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

Port Arthur is the emotional centre of this day, but the real appeal is the mix: convict history, wild coastal views and Tasmanian devils in one long outing from Hobart. You will walk cliff tops, cruise past the Isle of the Dead, hand-feed wildlife and finish in a pretty old village.

I like the Waterfall Bay walk because it gets you out of the bus and onto the coast, and I like the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo because the devil feeding feels close and lively rather than like a distant wildlife display. Guides such as Ian, Nick, Clinton, Heather and Ben have earned praise for adding local stories and humour.

The trade-off is time. Port Arthur is extensive, and three to four hours gives you a useful introduction, not a thorough study. Richmond is also a short stop, and the day includes plenty of winding-road bus time. The old bus has drawn a few complaints, so comfort may depend on the vehicle used that day.

Key points at a glance

• Clifftop views at Waterfall Bay: Walk a section of one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, with fine views toward the sea cliffs and coastal formations.
• A close Tasmanian devil feeding: See these powerful, noisy marsupials at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo and take part in a feeding session.
• Port Arthur with a harbour cruise: Explore the former convict settlement and cruise around the Isle of the Dead.
• More than a bus tour: Stop at Pirates Bay, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, with short walks built into the day.
• A taste of old Richmond: See Australia’s oldest bridge, browse historic streets and make time for the town’s old-fashioned lolly shop.
• Small-group format: The tour is limited to 20 people, with an English-speaking guide and included admission fees.

Why this full-day Tasman Peninsula trip works

At $138 per person, this is a strong value if you want the main Tasman Peninsula sights without hiring a car. The price includes the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, the devil feeding, Port Arthur admission, the harbour cruise, national park entry and guided walks.

Those costs add up quickly if you arrange the day yourself. You also avoid driving unfamiliar roads and can let the guide connect the scenery, wildlife and convict story as the day unfolds.

The schedule runs from about 7:25am until 6pm, so this is not a gentle half-day outing. It is an active, packed day with several stops and a fair amount of time on the road. I would choose it early in a Hobart stay, especially if you want to see a lot before deciding where to return independently.

The small-group limit matters. A maximum of 20 people is more personal than a large coach, and the guide can usually answer questions and give practical advice at Port Arthur. The day works best when the guide brings energy to the long drives. Ian, Nick, Clinton, Heather, Peter, Matt, Lucas and Ben have all been praised for clear explanations, local knowledge and a friendly manner.

From Hobart to the wild edge of Tasmania

The meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre at 20 Davey Street in Hobart. Pickup is at 7:25am, and you should arrive at least five minutes early because the vehicle leaves promptly. Some hotel pickups may be available from selected locations if arranged in advance with Tours Tasmania.

Bring a daypack, not luggage. Large bags are not allowed on board, and airport drop-offs are not provided. You will need comfortable closed-toe shoes, warm clothing, a jacket, sun protection, food and drinks.

The weather can shift quickly along the peninsula. Even on a bright day, the coast may feel cool and exposed. I would dress in layers and keep your jacket handy rather than buried in the vehicle.

The first part of the day introduces the Tasman Peninsula through short sightseeing stops. Pirates Bay, Waterfall Bay, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen show how the Southern Ocean has cut into the cliffs. These are not long hikes, but they give the day a welcome rhythm: ride, walk, look, and ride again.

Walking Waterfall Bay and the Tasman Arch

The active part of the tour is the Waterfall Bay clifftop walk. It is one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks and is suited to people with reasonable fitness and good mobility. You should expect uneven ground and some walking up and down rather than a flat pavement stroll.

The reward is a much better sense of the coast than you get from a roadside viewpoint. You can take in the height of the cliffs, the open water and the rock formations shaped by the sea. The stop at Tasman Arch adds one of the peninsula’s most recognisable natural features, while Devil’s Kitchen gives you another view into the eroded coastline.

I like this section because it gives the tour its active label for a good reason. You are not simply being driven to a lookout, taking a photograph and returning to the bus. At the same time, this is not a full-day bushwalk. The walking is broken into manageable sections, making it suitable for people who want fresh air but are not looking for a demanding hike.

Wear shoes with a firm sole. Sandals and smooth casual shoes are a poor match for a clifftop path, particularly if the weather has been wet. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and children must be at least eight years old.

Meeting Tasmanian devils at the Unzoo

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is one of the day’s biggest draws. The experience includes entry and a Tasmanian devil feeding, so you are not paying extra for the main wildlife activity.

The feeding lets you see the devils at close range and understand why their bite is so formidable. They are small, forceful animals, and the feeding session brings out their noisy, competitive side. It is a more memorable encounter than simply spotting one behind a fence.

The Unzoo also includes chances to hand-feed wallabies and attend a Birds of the Bush presentation. Staff share information about local wildlife, which adds useful context to the animal encounters. If you enjoy wildlife, set aside time to explore beyond the devil feeding itself.

One practical tip: do not assume everyone will be looking at the same animal at the same time. The Unzoo has several things happening, and you may get more from the visit by checking the wider grounds rather than staying only with the main crowd. The day can feel slightly short here for anyone who wants to linger, especially if you are keen on both birds and wallabies.

The wildlife stop also balances the darker Port Arthur visit. You move from Tasmania’s endangered and unusual native animals to a site shaped by punishment, forced labour and separation. That contrast gives the day more depth than a tour focused on scenery alone.

Port Arthur, where the past feels close

Port Arthur Historic Site is a World Heritage-listed former convict settlement and the longest stop of the day. Admission is included, as is an informative site experience and the harbour cruise.

