Wake up early to admire sea birds wheel over signature rock features before the busloads arrive from Hobart. Or spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic while other visitors must push on to the next stop. Yes, bunking down on the Tasman Peninsula comes with great perks.
More good news? Within steps of captivating nature and history (including Port Arthur), there are lovely places to stay. The bad news? These are few and tend to go fast, especially for the busy summer season.
So, without further ado, here are our favourite accommodation picks for the Tasman Peninsula, with something for every style and budget.
Eaglehawk Neck
If it weren’t for this 50-m wide, 400-m long stretch of sand, the Tasman Peninsula would have been an island. A scenic gateway, it separates the white beaches of Pirates Bay in the east from finger-shaped Eaglehawk Bay in the west.
Travelling through was nerve-racking in the 19th century, when military patrolled the land strip with the help of strategically positioned dogs. Today, the Officers Quarters Museum and Dog Line monument are a brilliant introduction to the Tasman Peninsula. So is the adjacent (nature-made) Tessellated Pavement.
Coffee lover? Cubed Espresso gladly pours you a cup from its unbeatable location, looking down at Eaglehawk Neck magnificently backdropped by the Tasman Peninsula.
You’ll also be close to several other highlights if you stay on Eaglehawk Neck. The Blow Hole, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen are super-cool geological features within a 10-minute drive.
Pros of staying in Eaglehawk Neck
- Closest base to Hobart and the mainland
- Near outstanding geological features
- Dramatic vistas of Pirates Bay
Cons of staying in Eaglehawk Neck
- Further drive down to Port Arthur
- Can get busy with day-trippers passing through
Sleeping on Eaglehawk Neck
Lufra Hotel & Apartments
Select from uncomplicated rooms and apartments in various sizes. The most attractive ones boast lovely views of the deep-blue Pirates Bay.
Taranna
Tiny Taranna fronts tranquil Little Norfolk Bay, dotted with sailboats in summer. The beauty is unmissable even from the Arthur Highway, hugging the water and passing pastures.
It’s typical drive-through country, though, with little to offer beyond the scenery. The exception, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo makes animal lovers stop for close encounters with iconic Aussies.
That said, Taranna puts you with the rest of the peninsula at your fingertips. You can backtrack to Eaglehawk Neck or head down to Port Arthur in under 10 minutes.
Pros of staying in Taranna
- Set between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur
- Beautiful views over Little Norfolk Bay
- Relaxed rural atmosphere
Cons of staying in Taranna
- Limited dining choices nearby
- Small selection of accommodation
Sleeping in Taranna
Mason’s Cottages
Guests quickly feel right at home at Mason’s Cottages, encompassing five spotless units. Whether you choose a connected studio or standalone cottage, you’ll end up with a fully equipped kitchen.
Four Seasons Waterfront Cottages
No, it’s not a soulless international hotel chain. Neatly lined up on a bayfront property, these four pastel-colored, two-storey, alpine-style cottages ooze holiday vibes.
Port Arthur
Set against thick forest and a natural harbour, the village of Port Arthur is the Tasman Peninsula’s historic heart. What started out as a humble 1830 timber camp soon became a sprawling convict settlement.
The Port Arthur Historic Site is, arguably, the most complete among the eleven Australian penal sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Visitors can inspect a blend of complete buildings and ruins crammed with engaging stories – an essential part of a Tasman Peninsula itinerary.
A unique spot for a meal, Port Arthur Motor Inn has a restaurant facing the historic property (bookings recommended). For a more lighthearted perspective, drive up Arthur Highway to Port Arthur Lavender, serving yummy lavender-infused foods.
To explore more, you can get to the fittingly named Remarkable Cave in under 10 minutes by car. The trailheads for the bucket-list Cape Raoul and Cape Hauy are reachable in less than 30 minutes’ drive.
Pros of staying in Port Arthur
- Right on the doorstep of the historic site
- Short distance to Remarkable Cave
- Widest range of places to stay and eat
Cons of staying in Port Arthur
- Higher concentration of tourists
- Pricier accommodation
Sleeping in Port Arthur
Stewarts Bay Lodge
These sophisticated cabins and chalets blend in perfectly with the surrounding coastal woodlands. Settle in, then let the soothing sound of Ladies Bay hush you to sleep.
