Make a Weekend of It

Winter Events and What To Do on the Tasman Peninsula

We’ve got two brilliant events happening at Port Arthur Historic Site this July – the perfect excuse to pack an overnight bag and escape to the Tasman Peninsula. 

Whether you’re coming down to hear Kompactus and the Tasman Peninsula Singers as part of Festival of Voices, or to bask in the candlelit warmth and shared feasting of the Candela Lightwave Dinner, this is more than just a night out – it’s your invitation to make a weekend of it! 

So why not stay a little longer? Spend your days exploring wild coastlines, tasting local chocolate and wine, and then soak up the music, art and atmosphere of these two special winter events. Here’s everything you need to plan your Tasman Peninsula weekend.

Clockwise from left: Cape Hauy, Tasman Arch, Remarkable Cave. Image credit Tourism Tasmania


WHAT TO DO: 


Walks:  

Cape Hauy Track
A half-day return walk with heart-stopping cliff views and the legendary ‘Candlestick’ and ‘Totem Pole’ sea stacks. 

Tasman Arch to Waterfall Bay
A gentler, shorter walk (1.5 hours return) with dramatic geology, sea cliffs, and forest. 

Remarkable Cave
A natural sea cave carved into the rock, with a tunnel-like opening perfectly framing the ocean beyond. Climb the steps down to the viewing platform, then head up to Maingon Lookout for sweeping views across the Southern Ocean.  
 

Nature: 

Pennicott’s Cruise 
Book a Tasman Island Cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. In just a few hours, you’ll be dwarfed by the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs, encounter blowholes and sea caves, and (if you’re lucky) dolphins, seals and seabirds galore. 

Port Arthur Lavender 
Explore fragrant lavender fields, browse the visitor centre and gift shop, and discover how lavender is grown, harvested and distilled. The on-site café serves up lavender-infused treats (and plenty of non-lavender options too). 

Tessellated Pavement 
A natural wonder near Eaglehawk Neck, this unique rock formation looks like it’s been carefully tiled by hand. Visit at low tide for the most striking views and excellent photo opportunities. 

The Blowhole, Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch 
Three striking geological formations within close driving distance of each other – the perfect afternoon nature loop. 

Wildlife:

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo 
This wildlife experience flips the traditional zoo model on its head – letting native animals roam freely in natural habitats, with no cages in sight. Watch Tasmanian devils being fed up close, hand-feed friendly wild parrots, and walk among kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons.

 

Left to right: Tessellated Pavement, Tasmania Devil Unzoo. Image credit Tourism Tasmania.
Clockwise from left: Bangor Vineyard Shed, McHenry’s Distillery, Cubed Espresso. Image credit Tourism Tasmania

FOOD AND DRINK:

Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry
Hand forged chocolate and icecream 
 
Cubed Espresso Bar 
A coffee van right on the water at Eaglehawk Neck. Ideal for a morning brew with a view. 

The Cannery – Dunalley 
Fresh Tassie seafood by the water. 

Bangor Vineyard Shed 
An award-winning vineyard offering wine tastings and seasonal, paddock-to-plate fare. 
 
McHenry Distillery  
An artisan distillery making gin and whisky from local ingredients. They offer distillery tours and their tasting room is a relaxed spot to sample what’s on offer. 

Stuarts Bay Lodge. Image credit: stewartsbaylodge.com.au

WHERE TO STAY: 

Stewarts Bay Lodge 
From $210 per night 
Conveniently located within walking distance from Port Arthur, Stewart’s Bay Lodge is nestled between ancient eucalypts, offering peaceful, bush tranquility. Modern cabins, spa chalets and water view lodges with great views and an air of luxury. 

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park 
From $36 (unpowered site) to $120+ (cabins) 
A great option for families or bigger groups, with glamping safari tents, powered sites, or self-contained cabins. There’s also a communal campfire, outdoor pizza oven, and plenty of wildlife popping in for a visit. 

Port Arthur Villas 
From $160 per night 
Modern, self-contained one- and two-bedroom villas located right across the road from Port Arthur. Clean, convenient, and comfortable and a great base for walking to the events. 

Fox & Hounds Historic Hotel 
From $150 per night 
Budget-friendly motel rooms and family units a short drive from Port Arthur.  

Port Arthur Motor Inn  
From $130 per night 
Located within the Port Arthur Historic Site, you can’t beat this for location. Rooms are comfortable and practical, with views across the grounds. A truly unique spot to stay.