The Tasman Peninsula is a short one and a half hour drive from Hobart, through country towns and past several gin distilleries, which we will be more than happy to help you find. This area is packed full of a diverse range of things to do and see, so we’ve outlined a few of our favourites here.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Perhaps the most famous convict site of all, the Port Arthur Historic Site is as rich in history as it is beautiful and reflective. The site doesn’t shy away from its atrocious past, but presents it in an interesting and engaging way, that is suitable for all ages.
We recommend you take the guided tour of the site, but most importantly, leave yourself time to wander around and let the history seep into your consciousness. There is a distinct feeling here that is equal parts calming and beautiful, whilst at the same time can be disconcerting when face to face with the history of the site.
Coal Mines Historic Site
Often overlooked, the Saltwater River Coal Mine Historic Site is a short drive from the Port Arthur Historic Site and provides further interpretation on the convict era and the coal mining history of the region. The site is a short walking loop of a couple of kilometres, but give yourself a couple of hours to take in the interpretation supplied by the Parks and Wildlife Service. This walk is one of five Great Short Walks on the Tasman Peninsula, each offering a different experience to the last.
Cape Huay and Cape Raoul
Cape Huay is a day walk from Fortescue Bay, but also the last leg of the award-winning Three Capes Track, a 3-night multi-day walk that departs from Port Arthur. The Cape Huay track takes you deep into the Tasman National Park, can be covered in approximately four hours and is accessed from the Fortescue Bay car park. Whether you are into history, nature or just a great day hike, Cape Huay is a wonderful experience. This walk is for those with moderate fitness levels and also contains steep sections, which can become slippery after rain.
The main feature of the walk is the stunning cliffs and coastline that are ever present on the peninsula and you will be rewarded with views out to Cape Pillar and beyond, as well as of the impressive “Candlestick” and “Totem Pole” at Cape Huay, popular with rock climbers and abseilers.
For another view of the peninsula’s spectacular coastline, you might also want to check out the 5 hour Cape Raoul walk. This walk is for those with moderate fitness levels and also contains steep sections, which can become slippery after rain. The walk starts at Parsons Bay creek, around 8km west of Port Arthur on the road to Highcroft and Stormlea.
Both of these walks are exceptional experiences with stunning scenery and well worth the hike. Families with small children should be aware that there are several unprotected cliff faces and that children will need to be supervised on the walk.
All walkers embarking on walks in Tasmanian National Parks should refer to the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife safety in parks guide.
Tessellated Pavement, Devils Kitchen and Tasman Arch
These three areas are distinctly different, yet highly accessible via short walks so are perfect for the day tripper to the area. The Tessellated Pavement is unique in its formation of rock bed that runs underneath the cliff face and is accessed via a short downhill walk from the car park. If including Tessellated Pavement in your itinerary, be sure to stop at the lookout and enjoy a fresh cup of excellent coffee from the food van often parked in the lookout area. The lookout offers fabulous views over to Cape Huay.
The Devils Kitchen and Tasman Arch are both a short drive off the main highway just after Eaglehawk Neck and provide a close-up view of some of the coast’s dizzyingly high cliff faces as well as the drama of the blowhole. Be sure to wear a raincoat if the tide is in, or the day is particularly rough, as the blowhole can really pack a punch! This area is also the site of some great fish and chips as well as a lovely place to stop for local ice cream!
Remarkable Caves
The Remarkable Cave is just as the name would suggest… Remarkable! It is a deep cave, uniquely shaped due to the dramatic collapse of the cave wall. Boulders from this collapse can be seen nearby. The viewing platform is accessed via the 115 step walk into the gully and offers views all the way through the cave and out into the Tasman Sea. The car park is a popular spot for surfers and there are usually quite a few big waves which roll in off the shoreline. There are toilets on site.
You may note some visitors taking their chances and jumping the fence into the cave. Whilst many will tell you that this is safe during low tide, it is a natural cave formation and there is potential for further rock movement and large waves to come through the cave, which comes right through the cave and into the cavern at high tide.
Remarkable Caves is currently closed until around October 2019 for pathway and viewing platform improvements.
Image credits: Paul Hoelen (Osborne Helitours: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula), Supplied Courtesy of Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (Coal Mines Historic Site), Jarrad Seng (Tasman Island), Sean Scott (Roaring 40s Kayaking)