Major city · Australia
Port Arthur
Give Port Arthur one full day for the historic site and sleep one night on the peninsula, or run it as a 10-hour day trip from Hobart; two nights only if you add the Tasman cruise and a walk.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (long daylight, milder days); Dec–Feb is warmest but busiest
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days; some tours run reduced schedules)
- Airport
- HBA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Port Arthur is a 40-hectare former convict settlement and one of the eleven Australian Convict Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, about 100 km south-east of Hobart. The site alone takes 4–6 hours; the peninsula around it holds the Tasman Island cruise, the Tessellated Pavement and the national park. Most travellers come for a day from Hobart, but one night here removes the 1.5-hour drive back in the dark.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Port Arthur, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyThe peninsula is quiet and safe; the real risks are fast-changing weather, wildlife on the highway at dusk and unlit rural roads.
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 1800 (≈ US$1,200) 659 101 Port Arthur Historic Site (general enquiries)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHBA Hobart Airport (About 1 h 15 min by car via the Tasman and Arthur highways; no public bus to Port Arthur from the airport.).
- Getting aroundNo public transport on the peninsula: you need a car, a tour bus or a taxi.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Street or quick mealCafé sandwich or light mealA$12–22 (≈ US$8–15)
- BeerBeer in a bar / bottle-shop six-packA$9–14 (≈ US$6–10)A$18–25 (≈ US$12–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or motor-inn double room, a night, per roomA$190 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or motor-inn double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$160 (≈ US$110) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HBA Hobart Airport (About 1 h 15 min by car via the Tasman and Arthur highways; no public bus to Port Arthur from the airport.)
Weather and climate
Port Arthur: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C72°F
12°C54°F
9 rd
Feb
22°C72°F
12°C54°F
8 rd
Mar
20°C68°F
11°C52°F
10 rd
Apr
18°C64°F
9°C48°F
11 rd
May
15°C59°F
7°C45°F
12 rd
Jun
13°C55°F
5°C41°F
13 rd
Jul
12°C54°F
4°C39°F
14 rd
Aug
13°C55°F
5°C41°F
13 rd
Sep
15°C59°F
6°C43°F
12 rd
Oct
17°C63°F
8°C46°F
12 rd
Nov
19°C66°F
9°C48°F
10 rd
Dec
21°C70°F
11°C52°F
9 rd
High / low °C°F · rd = rain days
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No public transport on the peninsula: you need a car, a tour bus or a taxi. The historic site itself is walked, with a free courtesy buggy for limited mobility and a 30-minute harbour ferry included in entry. Distances between the site, Eaglehawk Neck and Nubeena are 10–25 km on the Arthur Highway.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Eaglehawk Neck and the Tessellated Pavement
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive north on the Arthur Highway, about 15 min
Free coastal geology and the Dog Line story; combine with the Blowhole and Tasman Arch.
Tasman Island cruise
goDoor to door: Half a day
Departs from the Port Arthur area, 3-hour boat trip
Book ahead; seasick-prone travellers should take medication before boarding.
Nubeena
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive south-west on the B37, about 20 min
Small town with a shop and jetty; not a destination on its own.
Taranna
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive north on the Arthur Highway, about 10 min
Useful for beds and the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo; otherwise a pass-through.
Door to door: 1.5–2 h
Drive the A9 and A3 via Sorell, about 100 kmDrive the A9 and A3 via Sorell, about 62 mi
Fine as a day trip out, but the return in the dark after a full site visit is tiring.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Port Arthur township (Safety Cove Rd and Arthur Hwy)
Closest beds to the historic site gate, 2–5 min drive; motels, villas and a handful of self-contained cottages.
Eaglehawk Neck and Taranna
15–25 min north on the Arthur Highway; cheaper and closer to the Tessellated Pavement and the national park.
Nubeena
About 20 min south-west; small town with a shop and basic lodgings, useful if Port Arthur itself is full.
Hobart
Day-trip base, 1.5 h each way; only sensible if you leave by 07:30 and accept a long day.Day-trip base, 1.5 h each way; only sensible if you leave by 7:30 AM and accept a long day.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or motor-inn double room1 × 1 night × A$190 | A$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$160 | A$320 |
| Historic site entry, adult2 × A$50 · check | A$100 |
| Isle of the Dead or Point Puer guided tour2 × A$35 · check | A$70 |
| Ghost Tour, adult2 × A$40 · check | A$80 |
| Tasman Island cruise2 × A$175 · check | A$350 |
| Fuel, Hobart return, small car1 × A$45 · check | A$45 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$116 |
| Trip total≈ A$636 per person per day, bed included | A$1,271≈ US$850 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Café sandwich or light meal | A$12–22 (≈ US$8–15) |
| Restaurant main | A$28–45 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Beer in a bar / bottle-shop six-pack | A$9–14 (≈ US$6–10) / A$18–25 (≈ US$12–17) |
| Fuel, unleaded | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) per litre (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Weather changes fast: 10–15 °C is normal even in summer, so bring a rain shell and layers.Weather changes fast: 50–59 °F is normal even in summer, so bring a rain shell and layers.
- Book the Isle of the Dead, Point Puer and Ghost Tours ahead; they sell out in peak season and cannot be self-guided.
- The 1996 massacre memorial is on site: visitors are asked not to raise the subject with locals.
- Fuel and food are limited on the peninsula after about 20:00; fill up in Sorell.Fuel and food are limited on the peninsula after about 8:00 PM; fill up in Sorell.
- Wildlife on the road at dusk and dawn: drive slowly between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Port Arthur Historic Site (general enquiries)
- 1800 659 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Port ArthurPort Arthur
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Port Arthur Historic Site1800 659 101
Embassy
No consulates on the peninsula; embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. US citizens: US Consulate General Melbourne (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hobart → Port Arthur by car: about 100 km, 1.5 h, fuel roughly A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) each way (check)about 62 mi, 1.5 h, fuel roughly A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) each way (check)
- Historic site entry, adult: about A$50 (≈ US$35), includes the 30-min harbour ferry (check)
- Tasman Island cruise: about A$175 (≈ US$120) per adult, 3 h (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me (ik-SKYOOZ mee)
- Thanks — Thank you (thanks)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (can I pay by card)
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet? (where is the toilet)
- Is it far? — Is it far? (is it far)
English is the only language you need here.
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Port Arthur. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (long daylight, milder days); Dec–Feb is warmest but busiest · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days; some tours run reduced schedules) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HBA: hire-car pickup times, last sensible departure for the peninsula, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters inside the site with rescue anchors: Visitor Centre, Penitentiary and Commandant's House, Church and Government Gardens, Separate Prison.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (historic site, Isle of the Dead, Point Puer, Ghost Tour) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and ferry fixtures so gates A–D can go green.