Port Arthur, Richmond and Tassie Devils Active Tour from Hobart

Pack your walking shoes for a full Tasmanian day. This 10-hour-30-minute tour brings together the Tasman Peninsula coast, Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmanian devils and Richmond without requiring you to drive. I especially like the beautiful Waterfall Bay cliff walk and the close look at devils during feeding time.

I also like that the price includes major entrance costs, the Port Arthur harbour cruise and a guide who explains the stories behind each place. The trade-off is time: this is a busy outing, and three hours at Port Arthur may feel short if you want to read every panel, join extra activities and explore every building.

Key points at a glance

• A 45-minute coastal walk offers wide views around Waterfall Bay, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen.
• Tasmanian Devil Unzoo includes a devil feeding, kangaroo encounters and, at some times, wild bird feeding.
• Port Arthur admission and harbour cruise are included, giving you both the grounds and a view from the water.
• Richmond is a brief late-afternoon stop, useful for a walk, coffee, ice cream or a look at Australia’s oldest bridge still in use.
• The day begins at 7:30 am in central Hobart and returns to the same meeting point.
• A moderate fitness level helps, since the day includes a coastal walk and plenty of walking at Port Arthur.

Why this Hobart day trip works

This tour is built for you if your Hobart visit is short and your wish list is long. In one day, you see the coastal rock formations of the Tasman Peninsula, learn about convict history, watch Tasmanian devils feed and visit the attractive town of Richmond.

That combination is the main reason I think the tour earns its strong rating of 4.7 out of 5, with 95 percent of customers recommending it. The route does not spend all day on one subject. Nature comes first, animals follow, history takes up the afternoon, and Richmond provides a gentle final stop.

The pace is brisk rather than leisurely. You will be getting on and off the vehicle, walking on uneven or undulating tracks, and keeping an eye on the clock. That makes it a good fit for an active person who wants a broad taste of southern Tasmania. It is less suitable if you prefer long, quiet visits with plenty of time for museums, cafes or independent wandering.

The group size is capped at 20 people. That is small enough for a more personal day than a large coach tour, though the exact feel will depend on the guide and the mix of people in your group.

An early start from Davey Street

The meeting point is 20 Davey Street in Hobart, with departure at 7:30 am. An early start matters here because the route covers a lot of ground, and every stop competes with the next one for time.

The drive toward the Tasman Peninsula is not dead time. Guides such as Jimmy, Nick, Nicholas, Ian, David, Lucas and Peter have been praised for filling the journey with local stories, history and practical explanations. The quality of the commentary can shape the whole day, since the guide helps connect the places before you arrive.

You may hear stories about Eaglehawk Neck and the narrow stretch known as the Dogline before you reach the main sights. This background gives the peninsula more meaning than a simple photo stop. Still, guide quality can vary. One customer found a guide too soft-spoken to hear clearly, so it is reasonable to sit where you can listen well and ask the guide to repeat anything you miss.

There is no luggage space on board, so bring only a day pack. The bus has no Wi-Fi or charging ports, making a power bank a sensible addition if you use your phone for photos, maps or translation. Mobile reception was available for much of the route, but do not treat that as a guarantee.

Eaglehawk Neck and Tasman National Park

The first part of the day introduces the Tasman Peninsula through scenery and stories. Eaglehawk Neck is a natural gateway to the peninsula, and the guide uses the area to explain some of Tasmania’s convict-era past.

The stop is not presented as a long independent visit. Its value comes from the combination of views and interpretation. You get a sense of how the peninsula is shaped, why the narrow neck mattered and how the area’s past connects with Port Arthur later in the day.

Tasman National Park supplies the dramatic backdrop. The coast here is known for tall cliffs and unusual rock formations, and the route leads into one of Tasmania’s short walks. If the weather is clear, this can be one of the most rewarding parts of the outing because the views arrive one after another rather than at a single lookout.

Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk

The Waterfall Bay walk is described as easy, but do not confuse easy with effortless. It takes about 45 minutes, follows an undulating track and has been described by one customer as roughly 1.5 kilometres. You need a moderate level of fitness, especially if hills or uneven paths are difficult for you.

The reward is excellent coastal scenery. The walk runs along the cliff tops, with overlooks toward the sea and access to views of formations including Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen. Several people singled out the morning walk as a highlight, and I can see why: it gets you outdoors early, before the more formal historic site visits begin.

A wallaby has been spotted along the route, though wildlife sightings are never promised. You should bring sturdy walking shoes, sun protection and water. Tasmania’s sun can be strong, and the coastal breeze may make the air feel cooler than expected, so a light jacket is useful too.

This is also the first place where the tour’s active label becomes real. Some older people or anyone with mobility issues may find the early walk taxing. If you need a slow pace, you may feel hurried by the group schedule.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo: the animal highlight

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is often the most memorable stop for animal lovers. The main event is a Tasmanian devil feeding, where you watch these compact marsupials snarl, compete and crush bones. You do not hand-feed or touch the devils, which is sensible given their powerful bite, but you get a close view of their feeding behaviour.

The Unzoo experience also includes time with kangaroos. Several accounts describe hand-feeding them, and one person saw young kangaroos in pouches. The setting is designed so kangaroos can move around without standard cages, which gives this part of the visit a more open feel.

At times, the program includes a wild bird feeding. A bell brings birds in, and you can offer them seeds from your hand. This is a charming extra, though the exact sequence and available time can vary with the day’s schedule.

The main caution is timing. Some people wanted longer at the Unzoo, and an hour can feel tight if you want to see every animal area, attend each presentation and take photos. If this is your main reason for booking, a separate visit would allow more freedom. On this combined tour, the benefit is that entrance and the devil feeding are already covered, and you get to include wildlife in a much bigger day.

Port Arthur Historic Site in about three hours

Port Arthur is the emotional centre of the tour. This former convict settlement is more than a collection of old buildings. The ruins, grounds and harbour show the scale of the settlement and offer a sobering look at the prison system that shaped Tasmania’s past.

Your entry includes access to the historic site and a complimentary harbour cruise. The cruise gives you a break from walking and lets you see the site from the water. It also helps explain the settlement’s position and the way the harbour formed part of its wider system.

You have about three hours here, though the exact amount may shift with road conditions and the day’s timing. That is enough to see many of the important areas, eat lunch and take the cruise, but it is not enough for a slow, expert-level visit to every building.

The grounds are spread out, so walking is unavoidable. If you want to read every sign, examine each structure and take an additional guided activity, you will need to make choices. Extra guided tours may be available at the site, but they are not included and can fill up. Booking one in advance through Port Arthur may be worth considering, though you would need to know your expected arrival time.

The site can affect people in different ways. Some find the incomplete buildings and ruins moving because they leave room for imagination. Others expect more restoration and may find the empty structures less satisfying. I think it helps to arrive with realistic expectations: Port Arthur is not a polished reconstruction. Its power comes from the surviving remains, the setting and the stories that explain what happened there.

Lunch is not included. You will find a cafe and food options at the historic site, along with snacks, but queues can be longer during busy summer periods. Since the day is tightly timed, do not wait too long to eat.

Richmond after the main sights

Richmond arrives late in the afternoon, usually as a 45-minute stop. This historic township offers a change of mood after Port Arthur. You can walk the streets, stop for coffee or ice cream, visit the lolly shop and chocolatier, or see Richmond Bridge, described as Australia’s oldest bridge still in use.

The short stop is both useful and divisive. If you want a final snack and a quick look at an old Tasmanian town, it is a pleasant way to finish. If Richmond interests you deeply, 45 minutes will not be enough for a proper visit.

Timing can also work against you. A delayed arrival may leave shops close to shutting, which reduces the value of the stop. Some people would prefer that time added to Port Arthur or the Unzoo. Others felt Richmond was charming and wished they had longer. My advice is to treat it as a compact leg stretch and photo stop, not a full town tour.

