Port Arthur Ghost Tour – Tasmania’s spookiest experience

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist attractions, but did you know you can do an after-hours Port Arthur Ghost Tour? Keep reading to find out more!

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Port Arthur Ghost Tour
Nothing spookier than a Port Arthur Ghost Tour! | 📷: Hype TV

Port Arthur Historic Site is one of the Big 12, and it is a must for any Tasmania road trip.

It is hard to believe that its beautiful grounds could have been such a hell-on-earth for the thousands of convicts shipped to Tasmania as punishment for their crimes.

But it’s true – this was the last place on earth anyone wanted to be sent, and conditions were so brutal that more than 10,000 souls were lost at Port Arthur over the years.

Even back in the 1800s stories were told of strange illnesses, ghostly apparitions and unexplained encounters in its darkest corridors.

Now? You can experience all of this on a Port Arthur Ghost Tour, where more than 200 years later visitors still report bizarre and unexplained phenomena!

Port Arthur Ghost Tour - Goosebumps and ghouls

Explore corridors by lantern light on your Port Arthur Ghost Tour
Creepy corridors are just the start of your Port Arthur Ghost Tour! | 📷: Alastair Bett

As the shadows creep closer and the air becomes chill, you meet your fellow victims tour group below an eerie, ruined cathedral. Are you ready for a Port Arthur Ghost Tour?

Port Arthur has a dark history and there is something about a night time tour that helps you understand what it must have been like for the thousands of convicts that suffered here for so long.

The stories told by your engaging tour guide are haunting.

Heinous murders, basement autopsies,Β  mysterious deaths and many unexplained paranormal experiences that continue to this day!

Was that the scream of a Tassie devil drifting on the wind…or…something else…?

Listen to creepy stories on your Port Arthur Ghost Tour
Explore creepy rooms you aren't allowed to see during the day | 📷: Alastair Bett

The lanterns that you carry create a very spooky vibe, and one of the best things about this tour is that you get to explore parts of the Port Arthur Historic Site that you can’t see during the day with a regular ticket.

You’re going to get a little bit creeped out, but at the same time the Port Arthur ghost stories are equal parts fascinating and eye-opening, with a great dash of humour for good measure.

Tours operate Thursday to Saturday, with three start times available each day and taking around 90 minutes total.Β 

Because they finish so late, I recommend staying overnight near Port Arthur – Stewart’s Bay Lodge and Port Arthur Villas are both excellent – so you don’t run the gauntlet of wild animals on the road back to Hobart at night!

Tours operate in all weather, so don’t worry if the forecast is looking average. There is also plenty of parking out front, for both cars and vans.

Perfect if…Β : You want to learn more about the dark history of Port ArthurΒ (including areas restricted during the day)Β in a fun and informative way, all while getting your pants scared off you!

πŸ‘»Β Fast Facts – Port Arthur Ghost Tour

  • Cost: $35 for adults | $18 for children <7yrs | Family and concession tickets available
  • Tour Length: 1.5 hours
  • Dates: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, except Christmas Day
  • Times: Two times per day, with the first tour just after dusk
  • Group Size: Capped at 20 people
  • Ages: Open to all ages, but suggested to be 13 years or older
  • What to wear: Closed shoes and layered clothing is best, and bring a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Address:Β Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur
  • Parking: Large parking spaces are available for motorhomes and caravans

Day Tours from Hobart

Port Arthur Historic Site grounds
The gardens and lawns of Port Arthur Historic Site are beautiful

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any companies offering Port Arthur Ghost Tours departing from Hobart.

But, you can do a day tour that includes a tour of Port Arthur Historic Site!

Have a look at these options and book the one that suits you best.

  • Port Arthur Day Trip #1 $130

    Port Arthur (4hrs) + Tasman NP + Richmond Village - [Book Here]

  • Port Arthur Day Trip #2 $132

    Port Arthur (5hrs) + Richmond Village - [Book Here]

  • Port Arthur Day Trip #3 $135

    Port Arthur (4hrs) + Tassie Devils (Unzoo) + Richmond Village + Tasman NP - [Book Here]

  • Port Arthur Day Trip #4 $260

    Port Arthur (4hrs) + Pennicott's Eco-Cruise (3hrs) - [Book Here]

I hope you have found this guide really useful and that you’re soul’d on the idea of a Port Arthur Ghost Tour.

If you’ve done the tour – and survivedΒ πŸ˜‚ – drop by the Lap of Tasmania Facebook Group and share your experience with other road trippers. We’d love to hear from you!

Happy travels,

Andrew.

Travel planning resources

Tasmania’s remote location means there are internet ‘black spots’ across the island.Β 

A hard copy travel guide or map is the perfect backup, and we love the range from Lonely Planet.

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Port Arthur Ghost Tour
Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Ghost Tour Essentials

🎟️ Adults – $35 | Children – $18

πŸ•’Β 1.5 hours

πŸ—“οΈΒ Thur-Sat – 3 times per day (exc. Christmas)

πŸ‘ͺ All ages (13+ recommended)

🚐 Van parking available