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Gray Line Tasmania · Hobart

Port Arthur and the Isle of the Dead

Gray Line's longer day gives you about 4.3 hours at Port Arthur, with the harbour cruise and a guided one-hour walk on the Isle of the Dead, the cemetery island in the bay. It's the longest stay of any day trip, and the island tour alone costs A$85 if you book it at the site.

Port Arthur & Isle of the Dead Day Trip

About this experience

Same operator as the standard Gray Line day, different emphasis. The coach leaves Brooke Street Pier and stops for 25 minutes in Richmond and 5 at Eaglehawk Neck, then gets you to Port Arthur for about 4.3 hours. That's the longest block on site of the six day trips we list.

Part of that time is on the water. The Isle of the Dead was the settlement's burial ground: the site says more than 1,000 people who lived and worked at Port Arthur between 1833 and 1877 are buried there, convicts and free people alike, and most graves were never marked. You cross by boat and walk the island with a guide for about an hour. Booked directly, the site's Isle of the Dead tour costs A$85 per adult. Here it's folded into a $132 day that includes transport.

On the way home there are short stops at Tasmans Arch (15 minutes), the chocolate foundry (15) and an optional 40 minutes at Remarkable Cave. Lunch isn't included. The listing rules out travellers with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

  • About 4.3 hours at Port Arthur, the longest of any day trip
  • Guided one-hour walk on the Isle of the Dead
  • The 20-minute harbour cruise included
  • Tasmans Arch and Richmond on the way
  • Entry included

How the day runs

  1. MorningBrooke Street Pier

    Check in at the Gray Line desk on the Hobart waterfront.

  2. 25 minRichmond

    Time to walk to the convict-built bridge and the old village street.

  3. 5 minEaglehawk Neck

    A quick look at the isthmus that sealed the peninsula.

  4. About 4.3 hoursPort Arthur and the Isle of the Dead

    The harbour cruise, a guided walk on the cemetery island, then free time for the Penitentiary, the Separate Prison and the houses.

  5. 15 minTasmans Arch

    A natural sea arch in Tasman National Park, a few minutes from the road.

  6. Late afternoonCave, chocolate, Hobart

    Optional 40 minutes at Remarkable Cave, 15 at the chocolate foundry, then back to the pier.

Passengers boarding the harbour boat at the Port Arthur jetty

What's included

Included

  • Port Arthur Historic Site entry
  • The 20-minute harbour cruise
  • Guided 1-hour Isle of the Dead walk
  • Coach from Hobart and back
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Suitability for wheelchair users or limited mobility
  • Parks Pass if needed at Remarkable Cave
  • A guided walk of the main site (the guide takes you to the island)

Who it suits

Book it if

  • Port Arthur is the whole point of your day
  • You want the Isle of the Dead without booking it separately
  • You're interested in the people more than the buildings
  • You'd like a full afternoon to wander at your own pace

Skip it if

  • You use a wheelchair or walk with difficulty: see the standard Gray Line day
  • Graveyards upset you or your children
  • You want wildlife: the devils tour has it, with less site time
  • You'd rather have lunch included

What guests say

★★★★★

The whole day was just perfect, thanks Brody. It was a small group which was great and they were all friendly.

Karen · Guest review
★★★★★

Incredibly humbling & interesting tour.

Amanda · Guest review
★★★★★

An easy way to get out to Port Arthur and have all the inclusions you need.

Melanie · Guest review
★★★★★

Had a great day, and Alan was a wonderful driver/tour guide.

Catherine · Guest review

Tips before you book

  • Wear proper shoes. The island path is uneven and can be wet.
  • Do the Separate Prison before the island. Your energy goes after a full hour among the graves.
  • Bring lunch or budget for the cafe. With 4.3 hours on site you'll want to sit down once.
  • Drop Remarkable Cave if you're tired. It's 115 steps back up to the car park.
  • Book well ahead in summer. The island boat has limited capacity.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Isle of the Dead tour?

About an hour on the island with a guide, plus the short boat crossing. The site runs its own version (20-minute ferry and 45-minute walk) at A$85 per adult; this day trip includes it.

How many people are buried on the Isle of the Dead?

The site says more than 1,000 people who lived and worked at Port Arthur between 1833 and 1877. Wikipedia counts 1,646 graves, of which only 180 are marked.

Is this tour suitable for limited mobility?

No. The listing says it isn't suitable for travellers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The standard Gray Line day is wheelchair accessible.

Is lunch included?

No. Eat at the Port Arthur Cafe or the 1830 Restaurant & Bar on site, or bring your own.

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The longest stay of any day trip, about 4.3 hours, with the harbour cruise and a guided walk on the Isle of the Dead.

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The longest stay of any day trip, about 4.3 hours, with the harbour cruise and a guided walk on the Isle of the Dead.

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