The Isle of the Dead holds the stories of many of the people of Port Arthur – in life and death.
Port Arthur’s tiny cemetery island is the final resting place for more than 1000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children, who were buried here between 1833 and 1877. The Isle of the Dead has two separate burial sections – convicts were laid to rest in mostly unmarked graves at the island’s southern end, while the higher northern end was reserved for free and military burials, marked by headstones still standing today. The anonymity of the convicts was somewhat redressed after 1850, when some convict graves were given headstones.
On this tour, you’ll journey to the island aboard the MV Marana, and take a guided walking tour of the island. You’ll hear the personal stories of convicts who were transported here from across the world, the soldiers who gave their lives to guard the prison, the officers, and their families who followed them to the ends of the earth.
Tours are limited to 20 people.
This tour is conducted outdoors and there are no services or shelters on the island, so we recommend to be prepared for all weather.
The Isle of the Dead tour includes walkways with relatively steep gradients up to 1:8. Assistance is recommended for people with a physical limitation that wish to take this tour. Please contact us for more information at reservations@portarthur.org.au or phone 1800 659 101.