Guide to the Port Arthur Historic Site

Set on a serene Tasman Peninsula harbour, the Port Arthur Historic Site blends brooding convict history with calm, coastal beauty. It is one of Australia’s most significant heritage places, where evocative ruins, museums, and gardens sit within a vast open-air site. Whether you love history, architecture, photography, or atmospheric stories, Port Arthur rewards a slow, curious visit.

Why do people go to Port Arthur Historic Site?

Port Arthur is Australia’s best-preserved convict settlement and part of the UNESCO Australian Convict Sites World Heritage property. Visitors explore more than 30 historic buildings and ruins, heritage gardens and walking trails, with a self-guided audio experience and harbour cruise included in standard entry. Expect powerful stories, expansive grounds, and easy wayfinding from the modern Visitor Centre. It’s a place where you can slow down, wander, and let the stories sink in.

After dark, a lantern-lit Ghost Tour reveals eerie tales of unexplained events, adding a memorable layer to a site already rich in atmosphere. The setting is beautiful too, with manicured gardens, bayside views, and birdlife that soften what was once one of the most feared places in the colony. History and scenery meet at every turn.

How long should I spend at Port Arthur Historic Site?

Standard site entry is valid for two consecutive days, which tells you how much there is to explore.

For a day trip, plan at least 4–6 hours for a first visit, which gives time to join a complimentary introductory talk, take the 20-minute harbour cruise, and wander the Penitentiary precinct, Separate Prison, and church ruins. If you add an Isle of the Dead or Ghost Tour, plan your day around those scheduled times.

How much does it cost to visit Port Arthur?

Current standard site entry covers two consecutive days at approximately $53 for adults, and $26 for children. Concession tickets are at $41 and include: the Port Arthur Gallery, self-guided audio, a 20-minute harbour cruise, and complimentary guide talks at key locations.

Specialty add-ons include the Isle of the Dead cemetery tour for adults at $30 and children at $15, and the after-dark Ghost Tour. Prices and schedules can change, so make sure to check the official site before making your plans.

How to get to Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur sits on the Tasman Peninsula, about a 90-minute drive from Hobart (about 92–100 km) via the Tasman Highway (A3) and Arthur Highway (A9). The road is sealed and scenic, passing coastal lookouts and small townships, and there is free day parking at the site, including spaces for caravans and buses, though the carpark can fill at peak times. The route passes Eaglehawk Neck and coastal lookouts, so allow buffer time for scenic stops. The official website also provides directions.

Best time to visit Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, except for Christmas Day. Summer brings warm, settled weather and longer light; winter is quieter but colder, so pack a warm layer and rain coats. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy quieter grounds and soft morning light on the sandstone. Late afternoon is lovely for photography, and you can stay on for the Ghost Tour on selected evenings.

Weather in Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur has a cool oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round and rain in all seasons. The annual mean sits near 12°C. Summer days typically peak around 18° - 19°C, while winter afternoons average about 9° - 10°C, though it can feel cooler with coastal wind.

Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, and even in summer, brief showers are common. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and something warm for the harbour. Conditions can shift quickly, so flexible plans help.

Best place to park your campervan

On arrival, follow signs to the dedicated large-vehicle parking area off the highway near the Port Arthur Visitor Centre. Parking is free during business hours, and during Ghost Tour times. Overnight/long-term parking is only for registered Three Capes Track walkers; otherwise, you can move to a nearby holiday park or camping area after your visit.

FAQs and quick answers

What’s included with my ticket?
Two-day site access, Port Arthur Gallery, audio guide, 20-minute harbour cruise, guide talks and entry to 30+ buildings/ruins. Add Isle of the Dead or Ghost Tour if desired.
Is the Ghost Tour worth it?
A popular lantern lit 90-minute tour through select buildings after dark; book early in peak season.
Isle of the Dead - how long and how to time it?
Allow 60 minutes total (40-minute guided cemetery tour plus 20 minutes on the harbour cruise). Typical departures are at 12:20, 13:00, and 15:00 daily (check current schedule on the site).
Hobart to Port Arthur - how far is it?
Around 90 minutes or 92 km by road, longer with scenic stops.
Is there a map?
Yes, use the interactive site map to plan buildings, gardens and walking routes before you go.
Food & facilities?
Visitor Centre café, toilets around the site (well signposted), and accessible routes to key precincts.