Whether it is a long weekend or a day trip from Hobart, a Tasman Peninsula road trip will bring you face to face with Tasmanian devils, soaring sea cliffs, and the bitter-sweet beauty of Port Arthur. 

See all this and more when you include the Tasman Peninsula in your self-drive Tasmania road trip!

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Ok, let’s get this out there right up front – a road trip of the Tasman Peninsula is a ‘must’ for your Tassie holiday!

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Port Arthur Historic Site and it may well be at the top of your ‘to do’ list, but it continues to surprise me just how many travellers limit themselves to this sole attraction when there is soooo much else on offer just minutes away.

I am not exaggerating at all when I say that the Tasman Peninsula is second only to Hobart as the perfect base in Tasmania for a stay of 3-4 nights or longer. This tiny region is only a 1.5hr drive from Hobart and is jam-packed full of things to keep you busy, with most being completely free as well.

Tasmanian Devils, dark convict history, lavender farms, gin distilleries, wild beaches and breath-taking bushwalks… it’s got everything you need, and more!

Things to See & Do

Eaglehawk Neck

As you emerge from the tall, sun-dappled forests of the Forestier Peninsula and descend to Eaglehawk Neck, you can understand why this skinny piece of land joining the two peninsulas was so important to the prison guards of Port Arthur. It was the only place where convict escapees could ever hope to find their way to freedom by land!

Visit the Officers Quarters to find out more, then follow the coast exploring the nearby natural wonders of the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen.

Port Arthur Historic Site

It’s hard to comprehend how a place of such beauty could have been Australia’s harshest and most brutal penal settlement. Only the worst of the worst were sent to Port Arthur, and while the conditions were unthinkable you can’t help but admire the stunning harbour, lush green lawns and intricate Georgian architecture throughout the sprawling grounds.

There’s plenty to see and your ticket provides not one but two days to explore the site [buy your Port Arthur tickets here]. Also included in the ticket price is a FREE 25-minute cruise on the harbour and a 40-minute guided walking tour, making this one of the best-value experiences in Tasmania.

For a very different perspective on Port Arthur, there’s also the spine-chilling Port Arthur Ghost Tour. Not for the faint of heart, this is the ideal way to learn all about Port Arthur’s paranormal sightings while also experiencing this stunning site under the stars of the Milky Way.

Tasman Peninsula Cruise

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys have built a name for themselves as providing the best, most eco-friendly tours of Tasmania’s waters. Their 3-hour Tasman Island tour departs morning and afternoon from Port Arthur and is an exciting way of seeing the rugged Tasman Peninsula coastline up close, including the towering cliffs of Cape Hauy, Tasman Island and the surging maelstrom known as the Devil’s Kitchen!

Remarkable Cave

Hunting for that perfect Insta-pic? Once your Port Arthur adventures are over, keep driving south past the sweeping sands and blue waters of Safety Cove to Maingon Lookout and Remarkable Cave. When you climb down the 130-odd steps you’ll understand the name – it’s an inland beach connected to the sea through a huge tunnel under the cliffs! When the conditions are right and the tides are out you’ll capture a once-in-a-lifetime photo. 

Please take care and observe the water before walking out, as the tunnel experiences huge waves when the tides are high.

Cape Hauy Bushwalk

It’s a real thigh-buster, but this walk to Cape Hauy has some of the most spectacular views to be found in Tasmania.

The photo above doesn’t do justice to the feeling you get from the ridgeline, contemplating the epic descent down the well-made switch-back trail – and that’s before you get to the sheer cliffs at the end of the walk, briny wind bullying its way up to the sky from the surging waves crashing against the rocks, far below.

At 10km and around 4hrs in total, this isn’t a walk in the park, but the reward is well worth your effort and you can rest happy knowing you’ve completed one of Tassie’s famous ‘3 Capes’!

See Tasmanian Devils at UnZoo

Forget your traditional crowded zoos, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo provides a very different experience. This award-winning wildlife park extends across acres of natural bushland, where animals roam freely and encounters feel a lot more natural than many other parks.

Hand-feed friendly wallabies, join expert guides to spot native birds, and come face-to-face with the iconic Tasmanian devil. With no cages and fewer barriers, it is perfect for travellers wanting a deeper connection to Tasmania’s unique wildlife.

More Things to Do on the Peninsula

There are so mnay more fun things to see and do on the Tasman Peninsula. Some of my favourites include:

• Exploring the Coal Mines Historic Site (free!)
• Spending half a day walking to Crescent Bay
• Having a chuckle as you drive through quirky Doo Town
• Experiencing the majesty of the clifftop walk to Cape Raoul (full day)

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Whether you’re looking for luxury, great value, or a powered camp site with a view, the Tasman Peninsula has got you covered.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a popular place to stay for many travellers. With its treetop views, private beach and waterfront restaurant, Stewarts Bay Lodge is undoubtedly one of the region’s best accommodation options – and it’s literally next door to the Port Arthur historic site.

