Tasman Peninsula Travel Guide: Best Hikes, Accommodation & How to Plan Your Trip
Visiting Tasmania and looking to mix adventure with cosy stays and fascinating history? The Tasman Peninsula might just be the perfect spot. I’ve visited Tasmania several times, and on my most recent trip, I headed south to explore the Tasman Peninsula—where I also spent my 31st birthday with ghosts (more on that later). It turned out to be a trip I won’t stop thinking about. In this guide, I’ll share some practical tips and fun things to know before planning your visit.
Where is the Tasman Peninsula?
The Tasman Peninsula sits in the southeast of Tasmania, Australia and is known for its rugged, dramatic coastline. It’s also home to the famous Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Tasmania’s most well-known attractions.
The peninsula is connected to mainland Tasmania by a narrow isthmus called Eaglehawk Neck. As you cross the bridge into this wild corner of the state, the landscape quickly opens up into lush green forests and breathtaking coastlines.
How to Get to the Tasman Peninsula
The easiest way to get to the Tasman Peninsula is by car. If you’re visiting for the weekend, fly into Hobart and enjoy a short, scenic 90-minute drive to the peninsula.
Public transport can make things tricky — after researching, I found there’s only one daily bus from Hobart to Nubeena (more info here: Tasman Connect).
I rented a car from Bargain Rentals at Hobart Airport, and the staff was incredibly friendly. Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore everything the Tasman Peninsula has to offer at your own pace.
What is the best Time to Visit the Tasman Peninsula
This is a great question, and my answer might surprise you! I’ve visited Tasmania in both the middle of summer and the middle of winter, and the experiences were completely different.
On one summer Tasmania trip, I experienced days as cold as 5°C, while during my visit to the Tasman Peninsula in June (winter in Australia), I was pleasantly surprised by sunny days reaching around 18°C.
In reality, the Tasman Peninsula is a beautiful destination any time of year. Being so far south, it tends to be one of the colder parts of the island. If you prefer warmer weather, the summer months (December–February) are ideal, but winter also offers mild, crisp days and fewer crowds.
So, to answer the question: the Tasman Peninsula is a great destination to visit all year round!
Where to Stay on the Tasman Peninsula
One of the most magical parts of visiting Tasmania is how incredible the accommodation options are. I’ve stayed in some truly beautiful campsites, hotels, and Airbnbs all around the state. When planning my trip to the Tasman Peninsula, I had serious decision fatigue about where to stay — but ultimately, I landed on a modern, cosy cabin called The Three Capes Cabin.
The Three Capes Cabin
The Three Capes Cabin is nestled just across the road from Eaglehawk Bay. Stepping inside felt like arriving at a destination in itself — I honestly didn’t want to leave. With floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, the cabin blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, making you feel completely immersed in the Tasmanian wilderness.
Although it sits close to the main road, dense bushland blocks out any noise, creating a peaceful escape where it feels like the outside world simply fades away.
I stayed here for my 31st birthday, and it was such a treat. The cabin even has two baths — yes, two — with my favourite being in the main bathroom. A huge window looks straight out into the surrounding nature, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
It got dark around 5 pm most days, so each evening naturally turned into a cosy night by the fire. Wrapped in the quiet of the Tasmanian bush, it was the perfect place to slow down and unwind.
That being said here are my other recommendations for places to stay in the Tasman Peninsula:
What are the top things to do in the Tasman Peninsula?
The Tasman Peninsula has so much to offer, which is how I spent 5 days there and still didn’t fit everything in. It was my second visit to the area, and while most people put the Port Arthur historic site at the top of their itinerary, I promise you, there is so much more to do.
Historical Sites & Cultural Experiences
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur is one of the most well-known places in Australia due to its extreme history with convicts. I’ve been twice now, and I still feel I could go back again because there are simply so many activities to do in Port Arthur. I’ll go into more details later on in the blog.
Coal Mines Historic Site
Visit Tasmania’s first operational mine… well, kind of! I was driving around the peninsula when I spotted “Coal Mines Historic Site” on Google Maps. On a whim, I took a quick detour, parked up, and wandered in. I did get a little lost, but it was totally worth it — I genuinely loved this experience.
You can learn some history, take a walk, and explore off the beaten track. My partner and I started at the main historic site, taking photos and exploring the old prison cells. Then we decided to wander further and stumbled upon the quarry. There was no one around except us, and while it felt a bit eerie, it made the adventure even better.
By the end, we had spent around three hours there — by accident! You can check out the main historic site, Jetty Point, the quarry, and the main shaft, depending on how adventurous you feel.
