experience for our guests. So the cruise itself can either leave from Port Arthur or Eaglehawk Neck which does mean we shuttle guests to Eaglehawk Neck from Port Arthur if the cruise is departing from that point and results in more travel time. Whilst it can be inconvenient, it does ensure guests get the most protected experience. Thank you again for taking the time to provide feedback. Cheers Melinda
A must do.
Daniel_W, Mar 2023
Amazing day. Landscape, sea birds, seals and dolphins. Plenty of all. Guides and driver top notch and locals.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Dear Daniel Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises experience. Cheers Melinda
Amazing boat experience...
Kirsty_S, Mar 2023
Amazing boat experience enjoying the Tasmanian coast line, we lucky enough to see pods of dolphins, seals and Albatros before heading to the historical site of Port Arthur. Substantial lunch provided as well as morning tea. All guides were friendly and super knowledgeable Would highly recommend this trip
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Dear Kirsty Thank you so much for sharing your feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises experience. We are so glad you had an amazing adventure with us. Cheers Melinda
Cruise around Tasman...
Keith_S, Mar 2023
Cruise around Tasman Island was amazing with a great captain and first mate!! However, I didn’t appreciate that we had to take a long bus trip prior to getting on the boat. This was fine, but had wrongly assumed the cruise would leave from Hobart.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Dear Keith Thank you so much for your terrific feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises Day Tour experience. As you mentioned, the cruise departs from Port Arthur but if you join the day tour, there is a 90 minute bus journey from Hobart to Port Arthur. We will follow up to ensure the Viator confirmations are clear regarding the tour itinerary. Cheers Melinda
Must do!
Irene_E, Feb 2023
What a fabulous boat cruise! The cliffs are spectacular and the wildlife is awesome. Do dress warmly though, it can be chilly & windy! We saw seals, dolphins & birds! Port Arthur was so full of history and the place is beautiful.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Dear Irene We are so glad to hear you had such a wonderful Tasman Island Cruises experience. Cheers Melinda
An awesome and interesting day.
Chris_M, Feb 2023
Excellent day trip but it is a long day. On top of the time in vehicles I think we walked 15km, most of that was on the prison grounds. I’ll try not to spoil anything for future travelers, the day starts with a 1 hour bus ride before boarding a military style boat that carries 30-40 passengers out to the open ocean for about 90 minutes to take amazing sea cliffs and wildlife. It is cold and rough on those waters, even though we had a relatively calm day. The boat crew (Kane and Damo) were friendly, knowledgeable and provided sea sick tabs and water. Their skills made the boat enjoyable and comfortable. The next stop was the prison grounds which is enormous. We had a great lunch and then free time before a walking tour of some of the grounds. My only criticism of the entire day would be not knowing what the prison tour would cover and therefore not seeing all the sites. There was a building that we could not get into as it was one of the first to be locked up for the day, and we had to make do with what we were told about it during the tour. A really minor problem in an otherwise awesome and interesting day.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Dear Chris Thank you so much for your considered feedback. We appreciate you taking the time. Cheers Melinda
Great trip. Lots of...
