Top 48 things to do and attractions in Port Arthur

Well Preserved and excellent presentation. The reception was super friendly and eager to make you understand on best options to visit the place. They can be great instructors to youngsters looking for a career in customer facing role. The guides explain in detail and in a way to provide glimpse of the times. We had some interaction with a guide Victoria and she was very good in keeping the group interested at the Commandant’s house. The harbour cruise included in the ticket and stories on board were a highlight of the visit. Well Done.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Port Arthur Penal Settlement was one of the major highlights for our group of 29 Carseldine Probus members from Brisbane. After a comfortable bus trip from Hobart stopping by town of Richmond to visit the historical Old Hobart Town we arrived at this popular historical landmark. We anticipated with this major tourist attraction drawing large crowds that it was worth mentioning to purchase your tickets in advance 🎟 Everything that you need for facilities such as user friendly toilets 🚻 a well catered restaurant and cafe area and plenty of adequate parking for buses and cars is a credit for everyone associated with the Port Arthur Historical Site. There are two levels to the main tourist centre where all the facilities are located with public lifts taking you to the lower ground floor. You are met by your guide at the lower entrance to the grounds of Port Arthur who took us on a 90 minute tour providing excellent commentary of the significant landscape and landmarks. John our guide for the afternoon was passionate about the past history of just how Port Arthur was back in the 1800's, you actually felt that you were living the convicts arduous conditions. Port Arthur has more than 30 historical buildings and ruins plus the beautifully presented gardens and grounds. The Memorial Garden is one of the major attractions that is dedicated to the victims of the 1996 Port Arthur tragedy. After our guided tour was completed we then had the opportunity to take the cruise which passes the Dockyard, Point Puer Boys' Prison and the Isle of the Dead Cemetery. The Isle of the Dead was a final resting place for more than 1,000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children. It just goes to show how life was back in 1800's particularly between 1833 and 1877. The commentary provided during our cruise was superb with a lot of wonderful information of what actually occurred during the time convicts survived their time at Port Arthur Penal Settlement. When visiting this magnificent area of Tasmania you would need to allow most of the day to get around the whole of this historic site.

Our visit to Port Arthur was a fantastic experience. The 20-minute guided tour was engaging and informative, offering a wealth of knowledge about this historical site. The views were stunning, adding to the overall charm of the location. Exploring such a significant piece of history was truly rewarding, making this a must-visit destination for anyone interested in both beauty and heritage.

A wonderful place in a gorgeous setting. The 90 min drive from Hobart is scenic itself but the site is worth keeping at least a day for. The grounds are beautiful and the sites rich with history. The tickets include a 20 min cruise which explores some of the further areas of the site. An absolute must visit if you're in Tassie. The reception staff is wonderful and plenty of parking is available.

There is no extra charge for parking. There are several levels and the closest parking is not only for accessible parking, but it looks that way on the sign. If you have not been to other convict sites, I strongly suggest the essentials tour, ($10 extra as of 2025) which really helps you get a sense of the place. Kudos to our guide Guy! The basic harbour cruise is included in the ticket, it takes you toward the boys correctional site and around Isle of the Dead. It is narrated and has drinks, snacks and toilets on board. We then walked around the site on our own. Don't miss rhe separate prison and its covict chapel. We spent most of the day onsite. If you come with a car, don't miss seeing Remarkable Cave and the area of the Neck. I suggest spending the night so as not to be rushed. You can particpate in a ghost tour as well.

Port Arthur, located on the Tasman Peninsula, is a historic site and a former penal settlement that operated from 1830 to 1877. Once a harsh and brutal prison for many of Australia's convicts, it has since become a popular and scenic heritage attraction. The site is known for its rugged natural beauty, which made it a natural fortress, and the numerous well-preserved buildings and grounds are now open for visitors to explore.

Well maintained site. Guides at key points to give short presentations very knowledgeable. Lovely setting. Hard to believe it was punishment to be sent here. One comment- self guided audio tour does not always follow expected pathway

Remarkable Cave lives up to its name from the moment you leave the car park and catch the first glimpse of Maingon Bay shimmering beyond the cliffs. A short path leads to a broad lookout that frames the coastline like a postcard, then 115 concrete steps drop you to a sturdy viewing platform right at cave level. The best time to arrive is low tide, when the ocean has pulled back far enough for you to step through the twin-arched tunnel and stand on damp sand while waves boom outside the far opening. Look up before you leave, the outer arch neatly traces the shape of Tasmania against the sky, a quirky detail carved by centuries of surge and spray. If you have extra energy, follow the signed track past the car park to Maingon Bay Lookout for a wider sweep of cliffs, or tackle the longer Crescent Bay and Mount Brown walk that starts nearby. The main cave track itself is only about fifteen minutes return, graded easy, though the steps can be slippery after rain so good shoes help. Practicalities are straightforward. There is plenty of parking, well-kept toilets, and clear signage explaining the geology and local wildlife. Pets need to stay home, and you will need a Tasman National Park pass, but entry otherwise feels pleasantly low-key. For a quick stop that delivers dramatic scenery, fascinating natural history, and a hint of adventure without a long hike, Remarkable Cave earns love in my trip.

Easy walk track with steps to the cave. You can see a spectacular view at the end of the trail. Worth for 10-15 mins walk.

Visited in March recently. Another great place for beautiful views and geological formations. The place has a misty feel probably from waves hitting the hillside.

It's absolutely worth seeing. The views on the short walk to get to it are spectacular!! 😍

Definitely recommend visiting at high tide if possible. It was low tide when we visited but still great. Stairs down to the cave but achievable for most.

It's an absolute must if you're exploring Tasmania's Tasman Peninsula! The walk down to the cave is as stunning as the cave itself, with breathtaking coastal views that'll make you want to stop and snap a pic every few steps. When you finally make it inside, you're met with this jaw-dropping sight: a massive cave opening framing the ocean beyond. It's like stepping into another world! Inside, the cave is full of cool rock formations and hidden nooks just waiting to be explored. You can't help but feel a sense of wonder at how nature created such an incredible place. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a cool spot to check out, Remarkable Cave definitely lives up to its name. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Walking platforms were great. Pity that you couldn't access the sand/actual cave (as if people didn't just climb over the railings - quite tricky to do. I didn't, husband did!)

We visited off peak season and so we didn't see the lavender blooming. Still a great experience. The scallop pie was delectable, lots of scallops in it, it was very delicious. We got a couple of lavender tea, an essential oil, nougat and chocolate. Lavender is great for oils, soaps etc although I think the lavender nougat and chocolate is acquired taste. But the lavender milk shake was delightful. Place is clean and quiet, with nice views, nice gift shop and food was delicious. Great place to visit if you are at Port Arthur.

