Port Arthur, Richmond & Lavender

From Australia's highest sea cliffs to lavender high tea, see the best of the Tasman Peninsula in one action packed day.

Today is action-packed and fast-paced, so we make an early start from Hobart and drive directly to the stunning Tasman Peninsula. This area boasts amazing history, fascinating stories, and spectacular scenery. It’s also home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs. We enjoy panoramic views from Pirates Bay Lookout, which offers a fantastic vantage point of the surrounding landscape.

Passing through Eaglehawk Neck and "The Dogline," our tour guides will share captivating stories and historical insights about the area. Then, we begin one of Tasmania’s "Great Short Walks"—a scenic 2 km track along the Waterfall Bay clifftop. The walk takes about 45–60 minutes, is gently undulating, and is considered an easy walk. It concludes at the remarkable rock formations of Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen.

Next, we drop by Port Arthur Lavender for a short visit (portarthurlavender.com.au). Enjoy a stroll through the lavender fields, take a look at the distillery, or head straight for the lavender-inspired sweets and treats in the café and gift shop. (Note: The lavender flowers are in peak bloom from December through February.)

As we enter the Port Arthur Historic Site, there’s a wealth of information and history to explore. You’ll have around 3 hours on-site to discover its many nooks and crannies. Your entry includes a complimentary harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead, The Port Arthur Experience podcast for a fascinating introduction, and expert-led site talks offered throughout the day. Discover the grim and violent history of Australia’s early penal system and get a sense of the isolation faced by convicts in this “inescapable prison.” With approximately 3 hours here, there’s plenty of time to explore the main penitentiary, solitary confinement cells, and many other historic buildings in this World Heritage open-air museum.

On our return to Hobart, we travel via the historic township of Richmond. Arriving late in the afternoon, you’ll have time to meander through the charming streets, stop for a coffee, visit the Lolly Shop, check out the Chocolatier, and walk across Australia’s oldest bridge still in use—a convict-built sandstone structure reputed to be haunted!

We return to Hobart around 6:00 pm.

Highlights

• Visit Port Arthur Historic Site 

• Visit Port Arthur Lavender Farm

• Photograph spectacular views from the Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk (easy grade 2km)

• See the Tasman National Park highlights – Devils Kitchen & Tasman Arch

• Enjoy the stories from Pirates Bay Lookout, Eaglehawk Neck & The “Dogline”

• Visit historic Richmond Village 

• Enjoy the spectacular view at a local Hobart City lookout

Inclusions

• Port Arthur Historic Site entrance fee

• Complimentary Harbour Cruise at Port Arthur Historic Site

• Professional guides & interpretation 

• Small, friendly groups

• Select hotel pickups from central Hobart

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

You may bring your lunch with you or there is plenty of opportunity to purchase food and drinks from the Port Arthur Historic Site.  

What to bring/wear

• Sensible shoes for day touring

• A variety of warm clothing

• Weatherproof jacket if possible

• Hat, sunscreen

• Water Bottle, Snacks, Lunch (or buy it on the day)

• Sense of adventure