All Things to See & Do

1830 Restaurant & Bar has sweeping views over the Port Arthur Historic Site and offers fresh seasonal local produce with a range of fine Tasmanian wines, craft beers and spirits.

 

Overlooking the vineyard and picturesque Blackmans Bay, the Dunbabin family have built this special place to share their wine and other premium Tasmanian produce with you. Pop in for a tasting and enjoy a relaxed lunch. Bangor is all about fine wine, fresh local produce, sweeping views, and a warm rural welcome that’ll make you want to stay awhile.

 

A delightful 2 to 4-hour return, this walk takes you along the coastline around Fortescue Bay. See the Peninsula's most famous shipwreck at Canoe Bay and get close-up views of crystal clear waters, kelp forests and our local seals and dolphins.

 

This is a four-hour, 9.4km return and boasts outrageously beautiful views of the south-east coast. If you love an incredible sunrise, then put Cape Hauy at the very start of your day. It is most well-known for its rock formations: the Totem Pole and the Candlestick and for being the most scenically beautiful workout for your thighs and calves.

 

Cape Pillar is best achieved as an overnight walk (23 km) camping at the designated camp sites at Wughalee Falls and Bare Knoll (toilets provided; carry own food and water).

The departure point is from the entry road into Fortescue Bay, just before the campground. Half of this journey is along the Old Cape Pillar track which connects with the Three Capes Track.

It’s a special hike because it takes you through so many different, and pristine, ecological habitats and to the very tip of South Eastern Tasmania. It’s also the closest you can get to Tasman Island and its historic lighthouse.

For walkers wanting to incorporate Mount Fortescue, Cape Hauy and the coastline, this section can only be walked in a south to north direction. This walk is a 34km circuit and recommended to walk over 3 days.

 

A five-hour, 14km return walk with stunning coastal views, seascapes and towering dolerite cliffs, Cape Raoul is one of the most loved and easily accessed of the three capes. Located next to the world-famous surf spot, Shipstern Bluff, it’s surrounded by huge pounding waves, swirling seas and an abundance of sea life. The walk starts off Stormlea Road at Highcroft.

 

 

 

Port Arthur is not the only historic convict site on the Tasman Peninsula. Escape the crowds and head to Coal Mines Historic Site on the quieter western part of the peninsula. It was Tasmania’s first coal mine and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk amongst ruins of houses, barracks, and prisons from the penal colony. Be sure to walk into the solitary confinement cells – they’re extra creepy. There’s a short walking track around the site and entry is free.

 

On the Peninsula you can travel in any direction and arrive at a coast line. The beaches are often connected to forest creeks and wetlands so they provide an abundant habitat for both local and migratory birds. Here can be found a wonderful array of oyster catchers, sandpipers and a rare variety of lapwings and plovers.

 

A four-hour, 7.5 km return, this relatively easy walk goes through the Tasman National Park and takes you to one of the most loved beaches on the Peninsula. Located close to Safety Cove and Remarkable Cave, this walk includes the marvellous Maingon Blowhole, a beautiful rocky shoreline, and massive sand dunes at Crescent Bay. It’s worth spending a whole day so pack a lunch and get ready to drink in some of the cleanest air in the world.

 

Cubed Espresso Bar offers great coffee with one of the best views in the area overlooking Pirates Bay and Eaglehawk Neck.

 

Don’t expect to find any food in this kitchen! Named because of the churning waters that crash upon the rocks below, the Devil’s Kitchen is a deep trench cut into the sea cliffs.

 

The free museum at the Officer’s Quarters (oldest timber military building in Australia) and the notorious Dog Line.

 

Dolphins are typically seen year-round.

 

Just past Doo Town you’ll find incredible food at Doo-lishus, a modest-looking food truck in Blowhole car park. People say they have some of the best fish and chips in Tasmania. They’re so good that we drove out of our way to eat here on our second visit to the Port Arthur area. Their curried scallop pies are amazing too!

 

Our distillery crafts bold and seductive gins carefully blended with Tasmania’s rich bounty of fruits, flowers and native botanicals to create distinctive, delicious spirits that reflect our natural environment.

Ginstronomy anyone? We offer an immersive tasting experience at 2 of our waterfront locations:

  • The Ginnery - 17 Fulham Rd, Dunalley 7177. Business Hours: Thur - Tue, 12pm - 5pm.
  • The Beachfront Tasting Hut - 3530 Arthur Hwy, Murdunna 7178. Temporarily Closed.

 

Eaglehawk Dive Centre is a PADI 5 Star dive centre, with experienced professional staff. We offer dive trips for qualified divers in our world-class and unique underwater wilderness and also 1 day dive experiences with no previous training required.

 

Echidnas are found all over the Peninsula.