Families will really enjoy a couple of nights at Ruby’s Cottage Farm Stay, while Port Arthur Villas are a brilliant value option, offering relaxing and comfortable self-catering accommodation amid sprawling lawns right next door to the historic site.

Dunalley

Dunalley is only an hour from Hobart and is a seafood lover’s dream! Flotsam Studio offers two delightful little cabins with terrace views across Sunset Beach.

Camping

If you’re staying in your own campervan or caravan then your best accommodation option on the Tasman Peninsula is NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park. With an outdoor pizza oven, fire pits, and extensive camp kitchen – not to mention the amazing harbourside views – it’s no wonder they have won multiple gold trophies in the Tasmanian tourism awards!

Where to Eat & Drink

The Tasman Peninsula is famed for its wild, untamed beauty, but in recent times it has seen a vibrant little foodie scene emerge.

If you love your wine and oysters then Bangor Vineyard Shed is a must. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down over Blackman Bay with a glass of bubbles in hand.

With so many things to do near Eaglehawk Neck there’s no doubt you’ll work up an appetite. Doo-lishus is a quirky food truck located at the Blow Hole car park and their many satisfied customers rave about their scallop, rabbit and venison pies. For hearty pub food the Fox & Hounds Hotel is a great option for the whole family (open 7 days for lunch and dinner), and for water views there is On the Bay restaurant at Stewart’s Lodge (dinners only, Tue-Sat).

Summer is the best time of year to visit Port Arthur Lavender. With row upon row of vibrant purple flowers you’re guaranteed some amazing photos. I also hear the lavender, fig and marscapone ice cream is delicious.

Got a sweet tooth? Yep, me too! And I couldn’t have been more excited to hear about the Peninsula’s newest foodie option – the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry in Taranna. They have a delicious range on offer, including some ridiculously moreish chocolate icecream that will have you coming back time and time again for another taste  

In search of a coffee fix? Take a drive up to the Pirate’s Bay Lookout and Cubed Espresso Bar where you can soak up the sweeping views from the comfort of your own cushion. They source their delicious beans from local roasters in nearby Taranna and always have a small but absolutely scrumptious range of pastries and cakes on offer.

Would you like to visit Australia’s southern-most whisky distillery? The clean air, pure rains and Tasmanian grains used by McHenry Distillery are the secret to their award-winning whiskies and herbacious gins. Perched atop Mt Arthur, visit their cellar door for a tasting or book a hands-on 2-hour gin crafting workshop!

Festivals & Events

Bream Creek Farmers Market

With a focus on seasonal, fresh, locally grown produce, the Bream Creek Farmers Market is overflowing with baked good, fruit and veg, jams, homemade ginger beers and so much more. Come along on the first Sunday of every month and show your support for Tassie’s micro-producers.

• Where: Bream Creek
• When: First Sunday of every month
• Find out more: Bream Creek Farmer’s Market
• Access: Access to Bream Creek is via an unsealed road. Check your vehicle rental agreement as some companies prohibit you from driving on unsealed roads.

Koonya Garlic Festival

“The little festival with a big heart” – The Koonya Garlic Festival is quirky and quaint with its own unique ambience, attracting throngs of passionate garlic lovers, foodies and gardeners from Tasmania & beyond – celebrating the joy of garlic, the food it flavours, and the music and art that it inspires!

• Where: Koonya Hall and Grounds
• When: February
• Find out more: Koonya Garlic Festival

Tasman Regatta and Peninsula Feast

Every January the tiny seaside town of Nubeena holds the Tasman Regatta and Peninsula Feast.

With crab racing, gumboot throwing and even a ‘Kick the footy in the tinny’ competition, this is the best fun you’ll find on either land or sea – and entry is absolutely free!

• Where: Nubeena
• When: January
• Find out more: Tasman Regatta and Peninsula Fest

A Natural Escape

Showcasing the beautiful Tasman Peninsula through guided nature walks, hands-on workshops, local food experiences, science talks and art inspired by land and sea.

As they say, “Get ready to connect with nature, art and community like never before!”

• Where: Tasman Peninsula
• When: October/November
• Find out more: A Natural Escape

Tasman Peninsula Weather

The Tasman Peninsula enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate. Summers are cool and mild, while rains are common in winter and early spring.

Summer temperatures range from 10°C at night up to 24°C during the day, while in winter you can expect temperatures to range from 6°C up to 12°C.

Essential Information

Here are some local tips and advice to help with the planning process, and ensure you have a smooth, safe and fun road trip across the Tasman Peninsula!

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful for planning your road trip adventures around the Tasman Peninsula!

For more handy info and tips from a local, you’ll love my other regional guides covering the length and breadth of Tasmania:

• Devonport & Cradle Coast
• Hobart
• Launceston & Tamar Valley
• East Coast
• Bruny Island
• Derwent Valley
• West Coast
• Huon Valley
• North East Tasmania
• Richmond & Coal River Valley

Happy travels!

Andrew.