What the $139.86 price really covers

At $139.86 per person, the tour is not simply a bus ride. The price includes the Tasman National Park fee, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo entry, the devil feeding, Port Arthur Historic Site admission, the harbour cruise and a professional guide with interpretation.

Those inclusions make the cost easier to justify. If you tried to arrange transport, park fees, entrance tickets and the same route independently, you would also take on the work of driving and timing a long day. The tour is particularly good value if you do not drive or want to avoid navigating unfamiliar roads.

The value is less clear if you already have a car and prefer to control your schedule. You could spend longer at Port Arthur, stay at the Unzoo until you had seen everything and give Richmond the time it deserves. You would pay with planning effort instead of a fixed itinerary.

Food and drinks are extra. Budget for lunch and snacks at Port Arthur, plus anything you buy in Richmond. The tour returns to the Davey Street meeting point rather than offering an airport drop-off.

Who should book this active tour?

I would choose this tour if I had limited time in Hobart and wanted to cover the major attractions beyond the city centre. It is also a strong option if you cannot drive, since the transport links several places that would be awkward to reach in one day without a car.

You should be comfortable with:

• A 7:30 am departure
• A long day of around 10 hours and 30 minutes
• A 45-minute coastal walk on an undulating track
• Several hours of walking at Port Arthur
• A fixed schedule with limited flexibility
• Carrying only a day pack

Families, solo visitors and mixed-age groups can all fit this experience, provided everyone can manage the walking. The tour has been praised for friendly, clear guiding, with guides including Jimmy and Nicholas taking time to answer questions and help people manage the day.

It may not suit you if mobility is limited, if you dislike early starts or if your main interest is a detailed study of Port Arthur. The tour gives you a strong overview, not a slow specialist visit.

Practical tips for making the day easier

Wear shoes with a good grip. The coastal path is manageable, but it is not a flat pavement stroll, and Port Arthur adds a great deal more walking.

Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket. Coastal weather can change, and the harbour area may feel breezy. Rain can also alter the mood of Port Arthur, though the site remains worth seeing in wet weather.

Pack a power bank because there are no charging ports on the bus. Keep your phone ready for photos, but save some attention for the guide’s stories. The best context often comes during the drives between stops.

Eat efficiently at Port Arthur. You have food options there, but a slow lunch can cut into your already limited time on the grounds. A small snack in your day pack is sensible, provided it fits the no-luggage rule.

Read the cancellation terms before paying. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If the operator cancels because the minimum number is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Port Arthur, Richmond and Devils tour?

Book it if you want a packed, practical introduction to southern Tasmania from Hobart. The coastal walk, devil feeding and Port Arthur cruise give the day real variety, while the included fees remove much of the usual planning and ticket work.

I would be cautious only if you need lots of free time. Port Arthur deserves more than three hours for a slow visit, the Unzoo can feel rushed, and Richmond is brief. For most people with one spare day, though, the tour is a sensible bargain: active, informative and full of memorable stops.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 20 Davey Street, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia.

What time does the tour leave?

Departure is at 7:30 am.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity finishes back at the original meeting point in Hobart.

Is Port Arthur admission included?

Yes. Port Arthur Historic Site entrance is included in the tour price.

Is the Port Arthur harbour cruise included?

Yes. A Port Arthur harbour cruise is included.

Is the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo entrance fee included?

Yes. Tasmanian Devil Unzoo admission and the Tasmanian devil feeding are included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch and snacks at Port Arthur, and Richmond has options such as cafes, ice cream, sweets and chocolate.

How difficult is the coastal walk?

The Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk takes about 45 minutes, is undulating and is rated as easy. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Can I bring luggage on the tour?

No. Luggage is not allowed on board, so bring only a day pack.

Is airport drop-off provided?

No. The tour does not include airport drop-off.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Is the tour refundable?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking. If the operator cancels because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.