Tasman Peninsula

Overview

Just 90 minutes from Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula is a place where dramatic sea cliffs, ancient rock formations and convict-era history collide. From the hauntingly beautiful Port Arthur Historic Site to the natural wonders of Tessellated Pavement and the Three Capes Track, this region is packed with breathtaking scenery and stories you won’t forget.

Explore the Tasman Peninsula Your Way

At The Road Trip Oz, we help you experience Tasmania’s wild south-east the way it suits you best — whether that’s behind the wheel, with a local guide, or travelling as part of a small group.

• Self-Drive Tours – Love the freedom to explore? We’ll provide detailed, custom route notes so you can drive yourself through the Tasman Peninsula’s must-see spots, hidden gems and best local eats.
• Small Group Tours – A great choice if you want to meet fellow travellers while leaving the logistics to someone else. These journeys are expertly guided and thoughtfully paced.
• Private Guided Tours – Want to go deeper? Our private guided tours give you a flexible, tailored experience with insider access and a local driver-guide to bring it all to life.

Seasonal Highlights on the Tasman Peninsula

Each season brings something unique to the region. Here’s what to expect:

Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm, clear days

• Walk Cape Hauy or Cape Raoul in the early morning
• Swim or picnic at Fortescue Bay
• Best time for boat tours and wildlife spotting
  

Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp air, fewer crowds

• Enjoy peaceful hikes with golden light over the cliffs
• Explore Port Arthur with fewer tour groups
• Great conditions for photography
  

Winter (Jun–Aug): Quiet and moody

• See the coastline at its most dramatic
• Curl up in cosy cafés in Nubeena and Eaglehawk Neck
• Perfect for slow travel and historical sites
  

Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers and sunshine

• Spot orchids and native blooms on bushwalks
  Join wildlife spotting tours with newborn animals
  Ideal time for hiking the Three Capes
  

Best Things to See & Do on the Tasman Peninsula

Top Attractions

• Port Arthur Historic Site – Australia’s most famous convict-era site with immersive tours, preserved ruins and haunting stories.
  
• Tessellated Pavement – A rare natural rock formation near Eaglehawk Neck, best viewed at sunrise.
  
• Cape Raoul – Rugged cliffs, dramatic sea stacks and one of Tasmania’s most scenic coastal hikes.
  
• Three Capes Track – A multi-day hiking experience with towering cliffs and breathtaking lookouts.
  
• Remarkable Cave – A tunnel-shaped sea cave you can walk into at low tide.
  
• Tasman Arch & Devil’s Kitchen – Two incredible coastal rock formations shaped by millennia of waves.
  
• Eaglehawk Neck – Once the site of the Dog Line; now a peaceful gateway to the peninsula’s attractions.
  
• Fortescue Bay – A secluded bay with white sand, crystal-clear water and great camping.
  

Photo Hotspots

• Tessellated Pavement at sunrise – Catch reflections and golden light across the unique rock patterns
  
• Port Arthur from the Guard Tower – Panoramic views over the ruins and bay
  
• Cape Pillar cliffs – One of the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere
  
• Remarkable Cave – Frame the sea through the cave’s rocky tunnel
  
• Fortescue Bay – Glassy water and forested headlands
  

Hidden Gems

• Coal Mines Historic Site – A lesser-known convict site with eerie ruins and peaceful walking trails
  
• Crescent Bay – Massive sand dunes and often completely empty
  
• Waterfall Bay Walk – A short forest walk to a clifftop view of a waterfall plunging into the sea
  
• Doo Town – A quirky hamlet where every house has a pun in its name
  

Where to Stay

Mid-Tier Comfort

• Stewarts Bay Lodge – Peaceful waterfront cabins near Port Arthur
  
• Fox and Hounds Inn – Classic country-style accommodation with water views
  
• Port Arthur Villas – Self-contained villas just minutes from the historic site

Luxury Accomodation 

• Sea Change Safety Cove – Boutique beachfront retreat with ocean views
  
• Eaglehawk Pavilions – Architect-designed pavilions perched above the trees

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Self-Drive Tours

A rental car is the easiest way to explore the Tasman Peninsula and surrounding regions. Here’s what we recommend:

• Compact or Standard Cars – Great for couples or solo travellers who want easy parking and fuel efficiency
• SUVs – A more comfortable ride with room for luggage and off-the-beaten-track detours
• Vans – Ideal for families or small groups looking for extra space

We’ll help you choose the right vehicle and include it in your itinerary planning for a totally stress-free experience.

Add to a Bigger Tassie Adventure

The Tasman Peninsula pairs perfectly with a wider Tasmanian road trip. Start in Hobart and continue to Freycinet, Cradle Mountain or the Huon Valley — or head further afield to Bruny Island or the Tarkine wilderness.

We design seamless, flexible itineraries that connect Tasmania’s highlights with its hidden treasures.

Why Travel with The Road Trip Oz

At The Road Trip Oz, we’re all about easy, meaningful travel. Whether you’re going guided or doing it yourself, we take care of the hard stuff – planning, bookings, routes – so you can just focus on the adventure.

We’ll make sure your Tasman Peninsula journey is packed with the best views, local tips and unforgettable moments. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy the ride.

Book Your Tasman Peninsula Escape

Whether you want to hike, explore convict ruins or just breathe in that wild sea air, the Tasman Peninsula is a must for any Tassie road trip.

Contact The Road Trip Oz today and we’ll start planning your unforgettable Tasman adventure.