Hobart: Port Arthur, Richmond & Tassie Devil – Active Tour

Big scenery, dark history, and hungry devils.

This 10-hour tour from Hobart packs the Tasman Peninsula’s best-known sights into one busy day. I like the mix of Port Arthur’s convict history and the wild coastal views around Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen. I also like the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, where you can watch a devil feeding and hand-feed wallabies and birds. The main drawback is time: Port Arthur is large, and adding the coast, Unzoo, and Richmond means you cannot explore every stop at a slow pace.

The small-group limit of 20 people keeps the day more personal than a large coach outing. Guides such as Ian, Peter, Clinton, Nick, Heather, Ben, and Lucas have been praised for their storytelling and easygoing manner. Still, expect a long day, several hours on the road, a clifftop walk, and an older bus on some departures.

Key points at a glance

• Walk above Waterfall Bay: Stretch your legs on a Tasmanian Great Short Walk with ocean views and dramatic cliffs.
• Watch a Tasmanian devil feeding: The Unzoo brings you close to one of Australia’s most distinctive animals, including a look at its powerful bite.
• Cruise beside the Isle of the Dead: Port Arthur’s harbor cruise adds a different view of the former penal settlement.
• See three famous coastal formations: Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and nearby peninsula viewpoints give you a strong taste of Tasmania’s southern coast.
• Finish in convict-built Richmond: Browse the old village, visit its lolly shop, and see Australia’s oldest bridge.
• Good value at $138: Entry fees, the Unzoo, devil feeding, national park access, Port Arthur, and the harbor cruise are included.

The 7:25am start from Hobart

The tour begins at the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre at 20 Davey Street. Pickup is scheduled for 7:25am, and you should arrive at least five minutes early because the vehicle leaves promptly. The return is around 6:00pm at the same location.

That early start is useful. The Tasman Peninsula is a long way from Hobart, and this itinerary covers scenery, wildlife, history, and a village stop in a single day. You will spend a fair amount of time in the vehicle, but the stops are spaced well enough to keep the day moving.

The vehicle holds a maximum of 20 people. That is small enough for the guide to answer questions and adjust advice at major stops, although the actual feel of the ride depends on the group and the bus assigned that day. A few people have found the bus older than expected, so I would not book this for luxury transport.

Pack a day bag only. Large bags and luggage are not allowed on board, and there are no airport drop-offs. Hotel pickup may be available from selected Hobart locations if arranged in advance with Tours Tasmania.

Tasman Peninsula views from Pirates Bay to Devil’s Kitchen

The first major section of the day introduces you to the Tasman Peninsula. This is where the Southern Ocean has shaped the coast into steep cliffs, sea arches, caves, and exposed headlands.

Stops include Pirates Bay, Waterfall Bay, Tasman Arch, and Devil’s Kitchen. These are not just quick roadside photo stops. The point is to get out, look closely, and feel the scale of the cliffs and open water.

Tasman Arch is one of the area’s signature formations. Waves have cut through the rock, leaving a broad natural arch above the sea. Devil’s Kitchen is another striking coastal feature, with a narrow cut in the cliffs showing how erosion has reshaped the shoreline.

The views are a major reason to choose this tour instead of a Port Arthur-only outing. You get a better sense of the peninsula as a wild place before arriving at the former prison settlement.

The Waterfall Bay clifftop walk

The active part of the trip comes on the Waterfall Bay clifftop walk. It is one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks and gives you a chance to leave the bus behind for a while.

You should expect an outdoor walk rather than a token stretch of the legs. The route is suited to people with reasonable fitness and good mobility, and the tour specifically advises comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The surface and weather can affect how easy it feels, so bring a jacket even if Hobart begins with sunshine.

I like this section because it gives the day a better rhythm. Port Arthur requires attention and reflection, while the clifftop path lets you enjoy fresh air and broad coastal views. Several people have singled out the walk and the views toward Tasman Arch or Devil’s Kitchen as one of the day’s best parts.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and children must be at least eight years old. You should be comfortable walking outdoors and handling some uneven or sloping ground.