Port Arthur Motor Inn
Only here can you start and end your day with a view of the historic settlement. It makes up for that the rooms are basic.
NRMA Holiday Park
There seems to be a winner for every type of visitor at the cordial NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park, offering everything from cabins and dorm rooms to glamping and camping.
Nubeena & beyond
The Tasman Peninsula is at its most peaceful beyond the tourist trail. Tucked away on the less-trodden west coast, Nubeena offers the quintessential scenery but without the crowds.
Be wowed by the tranquility on White Beach, kicking back in the glittering sand or taking a rejuvenating walk. Facing west, it may be the most spectacular spot on the peninsula for sunset. Or head to the exposed Roaring Beach in the namesake conversation area, watching experienced surfers take on the waves.
There are a few friendly providers of laid-back meals and coffee, including Lucky Ducks Cafe. The handy presence of two small IGA stores allows you to stock up on essential groceries as well.
History buffs will be pleased to find the Coal Mines Historic Site, a worthwhile addition to the Port Arthur Historic Site, only a 20-minute drive from Nubeena. Even closer is the beginning of the Cape Raoul trail, so bring your hiking shoes.
Pros of staying in Nubeena & beyond
- Local feel away from main tourist sights
- Tranquil southern bays and beaches
- More affordable accommodation
Cons of staying in Nubeena & beyond
- Longer drive back up to northern attractions
- Dining options have unpredictable hours
Sleeping in Nubeena & beyond
Storm Bay B&B
Named after the bay separating the Tasman Peninsula and Bruny Island, three-room Storm Bay B&B serves delicious home-cooked breakfast. From its position high on a hill, the ocean view is, of course, also brilliant.
White Beach Tourist Park
An array of self-contained cabins and grassy campsites beckon a stone’s throw from White Beach — ideal for swimming, paddling and beautiful shoreline walks.
Three Capes Track
The ultimate outdoor experience on the Tasman Peninsula is the renowned Three Capes Track. Picture a 48-km hiking journey showcasing the raw Tasmanian wilderness, from moorland to forest to shrub to the unthinkably tall sea cliffs.
Those who sign up for the official package spend three nights along the trail, each in a different purpose-built cabin. While the facilities are shared and a sleeping bag and an inflatable pillow are required, it is as good as it gets out here.
Pros of staying along the Three Capes Track
- The ultimate challenge for hikers
- Rugged scenery right outside the door
- Secluded, nature-focused environment
Cons of staying along the Three Capes Track
- Expensive track fee
- Fixed overnight itineraries
Where on the Tasman Peninsula should you stay?
The Tasman Peninsula may be small, but each pocket has its own appeal. Are you here for history, hiking, or just a quiet spot to unwind? Read on — we’ve broken it down so you can pick the place that fits your trip perfectly.
Best for history buffs
Port Arthur is the most convenient base if history is your main priority. Staying here means you can effortlessly arrive at the town’s renowned penal site early, before the day-trip crowds from Hobart, and return for the lantern-lit Ghost Tour in the evening, when it’s quiet again.
Best for coastal landmarks
Although it’s right at the peninsula’s beginning, Eaglehawk Neck puts you closest to some of the most striking natural attractions, including the Tessellated Pavement, Blowhole, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen. Because these are just minutes away, you can easily time the tide — Tessellated Pavement is best seen at low tide and the Blowhole is best seen at high tide.
Best for families
Nubeena, the peninsula’s main (but still small) town, stands out for families. With a beautiful beach, cafés, grocery stores and family-friendly accommodation, it has a relaxed village feel while keeping historic sites and natural sights within easy reach.
Best for hikers
Port Arthur also makes an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts. The trailheads for the region’s most spectacular coastal tracks — leading to Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul and Cape Pillar — can be reached in under 30 minutes. Plus, the wide range of lodging allows you to recharge in style.
More Tasman Peninsula
