Port Arthur
TAS 7182 • Tasmania
About Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a small historic locality on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, approximately 97 kilometres south-east of Hobart within the Tasman Council local government area. Despite a modest resident population of 247 recorded in the 2021 Census, Port Arthur is one of Australia's most visited destinations, anchored by the Port Arthur Historic Site — a former British convict settlement and part of the Australian Convict Sites UNESCO World Heritage listing. The locality covers a substantial 56.5 square kilometres of rugged coastal land at the southern end of the Tasman Peninsula, where dramatic sea cliffs and sheltered harbours define the landscape.
The Port Arthur Historic Site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to explore the remarkably preserved ruins of the penal settlement, which operated from 1833 to 1877. Key features include the Separate Prison, Convict Church, Isle of the Dead cemetery, and the comprehensive visitor centre museum chronicling convict history. The surrounding Tasman Peninsula offers world-class coastal scenery, pristine beaches, and acclaimed walking experiences including the Three Capes Track. Accommodation options, cafes, and visitor services are geared primarily toward tourism, making Port Arthur a uniquely immersive place to live within one of Australia's most significant heritage landscapes.
Port Arthur falls under postcode 7182 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Prosser) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Tour buses and shuttle services (seasonal) — Hobart ~90 min
Commute to Hobart CBD
🛣️ A 90-minute scenic drive from Hobart via Arthur Highway; no regular public transport
The historic site precinct is walkable for visitors, but daily living requires a car for all essential services
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
No schools listed for this postcode.