We are taking a Princess cruise and have a day in Hobart. I've been told that Port Arthur is a must. Does anyone have any suggestions on a private tour guide? Or, could we take a taxi there? If we took a taxi, would there be taxis in Port Arthur to take us back to the ship? OR, should we rent a car.

Thanks in advance for your help
Linda

I am not an expert on this but I think renting a car would be the best option. It would be a long way by taxi and doubt that the return would be easy to arrange by cab. I think there would also be buses, but a car gives you independence and it is not a difficult drive.

Once you get to Port Arthur there are regular guided tours given by their own guides, which are very good and very informative.
I am sure you will enjoy it all and find it well worth the trip from Hobart.

HI Linn,

Port Arthur, in my opinion, IS a must. It's a magical place filled with history, sadness and mystery.

No, don't take a taxi there...it's about 1.5 hrs out of Hobart. You could rent a car, if you were going sightseeing, but my feeling is why bother for one day? My suggestion is to take the boat that goes there, it will be much easier for you.

The guides are EXCELLENT (as they are on most Aussie tours). As a travel agent, I'm constantly taking tours everywhere to check them out and have been to Port Arthur twice and impressed both times. If you have the time, I would also recommend taking the Isle of the Dead tour.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie / Tasmanian Specialist

What a pity you don't have time to have a meal at a little restaurant in Tarana. Its called, "Mussel Boys" from memory, a great little restaurant.

NZ is the only place I've ever seen mussel pies, not to mention lamb-and-mint-sauce pies. I'm looking forward to seeing possum pies next time we visit.