 

Forest and bushland make up the vast majority of the peninsula’s natural habitat. Virtually any walk or trail you travel down is guaranteed to present you with a symphony of sounds and wild life. Keep an eye and and ear out and you’ll discover wombling wombats and echidnas, thumping wallabies and trees full of birds of every variety.

 

A wonderful beach nestled within Fortescue Bay, deep inside the Tasman National Park. This remote beach is worthy of a whole day's adventure as it's a great place for swimming, fishing and kayaking. And bring lunch, or even your tent, as the facilities provide fabulous bookable spots for camping, picnicking and barbeques.

 

If you’re a hawk or a falcon fan, the Tasman Peninsula a wonderful place to see them up close. Most often found on a fence post over looking a field or hovering around the area’s many pastures, one can see all kinds of Peregrines, Sparrowhawks and brown and grey Goshawks.

 

This local gin distillery is nestled above the magnificent Impression Bay in Premaydena. Hidden along the shores of the beautiful Norfolk Bay on the breathtaking Tasman Peninsula - Impression Bay Gin is in a world of its own. Refresh your spirit with views all the way to Mount Wellington while savouring the botanical notes of delicious gins that are both refined and sophisticated.

 

The Koonya Garlic Festival is an annual event with masterclasses, interesting presenters, food, drink and entertainment. This great little festival has a big heart and tickets are availble on the website.

 

Turrakana - Tasman Arts proudly presents Lightwave Festival

Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2024

LIGHTWAVE is a family-friendly event that celebrates warmth and community in the heart of a winter's night. There will be light-based art installations across multiple venues and live music. Our main participatory event is THE LIGHT PARADE; be, wear or carry light.

A ticketed bus service will be provided to make it easy to get to and from the festival.

Check the LIGHTWAVE website and follow Turrakana - Tasman Arts Facebook for more information.

 

Located on the very western end of the Peninsula, Lime Bay State Reserve is great for camping, bushwalking and history. Just down the road from the Coal Mines Historic Site, Lime Bay is a beautiful eastern facing shallow beach that provides warm waters, stunning views and wonderful sunrises. Nature lovers can head over to Lagoon Beach for that ‘far away feeling’, brilliant blue waters, wildlife everywhere and sunsets that are breathtaking.

 

If you like bespoke spirits, head to McHenry Distillery a short drive from Port Arthur. Australia’s southernmost whisky distillery, they also make a variety of gins, and vodka. Pre-book a tour of the distillery or sign up for a workshop to make your own custom gin!

 

This is a fantastic little roadhouse with friendly staff offering petrol, grocery supplies and delicious hot food which is often sourced locally such as their legendary home made crayfish pies.

 

The Nubeena Café is popular with locals and visitors for take away or dine-in food and coffee.

Opening hours are Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm and Sunday: 10am-3pm.

 

"On the Bay" at Stewarts Bay Lodge is Port Arthur's only fully licensed waterfront restaurant. Its delicious cuisine includes fresh local seafood complemented by a specially selected Tasmanian wine list. "On the Bay" is fully air conditioned and has two log fires for all year comfort. Its wonderful customer service and the ambience that reflects its beautiful surroundings makes "On the Bay" the perfect venue for a special dining experience or celebration.

 

Osborne Heli Tours operate a selection of scenic flights, unique experiences and custom itineraries from Port Arthur, situated on the stunning and rugged Tasman Peninsula. Breath-taking views from above await as you soar next to the towering sea cliffs of the three capes, witness the lighthouse standing defiantly on Tasman Island, catch a glimpse of surfers braving the treacherous swells around Shipstern Bluff and marvel at Port Arthur historic site from high up.

 

With a good eastern / northeastern swell, Pirates Bay is a surfers’ dream. Long great shaped waves break all along this stunning beach. For the non-surfers, this is also a great walking beach that starts at the stunning Tessellated Pavement and goes for 5km all the way to the famous Doo Town and the Blowhole.

 

As you approach the Tasman Peninsula and begin your descent, be sure to take a short detour to the left to Pirate’s Bay Lookout. The views of the coastline are breathtaking. If you are lucky, the Cubed Espresso van, with their cushions, blankets and chairs, will be ready to make you a fabulous coffee, to be enjoyed whilst soaking up the ambience.

 

The beautifully presented grounds are a stark contrast to the harsh conditions endured by the convicts. You can walk through the buildings on your own with an information book in hand or there are free guided tours. The entry fee also includes a short ferry ride around the harbour. The ferry takes you past the dockyard, the Point Puer Boys’ Prison and the Isle of the Dead cemetery. There are a range of other tours available at extra cost including a ghost tour and tours of the boys’ prison and the cemetery. The Port Arthur historic site lies at the very tip of the Tasman Peninsula and is UNESCO World Heritage listed. This historic penal colony was placed in this idyllic setting with a green mountain backdrop because of the harbour (for ease of unloading prisoners transported from England) and because it was situated on a peninsula it was easier to protect.