Nice place to visit on your way to Port Arthur historic site, plenty of parking space. The lavender gelato is a must for ice-cream lovers. The cafe has a lot of lavender based sweet treats & drinks. They also have non-lavendar normal menu items, coffee, etc. Lots of seating, both indoor and outdoor. Great views from outdoor seats, looking into the lavender garden and to the water. The shop stocks all things lavender, spoilt with choice. The lavender distillery is a nice display with demo video explaining the oil extraction process. There is a short walking path around a lake. You can take a wander amongst lavender bushes, lovely aroma.

Port Arthur Lavender was a beautiful and peaceful spot, surrounded by stunning views and the soothing scent of lavender everywhere. The gardens were vibrant, the café had lovely lavender-inspired treats, and the whole place felt calm and refreshing. A perfect stop to relax and take in the natural beauty!

A well designed place with a couple of things to do: cafe, gift shop, walk, small tour, small lavender field. The ice cream is nice for $6, the food is fresh, the portion is a bit small, standard price for a tourist place. Free self guided tour around the miniature lavender farm (the actual farm where they harvested the lavender is in Pawleena). This can be a busy place full of tourists.

Must go family owned lavender shop/cafe in Port Arthur that offers a wide variety of lavender flavoured beverages and baked items. Beautiful surroundings and friendly staff. I forgot my jacket and the owner was sweet enough to wait after closure for me to go get it.

Reviewing this as a tourist site feels a little off. You don't need tickets to enter, if you want to eat in with a larger group (especially in inclement weather) you may want to reserve a table first. I had the misfortune to be at Port Arthur Lavender on a wet morning and with a time pressure not allowing me to fully experience the grounds. I wish I'd been able to they look lovely. The gift shop has and extensive line of lavender products from those you expect to some slightly more unusual. There is some beautiful local jewellery for sale. I didn't buy anything but I do regret that decision a little now. We didn't go into the Distillery. The reason I wanted to come here after missing out on my last trip was the cafe, my party was here for brunch before a morning adventure at Eventide Farm. The staff were friendly and were more than willing to give a suggestion between to options. The raisin toast is wonderful and filling The lavender was in the accompanying jam and butter, neither were overwhelming. The hot chocolate had a perfect touch of lavender. If you allow it to cool the lavender taste will get a little stronger. I really appreciate the decorative touch which also provided some of the history of the farm. There is plenty of parking, it is wheelchair accessible and child friendly. There is a contained separate playground area for children and menu for them.

Port Arthur Lavender is one of those stops that starts paying off long before you reach the car park. The drive snakes past bush and bay, then suddenly a sweep of purple opens out beside the water and the air takes on that unmistakable floral note. We arrived mid-morning and followed the pathway that meanders between neat rows of lavender toward a small jetty. With the fields on one side and tranquil Carnarvon Bay on the other, it is hard to decide where to point the camera first. The café makes a strong case for lingering. We shared fluffy lavender scones with a generous dollop of jam and cream, then tried the signature ice cream which somehow manages to taste creamy and refreshing at once. Mains lean local; my calamari came dusted with a subtle lavender salt and sat beside a crisp salad fresh enough to prove the garden is close by. Service is warm and unhurried, the sort that leaves you feeling more like a guest than a customer. Inside the bright shop you can sample everything from essential oils to fudge and hand creams. Staff happily talk through the distillation process without slipping into a sales pitch, and testers mean you can pick out a scent that suits rather than guessing. Prices feel fair given the small-batch production and stunning setting. Entry to the grounds is free, parking is easy, and the whole site is level enough for prams or wheelchairs. Whether you are hunting gifts, a scenic lunch or simply a place to breathe in coastal Tasmanian air scented with lavender, this spot delivers. Five stars from me.

This is a spectacular hike. The terrain is quite challenging and the weather can be unpredictable, but the reward is the stunning scenery. I also loved coming back to the beautiful accommodation and delicious meals after our hikes each day. As a coeliac, my dietary requirements were catered for without a problem. I also really appreciated the adjustments that the guides made for me on day 2 when I had a knee injury and couldn't continue with the planned hike. Ivy accompanied me back to the start of the trail head and took me sightseeing to some stunning sites and then returned me to my accommodation and suggestedsome exercises to help my injury. Thankfully my knee recovered enough for me to complete the last day of the hike.

This was a wonderful experience. The walks were challenging but we were rewarded with spectacular views. Danny was a great guide. Accommodation and meals were excellent at the beautiful Stewart Bay Lodge. I walked with six others (inc Judy Mullen see her review). I’d highly recommend the walk and will be looking for other walks with LAA.

An Incredible tour. Tasmania is stunning & the team did a wonderful job keeping us fed, safe and entertained. It wouldn’t have been nearly as good without our guides Casper & Tim. Already looking for the next trip

Best guided hike. Great adventure, fully caters for all ages. The 3 guides were friendly and knowledgeable. Accommodation and meals were amazing. Views were spectacular and worth the long undulating trek. Always layer up and you can take off layers if you need. 10 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The best way to do the 3 Capes Walk if you prefer to get a deeper knowledge of the area you're experiencing. Life's an Adventure really look after their guests an elevate the 3 days of spectacular walks and delicious Tasmanian food.

Three Capes was my first walking holiday and I was a bit nervous as to how I would go. Tim and Casper our amazing guides were ready with encouragement and walking options to suit my level. I felt confident setting out each day with my lovely group of friends who were more experienced walkers. Our accommodation, meals and walking trails were planned perfectly. The scenery was diverse and beautiful. It was a wonderful trip and I look forward to my next walking adventure!

What an experience! Tough at times but always worth it. Views magnificent and guides excellent. Danny had us all laughing and had an amazing knowledge of the area with lots of stories to tell. Ivy was just lovely and her knowledge too was impressive. Her love of the culture and nature was clear and she shared it really well. Weslee was friendly and helpful and keen to share her health and fitness knowledge which was particularly helpful to me. The guides were friendly and engaging and nothing was too much trouble. They stayed with stragglers and motivated those who were tired. All in all, really great three days of walks (not for the unfit) and I'd definitely recommend to others. Food and accommodation was lovely too.

Absolutely worth the drive from Hobart! McHenry Distillery is tucked away in a stunning location and delivers on every front. The selection of whiskey, gin, and even beer is top-notch—there’s something for everyone. We opted for a tasting and weren’t disappointed. The highlight though? The large cheese platter. Three different local cheeses, all perfectly paired with the drinks—honestly, some of the best we’ve had. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and welcoming. Highly recommend adding this to your Tassie itinerary.

