Port Arthur from Hobart | Return Trip
The Port Arthur Shuttle Express tour travels from Hobart to the Port Arthur Historic Site, with scenic stops and local experiences along the way. The tour includes return transport, site entry, and four hours at the historic site. Stops include Pirates Bay lookout, the Dog Line monument, Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry, and Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Travellers can also choose to visit Remarkable Cave before returning to Hobart.
Features
- Entry to Port Arthur
- Return Shuttle from Hobart
- 8 pick-up locations around Hobart city
- 4 hours at Port Arthur
- Stop at Pirates Bay lookout for photos
- Small & personalised tour (maximum 24 participants)
Itinerary
Depart Hobart
The shuttle departs Hobart at 9:30am with eight convenient pickup points across the city.
Pirates Bay Lookout
Stop for 10 minutes at Eaglehawk Neck's lookout to enjoy sweeping views of the coastline and capture photos of Pirates Bay.
The Dog Line Monument
A quick 5-minute stop at this historical landmark marks the former security line of soldiers and dogs used to prevent convict escapes.
Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry
Visit this sweet spot for 10–15 minutes. Watch chocolate being made and browse handmade chocolate products available for purchase.
Port Arthur Lavender Farm
A 20–30 minute visit to explore Tasmanian lavender products and stroll along the lavender trail.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Spend up to 4 hours exploring the 40-hectare open-air museum. Your entry includes a 40-minute guided walking tour and a 25-minute harbour cruise. Entry gives access to historic buildings, gardens, trails, and exhibitions. Optional tours like the Isle of the Dead and Commandant’s Carriage Tour are available at an extra cost. If you opt for the additional Remarkable Cave visit, you'll spend 3 hours at the site before rejoining the group.
Remarkable Cave (optional)
A short 8-minute drive brings you to Maingon Bay for a 50-minute visit. Enjoy panoramic views, descend the 115 steps to the viewing platform, and see the unique sea-carved cave.
Return to Hobart
The shuttle departs Port Arthur at 4:00pm and arrives back in Hobart by 5:30pm.
Hobart Meeting Point & Times
- Quest Trinity House, 8:55am – Brooker Hwy
- Prince of Wales Hotel, 9:05am – Hampden Road
- Travelodge Hotel Hobart, 9:10am – Harrington Street
- Best Western Hobart, 9:15am – Harrington Street outside Europcar
- St. David's Cathedral, 9:20am – Opposite Hadley’s Hotel
- Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre, 9:25am – Corner of Elizabeth & Davey Streets
- The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, 9:30am – Macquarie Street
- Travelodge Hotel Hobart Airport, 9:45am – Main entrance
Return to Hobart:
Port Arthur Historic Site, 4:00pm – Main entrance
Returns to Hobart by 5:30pm
What To Bring
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Bottle of water and snacks
- Warm clothing and a rain jacket
- Camera
Additional Information
Most of the visit is outdoors, and the site can experience sudden weather changes
Courtesy shuttle available for limited mobility visitors (10:30am–3:30pm daily)
Notify in advance if bringing a pram or excess baggage
Infants may share seats with adults (no capsules provided)
Free “Hidden Stories” activity book for children aged 7–12, available on arrival
Instant Booking & Mobile-Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure your spot on Port Arthur Shuttle Express.
Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.
Please have your hotel name ready when booking so we can send you a pick-up time with your confirmation.
Special Child & Family Rates
We offer special rates for families. Please check the booking for form for up-to-date family pricing.
Port Arthur Tours compatible with the Shuttle
A number of tours are available at an extra cost on the day. You can pre-book these or purchase when you arrive at Port Arthur.
Isle of the Dead cemetery tour
Daily at 1:00pm and 2:20pm
The Isle of the Dead holds the stories of many of the people of Port Arthur – in life and death.
Port Arthur’s tiny cemetery island is the final resting place for more than 1000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children, who were buried here between 1833 and 1877. The Isle of the Dead has two separate burial sections – convicts were laid to rest in mostly unmarked graves at the island’s southern end, while the higher northern end was reserved for free and military burials, marked by headstones. The anonymity of the convicts was somewhat redressed after 1850, when some convict graves were given headstones.
On this tour, you’ll journey to the island aboard the MV Marana, and take a guided walking tour of the island. You’ll hear the personal stories of convicts who were transported here from across the world, the soldiers who gave their lives to guard the prison, the officers, and their families who followed them to the ends of the earth.
Commandant’s Carriage Tour
Daily at 12.45 pm and 2.15 pm daily
Much like the Commandant and his guests, you too can enjoy exclusive access to Port Arthur Historic Site.
Take the walking out of your time at Port Arthur, and explore the site in the comfort of our electric vehicle. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to some of the site’s most significant buildings, including the Penitentiary, the Separate Prison, and the Convict Church. As you tour the site and the buildings, your expert guide will offer fascinating insights into the people and characters who lived, worked, and served their time at Port Arthur.
Dining & Food Options at Port Arthur
1830 Restaurant
Port Arthur Historic Site offers dining options to suit everyone – from quick and delicious sandwiches made fresh in our cafe, to the tempting menu in the 1830 restaurant.
With sweeping views of the Penitentiary, gardens and grounds, the 1830 restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy a long, relaxed meal with friends. Our menu uses fresh seasonal produce sourced from local growers and producers, and you can choose your favourite from our range of fine Tasmanian wines, craft beer, whisky and spirits
The 1830 Restaurant and Bar is open every day from 4pm
Port Arthur Café
Our expanded café on the upper level of the Visitor Centre, offers you a range of options to satisfy your appetite during your visit.
Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats, thirst quenching cold drinks, beers, wines and spirits, and fresh, delicious food, all made on site using local ingredients.
If you’re in a hurry to explore, pick up a pack of tasty sandwiches for a picnic in the grounds, or if it’s time for a reviving break, choose something cooked to order in our kitchens and relax inside or on our deck as you soak up views of the site.
Museum Coffee Shop
The Museum Coffee Shop located in the Asylum is open every day except Saturdays, from 10:30am until 3:30pm, and is the perfect place to drop in after your introductory tour.
Enjoyable in all weather conditions with both indoor and outdoor dining space you can enjoy a good coffee, homemade cakes, delicious snacks and light meals.
Reviews
The tour was as we wanted it and the driver Guillaume was fantastic
Jodi was an excellent guide She was very knowledgeable and so we really enjoyed all her commentary. It was very much more than a trip to Port Arthur. Jodi was very considerate of her travellers.
We loved our trip to Port Arthur, the stops on the way really made the trip. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend doing the Remarkable Cave after Port Arthur.
Really enjoyed the journey to Port Arthur and back to Hobart. Our guide was extremely helpful and full of local knowledge. Service was punctual and the minibus size ideal (not overwhelming). Highly recommended.
We very much enjoyed our day. Jodi was a great host- very personable.
Jodi was a great guide
The Port Arthur Shuttle departs Hobart at 9:30am & Returns at 5:30pm. Travel time from Hobart is 1.5 hours. You will have 4 hours to explore the Historic Port Arthur.
