Port Arthur is a small town and former penal settlement in Tasmania about one and a half hours drive (60 kms) from the state capital Hobart. A magnificent site preserving a rich slice of the former British colony's rich convict heritage, Port Arthur is today an amazing assemblage of colonial ruins and restored buildings, set amid 40 hectares (100 acres) of English oaks and open space.
History of Port Arthur
Port Arthur was named after Van Diemen's Land lieutenant governor George Arthur and first established as a timber station in 1830, supporting the infant colony of Van Diemen's Land. It became the site of a major penal (prison) colony for male convicts from 1833. It very quickly gained a reputation as a "hell on earth". At its peak in the late 1840s, Port Arthur became a near self-sufficient settlement, driven by the labour of its tormented inmates. Ultimately, after a couple of decades of decline in the 1850s and 1860s, Port Arthur finally ended its days as a penal settlement in 1877.
In 1996 Port Arthur became the site of Australia's most deadly gun massacre when a single shooter opened fire on visitors, killing 35 people. Memorials to those who died can be found at the site.
Adventure Travel & Tours in Port Arthur
Adventure Travel represents over 1,000 hostels, hotels, tour companies & attractions across Australia that we can book for you often at a discouted rate. At Adventure Travel we also operate a number of our own tours.
Currency used in Port Arthur
In Port Arthur the standard currency used is the Australia Dollar. The Australia dollar comes in denominations of 5c ,10c ,20c ,50c ,$1 & 2$ coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100 notes. Most bars, restaurants, backpacker hostels, shops and Adventure Tour desks in Port Arthur all take credit card, eftpos and cash. There is several cash machines in Port Arthur all which dispense the Australia Dollar currency. To check the Australian dollar exchange rate against a foreign currency then click here.
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in Port Arthur
In Port Arthur there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.
Discounted Travel Insurance
Adventure Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world.
Security in Port Arthur
Port Arthur in Australia is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through Port Arthur every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Australia you can click here.
Port Arthur Day Tour - ex Hobart Jam-packed with Tasmanian history and natural attractions. Explore Richmond Historic Village, marvel at natural formations of the Tasmana Peninsula, and visit world-famous Port Arthur Historic Site. What to bring Day pack, camera, comfortable, sturdy footwear, warm jumper, ...
From $105 AUD
Port Arthur Mega Ghost Tour - ex Hobart, Tasmania This popular “11 hour” Port Arthur "MEGA" ghost tour is JAM PACKED with all the stunning sights of the Tasman Peninsula, Richmond Colonial Village and the famous Port Arthur Historic Site!Enjoy the famous Port Arthur by day and be terrified by the spine chilling ghost tour...
From $105 AUD
Port Arthur Discovery Tour - Tasmania Departing your city hotel, we travel around the historic birthplace of this fascinating city - Salamanca Place, Constitution Dock and Battery Point before making our way east across the Tasman Bridge and then south to Dunalley, the gateway to the Forestier and Tasman Peninsulas. Here Able ...
From $270 AUD
Port Arthur Mega Tour - Hobart, Tasmania This popular “11 hour” Port Arthur "MEGA" day tour is JAM PACKED with all the stunning sights of the Tasman Peninsula, Richmond Colonial Village and the famous Port Arthur Historic Site ! A carefully planned itinerary means you spend short times on the bus, and maximum tim...
From $99 AUD
3 Days East Coast Explorer Devonport to Hobart The east coast of Tasmania will leave you in awe with its beautiful beaches, lush forests unique wildlife and panoramic views from the top of towering granite mountains. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 – Devonport or Launceston to BichenoOur journey begins this morning as we make tracks to the East...
From $418 AUD
* *Local Payment AU$12
Wineglass Bay, Mt Field & Port Arthur - ex Hobart Day 1: Port Arthur Mega Day, Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, Remarkable Caves and Pirates Bay LookoutPick-up from your Hobart accommodation. This day is jam-packed with Tasmanian history and natural attractions. We spend over an hour in Richmond Historic Village, ...
From $350 AUD
Port Arthur, Freycinet & Cradle Mountain Day 1: Port Arthur Mega Day. Pick-up from your Hobart accommodation. This tour is jam packed with Tasmanian history and natural attractions. Spend quality time at the famous Port Arthur Historic Site, stroll the streets of Australia’s prettiest colonial village at Richmond, ...
From $520 AUD
6 Day Taste of Tasmania Adventure Tour Explore the contrasts of the west and east coasts of Tasmania. You will be surprised and delighted by the wild landscapes, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, beautiful beaches and colonial history. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 – Hobart to StrahanOur journey begins as we traverse the islan...
From $795 AUD
7 Day Top to Tail Adventure Tour Explore the contrasts of the West and East Coasts of Tasmania. You will be surprised and delighted by the wild landscapes, ancient forests, towering mountain peaks, beautiful beaches and colonial history. Itinerary: day by dayDay 1 – Devonport to BichenoWe make our way to the East Coast and th...
From $835 AUD
Raft Tasmania Adventure Tour - ex Hobart This ten day adventure takes you the full navigable length of the Franklin River, deep in the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area. Our journey includes a walk to the imposing Frenchmans Cap, the monarch of the south west, as well as rafting through one of Tasmanias most spectacula...