Opens 12pm to 4pm. Tasting flights available for gins, whisky and beers. Love the sloe gin, first time trying it and buying them home. Get the cheese platter too it goes well with the tasting flight. Come and enjoy! Super friendly people too.

Tucked away on a stunning side road to Port Arthur, McHenry is definitely worth stopping at. Gins, Whiskeys, Vodka - a big range for a tasting paddle. A beautiful cheese platter prepared at a moment’s notice by the knowledgeable Sam. What a great experience!

Epic tour with Scott!!! Get in the vault & try the barrel aged solera!!! So many great gins & whiskies! Don’t miss Allie in the cellar door! Stayed at the Brewers Cabin for a couple nights. So comfortable & all the amenities!!

McHenry Distillery was a fantastic place to visit to try some stellar whiskey's and gins! The Damson gin was a unique flavour and easy sipping gin. Scott was fantastic and providing all the info on the products offered

We had a lovely day out at McHenry Distillery. We had the flights of gin and whisky and were well looked after during our time here. It’s also super pretty surrounds and we were able to sit out on the deck.

Great spot for gin, whisky, or beer. We tried all three. The large cheese plate is a perfect choice for lunch for 2 people with a sampling of local ingredients. Less than 10 minutes from the Port Arthur historical area. Don’t be scared by the gravel road, it’s no trouble.

Great tour but not much free time to explore spaces to take photos in between the stories. This was our only complaint. You can book to look during the day but we would have preferred time to explore more at night. Unsure if this is an option currently. Great friendly staff, overall it was a great experience. The tour guide was awesome, great character. Captured something in the two photos below that were taken one after the other in the same position. We will be back to do a longer tour to explore more next time. Beautiful spot and 100% worth the drive. We arrived right before our tour, recommend going earlier to explore during the day. Also great price. Thank you all.

We joined the Ghost Tour, and our guide Victoria made the whole experience absolutely fantastic! She brought every story to life with her energy and storytelling — just the right mix of mystery, humour, and chills. The tales she shared really make you stop and think about the dark and eerie history behind the place. You could feel the suspense building with every stop, and she kept everyone completely hooked. It was spooky, fun, and full of fascinating details — definitely an experience worth doing!

The ghost tour was fabulous. Our guide had so must knowledge of the history and the ghosts on the site. Very dramatic and delightful story telling. Very well priced for the tour, we left on time and we were greeted with a smile. Make sure you pre purchase your tickets from their site to get the time you want. Well worth doing and we will be back. Highly recommended!

A must do tour, very different place after dark hear about some hauntings, history and guides experiences. Even if you're not into ghosts it is worth seeing the place in the dark, some great photo opportunities

Amazing tour guide Dave made it a fun and informative night! Highly recommend!

A huge thank you to Sue for coming out in the car to collect my bestie who was not coping with the tour. 1 or 2 every night abandons the tours. It's okay to tell your guide and ask to leave, don't let your party tell you otherwise. I was on the early tour (dusk) in the off season so it was fairly quiet for us. But it was a big group. I had a great time. My tour guide (my apologies I forgot her name) was a very good story teller and chose a good selection of ghosts to tell us about. I did like finding out that the Lady in Blue had a suspected identity now. I highly recommend doing one of the Port Arthur Ghost Tours if you are in the area. Your experience depends very much on you, your group and your tour guide. If you are open to the idea of the supernatural it may be different to those more closed off. But as long as you want to have fun you will. If you are nervous take one of the middle lanterns, it helps. Your group influences your enjoyment only through their pace, willingness to listen and attitude. Your tour guide is the biggest factor. They are the one who decides what stories your hear, where you go. All of them are fantastic but their styles are different. I do recommend staying nearby overnight if you participate or being very careful driving home. There is plenty of wildlife in the area.

Bernard is the best tour guide ever!! Had such a spooky, fun night. 5 months later and I still think about this experience fondly. Made our whole trip to Hobart! Recommend staying at the Port Arthur motor inn so you don’t have to drive home with the ghosts (there are actually a lot of wallabies on the road that’s why I didn’t want to drive at night) even though I was in a hilux. Stay safe out there. 👻🏮 xoxo Lantern Bearer no. 4

Absolutely amazing place to see, so much history! This will always be a core memory of places to see for our family. We also took our toddler it was family friendly I recommend asking about a stroller to use as he has tired legs quickly! Everyone was friendly and helpful.

Its easy to miss without a map but this is an impressive prison completely restored with an abundance of stories to be read, a shocking part of convict history

I enjoyed learning about the Separate Prison's history. Its focus on solitary reflection was interesting. Exploring the site gave me a glimpse into a significant time in Australian history.

This is a heart wrenching place to visit. Prisoners stated that they would rather the cat o'nine tails than to be put in this separate prison. So damaging was this prison that they had to build an asylum right next to it. This asylum imprisoned the mentally disturbed prisoners upon their release from the Separate Prison ...

We loved being able to walk around and learn about the prison from yester years. The tour guide was amazing. He shared lots of information and stories with us. Have visited Port Arthur twice and wouldn't hesitate to visit again. Highly recommend.

The separate prison is a must see when visiting Port Arthur. Convicts had to remain silent during their time here, so I recommend doing the same to get the feel of what life would have been like. Lots of information about those that spent time here. Very eerie when you're able to wander the building without crowds.

An excellent restoration job with lots of information about the people who lived and worked there. Includes an interesting chapel and exercise areas.

I had a fantastic overnight stay in a star-gazing tent, surrounded by bushland with glimpses of the bay through the trees. The tent was cosy and warm (the electric blanket was a bonus), blending comfort with a touch of wilderness. Wallabies, parrots and possums wandered by, making it feel even more magical. Overnight rain on the tent only deepened the connection with nature. In the morning, a short walk to the beach through the bushland, revealed clean, clear water and fresh air. A truly special experience

3 nights in star gazer tent. Lovely view and plenty of wildlife. Clean, great features and was cosy and warm despite the weather (was unsure of booking a 'tent' at this time of year). Kids enjoyed the playground, pump track and DVD library. Stewart's Bay is stunning and only 5-10 minute walk. Staff were very friendly.

I did not have a good experience here. We stayed two nights. I slept on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed, the bed itself was more comfortable than I anticipated but the but creaked like mad whenever I moved. The biggest issues were those manageable by Park Management. When we checked in there were some major issues. There are sliding doors in the cabin, before checked in they hadn't been checked and were off their rails. Not easily movable, we had to physically lift them until I figured out what was going on. The other was unclean dishes, the bowls in particular. Small but on top of everything else I was just frustrated. This was my 4th park in 10 days and by far the worst experience.

