Devils first, history after, all in one day. I love the sheer momentum here, especially Tasmanian Devils feeding and the included Port Arthur harbour cruise. You also get a guided sweep through the Tasman Peninsula, a cliff-top walk at Waterfall Bay, and a relaxed wander in Richmond.

The one catch is the pace. It’s a fast-paced day that adds up on your feet, so if you know you tire easily, plan for a lot of walking and shorter stops.

Key things I think are worth your attention

• Small group size (max 20) keeps the day feeling personal, not chaotic.
• Entrance fees are bundled in, including Port Arthur and the Devil Unzoo.
• Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk is an easy-rated walk but still delivers big ocean views.
• Tasman Peninsula stories happen before you arrive, so the scenery lands with context.
• Port Arthur + harbour cruise gives you both land and water perspectives on the site.
• Richmond stop includes the oldest bridge still in use, plus time to snack and wander.

A fast, focused day out of Hobart

This is one of those tours designed for people who want their day to feel full without feeling random. You’re out early from Hobart, driving to the Tasman Peninsula, then stacking scenery, short walks, and major stops in a logical order. It’s not a slow “take it in” day. It’s more like a guided highlight reel—just with enough time at each place to actually enjoy it.

What I like most is that the tour leans into variety. You get coastal viewpoints and a cliff-top walk, you get a history-heavy stop at Port Arthur, and you end with Richmond’s small-town charm and a walk over a very old bridge. It’s a strong mix for first-time visitors to Tasmania who are short on days.

The 7:30 am start: why the timing is part of the value

The tour runs for about 10 hours 30 minutes, starting at 7:30 am and returning to the same meeting point in Hobart. That early start matters more than it sounds. You’re giving yourself time to see the peninsula daylight hours, walk before the day gets too hot or windy, and still reach Port Arthur and Richmond with enough daylight to enjoy both.

Also, you’re not spending your day figuring out logistics. The tour is built around transport from Hobart and guided interpretation along the way. That’s part of the value of paying a set price: someone else handles route planning and timing between stops.

Pirates Bay / Eaglehawk Neck: the stories that set the scene

Your morning begins at Pirates Bay / Eaglehawk Neck, a dramatic stretch of Tasmania’s coast. You pass through places tied to Tasmania’s maritime and defensive history, and your guide shares the sort of context that makes the coastline feel more than scenic.

You’ll also hear about the Dogline as you travel through Eaglehawk Neck, which helps explain why this part of the peninsula matters. When you come from Hobart, it’s easy to think of the drive as just getting there. Here, the guide uses the drive to give you a backbone for what you’ll see later.

Practical tip: expect frequent photo pull-outs and viewpoint moments. If you’re the type who always wants one more angle, you’ll appreciate the rhythm of the stops.

Tasman National Park: easy time on a big coastline

From Eaglehawk Neck, the day moves into Tasman National Park. The tour moves quickly, but it doesn’t feel like a “drive-by.” You’re getting guided history and stories as you pass key areas, rather than only listening once you reach the major attractions.

This is where the day starts to feel like a coordinated walk-and-look program: quick stops, short windows to take photos, then back to the bus for the next section. The benefit is that you’re not stuck waiting around all day.

What to consider: because the pacing is designed to fit multiple highlights, you shouldn’t count on long hangs at every viewpoint. If you want to linger for 45–60 minutes at each one, this may feel tight.

Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk: short, easy-rated, still scenic

Next comes one of Tasmania’s “great short walks”—the Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk. This track is around 45 minutes, rated easy, and described as undulating. Translation: it’s not technical, but you’ll still feel it in your legs, especially if the wind picks up near the coast.

This is the kind of walk that earns its time. You’re on a cliff-top route, so the views are the point, and the walk is short enough that it doesn’t wreck your day before Port Arthur. It’s a good balance for most moderate fitness levels.

Bring a light jacket if the weather shifts. Coastal Tasmania can change its mind quickly, and the exposed sections tend to feel colder than you’d expect.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo: feeding time up close

Then you hit the most adrenaline-friendly stop on the itinerary: Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. You watch Tasmanian Devil feeding, which is included, and the feeding spectacle is the main event.

What’s special about this stop is the contrast. Earlier, you’re looking at history, cliffs, and old buildings. Here, the experience is raw and immediate—snarling and lunging (the good kind of shocking), with the guide helping explain what you’re seeing.

In the Unzoo area, some visitors also note other animal-feeding moments like kangaroos and even bird-feeding. Since the tour data focuses on the devil feeding, treat those as bonuses you might get during your visit, not something you should plan around.

Time check: the stop is listed as about 1 hour. If you’re the type who wants to watch everything, that hour can feel rushed. But it’s also long enough to get a close look during feeding and still move on to Port Arthur without missing the main afternoon highlight.

Port Arthur Historic Site and the harbour cruise

Port Arthur is the emotional and historical anchor of the day. You arrive for about 3 hours, with your entry included. This is where you’ll likely spend your time walking the site, reading and watching interpretive information, and getting your bearings in a place that’s both meaningful and visually powerful.

