If you are considering a quick but memorable escape to Tasmania, then the Tasman Peninsula should definitely be your number one choice. Filled with its wild coastlines, towering cliffs, and rich heritage, the place assures a thrilling combination of tranquility and excitement. With a properly laid out weekend itinerary at the Tasman Peninsula, you can very well achieve the wonders of the nature tour as well as the exploration of the historical ruins, besides indulging in local food and wine, in only two days.
The famous Port Arthur Historic Site can be your option to explore, or you may decide to stroll on the cliffs that will certainly leave you speechless, or simply sit by a quiet beach and relax.
A weekend plan at the Tasman Peninsula starts with catching the early train out of Hobart and driving down the scenic Arthur Highway. The go is about an hour and a half, and the ride is a mashup of valley hillside and ocean vista. Stopping at Eaglehawk Neck allows the visitors to see a clip from history, the “Dog Line,” as well as the Tessellated Pavement, a natural rock formation resembling hand-laid tiles, which is perfect for pictures.
Once you are there, take a tour through the historical Port Arthur trip plan to know more about the history of the peninsula. Visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site, which consists of more than 30 refurbished buildings and ruins, should be your focus for at least half a day. To gain a complete insight into the convict era, you may be part of a guided tour or take a harbor cruise. On your visit, do not forget these: The Penitentiary, the church ruins, and the Isle of the Dead — each one of them giving you the most interesting stories from Tasmania’s past.
After a day full of fun and excitement, you can drop the luggage at any of the hotels or lodges close to Port Arthur or Nubeena. What you will be offered are warm lodges, sea-facing cottages, and stylish guesthouses, most of them with views either of the ocean or the woods. You can spend your idle time in a walk along White Beach or watching the sun go down over the ocean — an excellent first-day wrap-up of your Tasman Peninsula weekend itinerary.
For dinner, you can take your pleasure in the area’s fresh produce and seafood. The Tasman Peninsula takes pride in its fresh oysters, local fish, and good-quality Tasmanian wines. Make your way to a restaurant or a café close by for a meal that is both simple and satisfying. Nothing can be better than a glass of Pinot Noir complementing a seafood platter to celebrate your weekend getaway.
The next morning, the time has come to admire the natural beauty that has earned this peninsula its name. The ocean's influence resulted in two stunning natural rock formations, namely Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen. There are a number of short and easy walking tracks linking the viewpoints from where you can see these phenomenal rock formations, and taking pictures is excellent here.
If you are also a hiking enthusiast, then make a beeline for the Tasman National Park and embark on the Cape Hauy Track. The round journey of four hours will show you the breathtaking views of cliffs by the sea and the amazing dolerite pillars, “The Totem Pole” and “The Candlestick.” If you want something less demanding, then head to Head Waterfall Bay Lookout and enjoy the stunning seashore views. You might find along the way that there are some wallabies or a few bright green parrots, and they are perfect to snap with your camera.
When it is noon, energize yourself with a meal at one of the local cafés or bakeries in Eaglehawk Neck. Most of them serve freshly baked pastries, coffee, and local seafood dishes. Be at ease and savor the slow tempo of the day before you take another step in your journey. Also, you should not forget to visit Pirates Bay Lookout — the panoramic views of the coast are counted among the most beautiful ones of the whole island.
If you want to experience a different kind of adventure, then take one of the short tours Tasmania offers. From Port Arthur or Eaglehawk Neck, boat trips will take you close to sea caves, cliffs that are very high, and places where seals live. Depending on the season, doing a tour can also help you see dolphins or whales that are migrating. Seeing Tasmania's gorgeous nature from the sea is an awesome and very memorable way to do it.
Delve into the region's local food and wine scene to relax after your coastal adventure. Bangor Vineyard Shed is the place you can drop in to sample local wines and have a light meal with beautiful vineyard and water views. It adds up perfectly to your weekend route in Tasmania and is the ideal luxury stop.
In case you still have some strength, then move toward the coast for more sightseeing or photography. Noonday and late afternoon light are great for shooting the golden hues on the cliffs and water. Get back to Tessellated Pavement or Devil's Kitchen for viewing the sunset - the colors and the reflections on the rocks are stunning photos to wrap up your day.
What is more, if you have a spare day or want to make your Tasman Peninsula weekend itinerary more editable, there are a handful of other attractions that you can visit. Remarkable Cave is close to Port Arthur and is a tunnel formation of a very unusual kind that, from above, looks like the shape of Tasmania. Fortescue Bay is the place where one can do kayaking or have a relaxing beach picnic in the lap of nature.
Moreover, the Coal Mines Historic Site is a very quiet place that would be perfect for history lovers, providing an insight into Tasmania’s convict past. If you are a fan of hiking, then you may want to look into the Three Capes Track, which is known to be one of the most famous multi-day walks in Australia.
Use your last night to soak up the quiet and loveliness of the peninsula. The place is famous for its clean air and lack of light from the town, hence, ideal for looking at the stars. At the time of the winter season, you may be lucky to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) — a wonderful moment to finish off your weekend journey.
Once you are on your way back to Hobart, do not forget to pass through Dunalley, which is a small town of fishers and is famous for its fresh seafood. Before heading back to the city, it is a good place for a relaxed breakfast or an early lunch. Your weekend route Tasmania is thus wrapped up with this last stop that leaves you refreshed and full of lasting memories.
Here are a few additional quick tips for you:
The Tasman Peninsula weekend itinerary combines the perfect elements of history, nature, and relaxation. From the haunted ruins of Port Arthur to the high cliffs of Tasman National Park, the peninsula is one big story. The available layout of the region makes it a great place for short trips while still holding the depth of a longer holiday.
In addition to that, driving through scenic routes, tasting local products, and having a wonderful sightseeing Tasmania are just some of the ways this itinerary presents the absolute essentials of southern Tasmania — a place that, over the weekend, really seems like a different world.
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