Best Hikes in the Tasman Peninsula
Cape Hauy Hike
Hiking Cape Hauy felt like the highlight of the trip — peaceful, dramatic, and just the right amount of challenging. This 9.4km return hike is rated as a grade 3, making it accessible for most moderately fit walkers. With breathtaking cliffs and sweeping ocean views, it’s a must-add activity to your Tasman Peninsula itinerary.
Three Capes Track
If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, the Three Capes Track is the ultimate multi-day hike in Tasmania. Spanning 48km and recommended for experienced hikers, most people take at least four days to complete it. The name originates from the three epic capes you’ll pass along the way: Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy, and Cape Raoul.
Best Viewpoints in the Tasman Peninsula
Tasman Arch
A beautiful natural arch on the east side of the peninsula. It is a relatively accessible viewpoint that you can reach within a few minutes of the car park. I decided to stay longer and hike the Waterfall bay hike.
Devils Kitchen
Looking for something a little more dramatic? This spot gets you up close and personal with the crashing ocean below. It’s said sailors named it “Devil’s Kitchen” because it looked like a place the devil himself would cook up a storm.
Tessellated Pavement
A trip to the Tasman Peninsula doesn’t feel complete without visiting this natural wonder. Somehow, I’ve managed to skip it on both of my visits… so I guess a third trip is officially on the cards.
Best activities to book in the Tasman Peninsula
Cape Raul Wilderness Cruise
Aside from visiting Port Arthur Historic Site, the Cape Raoul Cruise is one of the most popular tours on the Tasman Peninsula. Here’s what you need to know before booking.
I went on the Cape Raoul Wilderness Cruise for $130, and I was so excited to get breathtaking views of Cape Raoul. The cruise departs from Port Arthur, which we didn’t realise until we arrived — meaning we had to pay the $53 entry fee to get in. This bumped the total cost from $130 to $183, which honestly felt a bit steep.
That said, the cruise itself was amazing. We spotted whales, seals, and dolphins while cruising along the dramatic coastline. It was a beautiful experience, though in my opinion, it didn’t quite feel worth the $183 total.
If you have not visited Port Arthur before, I’d recommend booking the cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site entry for the same day. If you do the tours separately, you’ll have to pay to enter Port Arthur for a second time!
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
If you’re keen to see native Tasmanian wildlife up close, this is well worth a stop. The Unzoo takes a slightly unconventional approach to wildlife conservation, focusing on removing barriers and allowing visitors to experience animals in a more natural environment.
Best Places to Eat on the Tasman Peninsula
- Cubed Espresso Bar – One of the few proper coffee spots on the peninsula, and easily one of the best views over Pirate’s Bay. Perfect for a slow morning.
- 1830 Restaurant & Bar – Located within the Port Arthur Historic Site, this cosy spot is a great escape from Tasmania’s cooler weather. I’m vegan and was genuinely impressed by the number of veggie options on the menu.
- On the Bay Restaurant – Aside from Cubed, this place probably has the best view on the peninsula, paired with a surprisingly diverse menu.
Is Port Arthur Historic Site Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. If you’re visiting the Tasman Peninsula, you should set aside at least half a day — ideally a full day — to explore Port Arthur Historic Site. I’ve visited a few times now, and it always feels like there’s something new to discover.
Port Arthur is steeped in history, dating back to 1830, and was once home to over 14,000 convicts throughout its time as a penal settlement. Today, the site offers a powerful glimpse into Australia’s convict past.
The site is huge, and I highly recommend joining one of the guided tours to hear the fascinating stories of convicts who attempted escape, as well as the harsh conditions they endured while imprisoned here.
Escape From Port Arthur – $20 AUD (11am & 3pm) – This one-hour tour shares the incredible stories behind the convicts who spent their days imprisoned at Port Arthur, including attempted escapes and life inside the settlement.
Port Arthur Ghost Tour – $35 – This was honestly my favourite experience at Port Arthur — I even did it on my birthday. You don’t need a separate site entry ticket for this one, as it runs after dark.
If you’re into ghost stories, this is not to be missed. A quirky tour guide led us through the historic site at night, and the atmosphere was super eerie. At one point, we were even locked inside a former prison building while strange noises echoed around us…
Should you visit the Tasman Peninsula?
Writing this blog post has me dreaming of my next winter getaway to the Tasman Peninsula. It’s an easy destination to reach, sitting just a 90-minute drive from Tasmania’s capital, Hobart.
During my trip, I also set aside a day to explore Hobart, wander through the Salamanca Market (held every Saturday), and grab lunch in the city. If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, the Tasman Peninsula won’t disappoint. From beautiful stays and epic coastal hikes to ghost tours and historic sites, there’s something for every kind of traveller.
I’ve also shared a full YouTube video below if you want even more insight into my time on the Tasman Peninsula.
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