Calling all nature lovers! This park has abundant wildlife with an array of amenities for people of all ages. We stayed at two powered sites and were greeted by pademelons and possums all night long. Park management also provide wood fires in two common areas to while away the evenings. Nice walk along Stewart’s trail to the Port Arthur Historic site. We, and other guests, encountered ongoing problems with codes for the security gate at the entrance of the park. Buttons aren’t clear and at one stage we had to wait 30 mins due to a malfunction. Bathrooms a little dated, but still acceptable. Good value for members of motor clubs. The friendly staff gave us some great local tips. Highly recommend!

A very lovely place to stay, the staff are friendly and have lots of info. The park itself is quite large and clean with the best camp kitchen I have ever seen at a camp site. Well worth staying here!

RUDE RECEPTIONIST! This is a lovely place, and overall we had a great stay with a wonderful experience. However, at check-out, things went very wrong. We were a little late (around 30 minutes), and the gate didn’t open, so we asked the receptionist for help. Instead of handling the situation professionally, the lady at the front desk (wearing glasses) was rude and humiliating. I even felt discriminated against by the way she confronted me. If she had spoken politely and explained the issue, I would have happily paid the extra charge for overstaying. But the way she treated me completely ruined the end of our trip. Because of this, I would not want to come back here if the same receptionist continues serving guests. Hospitality should always make guests feel respected, even when problems arise. Sadly, this was not the case.

Overnight stay at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park in a Studio Cabin. It was a bit on the small side (especially the bathroom) but it was clean, warm, modern and nicely furnished. WiFi was good too.

Wrong GPS !!!! We drove from main road to small country road. The location was private area. we just noticed that not even closed to the sea - - " wasting time to drive here please try another words to search for penisula. Good luck!!

Breathtaking views!!! There is a small cafe truck in the beginning and the view from that angle with a cup of hot coffee is amazing.Totally worth the visit

Consider this...... Way too expensive! Expect to pay $40.00 to $60.00 for x1 Adult. Guess more aimed at rich Asians who don't mind forking out that much considering the place is loaded with them. Call it what you like, but it is what it is..and i don't mind spitting out the truth. 😌

You owe it to yourself to Visit. Highest cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Plenty of Tasmania History, including landscapes and convict settlements. It’s rugged beauty and wild untouched areas is like something out of a screen saver. The Tasman Peninsula is a must visit.

My second home.. I have alot of love for this place as most my family/friends reside here.. And all my favourite spots to visit.. That i reccomend Bangors vineyard Pirate’s Bay Lookout Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck and the Dog Line Doo Town Doo-lishus food van, blow hole & fossil bay look out Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen Waterfall Bay Federation Artisan Chocolate Tasmanian Devil Unzoo Rosedale Homestead Fortescue Bay- bivouac bay, cape huay, cape pillar/ three capes track Port Arthur Lavender Farm Port Arthur Helicopter Port Arthur Historic site Port Arthur boat cruises Port Arthur golf course Remarkable Cave and Maingon Bay Lookout/ mt brown Cresent bay McHenry Distillery Cape Raoul Track (stormlea) Ship stern bluff Roaring beach Lime bay Coal Mines Historic Site

Lovely

Fabulous scenery around Tasman Peninsula. Great views of the coast from Pennicot Wilderness journeys.

A short distance away from the Port Arthur Historic Site, across the harbour, lies the extremely lonely Isle of the Dead, Port Arthur's unique island cemetery. This small island, which historically was referred to as Dead Island, is only about an acre in size and is the resting place for some 1500 convicts, free from the tyranny of man mostly in unmarked graves, but some in mass graves or multiple burial sites. On the higher ground, on a separate patch and in individual graves marked by headstones, is the burial of about 500 others including Port Arthur Surgeon George Robertson, the Chaplain Rev George Eastman, officers and soldiers, and their wives and children who followed them to the end of the earth, Van Diemen's Land. While there's not much to be seen on Dead Island or the cemetery today, the historical photos included here show what the Island and its cemetery looked like some 100 year ago.

Tour of this island was the best part of the historic penitentiary.

Guide tour of a very lonely place, some great history behind all the convicts and “free” settlers gravestones.. Worth a look 👀

You can take a short boat ride that travels around the island, but no tourists boats stop here. It's too small to accommodate groups, and it would also disrupt the last resting place of both convicts and workers alike. Convicts are buried close to the waterline, with their former guards and others from the "colony" buried higher.

Small island with 1100 graves. Great to see from the boat ride

Supportive staff and nice food on cruise. Short visit to island.

This is in the dead centre of the bay, lol. 1100 people buried here, from convicts to military people. Very small island. You can do a tour of the island from the Port Arthur Discovery Centre.

Had a really lovely meal here. The views are stunning, of the water and forest. The decor is a little outdated vs. the food which was really delicious. The staff were really busy, but friendly and managed to fit us in, but we did experience quite a few delays with wait times and things like drinks / water / additional items - but the food was really good. We had the prawns (with a delicious pesto sauce) and fish of the day which was an incredible tuna. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area, much the best meal for miles!

Lovely wait staff and the food was great. It’s slightly disappointing that the main meals and one of the drinks we wanted weren’t available. We settled for an entree and a side each and staff seemed happy to accomodate this. The sauce on the pork belly croquettes was slightly too overpowering for the sauce to croquette ratio. With a limited menu there wasn’t a whole lot else to choose from. Food did come out pretty quickly for how busy it looked.

Wow..wow..wow! On the Bay definitely made my last night in Tassie worthwhile. As a coeliac, there were plenty of gluten free options and the wonderful waitress understood my condition. Started off with the Ceviche which honestly blew my mind with the flavour, my mum had the freshest oysters paired with lemon. Onto main, the Jerk Chicken with mashed plantains was succulent and a perfect size. The highlight.. the Crème Caramel with wattleseed! As I also have a nut allergy, the macadamia brittle was removed by the chef prior to serving… when I say this is the best dessert I ever had, it was! That wattleseed sprinkle (which is custom made by the chef) was tempting me into getting a second plate! On the Bay has excellent service, a stunning view and is worth every cent. As we stayed on the property we had our wonderful guest services book a table the night before, she suggested that it’s very popular and a booking is a must!

We had a lovely dinner here. Kids had burgers, husband had fish and chips, I had that beetroot salad, and saltbush and pepper calamari, we also ordered the broccoli. The food was amazing, the staff really friendly, and the atmosphere was great

Oh my wow amazing food and service but definitely need to book! We had the squid and 6 oysters followed by the lamb and fish of the day with broccolini. The service was fabulous and the food just amazing. Definitely would highly recommend

Absolutely incredible food! The staff are very friendly and accommodating. It's well worth the visit

Nice restaurant with a good atmosphere. There is a lot of variety of food, a standard and vegetarian menu. The food is delicious. We ordered steak and lamb. The service is good, too.

