This is a comprehensive regional guide to the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania. Here you will discover the many things to see and do in the region. Remember also that you can combine this itinerary with our other regional guides to create an in-depth itinerary for your ideal holiday.
In the far south east of Tasmania is the Tasman Peninsula, once known as the natural prison, where the beautiful landscape contrasts with the intriguing and brutal convict past.
Enter the Forestier Peninsula on the A9 at Dunalley, a humble fishing village built around the man-made Denison Canal and known for its excellent seafood produce. Continuing from Dunalley to Eaglehawk Neck is the entrance to the Tasman Peninsula.
Eaglehawk Neck has an infamous history. It was once used as a patrol base to keep watch for escapees from the Port Arthur Convict Prison, where dogs were on patrol on the narrowest part of Eaglehawk Neck, making an impenetrable barrier for convict escapees. It also boasts breathtaking scenery of rugged terrain and unusual geological formations. The Tessellated Pavement is an area of flat rock that looks to be manmade, but is in fact formed by natural erosion, one of the few examples of this in the world. Nearby are the beautiful coastal rock formations, Tasman Arch, the Blowhole and Devil’s Kitchen.
The Tasman Peninsula also has some of the best surf and diving spots in Tasmania with spectacular giant kelp forests and intriguing shipwreck sites. The area offers some of the best temperate waters in the world with excellent diving opportunities.
The Tasman National Park is an area of natural beauty and diversity, and contains some of the highest and most spectacular sea cliffs in Australia. A great way to view these is on board the award winning Tasman Island Cruise, where you can fully appreciate the magnificent beauty of these towering sea cliffs and deep sea caves, created over thousands of years by the erosion of the waves on the sandstone, granite and dolerite. If you like an adventurous challenge, try abseiling or rock climbing the Candlestick or the Totem Pole. Bushwalking enthusiasts may also enjoy exploring the deep blue waters of Waterfall Bay in the Tasman National Park, which is also accessible by car. Or if you are up for more of a strenuous hike (4 days, 3 nights) book the Three Capes Track. You will experience 48 kilometres of cliff-hugging wilderness in Australia’s far
south-east. The Three Capes Track can be admired walking in one direction, with bookings for only 48 walkers per day and overnight stops are within environmentally-sensitive cabins.
Doo Town overlooks the southern end of Pirates Bay and since the 1930’s it has had a quirky reputation in Tasmania. In this little town, you will find almost every house and shop bearing a name with the letters ‘Doo’.
At Taranna, 7 minutes south of Eaglehawk Neck on the A9, is the Devil’s Conservation Park, a wonderful park committed to the conservation of the Tasmanian devil. The park also features other native animals including quolls, rare golden possums and wallabies. Hand-feed the kangaroos and see Wedge-Tailed eagles, falcons and hawks in Tasmania’s only free-flight raptor show.
Nubeena is on the west side of the peninsula at Wedge Bay and is the largest town on the Tasman Peninsula largely known for its great surf at White Beach and Roaring Beach. South of Nubeena is Cape Raoul State Reserve, which offers a cliff walk along Ship Stern Bluff (where some of the heaviest surf breaks in the world can be found) and Tunnel Bay, a natural rock tunnel created by water erosion.
Past Nubeena, in the top north west of the peninsula, you will find the Lime Bay State Reserve and the Coal Mines Historic Site. The Coal Mines were Tasmania’s first operational mine and was a place of punishment for the ‘worst class’ of convicts.
A visit to the Tasman Peninsula would not be complete without exploring the world renowned Port Arthur Historic Site. Passes are available for 48-hour use and there are a multitude of tours and cruises within the site to fully experience Australia’s largest convict site. A visit to Port Arthur is not complete without an historic ghost tour, for a dramatic and informative lantern led tour of the site after dark.
Twelve kilometres south of Port Arthur, after the turn off to Palmers Lookout, is the Remarkable Cave. At the mouth of the cave at low tide, you can make out the distinct shape of Tasmania through the opening at the other end.