The Port Arthur area and the Tasman Peninsula reward the walker with beautiful forests and magnificent coastal scenery with a significant slice of Tasmania’s history.

The walks described here are but a few of those available but they represent a good variety of what is on offer and with care are suitable for the family.

Tasmania is one of the great bushwalking destinations of the world. Care should always be taken and, for walks longer than an hour or two, you should inform someone of your intentions and a likely return time.

Proper shoes should be worn. Take particular caution walking near the Peninsula’s cliffs as most are unfenced and hundreds of metres high. Be prepared for a weather change and ensure you have sufficient water and snacks.

Tasmania does have snakes but they are more afraid of you than you are of them. If they hear you first they will leave quickly.

Otherwise simply stay clear and do not provoke. The last person to die from snake bite in Tasmania was in 1967 when a lady walking with friends at Cradle Mountains was bitten on her back side when going to the toilet but was too embarrassed to tell her companions. The moral of this story — watch out for trouser snakes!

The walks detailed here are but a sample copied with the kind permission from the excellent publications (available at reception for purchase) Peninsula Tracks by Peter and Shirley Storey and Tasmania’s National Parks by Greg Buckman.

There are short and easy strolls, 2-4 hour walks, and for the fit and prepared — more challenging longer walks.