If you're interested in Cemeteries and reading headstones the tour is very disappointing. There is now a fenced in board walk that takes you around the island and unfortunately it means everything is too far to read. The guide told interesting stories of the history but spoke for so long it was very difficult to follow. If you just want to see the island do the tour. If you want to read headstones and get a feel for all whom rest here just avoid the tour all together.

Isle of the Dead, or Dead Island as it was historically referred to, is the small and extremely lonely island located across Mason Cove harbour at Port Arthur. It is called Isle of the Dead because it is the final resting place for some 1500 of Port Arthur's convicts and about 500 others including Port Arthur Surgeon George Robertson, the Chaplain Rev George Eastman, officers and soldiers, and their wives and children who died and are buried there. While there's not much to be seen on Isle of the Dead today, the historical photos included here show what the Island and its cemetery looked like some 100 years ago.

An island used as a cemetery from 1833-77 for convicts, military personnel, women and children. You can purchase a ticket to visit the Isle of the Dead as part of your entry to Port Arthur. It was well worth the visit by boat to hear about the stories of those buried at the island. Even in death there was a hierarchy to how graves were allocated. Worth the visit if you're interested in our history.

The most obvious part about visiting this island is being unsure about whether or not I walked across any graves, considering the number of people buried on such a small island.

We did the tour from Port Arthur. Lots of history and very interesting. A bit creepy too!

Reach out for a boat ride to visist a place full of sad legends. If the captain of the boat is in a good mood, he will drive it, for a short time, outside the safe line of the bay shore, leting you experience what was to navigate on open sea in that time... Turning back will be the tough part.

Port Author is a REALLY good place to visit. The ferry to the Isle of the Dead is an interesting spot

Super interesting historic site with lovely views. Go to the lookout at the top, the view is worth it.

I would recommend a guided tour or attendong the session. Self-guided tour can be overwhelming or maybe get boring.

This building holds so much history, suffering, rehabilitation and hope. Probably also despair! It really is huge and congrats in preserving what is left, a never ending job. The morning talk was done with enthusiasm and knowledge, well done! It’s important to read as much as possible to get the full history so taking your time is a good idea.

A Must-Visit Historic Site – Port Arthur Port Arthur is a place filled with deep history and heartbreaking stories. Walking through the site, you can truly feel the weight of its past, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Australia’s history. Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the site is quite large and spread out. There’s plenty to do beyond exploring the ruins—the evening ghost tour adds a chilling experience, the ferry tour offers a great perspective of the area, and there are plenty of food spots nearby to enjoy a meal after a day of exploring. Port Arthur is a fascinating and emotional place that’s well worth the visit. Highly recommended!

Too large to comfortably do in one day. Just as well the tickets cover two consecutive days. This said, we had a perfect single day here. The guides were very knowledgeable. So take a photo of the guided talks times list near the entrance and rock up at the appropriate times. Have fun.

A great walk through part of Australia’s penal history. Very interesting to hear the narrative change over ten years and removal of the Broad Arrow references, on the grounds that this was a Government mark and had nothing to do with Port Arthur. It was being pushed hard ten years ago, to the extent that we even made Broad Arrow stamped bricks on-site! Anyway, if “reform” is what it is all about now, it was still harsh conditions for the In-Mates…

Excellant staff. Reflective place for what people were and are capable of inflicting on each other more now on the compassion and support which the staff exemplify. Great ammenities good fair food drink seating. If two criticisms its seating in shade please and increase the number of disability carriages before you wear out the good spirit of the drivers you have.

A lovely place to watch the unfold thrilling waves of the sea. A viewer can see the infinite destination of the seas and create poems and lyrics beyond a normal imagination!

I really enjoyed this lookout which gives an amazing view along the coastline for a long way. The power of the waves smashing into the base of the cliffs shows how these tunnels and caves are formed, removing weaker rock. Very good car parking even for long vehicles and good toilets. Nat Park Pass is required

It is one of the most beautiful place I have visited in Australia and it is one of the south most part in Australia which you can visit other than southport Today it was sunny and very good climate not so hot not so cold and the scenery was mesmerising, one should visit this place in this season.

Great walk down and views of the remarkable cave.

Maingon Bay Lookout offers a great view and is well worth the visit. It’s quite windy, so be sure to bring a jacket. There is plenty of parking available, and it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint. The scenery is breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for a quick and scenic stop. There is a toilet here. Really windy.....

A nice spot with beautiful panoramic views. Parking is mearly a few metres from the viewing platform and access couldn't be easier. It's right next to the remarkable cave,but you will need to climb stairs to access the cave. Worth the trip if your already in or around port arthur.

While it’s somewhat brisk, the view is truly breathtaking. Don’t forget to head up the stairs to check out the incredible cave.

Great spot, fantastic scenery and very interesting, but sad history..

Beautiful area untouched and has a historical nature to it and the landscapes plus ocean view are exquisite.

Nothing left to see from the original point but a good history spot to see from the boat

(Translated by Google) Sitting on the boat and resting, without going to the island, just looking at the photos is enough (Original) 坐在船上休息，并没有登岛，看看照片足以

(Translated by Google) You just can’t get to it... we ordered a tender (Original) До него просто так не добраться..заказывали тендер

(Translated by Google) Splendid. (Original) Herrlich.

An excellent trip. Good amount of information from the guides and lots of wildlife sightings. Two or three humpbacks, quite a few Albatross, lots of Shearwaters, Fur seals and a couple of Sea eagles. We travelled by bus from Port Arthur to Eaglehawk neck and sailed back to the jetty at Port Arthur. It was a bit choppy with lots of spray on the way back but waterproof capes are provided.

Saw seals, whales, dolphins and birds. It's worth it, doesn't feel rushed. The staff were great! Best to wear waterproof shoes/ rain boots, hoodie (instead of caps or beanie since it's very windy) and neck gaiter/ mask (available at the counter for free). Front row of the boat is more bumpy but has a better view. There are holes where sea water comes in, so the shoes can get wet. Middle row can hear the commentary better. Back row is the least bumpy. Not much space to put belongings and no time to do anything else, so it's best to just bring camera/phone only. Items can be left at the shop. Won't actually get wet unless it's raining, except for the shoes where the water come into the boat.

Joining the Tasman Island Cruises was truly one of the highlights of our Tasmania trip! Although the weather wasn’t great when we went — cold and windy — the overall experience was still absolutely amazing. Even with the chilly wind and the bumpy ride, nothing could dampen the excitement of witnessing the breathtaking coastal scenery. From sea caves to towering cliffs, seals to seabirds — every moment was stunning. A huge shout-out to the crew! The female captain was incredible — not only was her driving skill impeccable, but she also thoughtfully provided us with hand warmers, which was such a sweet touch. You can really tell how passionate and dedicated the entire team is. Their professionalism and enthusiasm made us feel safe, cared for, and truly welcomed. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Tasmania! Just remember to dress warmly, especially if the weather isn’t ideal.