 

Nestled within seven hectares (18 acres) of lavender, rainforest and lakes and overlooking the ocean at Long Bay, Port Arthur Lavender’s visitor centre and café showcase millennia-old uses of this fragrant flower alongside modern cuisine and a fully functioning essential oil distillery.

Stroll around the lavender trail or take in the ocean views while enjoying fresh Tasmanian produce in the lavender-inspired café. Open daily except for Christmas Day.

 

Experience the power and might of the Southern Ocean here, and notice the map of Tasmania that is formed at the seaward entrance to the cave. You’ll find this geological oddity just down the road from Port Arthur. It’s aptly named – it really is remarkable! This sea cave is actually more of a tunnel. In fact, it’s really two tunnels through the sea cliffs that join together. Visit at low tide for the best views. Climb down the steep stairs to have a look.

 

If you’re into surfing or bodyboarding, then Roaring beach is the spot for you. Known for it’s shifting sand bars and abundant supply of left and right breaks, the waves aren’t too far off from a beach that some say still feels like home to dinosaurs. Just please be careful! The currents can be pretty strong and there were no lifeguards in prehistoric times.

 

Located within the Tasman National Park and just down the road from Port Arthur Historic site, this absolutely stunning secluded beach is great for romantic walks, and feeling like you’re ‘getting away from it all’. Take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in Safety Cove’s squeaky white sand or enjoy a picnic under a wonderful hanging gum tree while you marvel at Tasman Island and the western coast of Cape Pillar.

 

Located on the shores of Norfolk Bay our farm at Saltwater River enjoys long hours of sunshine and cool summer temperatures, moderated by the sea. Our family run vineyard occupies a sun drenched western slope of the farm.

Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gamay are currently in production, the wine-making specifically tailored to express the complexities of the site.

We can accept online orders for delivery anywhere in Australia via our website www.saltwaterriverwines.com.au For local (Tasman Peninsula) orders, please message us and we will deliver to your door free of charge (minimum purchase 3 bottles).

 

Similar in size to the wedgetail, the local area sea eagles can be found along most of the peninsula’s coastlines. Saltwater River Road - which follows the coastline of Norfolk Bay, and ends at Lime Bay and the Coal Mines, is the best way to spot the sea eagles. Just look for the highest perches overhanging the many rocky points and sheltered bays in the area.

 

Seals are typically seen year-round.

 

Massive waves pound the beach at Shipstern Bluff depending on the weather conditions.

 

On a big wave day, this four-hour return walk gives you all that you could hope from a Red Bull “Cape Fear” surfing experience while on calmer days it presents you with beautiful rock platforms, sea caves and gorgeous naturally formed sea tunnels. For a shorter 1.5 hour return walk, you can go as far as the lookout.

 

The Three Capes Paddle with Southern Sea Ventures is your opportunity to experience the stunning coastline of the Tasman Peninsula under your own steam. We offer fully catered, accommodated four day guided paddling trips exploring the best of the Tasman Peninsula. Contact Southern Sea Ventures for a fun, safe, active all inclusive four day paddling adventure.

 

 

For people who love beautiful turquoise waters, warm shallow water and absolutely no chance of a rip current, Stewarts Bay is simply stunning. Located down the road from Port Arthur Historic site, this lovely little beach is a favourite for families who want to know their wee ones can play all day in the sun, sand and shores of a simply stunning local favourite.

 

Tasman Arch is definitely one of the most spectacular sights to see on the Tasman Peninsula. The Arch has been carved out of the cliffs by the sea over thousands of years. It is possible to walk all the way across the Arch, but the best view is right there from the carpark.

 

The Tasman Ex-Servicemen's & Women's Association offers reasonably priced meals and an opportunity to meet some of the locals.

 

The Taste of the Tasman is an annual event in January each year, celebrating and sampling the vast array of local foods and drinks.

 

Tasman Honey is a family run business selling pure, natural honey harvested from local hives on the Tasman Peninsula and elsewhere around the state. Tasman Honey can be bought from the Murdunna Roadhouse, the Bream Creek Farmers Market and other events such as the Koonya Garlic Festival.

 

Take an unforgettable three-hour journey on one of Pennicott’s famous Yellow boats. You’ll be amazed at the towering sea cliffs of Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy and marvel at the Tasman Island. On the way you’ll get up close to amazing sea cliffs, caves and sea life including seals, dolphins, migrating birds, and often whales.

 

There is no shortage of dramatic coastline in this part of the world. The Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen are a couple of easily accessed features within a couple of minutes of each other. There are several short walks in the area that offer different views of the Arch and Devils Kitchen. The Tasman Arch is a land bridge over the remains of a collapsed cave. Devil's Kitchen is a deep trench between two towering cliffs. The features are spectacular just for their size. When you add in the often big swells coming off the Tasman Sea it takes the spectacle to another level.

