Port Arthur is a quaint village, which is better known for the well-preserved penal colony buildings at the Port Arthur Historic Site. Surfing, sea kayaking and bushwalking are popular and the coastline is spectacular. A short drive south of Port Arthur will take you to Remarkable Cave, a cave-like opening that leads out to sea. From here you can walk to Crescent Bay, a secluded curve of striking beauty backed by huge sand dunes. For a different view, take the plunge and dive amongst rich marine life in waters that offer some of the best temperate diving in Australia and explore the localshipwreck sites. Just 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) north-west is the (also UNESCO World Heritage listed) Coal Mines Historic Site, where interpretive signs explain the harsh lives and working conditions of repeat offenders from Port Arthur who worked underground extracting coal.
Port Arthur has a wide variety of accommodation including motels, apartments and luxury hotels.