Step inside Port Arthur’s convict stories of survival, punishment, defiance and escape.
These cold sandstone and brick walls were designed to outlast the memory of those within. But look closer, and you’ll find that the stories of Port Arthur still burn hot.
On this 90-minute journey, walk through the Penitentiary, the Separate Prison, and the Church and discover more about the people who shaped this place.
Set on the edge of the Tasman Peninsula, the Port Arthur Historic Site is known for award-winning cultural tourism experiences. Walk through towering ruins and quiet cells, hear stories of punishment, reform, escape, and endurance, and lend your breath to the embers of history.
Tours depart seven days a week at 12:00pm and 1:30pm, and run for 90-minutes. Pricing for Premium Tours:
Premium Tours are offered as an addition to Port Arthur Site Entry, which includes short guided talks at six locations throughout the site, an all-access pass to the grounds and buildings, and a complimentary 20-minute Harbour Cruise available to book at checkout. Port Arthur Site Entry pricing:
“What a magnificent place. We did the premium tour and I feel like it made our trip. The cruise was a lovely addition to the day. I highly recommend this site as a must when visiting Tasmania.”
– Jodi
“Excellent! Probably the best historical activity we’ve done in Australia!”
– Pat
“A great day out from Hobart. Very pretty drive to the site, suggest you prebook. A short cruise around the bay is included. It’s well worth it. Allow enough time to walk around the grounds and see all the buildings and gardens. Information boards and tour guides make it all the more meaningful. The history of the site is tragic, but what a beautiful setting.”
– Fiona
“Port Arthur is one of those places you need to experience and not just read about or watch on a screen. Allow a full day there and arrange a guided tour to learn about its history and the people who lived there, both convict and others.”
– TripAdvisor
“This historic gem never disappoints me. It had probably been 15 years since I last visited. From the entry point where you are issued a playing card, briefly outlining a prisoner’s particular circumstances, and from there onwards I feel very connected. The numerous buildings, including the penitentiary, asylum, churches, and police station, have many installations and much information assisting the interested visitor to make sense of the history of the place. I thoroughly enjoyed the boat tour (included in site entry). The boat travels alongside point puer and circumnavigates the isle of the dead (where 1000 are believed buried)… It won’t be 15 years before I return to this beautiful site, located in what is (at least now) a strikingly beautiful part of the world.”
– TripAdvisor
These tours operate in most weather conditions, so please be prepared for the outdoor weather on the day of your tour. This is a walking tour which crosses a distance of 2 kilometres (including over some inclined terrain), so may not be suitable for people with restricted mobility.
Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.