Absolute must do! We had best morning on the Tasman Island Cruise. Tim and Jonty were an awesome crew, full of interesting knowledge and fun facts. Although weather was cold there was no wind or swell. Saw seals, dolphins and glimpses of whales. Loved it ❤️

An experience of a lifetime! Thank you to Jordan and Ben for guiding us through, telling us about wildlife and really cool and old rocks! We were lucky enough to see all kinds of wildlife both in water, on shore and in air! Would 100% recommend to go in whale season!! Seeing a humpback whale is one of the most crazy things I have ever witnessed. And thanks to Molly for getting us tickets same day!

One of my best activities in Tassie! It was a bit pricy but totally worth it! The team were amazing and the good thing is they do what they love! We saw dollies, seagulls, and even multiple whales! What a good timing for us to visit Tassie when the whales are swimming back to Antartica. Shoutout to Zoe for taking care of me with my motion sickness and Drew for entertaining us during the trip!

100% recommend! You can truly experience the roaring 40 （Southern Westerlies— even along the coast, the waves can reach 2–3 meters. We saw seals, whales Following the rugged coastline, you’ll pass dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and a solitary lighthouse. There’s no land south of here until Antarctica — it really feels like the edge of the world, facing the full force of the Roaring Forties and polar winds. An unforgettable encounter with nature!

Visited on a calm day, so no dramatic action. Almost missed it under the bridge. Can imagine on a high rough sea day. Was a lovely walk anyway. Uneven ground, but not to demanding. 1 hr return at a leisurely pace.

Took us 40 minutes round trip. The views were stunning and the blowhole was neat. A great little walk! Would definitely recommend if you have time!

To be honest, it was a bit of a letdown to see this. Especially after seeing the Remarkable Cave. The path is an easy walk along the coastline from the carpark. But, there is NO SIGNAGE at the Blowhole. I actually walked straight over the bridge and had to turn back to find it. The noise of the wind and the distance of the Blowhole below the bridge is probably why l missed it. Needs simple signage.

Just 19 min walk from the parking. Nice view of the caves on one side. Ample parking and toilet facility available. Suitable for family with kids. On a sunny day, the views are stunning.

Disappointed with this one. There's a big hole in the ground that you can hear the ocean down. Unfortunately you cannot see anything. Would skip if I knew what it was like. The trail was a bit boring to get there also with minimal views on the way and muddy sections after rain.

Short walk from Maingon Bay Lookout. Unusual blow hole as it is more like a crevasse the the ocean has cut into the rock. Unfortunately, we were there on a calm beautiful day so we did not see much action.

Nice walk to the blowhole however I do not feel it was worth it. It was about a 20-30 minute walk there and not too hilly. The views along the walk were nice. The blowhole was not active, most likely due to low tide and calm waters. There is good parking close to the remarkable caves, there is also toilets but there is no drinkable water & a lack of cell service.

The old Convict Church at the historic Port Arthur Penal Settlement, was built by convict prisoners back in 1836-37 using stone and timber from the surrounding forest. It was devastated by a fire in 1884 so all that stands today is the stone outer walls. The Church, built in a Gothic style, was built on the high ground overlooking the penal settlement and was large enough to hold over one thousand during its services. It was compulsory that the prison population attend the Sunday service held in the church but this seemed to have little impact on reformation. It's very popular today for weddings and community events.

The church seems solid. Why not put a roof back on it? It is in a beautiful setting despite the tough history.

One of the nicest views from the inside of the church. It is like the ruins in a fictional tale. Awesome.

Definitely worth seeing, a lot of changes made to entrance, personally I prefer the old entrance but I guess it had to happen.

convict church @2013

Fabulous ..... what more can one say ?

Such a great historical site Port Arthur is

I was stunned by everything. As I am a history freak, I want to go back ASAP!! The place, history, atmoshphere was fascinating... I want to dig the history deeper, more and more. Can't imagine how people actually live there with someone tortured them...

Not very clearly marked but has a cafe. Basic snack level food, pleasant enough, not cheap but not surprising. Don't expect eggs benedict or an omelette but fine for a pit stop. The museum aspect is relatively minimal, a video and a few signs, well presented but not hugely in depth.

The mental healthcare workers here at this time were pioneers of an innovative therapy. It's a peaceful place in an otherwise sombre environment.

The restaurant itself was absolutely beautiful with some amazing views from the historic buildings, it was very casual but at the same time very decadent. The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic as you are greeted with smiles from the staff. They were all very welcoming and helpful if you need some help deciding what to order. The food was absolutely delicious didn’t take too long to come out and was just as delicious as it is beautiful. I ordered the wallaby porterhouse along with the side of potatoes and for dessert the chocolate mousse. Everything was spectacular would definitely recommend stopping here if you’re looking for a place to eat while in port aurthur

My wife and I had the absolute best experience at 1830 Restaurant and Bar. From the moment we arrived, we were treated to warm and attentive service from Sarah — making us feel incredibly welcome and ensured every part of our evening was flawless. The meal itself was exceptional—every dish was bursting with flavour and beautifully presented. It’s clear that Olivia and Molly in the kitchen take great pride in showcasing the best of Tasmanian produce. To top it all off, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the Port Arthur Historic Site from our table, which added a magical touch to the entire evening. This place is a perfect blend of atmosphere, service, and unforgettable food. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. It it was closer to home it would be on favourites rotation for sure Thank you

Unfortunately the food was quite a let down, some of the oysters were still cold in the middle and the braised beef was too dry to cut with the knife provided. The chicken was flavourless. No salt or pepper on tables which would have helped and we never got asked again if we wanted anymore drinks, the staff are lovely though Would chase something else up if you're looking for a meal before the ghost tour

We had dinner there and service was super! Food was good, we ordered Wallaby, Octopus. And a vege, only the Leek was abit bland. Dont miss the Bitter Choc Mousse! To die for!!