JoAnne_c, Feb 2023
Great trip. Lots of information about what you are seeing.boat was great, very comfortable. Staff were great
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Dear JoAnne Thanks for your terrific feedback. Cheers Melinda
Flawless experience
Ruijiang_L, Feb 2023
The entire journey was a breeze. Phil is very friendly, supportive tour guide. I would say his professionalism is something to take a note of. With countless years of experience behind his back, he knows an answer to every question you may have. Also, a skilful driver indeed, driving on uneven terrain wouldn’t even wake you up if you are napping, shows how smooth his driving skills are. In addition, he is very approachable as a person and thorough in his storytelling. The other part of the journey worth mentioning is sightseeing on a modern boat, we had such a blast of an experience with their two members of the crew. No one rushes you, every event through the journey was ensured to be detailed. 10/10 no hesitation please choose this journey if your want to have a flawless experience
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We are so glad to hear you had a wonderful Tasman Island Cruises experience with our team. Cheers Melinda
Tasman Island Cruise the highlight of the trip
David_G, Feb 2023
Highlight was the the Tasman Island Cruise, which is fantastic. Amazing views, various wildlife seen and just a really good experience. You will need a good constitution though as there are few toilet facilities. The Port Arthur historic site day was ok, but your really should come at the beginning and not at the end. This latter part is too long and it would be better to have included a quick trip to see the Tasmanian Devils.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Dear David Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises experience. We appreciate it. Cheers Melinda
Good weather essential or you will be cold and wet
Richard_H, Feb 2023
Overall I enjoyed the day although bad weather spoilt the boat part in the morning. Despite the good ponchos handed out I was drenched and cold for the whole boat trip. The friendly staff did their best in the circumstances. Port Arthur was very interesting despite my sqelchy feet - which did dry out a bit - and the time we had there was enough to whet the appetite for a return visit.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Dear Richard Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback It sounds like you had some unfortunate wet weather. Operating in a remote coastal area we do get exposed to the weather elements and we do recommend you dress warmly. Best Regards Melinda
A highlight of our Tasmanian holiday - a must do
Kim_W, Jan 2023
Chris and Kia were our tour guides. They were outstanding with their knowledge of the topography, marine life and had a sense of humour which made our day. The fact that they showed they cared for their guests and the cost of the tour included food was perfect. Highly recommend your company and the guides. Thanks so much.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Dear Kim Thank you so much for your lovely feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises experience. We love sharing this very special part of the world. Cheers Melinda
Beautiful Tassie
Karen, Jan 2023
Great day with incredible scenery and all the staff went out of their way to make it a great day. Well organised and well worth the trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Dear Karen We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your Tasman Island Cruises experience with us. Cheers Melinda
Best ever!
polly, Jan 2023
Stress free coach travel. Amazing coastline, great boat ride, outstanding commentary and humour. Top experience in Tasmania. Port Arthur always worth another look. Lighting was excellent for photography.
An unbelievable experience.
Anonymous, Jan 2023
The southern part of the peninsula and the awesome beauty of the towering cliffs. We also got to experience seeing whales.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you for your feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises experience. How wonderful to see whales at this time of the year. Cheers Melinda
Fantastic
Elaine_B, Jan 2023
Seeing the dolphins and seals playing along side the boat and the solitary sea eagle. Also the incredible rock formations along the coast.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Dear Elaine Thank you so much for your terrific review of your Tasman Island Cruises experience. Cheers Melinda
We saw whales, dolphins,...
Tobias_J, Jan 2023
We saw whales, dolphins, tunas, albatrosses etc. Furthermore, we saw great nature - it was an amazing trip that we will never forget 😁
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Dear Tobias Thank you for sharing your amazing feedback. Cheers Melinda
Amazing day trip
Julie_W, Dec 2022
From the time we joined the tour with Phil (our driver for the day), we instantly felt welcome and knew it was going to be a good day. The hospitality shown at the local cafe where we stopped for morning tea was also fantastic. The cruise was breath-taking and Lily and Nick the perfect hosts on this magnificent adventure. Port Arthur was just as beautiful yet eerie as I remember. Highly recommend this tour. These guys are all class!!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Dear Julie Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises experience with us. It is such a special part of the world to explore. Cheers Melinda
Combination sea trip and historic site wandering
bryon_d, Dec 2022
Our speed oat had 2 excellent young men who gave us not only excellent commentary, but stopped a number of times as we were going along the coast. We saw a humpback whale, as well as a whole sesrm of porpoises all around our boat and numerous seals on the rocks. The mighty cliffs were absolute stunning. And that was before getting to Port Arthur where I had 3 hours to explore the prison and all the buildings. Excellent tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Dear Bryon Thank you for your wonderful feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises Day Tour experience. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your adventure with us. Cheers Melinda
Recommended day out
Dave_I, Dec 2022
From the time you get on the Bus in Hobart till the time you get off the boat at Eaglehawk Neck. The guides (Bus Driver Manny) & Boat crew (Lilly & Anna) were totally amazing with there local knowledge and explaining the local history along the way. Well done team. The weather gods where not so kind at Port Arthur. Bit damp, did what we could between shower.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hi Dave Thanks so much for taking the time to provide feedback on your Tasman Island Cruises experience. We are so glad you had a great day out on the Tasman Peninsula despite the wet weather. Cheers Melinda
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