The story of the Port Arthur Historic Site is a story of many people, places and moments. Over its long history, Port Arthur has been a place of hardship and punishment, a place of opportunity, and a place of leisure. Now it is one of Australia’s most important heritage destinations, where the story of Australia’s colonial history is written in stone and brick.

You will be collected from your accommodation at 9:00am to relax and enjoy the journey towards the Port Arthur Historic Site. Your trip begins as you travel across the Tasman Bridge (which holds its own history…being re-built after its collapse during the early 1970’s). We continue through the municipality of Sorell and follow the highway (surrounded by open pastures and bush) toward the Tasman Peninsula/Turrakana.

First stop is at the Eagle Hawk Neck.You will experience the ‘Blowhole’ which is one of the Tasman Peninsula’s most famous and ruggedly beautiful attractions. You’ll also be amazed by its neighbouring formations of the ‘Tasman Arch’ and ‘Devils Kitchen’. The Blowhole began as a small cave – millions of years of water and wind erosion has led to the unique geological formations seen today.

When the seas are fierce, the Blowhole and its clouds of spray can be a surprising and formidable sight.

Your next stop to enjoy will be the Port Arthur Historic Site – this include sites, tours and activities:

Entry to the Port Arthur Gallery (where there’s interactive exhibits and displays that tell a story), a 45 minute guided tour that starts at 12:00pm (including an in-depth look around the convict ruins and stories), a 20 minute harbour cruise starting at 1:00pm and access to the ruins, restored house, heritage gardens and walking trails to 2:00pm.

After taking in all the historic site has to explore, you will be more than ready to embrace a unique lunch experience the PortArthur Lavender Farm. It is nestled within 18 acres of lavender, rainforests, lakes and over-looking Long Bay. Take in the ocean views while enjoying fresh Tasmanian produce in the lavender-inspired cafe.

After lunch, onwards towards your next culinary delight to the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry. In the heart of the Tasman Peninsula, Taranna, indulge yourself in all things chocolate. They use the finest Belgian Coverture chocolate and from their showroom floor you can view chocolates being made on their manufacturing floor! They also stock a delicious range of ice creams!

Now you are ready for a short drive up the road to the Eagle Hawk Neck Lookout! You will be wowed by this birds’ eye view of the local village and its stunning coastline below. It covers the unique views of the sweeping crescent bay and its streak of white sand, not to mention the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Hippolyte (an impressive granite island, 65m tall and emerging from the sea bed – 100m below). It’s just a 150m walk from the carpark, trees make way for a large sloping rock-face. There is no guardrail – it’s best to grab a seat on a rock and take it in.

After this memorable day, relax and enjoy the countryside views as you make your way back to your accommodation by approximately 5:00-5:30pm.

• Umbrellas
• First Aid Box
• Fire Extinguisher