Meeting Tasmanian devils at the Unzoo

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is more than a quick animal photo opportunity. The visit includes entry, a devil feeding, and time to learn about these unusual marsupials from the staff.

The feeding is the headline event. Tasmanian devils are small compared with many animals associated with Australia, but they have an exceptionally powerful bite and a famously feisty nature. Watching one feed gives you a much clearer sense of its strength and character than seeing a sleeping animal behind glass.

The Unzoo also offers a Birds of the Bush presentation. You can hand-feed wallabies and colorful birds, adding a gentler side to the devil encounter. The best approach is to listen to the guide and Unzoo staff, then use any spare time to look beyond the main feeding area.

A useful tip is to check what is happening elsewhere in the park. When the devil feeding draws everyone’s attention, the wallabies and birds may be quieter and easier to enjoy. You can then switch your attention when the feeding finishes.

The Unzoo is one of the strongest reasons to book this particular day trip. A Port Arthur excursion gives you history, but the Unzoo adds an active wildlife experience that works well for families with older children and for anyone who wants more than scenery.

Time can feel tight here. Some people have wished for a longer visit, especially if they wanted to see the animals, attend the presentation, and explore at an unhurried pace. The upside is that the feeding is built into the tour, so you do not need to organize it separately.

Port Arthur and the story of convict life

Port Arthur Historic Site is the emotional center of the day. This World Heritage-listed settlement preserves the remains of a major convict colony, with stone buildings, ruins, open grounds, and a harbor that once connected the settlement to the wider penal system.

The site is large. You will walk between areas, sometimes on slopes, and there is a lot to take in. Plan to make choices rather than attempt every building and display. You can focus on the main ruins, listen to the site talks, and use the harbor cruise to see the settlement from the water.

The guides are especially valuable here. Ian has been praised for connecting Port Arthur’s buildings with convict stories and for placing the site within Tasmania’s wider past. Other guides, including Clinton, Peter, Nick, and Dave, have also been singled out for clear explanations, humor, and strong local knowledge.

Port Arthur can be fascinating and painful at the same time. The preserved buildings make the settlement feel tangible, but the stories of punishment, control, and convict life are not light entertainment. Give yourself time to absorb the place instead of rushing from one photo point to the next.

The amount of free time is a compromise. Around three to four hours can cover the main highlights, especially when the harbor cruise and talks are part of the visit. But Port Arthur is extensive, and you could easily want longer if you enjoy museums, architecture, or detailed history.

Food is not included. Port Arthur has cafes and takeaway options, and you can also bring snacks or a packed lunch. Since the day is long, I would bring water and something small to eat even if you plan to buy lunch on site.

The harbor cruise and Isle of the Dead

The Port Arthur harbor cruise is included in the ticket and provides a welcome change from walking. The boat travels around the harbor and gives you views toward the Isle of the Dead, the burial island associated with the settlement.

From the water, Port Arthur’s setting becomes easier to understand. The harbor, narrow connections, and surrounding shoreline helped shape the settlement’s operation and isolation. The cruise also gives your feet a break during a day that includes a national park walk and a large historic site.

Do not expect a long sightseeing voyage. It is a supporting part of the Port Arthur visit rather than a separate cruise attraction. Its value comes from the different angle and the chance to connect the harbor with what you have seen on land.

Richmond’s bridge, shops, and short final stop

Richmond comes late in the day, when a smaller and lighter stop is welcome. This historic village has old sandstone buildings, pleasant shops, an old-fashioned lolly shop, and Australia’s oldest bridge.

The bridge was built by convicts and is often described as haunted. You can look at its sandstone construction, walk around the nearby streets, and enjoy a quieter contrast to Port Arthur’s heavier subject matter.

Richmond is usually a short stop, so keep your expectations in check. You may have time for the bridge, a quick wander, and a shop visit, but not a detailed exploration of every street. Some people would prefer more time here, while others are happy that the tour keeps the focus on Port Arthur and the peninsula.