It is a really lovely restaurant and the perfect place to have a meal after exploring Port Arthur. The menu is fantastically written with a nice selection of dishes designed to be shared. We had the wallaby, chicken, cabbage, and potato and shared all 4. This was a good amount of food. The food was really tasty, and I highly recommend the wallaby! They accommodated us arriving a couple of hours early, and our table had a lovely view of the penitentiary, which is lit up after dusk. The restaurant was incredibly cold, and after a chill from walking around the site, it wasn't ideal to sit in a cold room. People were dining with their coats and hats on. We also waited almost an hour for our food, which really didn't bother us as we weren't extremely hungry, but there was only a table of 4 and a table of 6 in before us. So maybe not a quick dine option. That being said, the waitress was really lovely and acknowledged the wait time and apologised for it. Would still recommend

A nice way to end the day after visit the historical site. The restaurant overlook the old prison / bakery, provided a good view for the dinner. We had the oyster which come with three sauces, grill octopus, fish of the day - dory, braised Angus beef. Desserts are dark chocolate mousse and Apple crumble crème brûlée.. All dishes are well presented and taste great. Epically the fish, which is very soft and cook to perfection. I like the crème brûlée more than the chocolate mousse. Overall a very good dining experience.

A must do in Port Arthur ! Creative and meticulous food , even the bread is baked on premises , there is also a good kids menu available, friendly staff , perfect experience before or after the Ghost Tour !

Needs a little more signage, you'd walk right past it. It's nice but could do with some more flowers etc., especially as it is supposed to be a memorial garden. You can access it for free to pay your respects, if you go and ask the staff. They will give you a pass just for it.

Such a peaceful garden and the shell of the cafe where Australia’s worst massacre took place in the year 2000. I couldn’t help but think about all the people that would have been eating at the restaurant when the shooting took place. Many of them tourists, never to return home. I liked the leaves in the water representing each person that died.

This was great to see. A beautiful place with wonderful views. It was great to see the memorial for the victims of the massacre.

Very sobering and moving experience, if you know anything about what happened at that very spot. I didn’t take photos as I felt that would be wrong, just my feelings about it and not a criticism

I was not affected directly by the events of 1996 but I like to go to this place to respect the memory of those caught up in the events of that day and who suffered and still continue to suffer, in this place that has a long history of suffering. I'll note the words written on the remembrance pool "May we who come to this garden cherish life for the sake of those who died; Cherish compassion for the sake of those who gave aid; Cherish peace for the sake of those in pain". Today I choose to remember the acts of heroism and self sacrifice, and then continue on my way around the historic site on a lovely sunny day.

Very touching memorial, a reminder if very tragic quite recent events.

Wow...such a quiet and peaceful setting created out of the ruins of a catastrophic time in our worlds history. Make of it what you will, but it is definitely a drawing place for reflection and redirection for the moral compass. The truth may never be known, but as long as we can take a positive and constructive bearing from events such as this, then I truly believe the monument has served its purpose. May they all rest in peace, Amen.

The Government Gardens at Port Arthur were originally established in the late 1840s as an outdoor leisure area for the military and civil officials at the penal settlement. The existing gardens is a historically re-created landscape using an 1858 survey and extensive research of historical photographs and investigations including soil analysis, geophysical and archaeological investigations. As you can see from the photographs here, it's a very pleasant walk through the gardens along the path leading up to the Government Cottage and it's just as beautiful overlooking the gardens from the front veranda of the Cottage.

Beautiful gardens, impeccably looked after.

A really nice maintained garden with great flowers and shrubs.

Nice gardens

beautiful plants

Such an amazing place! Excellent communication all along from reservation to during our stay. We had the best night's sleep - really comfortable bed and completely silent at night. The stars in the night sky were amazing, we spent ages stargazing before going to bed. The other stars are of course the cows! Huge thanks to Rod who gave us a great tour and let us get right up close and brush the cows, they were amazing, such lovely animals. All the while the hens pecking around us too, and the friendliest dog tagging along as well. Couldn't have asked for more and we were sad to leave. If we were coming again I'd stay two nights for sure, especially when you buy a ticket for Port Arthur Historic site and it can be used over two days, because it's just a few minutes down the road.

Kim and Rob were wonderful hosts as was Dozer the dog. The accommodation was very comfortable and the location was perfect for visiting Port Arthur Historic Site and the Remarkable Caves. The highlight was Hanging out with Rod and brushing the Highland Cows. Rod was so generous in sharing his cow knowledge and the time he gave us with Angus and the other cows. This was truly the highlight, the stars and milky way at night with no light pollution wasn also an experience. We can highly recommend staying at Ruby's Cottage. Thanks for having us! Melinda and Paul from Brisbane.

Kim and Rob are great hosts! The accommodation was beautiful and well maintained with a lot of essentials and food options for breakfast. We really loved the farm tour and the location was perfect for port arthur being very close to everything. Thanks for having us!

If you are looking to get away somewhere other than the usual, boring holiday apartments and somewhere with an amazing view of the countryside, close to Port Arthur and Remarkable Cave, then look no further. Ruby's Cottage is a cute stay up on the hill above the site that suits up to 4 people (2 couples or a couple and two children who are happy to share a bed). It includes aircon, good, free wifi, a functioning kitchen, and TV with Netflix. It also has a BBQ, firepit, and outdoor table and chairs. The beds are comfortable, and the house is clean and not cluttered. The owners, Kim and Rod, are wonderful hosts who are more than happy to chat and show you around the property and even let you pat the cows if you want. One thing to be aware of, the road to their house is dirt. My 2-wheel drive had no issues getting there but drive cautiously as it is only just wide enough for two cars. Also, keep an eye out for the local widelife. We saw three Tasmanian Devils run across the road in the evening, driving back from dinner.

My friend and I had a very relaxing night staying at Ruby's place. It was lovely being surrounded by farm animals and loads of beautiful scenery. Rod and Kim are very friendly with a fantastic level of communication. Everything we needed was supplied and if we were there for longer we may have had a chance to explore the awesome surroundings. Would recommend a stay if you love peace and quiet and a break from city living. 😁

Thanks to Rod for introducing my boys to his cows and making this stay an absolute delight for them. The cottage is in perfect proximity for Port Arthur Historic Site and Tasman Island Cruises, within 3 mins drive. Stunning views out to Tasman Island and the Isle of the Dead.

Our bed wasn't very comfy. No table and chairs INSIDE, too cold to sit outside😔 for breakfast. there could be a heater or electric blanket in bedrooms. Had to leave doors open to get some heat from open fire. Breakfast provisions aplenty. Have seen beautiful Highland cows from afar. Very friendly Host and loved the Dog😊

Be sure to walk the gardens. The trees here are magnificent

Restored Commandant's house.....worth the time to wander through. A Guide was on hand on the day I visited....he was very happy to answer all any questions about house and the remainder of the site.

Maybe the best place of the area, at least you can see how they live in the past

Had a great guide that knew the history of the house in great detail

Very informative and beautifully restored. Very informative and worthy of 20-30 minutes.

very cool house, gave me vibes though because a ghost was there lol

Beautifully restored and maintained

Simple B&B in fantastic location, right next to a lovely, quiet beach with views to the giant sea cliffs. Breakfast was self-service via items provided in the fridge but proved plenty to start our day.

