There is a lot more to Port Arthur than a quick visit to the Historic Site.

Sitting around 90 minutes from Hobart on Tasmania's spectacular Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur is surrounded by towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches, walking tracks, local food and wine, wildlife and some very good places to stop for a drink.

You could technically visit Port Arthur as a day trip from Hobart, but we'd recommend staying for at least a night or two. It gives you time to see the Historic Site without rushing, explore the coast, eat and drink locally and discover a few of the places that are easy to miss if you're simply driving in and out.

If you're planning a trip, these are some of our favourite things to do in Port Arthur and around the Tasman Peninsula.

1. Visit McHenry Distillery for a whisky and gin tasting

About five minutes beyond the Historic Site you'll find McHenry Distillery, tucked away at the end of Radnor Road in the hills above Port Arthur.

We're a family-owned Tasmanian whisky distillery, gin distillery and brewery, making our spirits using spring water sourced here on the property.

You can stop into the McHenry Distillery Cellar Door for a guided tasting of Tasmanian whisky, gin and spirits, have a drink beside the fire, or book a behind-the-scenes Distillery and Brewery Tour. Tours take you through the working brewery and distillery before finishing with a tasting.

It's one of those Port Arthur experiences that's slightly off the main road, which is exactly why we like it.

Best for: whisky lovers, gin drinkers, rainy days, couples and anyone interested in how Tasmanian spirits are actually made.

Planning tip: if you'd like to do the full Distillery and Brewery Tour, book ahead rather than simply turning up.

2. See the Tasman Peninsula from the water with Pennicott

If you want to properly understand how wild this part of Tasmania is, see it from the ocean.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys operates wilderness cruises from Port Arthur, taking visitors beneath the enormous cliffs and rock formations of the Tasman Peninsula.

The Tasman Island experience heads out amongst sea caves, cliffs and marine wildlife, while the Cape Raoul cruise travels along the coastline past places including Safety Cove and Crescent Bay. Wildlife sightings can include seals, dolphins, seabirds and migrating whales at the right time of year.

Even if you've already explored the Peninsula by car, it looks completely different from sea level.

Best for: adventure, wildlife, photography and anyone visiting Port Arthur for the first time.

3. Walk down to Remarkable Cave

For one of the easiest ways to see the dramatic coastline around Port Arthur, drive out to Remarkable Cave in Tasman National Park.

There's a viewing platform near the car park overlooking Maingon Bay, followed by 115 steps down towards Remarkable Cave itself. The coastline here is properly Tasmanian: huge cliffs, rough ocean and, occasionally, whales or sea eagles in the distance.

It's a good shorter stop if you don't have time for one of the Tasman Peninsula's longer walks.

Allow: around 30–60 minutes, depending on how long you spend exploring and taking photos.

4. Have a coffee overlooking Pirates Bay

If you're driving to Port Arthur from Hobart, Eaglehawk Neck is your gateway onto the Tasman Peninsula.

One of the best coffee stops along the way is cubed espresso bar at Pirates Bay.

Grab a coffee and something sweet, take in the view and stretch your legs before continuing towards Port Arthur.

This is also an easy stop to combine with the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen around Eaglehawk Neck.

Worth knowing: many small Tasman Peninsula businesses change their opening days seasonally, so check current trading hours before planning your day around a particular café.

5. Visit Premaydena Hill for local wine and produce

For a slower afternoon, head across the Peninsula to Premaydena Hill Winery.

The first-generation family farm has its own three-hectare vineyard, produces wine on site and also raises grass-fed Black Angus beef. The cellar door offers wine tastings and meals, making it a great place to experience another side of Tasman Peninsula produce.

If you're already doing whisky and gin at McHenry, this makes a very good wine stop to add to your trip.

6. Stop at The Pickers Pantry

Another local favourite is The Pickers Pantry at White Beach.

It's worth venturing away from the main Port Arthur route and exploring the western side of the Peninsula, particularly if you're staying for more than one night.

Pair it with a drive through Nubeena and White Beach or a visit to Premaydena Hill rather than making it a separate trip.

Again, Peninsula cafés can have seasonal trading periods, so check that they're open before heading over.

7. Go stargazing in Port Arthur

Once the sun goes down, don't assume there's nothing left to do.

Away from the lights of Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula can be an incredible place to look at the night sky.

McHenry Distillery runs guided Port Arthur stargazing experiences from the property during the cooler months, with telescopes and an astronomer helping guests explore the southern night sky. There's an indoor projection and telescope option if Tasmanian weather decides not to cooperate.

It's particularly good if you're turning your Port Arthur visit into a proper overnight escape rather than a day trip.

8. Stay the night at a cabin in Port Arthur

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a Port Arthur itinerary is trying to drive down from Hobart, see everything and drive home again that afternoon.

Stay the night and the whole trip becomes much easier.

At McHenry Distillery we have two secluded accommodation options on the property.

Devil's Lair Cabin

Devil's Lair is our one-bedroom off-grid cabin for two, perched high above the property with enormous views across the surrounding landscape.

There's a fireplace, kitchenette and stargazing skylight above the bed. On clear nights you can watch the stars from inside, and it's not unusual to see local wildlife around the property after dark.

It's the one we'd pick for a romantic Port Arthur getaway.

Brewers Cabin

For families, friends or two couples travelling together, Brewers Cabin sleeps four and sits down in the valley beside the Distillery and Brewery.

It has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, fireplace, living area and outdoor deck.

Both mean you can finish a day exploring Port Arthur, settle in for the night and wake up already in the middle of the Tasman Peninsula rather than facing the drive back to Hobart.

How long should you spend in Port Arthur?

If you're wondering how many days you need in Port Arthur, we'd recommend two to three days if your Tasmania itinerary allows it.

One day is enough to see the Port Arthur Historic Site and perhaps one other attraction. Two nights gives you a much better chance to explore the coast, visit a distillery or winery, take a wilderness cruise and actually enjoy the area rather than rushing between stops.

A simple two-day Port Arthur itinerary could look like this:

Day one: stop at Eaglehawk Neck and Cubed on the drive down, spend the middle of the day exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site, then head to McHenry Distillery for a tasting before checking into your accommodation.

Day two: book a Pennicott wilderness cruise, visit Remarkable Cave and spend the afternoon exploring Premaydena, Nubeena or White Beach before heading home.

If you have a third day, add a longer walk through Tasman National Park.

Is Port Arthur worth visiting?

Absolutely.

The Historic Site might be what puts Port Arthur on most Tasmania itineraries, but the surrounding Tasman Peninsula is what makes it worth staying longer.

Within a relatively small area you've got World Heritage history, some of Tasmania's most dramatic coastline, whisky and gin, local wine, walks, wilderness cruises, beaches, wildlife and small local food producers.

And because Port Arthur is only around 90 minutes from Hobart, it's close enough for a short trip while still feeling a very long way from the city.

Plan your visit to Port Arthur

If you're heading down the Tasman Peninsula, come and find us at McHenry Distillery, 229 Radnor Road, Port Arthur.

Visit the Cellar Door for a whisky or gin tasting, book a Distillery and Brewery Tour, join one of our stargazing experiences, or stay on the property at Devil's Lair or Brewers Cabin.

Keep Heading South.