What I like about pairing Port Arthur with the included harbour cruise is simple: you don’t just look at the site from land. You get a water perspective too. That helps you understand how the location worked—what mattered, what was reachable, and why the geography was so important.

Port Arthur can also be a different kind of experience depending on weather. When it’s rainy or windy, you may spend more time in sheltered areas and the site can feel more stark. If it’s clear, the coastal setting adds extra drama. Either way, plan on a lot of walking and a lot of standing around—bring patience for the scale of the site.

One more practical note: if you’re a history superfan who wants every last detail, 3 hours may feel short. There may be extra guided options inside the site that cost more, but you’d need to confirm what’s available when you’re there.

Richmond: the old bridge, the sweet stop, and breathing room

On the return drive, you reach Richmond for about 45 minutes. This is the softer end of the day, and it’s a welcome contrast after Port Arthur.

Richmond is famous for its heritage streets and for walking across Australia’s oldest bridge still in use. You also get time to wander for coffee and, if you want, stop by the Lolly Shop and a Chocolatier.

Here’s the balancing act: 45 minutes is charming, but it’s not long. If you’re hoping for a slow, sit-down café break and a long walk, you may feel the time pinch. That said, if you mainly want the bridge moment plus a quick browse, it works well as a final stretch.

Walking, fitness, and what to pack (without overthinking it)

This is an active, fast-paced day trip. The tour is aimed at travelers with moderate physical fitness. Most of your walking is on footpaths and track sections rather than anything technical, but there is enough movement that you’ll feel it at the end of the day.

Key physical moments:

• the Waterfall Bay cliff-top walk (about 45 minutes)
• walking around Port Arthur for about 3 hours
• short stretches in Richmond

What to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• A light day pack (the tour notes you should travel with a day pack, not luggage)
• A layer for wind at the coast and in exposed areas
• If you rely on your phone, bring a power bank. Some visitors note there isn’t Wi‑Fi or charging on board.

Price and value: what’s included and why it matters

At $139.86 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. But it’s priced like a day that bundles real costs: transport, guiding, and several paid entries.

Included items listed:

• Tasman National Park fee
• Tasmanian Devil Unzoo entrance and devil feeding
• Port Arthur Historic Site entrance
• Port Arthur harbour cruise
• Professional tour guide and interpretation
• Entrance fees across the itinerary

Why that matters: if you were trying to do Port Arthur and the devil experience on your own, you’d still need entry tickets, a driver (or rental car), and a plan for timing. Here, you’re paying for the convenience and the guided pacing, plus you’re not doing the “which tickets, which stops, which order” work.

Also, the tour caps at 20 travelers, which helps keep the day from feeling like a cattle call. For many people, that’s where value shows up most: you get guidance and context instead of just transportation.

Guide quality makes a difference on a day like this

On a tour that runs from early morning to late afternoon, the guide isn’t a side character. They’re the difference between seeing a bunch of places and understanding what you’re looking at.

People taking this tour have praised guides by name for being attentive, funny, and story-driven—examples include Jimmy, Nick, Lucas, Ben, David, Peter, Ian, and Nicholas. You shouldn’t expect a specific personality on any given day, but you can expect the guiding to focus on interpretation during the drive, not just at stops.

What that looks like: you arrive at key places with background, so the history sticks instead of bouncing off.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if:

• you’re visiting Tasmania for a short time and want major highlights in one day
• you like guided history and want someone to connect the dots for you
• you can handle walking (including a coastal cliff walk) without needing long breaks

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate fast-paced days and prefer slow, flexible exploring
• you want a long, leisurely Richmond stop
• you’re the kind of Port Arthur visitor who plans to read every interpretive sign and stay for hours

Should you book the Port Arthur, Richmond and Tassie Devils Active Tour?

If you want a single-day answer to the question What should I see on Tasmania’s far south east?, I’d say yes, with one condition: be ready for a packed schedule.

This tour is at its best when you approach it like an active sampler—devils feeding, coastal walking, and Port Arthur with a cruise—then let Richmond be a quick, sweet finish rather than a second big destination.

If you’re okay with that trade-off, you’ll likely feel like you got more than your money’s worth, because the day is built around included entrances and time-saving guided routing, not just sightseeing.

FAQ

How long is the Port Arthur, Richmond and Tassie Devils Active Tour?

It runs for about 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:30 am.

Where does the tour meet in Hobart?

The meeting point is 20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000.

Are entrance fees and the Port Arthur cruise included?

Yes. Entrance fees are included, and the Port Arthur harbour cruise is included as well.

How long is the Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk?

The walk is around 45 minutes.

Is lunch provided?

Food and drinks are not included. You’ll have options at places like the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Can I bring luggage on board?

No luggage is allowed on board. Only a day pack is suggested.

What happens if I cancel?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it’s canceled because a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.