Hobart to Port Arthur Bus Service

The experience will start at 7:45 AM from the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Center. The transfer to Port Arthur will take approximately 1.5 hours, as you travel through the beautiful Hobart countryside. Take in the serene sights from the comfort of your air-conditioned bus.

You will reach Port Arthur at around 9:30 AM. You will have 7 hours to explore the historic area and its numerous attractions. Several tours and cruises are available, which you must book in advance to enjoy. Some of the must-see attractions include the Convict Church, the Prison Colony site, and the Isle of the Dead. The Convict Church is an unfinished building that was constructed by the incarcerated themselves. The Isle of the Dead has an estimated 1000 graves, and is located off the coast of Port Arthur. There are several cafes and restaurants located at Port Arthur where you can enjoy lunch and snacks. The return transfer to Hobart is at 4:30 PM. You will be dropped off at your hotel at around 6:00 PM.

Hobart to Port Arthur Bus Service

Discover the historic charm of Tasmania on this full-day sightseeing tour from Hobart, which includes a 1.5-hour transfer through the scenic countryside and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur. This guided tour offers an in-depth look at Australia's convict history with stops at numerous preserved structures built by convicts over the course of 20 years starting from 1830. The bus is equipped for comfort, featuring air conditioning and audio guides available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. You'll spend approximately six hours exploring Port Arthur, where you can walk the well-preserved ruins of the former penal colony, including the iconic Model Prison built in 1842 and the impressive Commandant's House constructed between 1839-1840. The tour covers a total area of around 57 acres, providing visitors with over 20 different sites to explore, each offering unique insights into the lives of convicts and their keepers during the mid-19th century.

Explore Port Arthur's Model Prison

Your tour stops at the Model Prison where you can see one of the most well-preserved convict structures in Australia. Built between 1842 and 1845, this prison housed up to 500 convicts under a strict regime designed to reform them through discipline and labor. The Model Prison spans an area of approximately 3,000 square feet with four wings radiating from a central watchtower. Visitors can walk the cells and corridors where prisoners spent their days in solitary confinement or hard labor. Historical facts include the prison's operation until 1864 when it was converted into a school for paupers and later became part of the Port Arthur Historic Site Museum, which opened to the public in 1970. The Model Prison is unique as one of the few remaining convict sites that still retains its original layout and features, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Australia's colonial past.

Visit the Commandant’s House

At the Commandant’s House, guests can explore one of the largest and most impressive buildings within Port Arthur. Constructed between 1839 and 1840, this Georgian-style house served as the residence for the site's commandant overseeing the penal colony. The building covers an area of around 5,000 square feet with multiple rooms showcasing period furnishings and artifacts from the era. Historical facts include the house’s role in administrative functions until it was abandoned in 1872 when Port Arthur ceased operations as a convict settlement. Visitors can spend about 30 minutes exploring this historic site, learning about the living conditions of high-ranking officials compared to those of convicts. The Commandant’s House stands out for its architectural significance and historical importance, providing context on the social hierarchy within the penal colony.

Experience Port Arthur's Convict Sites

Your tour takes you through various convict sites at Port Arthur, including the ruins of the former prison hospital built in 1845-1846. Covering an area of approximately 2,000 square feet, this site offers visitors a chance to see where sick and injured convicts were treated under harsh conditions. Historical facts include its use until 1877 when it was converted into a school for paupers before falling into disrepair. Visitors can spend about 45 minutes exploring the hospital ruins, gaining insights into medical practices during the convict era. This site is unique due to its preservation and the detailed information provided by audio guides in multiple languages.

Tour Highlights

• Visit historic Port Arthur with guided commentary
• Ride in a premium air-conditioned bus for 1.5 hours each way
• Explore over 20 preserved convict structures built between 1830-1864
• Audio guides available in 10 languages including English, Mandarin, and Spanish
• Learn about the living conditions of convicts at Port Arthur from expert guides
• See the Model Prison built between 1842-1845 with four wings radiating from a central tower
• Tour the Commandant’s House constructed in 1839-1840 covering 5,000 sq ft
• Walk through the ruins of the former prison hospital used until 1877

Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and solo travelers, this guided tour provides an educational experience through visits to key historical landmarks. The full-day format allows you to explore the Model Prison, Commandant’s House, and other convict sites at Port Arthur, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Tasmania's colonial past while enjoying comfortable transportation and informative guides.