Port Arthur Deep History Tour｜Guided by a Convict Descendant

4.9 (32 reviews) 8–9 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

32 reviews

4.9

Port Arthur - The Convict Trail — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Richmond Bridge - Convict Trail — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula: A Descendant’s Perspective

Join a full-day tour led by a guide with 17 convict ancestors. This isn't a shuttle service; it’s a deep dive into the human stories of Van Diemen’s Land.

The Journey:

Richmond (30m): Explore an early convict settlement where forced labor built the iconic stone bridge and village.

The Natural Prison: Visit Pirates Bay and the Tessellated Pavement. See how Tasmania’s rugged coast acted as a physical and psychological wall.

Port Arthur (4h): Entry included. Go beyond the ruins to hear personal stories of daily routines, punishment, and survival.

Coastal Wonders (30m): Witness Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and the Blowhole—nature’s boundaries that made escape impossible.

Lavender Farm: An optional, peaceful contrast to the peninsula's harsh history.

Ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful, narrative driven connection to the landscape.

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 8–9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–11
Guide: English
Operated by: iWander Tasmania

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–16 years) · Adults (17–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Port Arthur entry fee
Included: Small group
Included: Local Guide
Included: Hotel pickup/drop off

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks

Itinerary

Richmond

25 min

Start with a visit to the well-preserved colonial village of Richmond to see Australia's oldest bridge and take the chance to grab coffee from the Richmond bakery.
Tessellated Pavement

15 min

In geology and geomorphology, a tessellated pavement is a relatively flat rock surface that is subdivided into more or less regular rectangles, blocks approaching rectangles, or irregular or regular polygons by fractures, frequently systematic joints, within the rock.
Port Arthur Historic Site

4 hours Admission included

World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site is the best preserved convict site in Australia, and among the most significant convict era sites worldwide.
Pirates Bay/Eaglehawk Neck

10 min

One of the Tasman Peninsula's firest coastal lookouts is actually on the Forestier Peninsula, high on the hillsides above the Tesselated Pavement. Pirates Bay Lookout gives panoramic views down the east coast of Tasmania Peninsula and overs spectacular vistas towards Cape Hauy and Cape Pillar, which are both visible on a clear day.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

We are able to pick you up from 7 meeting points, covering most of the Central Hobart area. The pick-up time will be between 7:30 am and 7:50 am. Please select the closest meeting point from your accommodation. If you have any questions regarding pickups/meeting points, please contact us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Using your ticket

We are able to pick you up from 7 meeting points, covering most of the Central Hobart area. The pick-up time will be between 7:30 am and 7:50 am. This is a shared transfer and pick up could be early or late. To ensure a smooth experience, please arrive at your meeting spot a few minutes early. In case our guide needs a small buffer for unexpected traffic delays, arriving early can help us ensure that you have the best experience possible. If you haven't yet booked accommodation, please contact us to confirm your meeting point and pickup time. Look forward to having you on board.

Grand Chancellor Hotel - Your pickup time is scheduled for 7:30 am.
Tasmanian Travel & Information centre - Your pickup time is scheduled for 7:35 am.
64 St Georges Terrace - Your pickup time is scheduled for 7:38 am.
Travelodge Hobart - Your pickup time is scheduled for 7:40 am.
Vibe Hotel - Your pickup time is scheduled for 7:45 am.
Allurity Hotel - Your pickup time is scheduled for 7:45 am. If your travel date falls on a Sunday, please meet at The Vibe Hotel at 7:45 am, due to road closure for the farmer's market.
Tower Motel - Your pickup time is scheduled for 7:48 am.

If you have any questions regarding the tour or pick up time, please email us, message or WhatsApp us at 0476 906 075.