Very enjoyable experience. We altered our plans to stay here longer. Beautiful view and nice location.

Wonderful seafront accommodation. Very comfortable with everything you could require--and probably more. Highly recommended

It was fantastic waking up to the sound of the waves and the sun pouring in the window

A stunning location and friendly personal service from Rex and Sue!

Great location, quite and comfortable

Stunningly beautiful beach!!

The hospital is kept in pretty good shape of what it’s left by the amazing people who worked their butts off to keep the structure the way it is till this day.

They've done a great job trying to preserve what's left of the hospital. Worth walking up to

Interesting to find the township of Carnarvon in the middle of Carnarvon Bay. It wasn't wet when I was standing in the middle of town. Annoyingly, Google Maps prefers the accuracy of its accommodation advertising than the accuracy of its actual maps. Should rename Google Maps to Google Advertising

Beautiful bay...clear calm water ...perfect

The ferry tour was very informative

Being asthmatic I did struggle with the uphill walks, but inhaler at hand, & dogged determination, I am so pleased I made the walk. I didn’t go down to the water’s edge however. The view from the lookout was simply spectacular. The track was easy to follow & I walked my way through beautiful trees & lovely outlooks.

There’s a really good walk here you can do super beautiful loved it also lots of beautiful wildlife along the way

Ship Stern Bluff is Australia's most famous 'big surf' site. Watch YouTube videos to get a feel for 'Shippies' on a big day. It also makes for a very rewarding 3-4 hour hike. You start out walking in gum forest, then suddenly emerge at the lookout, which is breathtaking on a clear, sunny day. Then you descend on a zigzag path down the cape, followed by winding your way through bracken fern and scrub, ending with steep stairs to the base of the Bluff itself, and onto a rocky shelf. Wear good shoes, long pants (to avoid being scratched by the scrub), bring water and have a rain jacket handy, as the weather can turn quickly. If you're tempted to divert to Tunnel Bay on the return trek, be warned. The track ends at the 'floor' of Tunnel Bay, which is essentially a swamp, impassable after heavy or repeated rainfall, and you may be unable to reach your destination.

What a place! We made the trek out here for the Red Bull Cape Fear surf camp. We didn’t get 100ft waves but they were still massive. The walk from the car park took about 90 minutes and was breathtaking. Definitely worth the hike

What a magnificent place. The walk was quite fun there, as we walked downhill but way back was quite not as fun. So make sure you go early and, go there first while you got more juice in you. If you plan on going to the other lookout at Cape Raoul. The big waves are very hard to catch, but the view was well worth the walk. Nothing like having lunch looking out to the ocean at the giant rock cliff.

Fantastic scenery definitely worth the effort of walking the track all the way down to the beach. Some areas can be challenging therefore a level of fitness is required, especially for the steep incline back up to the car park.

Most Amazing views, well worth the climb . Very well maintained track. It took us 2 hrs to just do the lookout points. Definitely coming back.

Cruise ship in Port today, so BUSY!!! Amazing to know these were crafted from cut sandstone 150 years ago

The Guard Tower with its history and the guards who worked their time there. Unfortunately, you can’t climb the top to check out what’s on in the inside. It’s still pretty cool though.

The guard tower in of itself is basically an empty shell. This said, as part of the whole Port Arthur experience it is very photogenic.

The Guard Tower on Champ St, with its flanking walls and turrets, is another one of the remaining ruins at the historic Port Arthur Penal Settlement. As well as being one of two towers that watched over the penal site, the Watch Tower served as a storeroom for guns and ammunition. It also had a guard room and cells for holding civilian offenders and female convict servants. The Union Jack was flown over the tower when a ship was entering or leaving the harbor and whenever a dignitary of note was visiting the site. The viewing platform at the front of the tower provides a stunning view across the cove. In 1839, Captain Laplace wrote of the tower and described it as “a sort of tower in the medieval style, from the top of which the soldier on duty can observe all that goes on in the surrounding area and look to the security of the homes of the principal officers of the establishment.” The photographs included here, show the ruins of the Watch Tower as it stands today and for comparison, I have also included an historical photo taken back in the 1913.

Nice scene looking out of the tower

Lovely photo op place

The guard tower looks somewhat medievil in style but this is likely the British influence on the architecture. In really good condition and it was wonderful to look around it.

The Pines planted here were to replace the original ones that had reached 100 years old, what changes they’ve lived through! The new ones were planted to continual the memorial avenue and I’m glad that they have as they are well protected within this protected reserve. I couldn’t walk through as the path isn’t dog friendly and I had my pal with me today.

A small memorial walkway from the prison area. Can be quite hard to find given the other main attractions within Port Arthur, and is only recognisable from the sign and short walkway. There's a few plaques at the side of the pathway dedicated to soldiers.

An exceptional memorial. The small walk is really nice between the trees

Immaculate rows of trees in this memorial

Another place to check out that is full of history.

Great place to visit lots to see.

Look for the criteria of walking tours for more inside information. Each area also has a talk tour. Leave plenty of time to cover all of the site. Half way at the Asylum Cafe is a good venue to re-charge.

The old cottage and church were very nice!

Gardens and grounds are immaculately kept. Staff are very friendly and helpful.

Very interesting site with a lot of history worth not losing

Judging by the old photos the natural bush was allowed to be way too close the buildings of the prison and so a raging fire could sweep through the buildings. It would have been a fine property with commanding views over gardens down to the sea, all very civilized for the gentry that lived here, but it never had a permanent resident.

Very nice little cottage, was closed, although i am not sure if it open to the public.

Preserved cottage and reconstruction of how it was during convict era.

nice little homestead

I like how the voice of Smith echos in the little chamber.

I was pleased to see this building open today and to see how well it’s been restored to the style of the time. Not originally a house it was converted for an important prisoner, who was wealthy and educated, so he was well treated. It’s a great read. The view from the cottage is excellent

(Translated by Google) The prison was transformed into a tourist attraction A bit incredible because so beautiful (Original) 監獄改成現在的觀光景點 有點不可思議 因為 太漂亮了

(Translated by Google) This used to be a prison but Now it is a tourist area so beautiful (Original) 這以前是監獄 但 現在是觀光區 真是漂亮

Only a short distance walk from the jetty to see the shipwright's house and the surrounding sites

Shipwrights House @2013

Scorpion lookout within the historic port arthur

Very good view. Have a look and take good photos!

brilliant views

Lovely place!

You can take really good pictures around here

A beautiful piece of old history.

Beautiful garden

Nice fountain.

Part of the entire Port Arthur experience. You must go there...

amazing church!