Tasmania is one of the most popular road trip destinations in Australia, and no wonder, with such easy to drive roads and short distances between attractions.
The Tasman Peninsula is best known for the Penal Settlement of Port Arthur, and can often be overlooked for all its other incredible offerings. With less than a two-hour drive from Hobart, you have time to fly in, pick up a campervan hire, and be at the Peninsula – all before lunch!
If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, here are the Top 5 Attractions of the Tasman Peninsula.
Table of Contents
Eaglehawk Neck
To enter the Tasman Peninsula, you must cross the narrow isthmus that connects it the mainland. In one area, this narrow bar is just 100 metres wide, giving the region its apt name, “Eaglehawk Neck”.
Also Read: Adelaide Attractions & Best Things To Do in 2 Days
Steeped in history, Australia’s oldest military building is still standing here in the Neck, and is open for free self-guided tours. The Officers’ Quarters was built in 1831, housing soldiers until 1877, when the prison at Port Arthur closed down.
Within walking distance from this historic structure, is another step back in time. A statue of a ferocious dog marks the position where a chained row of canines were once kept, in an effort to prevent escaped convicts from entering the mainland. Essentially this turned the entire Tasman Peninsula into an inescapable prison, and this famous landmark, named “The Dogline”, is a permanent reminder.
Tasman National Park
The Tasman National Park begins on the coastline of Eaglehawk Neck, and further encompasses over one hundred square kilometres of the Tasman Peninsula. A small fee is required to enter any of Tasmania’s National Parks, and can be purchased online. A campervan load of holidaymakers can buy a two-month access pass for just $80.
Landscapes experienced in the National Parks wilderness include tall forests, rugged cliffs, spectacular rock formations, white sandy beaches and naturally occurring geysers.
A haven to abundant wildlife, the area provides refuge to colonies of Little Penguins, which can often be seen at dusk, as they swim to shore and head back to their burrows. Wedge-tailed Eagles, Sea Eagles and Swift Parrots are often seen flying overhead, and off shore, keep an eye out for migrating whales, local fur seals and pods of dolphins.
Remarkable Cave
There is a carpark very close to this cave, allowing you a short walk along a path, before an incline of 115 stairs takes you down to view the suitably named, Remarkable Cave.
There is a rail and fence to protect visitors from harm, but allows unobstructed viewing of the tunnel through the sandstone cave, to the ocean. Weather and season depending, the water can come crashing in, creating a marvellous (albeit a little wet) sight for spectators.
Maignon Bay Lookout
Turn left (on foot) at the same carpark as Remarkable Cave, and a minute later you will be enjoying the phenomenal view across Maignon Bay.
Not only is the chiselled coastline here outstanding, but the vivid colours of the plant life surrounding you on land, is also an exquisite display.
Tasman Arch
Another natural attraction that has its own carpark, you can drive right up and be marvelling at the Tasman Arch within mere seconds.
Originally the arch was a huge cave, but over years of ocean activity and erosion, the arch was sculpted.
Devils Kitchen
A short walk from the Tasman Cave and a walking trail will guide you to the Devils Kitchen. This is a duo of cliff faces that are extremely close to one another, and originally began as a cave also. However, rather than an arch, instead forms a deep, rugged chasm.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Relics and ruins from this 1800’s penal colony, provide graphic insight into life for the resident prisoners, military and civilians who existed here.
Entry fee into this Heritage Listed site, includes a short introductory tour and a harbour cruise, but there are also several other guided options that are worth taking. You can visit Isle of the Dead, the off-shore cemetery, take a commandant’s walking tour through the main buildings, or even come back after nightfall for a guided ghost tour!
The buildings are incredibly intact, including two penitentiaries, a church, hospital, asylum and many private residences that were inhabited by the staff who worked here. There are information boards throughout, so even without an escort, you will be able to learn about the buildings, as well as individual prisoners, what their crime was, and also learn many of their fates.
It takes at least a full day to see everything, and a standard entry ticket allows you to come back the following day if you wish.
Coal Mines Historic Site
More remains of the Tasman Peninsula’s convict past can be discovered at the remnants of Tasmania’s first ever coal mine. Vastly different from the organised attraction of Port Arthur, the Coal Mines Historic Site is free to visit, and the open-air ruins can be explored at your leisure.
Used as a punishment station for the worst offenders at Port Arthur, with up to 600 prisoners being held here at a time, and forced to work in the harsh underground conditions. Punishment cells are still fairly intact, allowing visitors to get a first-hand encounter with the environment in which the convicts were subject to.
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
Providing an ethical native animal experience, the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is a sanctuary for Tasmanian Devils, as well as a safe-haven to many other animals.
The Tasmanian Devil population is suffering from a genetic form of cancer, which is why several sanctuaries now protect the species. This is to ensure the species ultimate survival, by avoiding the breeding amongst diseased animals.
Unlike traditional zoos, the majority of the animals here are not fenced in, but roam free in this safe space. This can sometimes mean that the number of animals and variety of species seen on your visit can vary, but the ones you do see, will provide a genuine, and ethical, wildlife encounter.
