Port Arthur, Australia

Port Arthur is situated near the southern tip of the wild and magnificent Tasman Peninsula. Home to one of the world’s largest and best preserved examples of a 19th century penal colony, Port Arthur certainly is a place where history lives.
Not only will the spectacular architecture captivate you, you’ll also be drawn to its hauntingly spectacular landscape - rugged high cliffs, tessellated rock platforms framing an often stormy sea, thick bush land and a dramatic coastline.
Average Temperatures in Port Arthur (°C)
| January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
| 15°C |
15°C |
14°C |
12°C |
11°C |
9°C |
8°C |
9°C |
10°C |
11°C |
12°C |
13°C |
Featured Shore Tours from Port Arthur
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Tasman Peninsula, Devonshire Tea & Chocolate Factory PA7-000
Enjoy a relaxing time seeing the best of the Tasman Peninsula; taste chocolate and be treated to a decadent Devonshire Tea in historic surroundings....
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Geological Panoramas Of The Peninsula PA7-005
The fascination of the convict era, together with the dramatic coastal scenery of Tasmania, comes to life with the opportunity to discover the scenic...
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Tasmanian Devil Park PA7-010
Enjoy the wonders of the local wildlife and the fascinating history of convict Australia with this tour.
At the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park...
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Norfolk Bay & Coal Mines PA7-015
Enjoy the combination of the wonders of the Tasman Peninsula coast line & life and the fascinating convict history of Australia with this tour....
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Tasman Island Eco Adventure Cruise PA7-025
Enjoy a Private Sea Charter on the Tasman Sea. Witness the abundant animal and bird life and the amazing coastline and caves of the Tasmanian...
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More about Port Arthur
Docking / Disembarkation
Your P&O Cruises ship will anchor and tender boats will transfer you ashore to Port Arthur jetty.
Taxis
Taxis and other public transport are not available. Port Arthur’s town and Visitors Centre are located a short walking distance from the pier.
Shopping
A variety of souvenirs relating to the fascinating history of Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula can be purchased from the Port Arthur Visitors Centre.
Dining
A cafe and a restaurant are located within the historic site. For quarantine reasons, please do not take any food or drink (other than bottled water) off the ship.
Climate
Tasmania’s maritime climate can be quite changeable. There are four distinct seasons and summers are usually warm, with occasional hot days. Winters can be chilly and wet, but not as cold as many Australian mainlanders believe.
Tipping
If you’re pleased with the service you receive in a restaurant, a reasonable tip would be around five to ten percent of the bill.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards and charge cards are accepted.
Telephones International and Local
Public telephones are available at the Port Arthur Visitors Centre.
What To Wear Ashore
To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, ‘layered’ clothing (to allow for changes in temperature) and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, and bottled
water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella and a warm jacket in case the weather turns cool.
Shore Tours
There are a small selection of Shore Tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in and around Port Arthur. Subject to availability, Shore Tours may be booked onboard at the Shore Tours Desk.
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tours staff will be at that location to assist you.
P&O Cruises Agents
In case of emergency while you are ashore please contact the nearest P&O Cruises crew member. Alternatively, P&O Cruises’ port agent representative in Port Arthur is:
Inchcape Shipping Services Ltd
Ground Floor, 38 Motpelier Retreat
Battery point (Bldg Mailbox No. 9)
Hobart Tas 7004
GPO Box 1720
Hobart TAS 7001
Tel: (03) 6224 1470
How to book
To take advantage of our fantastic low cost cruises, book now. Visit your travel agent or call 13 24 94 for Australian bookings or 0800 780 716 for New Zealand bookings.
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