I think Richmond works best as a final taste rather than the main attraction. It gives you a compact look at Tasmania’s colonial-era architecture and a chance to stretch your legs before the return to Hobart.

How the $138 price measures up

At $138 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want to cover several paid attractions in one day. The price includes:

• Tasmanian Devil Unzoo entry
• Tasmanian devil feeding
• Port Arthur Historic Site entry
• Port Arthur harbor cruise
• National Parks entry
• Guided walks and commentary
• Transport from Hobart
• A small-group tour capped at 20 people

You still need to pay for lunch and drinks, but those are easy to manage at Port Arthur or by bringing your own food. The real saving is time. Renting a car, paying separate admissions, navigating the peninsula, and fitting in Richmond would require more planning and driving.

The tradeoff is independence. You will follow the guide’s schedule, and you cannot spend a full day at Port Arthur or linger for hours at the Unzoo. If those are your main interests, a self-drive visit may give you more control. If you want a broad first look at the peninsula, the package is more efficient.

What to bring and how to prepare

Tasmania’s outdoor weather can change quickly, and this day includes exposed coastal walking. Bring warm layers, a jacket, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and comfortable closed-toe shoes.

A small daypack is ideal. You cannot bring luggage or large bags, so leave suitcases at your accommodation. The tour is conducted in English, with a live guide providing commentary during the drive, walks, and visits.

The day lasts about 10 hours. That means you should expect an early start, a return around dinner time, and enough bus travel to make a good book or quiet rest useful. Guides are often a major part of the experience, and names such as Ian, Heather, Ben, Nick, Peter, Clinton, and Lucas have been associated with warm, informative departures.

Free cancellation is available up to two days in advance for a full refund. Check the departure details when booking, particularly if you are trying to connect this trip with a flight or cruise.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Hobart and want four very different Tasmanian experiences in one day: coastal scenery, a short walk, wildlife, and convict history.

It suits you especially well if:

• You want guided transport rather than a full day of driving.
• You enjoy active sightseeing but are not looking for a demanding hike.
• You want to see Tasmanian devils up close.
• You prefer a small group to a large coach.
• You are happy with highlights rather than exhaustive visits.
• You are at least eight years old and have reasonable mobility.

I would think twice if your priority is spending an entire day at Port Arthur. The site is large, and its buildings, talks, and grounds reward extra time. I would also look elsewhere if you need accessible touring, want to bring large luggage, or dislike long days with several stops.

Should you book the Port Arthur and Unzoo tour?

Yes, if you want a busy but well-balanced introduction to the Tasman Peninsula. The strongest combination is the Waterfall Bay walk, the Tasmanian devil feeding, and Port Arthur’s harbor cruise and ruins. Richmond then provides a pleasant, shorter finish.

At $138, the included admissions and transport make sense, especially when you factor in the national park fee and the Unzoo experience. Just accept the central compromise: you see a lot, but you will not see every corner in depth.

Book it if you want variety, good storytelling, and an active day with strong scenery. Choose a slower Port Arthur-focused visit instead if the convict settlement is the one thing you most want to study.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The general meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre at 20 Davey Street in Hobart. Pickup is at 7:25am, and the tour returns to the same location around 6:00pm.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes Tasmanian Devil Unzoo entry, a Tasmanian devil feeding, Port Arthur Historic Site entry, the Port Arthur harbor cruise, national park entry, guided walks, and tour commentary.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included. You can buy food at cafes and takeaway outlets at Port Arthur, or bring your own lunch and snacks.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes the Waterfall Bay clifftop walk and walking around Port Arthur and Richmond. The Waterfall Bay walk is intended for people with reasonable fitness and good mobility, and Port Arthur includes hills and extended walking.

What age can participate?

The minimum age is eight years old. Children under eight cannot join the tour.

Can I bring luggage?

No. Large bags and luggage are not allowed on board. You should bring only a small daypack.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to two days in advance for a full refund.