The preserved ruins are spread across a large area, with hills and paths between the buildings. You can explore at your own pace, listen to the guide’s explanations and use the free time to choose which parts deserve your attention. Guides often add convict stories and local context that help turn the ruins from attractive old stonework into a place with real human weight.

Port Arthur can be fascinating and upsetting at the same time. The settlement offers a clear glimpse of the strict system imposed on convicts, and the preserved buildings make the setting unusually tangible. Allow yourself time to take in the mood rather than rushing from one structure to the next.

The harbour cruise is a useful part of the visit. From the water, you see the settlement in relation to its harbour and cruise around the Isle of the Dead, the burial island associated with the site. It is a calmer change of pace after the walking and gives you a different view of the peninsula’s geography.

The main limitation is the clock. Depending on the day’s exact schedule, you may have around three to four hours at Port Arthur. That is enough for the main highlights, the cruise and a good walk through the grounds, but not enough for every building, talk and exhibit.

You will find cafes and takeaway options at Port Arthur, but meals and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch there or bring your own food and snacks. I would not count on a leisurely restaurant meal if you want to see the site properly. Keep lunch simple and protect your exploration time.

Port Arthur also involves walking on hills. The site is not an effortless stroll, so wear proper shoes and be realistic about your energy. The tour lets you see a lot in one visit, but anyone with a strong interest in convict history may prefer to return for a longer, separate visit.

A short stop in historic Richmond

Richmond comes near the end of the day, when a slower village stop feels welcome. Its historic streets and stone buildings offer a gentler finish after the coast and Port Arthur.

The main sight is Richmond Bridge, built by convicts and regarded as Australia’s oldest bridge. Its sandstone construction gives it a solid, old-fashioned character, and local stories connect it with hauntings. You can also browse the old-fashioned lolly shop and wander among the small shops.

This is a brief visit rather than a full Richmond tour. I like it as a palate cleanser, but I would not book this trip mainly for Richmond. If you want extended browsing, a long cafe break or a detailed look at the town, you may find the stop too short.

The return to Hobart is scheduled for around 6pm at the same information centre. After a ten-hour day, you will probably be ready for an easy evening rather than another major activity.

The guide can shape the whole day

The strongest part of a long coach tour is often the person behind the wheel and microphone. The guides on this route have been praised for telling stories without talking constantly, keeping the pace comfortable and making the long drives useful.

Ian is known for local Hobart knowledge and detailed Port Arthur stories. Nick has been described as funny and full of facts, while Clinton has been praised for connecting stories across the different stops. Heather, Ben, Peter, Matt and Lucas have also received strong marks for patience, organisation, driving and clear explanations.

That variety matters because the itinerary covers Aboriginal culture, wildlife, coastal geology, convict history and modern Tasmania in one day. A good guide helps those subjects fit together rather than leaving you with a string of unrelated stops.

There is one comfort caveat. A few people have found the bus old and in need of replacement. The tour involves several hours of driving on curving roads, so anyone sensitive to motion or seeking a polished coach experience should keep this in mind. The benefit is that the vehicle takes you to many places in one day, but this is not a luxury transport product.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to a first-time Hobart visitor who wants a broad introduction to the Tasman Peninsula. It suits you if you want wildlife, scenery and history in equal measure, and if you prefer having transport and admission fees handled in one booking.

It is also a good choice for active families with children aged eight and older, couples, solo visitors and anyone who does not want to drive. The small group and live English-speaking guide make it more engaging than a basic transfer with photo stops.

I would think twice if your main goal is an in-depth Port Arthur study. The site is large, and the fixed schedule means you must accept a highlights visit. I would also choose another option if you need step-free access, dislike long bus rides or want a leisurely day with plenty of time in each village.

Practical details before you reserve

Cancellation is free up to two days in advance for a full refund. Check the available start times when booking, though the general Hobart meeting time is 7:25am.

Plan for weather, walking and a long day. Pack:

• Closed-toe walking shoes
• Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
• A sun hat
• Food, snacks and drinks
• A small daypack

Do not bring suitcases or large bags. The tour is conducted in English, and the minimum age is eight.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to combine the Tasman Peninsula’s best-known coastal sights with a genuine wildlife encounter and a substantial Port Arthur visit in one day. The included fees make $138 reasonable, and the route avoids the hassle of driving while still giving you time to walk and explore.

Go in with clear expectations: it is a busy day, Richmond is short, Port Arthur deserves more time than the schedule allows, and the bus may be older than you hope. For a broad, active introduction to southern Tasmania, though, the mix is hard to beat. If you want one day that covers sea cliffs, devils, convict stories, a boat ride and Australia’s oldest bridge, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from in Hobart?

The general meeting point is the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre at 20 Davey Street, Hobart.

What time does the tour depart and return?

Pickup at the general meeting point is at 7:25am. The tour returns to the same location at about 6pm.

What is included in the $138 price?

The price includes Tasmanian Devil Unzoo admission, the Tasmanian devil feeding, Port Arthur Historic Site admission, the Port Arthur harbour cruise, national park entry, guided walks and an English-speaking guide.

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 food and snacks.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes the Waterfall Bay clifftop walk, short walks at coastal sights, walking around Port Arthur and a walk through Richmond. Reasonable fitness and good mobility are required.

Can I bring luggage?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board. Bring only a small daypack.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is eight. The tour is not suitable for children under eight or for people with mobility impairments.