 

Discover boutique wineries and artisan distilleries while enjoying the scenery and historic sites on Tasmania's south east coast.

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The Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry is a perfect stop at Taranna on the Tasman Peninsula.

A large range of hand forged chocolate products are manufactured on site and with delicious ice creams also on offer, there's sure to be something for you to choose from.

Visitors can view the manufacturing floor where products are made.

 

Gone are the cages and enclosures of traditional zoos, at the Unzoo you get to walk through native botanic gardens where you can see wildlife in the best way possible - in its natural habitat. With presentations and feedings throughout the day you’ll get up close to many of the animals including the world famous Tassie devils as well as possums, wallabies, quolls, kangaroos, pademelons, and many species of birds. At the Unzoo, the focus is on education and conservation and is a great experience for the whole family.

 

Tasmanian Devils can be seen in the wild and also at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo at Taranna.

 

This is a rock structure of a different kind. There are no towering cliffs but instead an unusually symmetrical pattern of erosion. Not only is it interesting to look at, this is one of the few places in the world you can see this type of thing. The pavement consists of areas of raised pillow-like rocks and irregularly shaped rectangles. The rocks seem so well organised and lined up that you wouldn’t think it is possible that they are naturally formed. This fascinating site is easy to access and leads onto the lovely Pirates Bay beach which is a striking geological feature in the area. A relatively uniform slab of rock lapping into the sea is criss-crossed with cuts. The Tessellated Pavement is a great place to stop and have a wander around on a sunny day. The Tessellated Pavement is arguably the most famous. The flat rocks here have a naturally formed criss-cross pattern from fractures in the rock, and the tide often leaves pools of water sitting in the rectangles to create a reflective surface, making it popular with photographers.

 

The Lufra to Lookout Hillclimb is an annual event conducted by Club Motori Italia (CMI) comprising of a "Regularity" hillclimb event on Pirates Bay Drive at Eaglehawk Neck. A presentation dinner is held in the evening for winners, participants and supporters.

 

 

 

The Pear Shed Gallery is a thriving artist’s cooperative situated at White Beach.

The gallery celebrates the creativity that exists within the Tasman Peninsula by showcasing local artists and makers working in mixed media, printmaking, painting, ceramics, glass, wood and fibre.

We offer gifts for the home, friends and family with an emphasis on the handmade.

 

The Pickers Pantry offers great coffee, home made food and icecream with a picturesque waterfront location overlooking Parsons Bay.

The Picker’s Pantry is situated in the orchard next door to the Pear Shed Artspace and Vegetable Stall on Parson’s Bay Road.

 

The Award-Winning Three Capes Track is one of the newest of Tasmania’s long distance walks. The four-day, 48 km walk starts with a boat cruise from Port Arthur across the bay to Denmans Cove. Each night you will stay in an eco-friendly cabin with excellent facilities. There are no muddy boots on this walk as the entire walk is across boardwalks and crushed gravel trails. The walk will take you to the edge, traversing the Blade to the end of Cape Pillar, increase your step count and stair count on the way to Cape Hauy and enjoy spectacular views of Cape Raoul across the bay from your first night’s lodgings. Once you arrive at Fortescue Bay a charter bus whisks you back to Port Arthur.

 

Wallabies are a common sight on the Peninsula.

 

If a long-hike isn’t your thing, but you still want to experience the best of the Peninsula, take a short 1.5-hour, 3.4 km return walk from the Devil’s Kitchen car park along the eastern coast. This track will take you to the edge of Tasmanian and leads you to spectacular towering cliff faces and swirling ocean waters. In the spring or after a heavy rain, waterfalls appear as if by magic and tumble hundreds of meters into the sea.

 

The local population of wedge tails is healthy and can most often be seen in pairs hovering over large areas where farm pastures meet the native forests. An extremely large bird, they sometimes can be a bit of a surprise when seen on the side of the road enjoying a fresh bit of carrion.

 

With so much coastline and so many protected beaches and bays, the Peninsula makes for a perfect home or rest stop for larger sea animals. Seals and dolphins are typically seen year-round, the Southern Wright and Humpbacks always stop by (at the beginning and end of winter) on their way to and from their Antarctic feeding grounds.

 

Beautiful white sparkling sand stretches for 2.5 kilometres along White Beach and is bordered by crystal clear turquoise waters of Wedge Bay. This wonderful, family-friendly beach has only small waves and minimal currents and is usually the warmest for swimming around. A great spot for canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or grab your snorkel and discover the hidden treasures that surround brother and sister islands.

 

Wombats are more likely to be seen after dark.